Sandy Barrett, Sandy Grant, David Getzoff, Marc Alexander, Davida Brautman,
John Hamilton, Marie Kay Hansen, Nancy Wilson, Kathy Osbun, Gloria Stubbs, Suzanne deKozan and Barbara France
Members Absent:
Art Rosenblum, Ed Brautman and Ann Walker
Call to Order:
The regular meeting of the Board of Directors of the Parkinson’s Support Group
of Sonoma County (PSGSC) was called to order by Chair, Kathy Osbun at 10:00 a.m.
Approval of Minutes:
The minutes of the April 20, 2016 Board meeting were approved as read.
Treasurer’s Report:
Sandy G. reported that the total income for the month was $415.90. This income
included, $317.00 from the April meeting donation jar, $.70 interest, $25.00 individual donation to the Mary’s Pizza fundraiser, $25.00 ticket sales from the “Hallelujah Girls,” $23.48 from the Oliver’s Community Card program and $24.82 from tulip pin sales.
Expenses for the month were $261.41. Expenses included $500 for the annual donation to PANC, a positive total for the Dance Class $414.00, $50.00 Meeting Setup and Takedown and $18.49 for meeting supplies.
Net income for the month was $261.41. Net income for the year is ($450.56) The cash accounts total $36,891.54.
David verified that all financial statements match bank statements.
Programs:
Art asked that the agenda include discussion about how we can use some of our
cash on hand to provide more services to our members. Kathy suggested that we might provide Scholarships to LSVT LOUD or LSVT BIG. It was agreed that this sort of thing would be a good idea but that we shouldn’t limit the scholarship funds to just those two programs but include all programs that promote wellness for PWP.
The first question was how to choose people for the scholarships. Many of the programs, e.g. LSVT Loud and LSVT BIG, require a large commitment of time so how do we determine that a recipient can meet and carry through on the requirements.
The Board felt that we shouldn’t use a means qualification but there should be some co-pay component.
It was the consensus of the Board that we develop a comprehensive list of activities in the community that promote wellness for PWP, then provide a break down of what the activity is, what the time and financial requirements are and then add that PSGSC is offering a certain amount toward scholarships to help defray the cost of participation. Kathy, Sandy G and Nancy will work on a list of these activities but all members of the Board should come to the next meeting with suggestions.
Another suggestion for providing more services to our members was providing script for taxi companies to bring members to meetings or wellness programs. The problem remains that transportation for the disabled is not a simple issue of transporting a person from point A to point B. Generally taxi companies will not transport passengers if they can not get in and out of the car safely by themselves. Transportation remains the most asked for help by the membership. Disability leads to isolation and the social aspects of the meeting are most important to these members. The issue of physical capacity to help a disabled person and the liability involved have remained very large problems in past efforts to solve transportation issues. It is a problem that the Board will continue to work with.
Dance for PD:
All is going well with the class.
Singing Group:
The singing class is in its new venue at the Odd Fellows Hall. It will work well for
Jamie as well as the participants. Unfortunately, the first class held there was on a cold wet afternoon and a very large activity was going on at the same time so parking was very limited. The group looks forward to a brighter future there.
Break-out groups:
All groups worked well at the April meeting. Volunteers for June are Suzanne and
John.
Speakers:
The June speaker is up in the air. The original speaker had to cancel and Marc
has tried to get several other people with no luck. He still as some ideas that he thinks will work.
Book Reviews:
The Book reviews have been well received and Marie Kay reported that they
have brought increased activity in the Library. Data Base:
Gloria reported that 74 people were at the April meeting with 9 new members. Gloria has spoken to almost all of them and they were on the whole quite enthusiastic and positive.
Fund raising:
Mary’s Pizza fundraiser brought in $201 from Marry’s Pizza and $25 cash
donation toward the fundraiser. We also received $200 from tickets to “Murder on the Nile.”
Movements Disorder Specialist:
Kaiser will have a Movements Disorder specialist in San Rafael from August, with
monthly visits to Petaluma.
Clinical Trials:
Marc presented information about two trials happening through UCSF. The first is LEAF: Life Enhancing Activities for Family Caregivers. UCSF is testing a program for family caregivers of people with dementia to support ways of coping with the stresses of caregiving. You will need WiFi access, but no visits to UCSF are necessary. The program will be delivered to you via a tablet that UCSF will provide. If you are interested, go to “leafstudy.ucsf.edu” and fill out the online survey. There is a waiting list and they may not get back to you for a few months.
The second study is Palliative Care in PD. UCSF has opened a PD Supportive Care Clinic. This includes a neurologist, a palliative care doctor, a nurse, a social worker, and a chaplain who are focused on improving quality of life for patients and care partners. The majority of visits can be done via telemedicine. If you are interested, call Lorna Beccaria at 415- 353-9453.
Brochures:
When you place the new brochures, white out the old address on Cleveland
Avenue for the Singing group.
Adjournment:
The meeting was adjourned at 12:00 p.m. by chair, Kathy Osbun. The next Board
meeting will be Wednesday June 15, 2016 at the Brush Creek Senior Living.
Respectfully submitted,
Barbara France, Recording Secretary