The President’s Message…
Here I sit at the computer trying to write my last president’s message, but the sun is shining and the air is soft and warm — I’m having a tough time keeping my eyes on the keyboard. I’d rather be sitting in the sun and reading a good book.
Reading is my greatest pleasure; I think my love of reading saved my sanity when I was young and not allowed to play more than 20 minutes three times a day. With books barriers simply do not exist. Books take me places that my physical body cannot go.
What have I read lately that I loved? 
- The Art of Racing in the Rain – amazing story – a real “page turner”
- The Story of Edgar Sawtelle — currently on the best seller list — great story
- The Tortilla Curtain — read it a year ago — the immigration crisis will never be the same for me — a truly compelling story
- Shadow Divers — deep sea divers find a German u-boat and search for its identity — excellent story
- The Shack — on the best seller list now — about a man who spends the weekend with the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost — it is a novel, therefore fiction
- Snow Flower and the Secret Fan — about growing up female in medieval China
- Water for Elephants — awesome story about a young man who joins the circus
- Peace Like a River — the story of a family as seen through the eyes of a young boy – excellent story, I couldn’t put it down once I started reading
Currently, I’m reading Barack Obama’s book Dreams from My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance. Since he will be our next president, I want to learn about him.
If you have a favorite book, let me know. I’m always looking for reading suggestions.
Thanksgiving Day will be here very soon; it is a great day to remember how very blessed we are to be living in the United States of America. Many of us worry about eating too much while so many millions are starving for both food and clean water.
I hope to see everyone at our annual banquet, Saturday, December 6th at the Hilton Garden Inn. Terri, Betty, and Marty have worked hard to make sure the experience will be enjoyable. At that time we will say “Thank You” to the officers for 2008 and install the 2009 leadership team. We’ll have a few surprises for you, too. You do not want to miss this annual event.
Sandra Bath
CEPSA Meeting—October 25, 2008
Meeting was called to order by Sandra Bath, president. Lorraine Frew led the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag, and Sandra brought the inspiration.
Cheryl Brackin introduced Dr. Doug Massini, the speaker for the day. Dr. Massini reminded us of the acronym BRASS. He said that we need to Breathe In—Stretch until it hurts; Relax while you are doing it, Air Inflate your diaphragm, Slack your breathing, Squeeze it out. He stated that everyone can make his/her lungs better. He called this “Italian Tai-Chi.” He answered many questions that we had on sleep problems.
After his presentation, Sandra called us back into order. Jim Veccia moved to accept the September meeting minutes as printed. Sec. Cheryl Brackin. Approved.
The Treasurer’s report was approved as presented. Marty Foxx mentioned that there had been several donations, and the grant money had been received.
Richard Graham reported that we have 2 scooters and 1 power chair ready to be used. He is working on several others to get them in good order. The Low Country Presbyterian Church of Bluffton has made several donations.
Care team reports: Tony Calandra is recovering from back surgery. Remember the following in your prayers: Velma Underwood, George and Judy Frick, Harriet Merritt, and Patrina Johnson.
Dan Sheehan reported that he and Sher Blackwell had distributed 925 maps to hotels, and businesses. He asked that we consider being part of the Chatham County Disability Board. Members are appointed for a 2-year term. They meet the 4th Monday of the month at 3PM, and consider mobility problems, as well as needs of the blind and hearing impaired. The challenge for them at the moment is to make the Owens-Thomas House a virtual tour that will have means to communicate to the citizens with their respective disabilities.
The Nominating Committee presented the following slate of officers for 2009:
President, Cheryl Brackin; Vice President, Lorraine Frew; Treasurer, Marty Foxx assisted by Dianne Falgiani; Secretary, Adrienne Stallworth. Committee Chairs: Members at large: Janet DiClaudio, Terri Dunnermann, Fund-Raising Committee, Richard Graham, Care Team Co-Chairs: Betty Goff and Lavonne Calandra; Newsletter, By-Law and Website, Jim Veccia; Polio Awareness and History Committee: Diane Davis; New Member, Beverly Jarvis; Immunization Awareness, Harvey Varnedoe; Publicity, Cheryl Brackin; and Hospitality, Janet DiClaudio. There is no photographer/videographer nominee.
Janet DiClaudio moved to accept this slate as presented. Sec. Sally Luck. No further nominations. Approved.
There will be a movie, Breathing Lessons, on November 22 at 11:00 AM at the Bull Street Baptist Church. Bring a brown bag lunch—beverages will be provided. Come to see the movie and have fellowship with each other.
The banquet will be held on December 6, at 1200 noon at the Hilton Garden Inn on Abercorn Street across from the Twelve Oaks Shopping Center. Adrienne Stallworth is in charge of the door prizes. Please see her if you have a contact for a door prize.
Diane Davis is invited to sing and several of our own will share their stories.
Terri Dunnermann reported that her chiropractor, Dr Norberg, will see our members on November 13, for free x-rays and adjustments. If you are interested, her number is 912-921-0055.
Sandra mentioned the Post Polio International Conference again. It will be held April 23-25, 2009, at Warm Springs. See her for details.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully Submitted,
Adrienne Stallworth, Secretary
Happy Birthday
November
- Ann Chance – 11
- Pixi Winters – 12
- Delorise Manor – 21
- Judy Frick – 23
- Hilda Fields – 25
- Beverly Polin – 25
- Velma Underwood – 26
December
- Diane Falgiani – 2
- Sally Luck – 15
- Betty Goff – 22
- Diane Davis – 27
Member Concerns
- Cheryl Brackin
- Tony Calandra
- Diane Falgiani (mother)
- George and Judy Frick
- Dale and Harriet Merritt
- Beverly Polin
- Shirley Johns
- Gloria Sullivan
- Velma Underwood
About our Newsletter …..
As the cost of postage keeps going up, the cost to CEPSA for mailing our Newsletter has become a large expense. This month, besides receiving your Nov./Dec. Newsletter by mail I am also going to be sending it to you by email. You should receive it a few days after you receive your mailed copy. Please read it and print it out if you like. The attachment you receive should be exactly as this copy. If you have an email address and do NOT receive it, it is because I do not have your address. Please email me back with your address or any concerns you might have with receiving the Newsletter in this format. As of January I will be sending out the Newsletter by email to those of you who have an email address. Mailed copies will be sent only to those of you with no email address or who have expressed to me that you want to continue receiving it by mail. Please give me your email address if you did not receive this issue by email.
QUOTE of the MONTH
“A smile is something you can’t give away; it always comes back to you.” Author unknown
CEPSA ANNUAL BANQUET
DECEMBER 6, 2008 12:00-2:30
Hilton Garden Inn Savannah Midtown
5711 Abercorn Street
Savannah, GA 31405
(912) 652-9300
MENU SELECTIONS:
| Southern Plate Fried Chicken served with macaroni and cheese and green beans and sherbet dessert w/ cookie. |
| Pan Seared Tilapia Seasoned and seared tilapia filet topped with tomato-caper relish. Served with seasonal vegetables, rice, and sherbet dessert w/ cookie. |
| Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad Tossed traditional Caesar Salad with fresh shredded parmesan cheese then topped with toasted croutons and grilled chicken. Served with warm fresh bread and sherbet dessert w/ cookie. |
| Vegetarian Entrée Chef’s Choice. Likes mushrooms. Not spicy. |
PRICE: $ 18.00 per person
Reservations are required by November 20, 2008.
If your Care Team Leader has not called you by November 20, please contact Betty Goff at 355-8497 or ggoff88350@aol.com.
Directions to the Hilton Garden Inn Savannah Midtown:
From the South
- Take I-95 North to I-16 East (Exit 99)
- Take I-16 to 516 East
- 516 Turns into De Renne. Follow De Renne for approximately 1 mile and turn right onto Abercorn.
- Go approximately ½ mile and turn right onto Johnson and the hotel is on your right.
From the North
- Take I-95 South to I-16 East (Exit 99)
- Take I-16 to 516 East
- 516 Turns into De Renne. Follow De Renne for approximately 1 mile and turn right onto Abercorn.
- Go approximately ½ mile and turn right onto Johnson and the hotel is on your right.
From the West
- Take I-16 East
- Take I-16 to 516 East
- 516 Turns into De Renne. Follow De Renne for approximately 1 mile and turn right onto Abercorn.
- Go approximately ½ mile and turn right onto Johnson and the hotel is on your right.
For Polio Survivors
Do you know that there are 12-20 million other individuals who had polio living in the world today? Although some people think “polio does not exist anymore,” even now the poliovirus is causing poliomyelitis in under-vaccinated children. You may live in a country that is still trying to eradicate the poliovirus and where there are barriers to education, employment and healthcare for survivors. Or, you may live where cases of acute polio no longer occur, but where you have to challenge the status quo that excludes people with disabilities from full participation in life. In either case, for you, polio still exists.
There are long-term physical consequences to having had poliomyelitis. New symptoms recognized by the medical community that may relate to prior polio include:
unaccustomed fatigue – either rapid muscle tiring or feeling of total body exhaustion;
new weakness in muscles, both those originally affected and those seemingly unaffected;
pain in muscles and/or joints;
sleeping problems; breathing or swallowing problems; and/or decreased ability to tolerate cold temperatures.
Any combination of the symptoms may affect your ability to conduct customary daily activities such as climbing stairs, walking, lifting, etc.
Recommended Actions:
Obtain a complete general medical evaluation from your primary care physician. Any medical problems found in the evaluation should be treated and monitored.
If your symptoms persist, seek a neuromuscular examination from a specialist in post-polio problems, typically a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist (physiatrist) or a neurologist. The purpose of this examination is to determine what the problem is and to establish a baseline from which to judge future changes, to evaluate and update your mobility aids and/or your ventilatory equipment, and to develop an individualized management plan.
Do not attempt to diagnose yourself. Post-polio syndrome is a diagnosis of exclusion and it is important to rule out (or treat) conditions with similar symptoms that may be causing distress.
Although research has not yet identified a medication that stops or delays the weakening of muscles, the symptoms can be managed.
Seek medical advice and use recommended mobility aids and ventilatory equipment.
Listen to your body and follow common sense guidelines that include avoiding activities that cause pain and/or fatigue that lasts more than ten minutes.
Pace yourself in your daily activities, routinely stopping to rest for 15 to 30 minutes several times a day.
Consider joining a support group that espouses self-help and encourages group participation and positive action, or consider seeking individual and/or family counseling to assist in making needed lifestyle changes.
Maintaining health is essential for those with a compromised neuromuscular system. Heed general advice about eating well, getting the proper amount of sleep, avoiding unhealthy habits such as smoking and overeating, and exercising appropriately. Many symptoms result from the overuse and misuse of muscles and joints. Carefully consider which muscles to exercise and how often.
Educate yourself and your loved ones about post-polio problems and treatment approaches. Cultivate a team of traditional and, when appropriate, complementary health professionals, collaborating with them as you strive for health and independence.
Reprinted from PHI Information
CONTRIBUTIONS The Coastal Empire Polio Survivors Association is a non-profit corporation which is tax exempt under IRS code 501c(3). We have no paid employees, only volunteers dedicated to helping all polio survivors. Your financial support is appreciated at any level suggested below:
* CEPSA Member – $15.00 annual voluntary donation
* CEPSA Supporter – $25.00 $50.00 $100.00 $300.00
* CEPSA Memorial or Honor Gift – any amount
* CEPSA Sponsor – any amount
Your contributions are tax deductible and will be acknowledged appropriately.
Please complete this form and mail it along with your check to: CEPSA, Marty Foxx, 23 East 61st Street, Savannah, GA31405.
Name __________________________________________________
Address ________________________________________________
City ___________________ State_____________ Zip ___________
Phone _______________________ E-mail _________________________________
Are you a relative or friend of a CEPSA member, if so _________________________________
Name of member
Thank you for your support and encouragement.