March 4, 2009 - Lunch

While our nation’s economic situation is doom and gloom, one’s spirit can’t help but be lifted by today’s friendly greeters John Skarda and Bard Boand. Chuck Hoch and Bob McBreen efficiently prepared our meeting room today. Jayne Hubbard gave a thoughtful invocation, and Richard Saunders and Lloyd Meyer took care of the musical duties.

New member John Denaro was a lucky drawing winner, along with a prospective member and former Kiwanian.

Wellness Report - Lou Snodgrass reported that Tom Ensign’s wife Laura had surgery last Monday for a brain aneurysm. Joe Blitstein recently broke his leg and Wally Joachim and Jack Davis have continuing medical issues, as does Honorary Member Irene Leckman.

Hosts and Guests – Dave Bell hosted wife Janet and brother Ron and wife Sheryl Bell. Andy Tobias introduced his parents Josie and Marv, and George Bowles brought Don Burton, a former Key Clubber.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Charter Day Lunch – Kirk Wilson is taking signups for the annual Charter Day lunch on March 18 at the Carefree Inn.

Golf Tournament – The date has now been established. It will be held on September 21st at the prestigious Desert Forest Golf Club in Carefree. We need your help in obtaining sponsors and items to use for the silent auction to make this a significant fund raising event for the Club. Contact Co-Chairs Howard Dicke or Carroll Vanik.

Science Fair – Herb Hayde needs help setting up tables this Sunday morning from 9-11 at the Fine Arts Center. Jim Walborn thanked all who are helping makes this Fair another success.

Donated Eyeglasses – Glenn Hanf is still collecting used eyeglasses to be taken to needy individuals is the Baja.

Foothills Caring Corp – See Kathy Haugner regarding a raffle and fund raising event for the Corp on March 21st.

Trip to Pima Air Museum – A charter bus trip on March 26th is being planned to this outstanding aviation museum near Tucson. Contact Bob Leininger.

New Member Awards – Max Wyatt and Kirk Wilson both received silver key awards for bringing in two new members. Glenn Hanf, Debbi Burdick and Janie French were awarded a bronze key for sponsoring one new member

PROGRAM

The purpose of the program was to educate and explain the chronic genetic disease of Cystic Fibrosis (CF). The first speaker was Chris Maxwell, a cousin of Andy Tobias. She told the story of her daughter Brandie, who battled the disease from age 2 until her passing at age 24. The Executive Director of the AZ Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Jan Lee Sproat then explained there is no known cure for CF and it is often a progressive disease.

CF results from the body producing an overabundance of salt, affecting the lungs and breathing capacity. The CF gene was discovered in 1989 and screening for CF now occurs at birth, to allow for immediate treatment. Medical advances have increased life expectancy from 24 years of age to 37. One in 30 people are carriers of the gene but both parents must be carriers to produce a child with CF.

A young child with CF, Connor, and his father demonstrated the daily regimen of chest compression and use of an inhaler to allow Connor to perform normal daily activities. In response to a question, Ms. Sproat was proud to point out that the CF Foundation operates on a dime; i.e. 90 cents of every dollar contributed goes toward research and care centers for CF.

Next Meeting – The program will be Lindsay Keam speaking about Junior Achievement. .