RadioRotary

Professional caregiver advocate, Rotarian Christine Sotmary, Executive Director of Caregiver Access, considers the rarely- discussed topic of caring for the caregivers, the people who help the ill or disabled in their own homes. People live longer today, so more families are involved in such situations. The caregivers live under enormous pressure caregiving and need support themselves. Ms. Sotmary shares her years of research into every aspect of caregiving, and provides important information about documents and programs that inform or aid caregivers. Caregiver Access also introduces student volunteers to careers in the medical, legal, and financial fields.

Barbara Kohlhausen, CEO of Meals on Wheels Programs & Services of Rockland, and Pearl River Rotary President Carol McGrath, discuss how their Rotary club and other Rockland Rotarians work with volunteers to deliver lunch and dinner–about 1,000 meals a day, customizing meals for special diets as needed. Listeners will be in awe at the enormity of the services this organization offers, not only to the elderly, but also to others who are homebound, including transportation to and from senior centers.

Founder and Executive Director of Touching Bases, Bob Baird, describes this unique baseball league. This league is for adults of all ages with disabilities. They follow modified rules, which create a safe environment for players to socialize with each other and to succeed in a game they love. Listeners will enjoy Mr. Baird’s description of games in which the spectators have as much fun as the players. Mr. Baird has helped other communities replicate Touching Bases, now in its 10th year, including folks in the Erie County/Buffalo area and in Richmond, Virginia.

Sister Margo Morris, Executive Director and Founder of Sprout Creek Farm, discusses how this working farm helps foster a better understanding of our place in the natural world, thus encouraging responsibility for the future of our environment. Sr. Margo Morris emphasizes her preference to educate young people about “from soil to table” at the beginning of learning, not in the middle. Education is implemented at the farm with projects, such as involving students in the farm’s successful cheese production. Students come from all over the Hudson Valley to attend summer camp and visits throughout the year. Aluimni of the program can enter careers in veterinary, environmental law, and other related professions.

When Executive Director and Founder of Tri-County Crisis Center (TCCC), Maria DiBari, realized how difficult it was for victims of domestic violence to get all the help they needed, she created TCCC, which supports victims and families of victims of domestic violence. In this moving interview, Ms. DiBari describes the personal journey that led her to create this life-saving organization. Jackie Axt, TCCC Board Member, emphasizes the need for the Center by describing the murder of her sister, which could have been prevented if she had had access to the many services that the Crisis Center provides.

Nicholas Gati, composer/guitarist/pianist, and actor Anthony Avella, both professionally trained entertainers, discuss the song they created for Rotary Day at the United Nations. Written in 2011, “We Come Together,” is a moving tribute that is played during the interview. Mr. Gati and Mr. Avella describe the process of their successful collaborations over the years, each having skills that enhance the other’s talents.

Ron Van Warmer, Associate Director of the Food Bank of the Hudson Valley, discusses this important organization’s dedication to alleviating hunger while preventing the waste of wholesome food. Providing some astonishing statistics about hunger in our midst in today’s poor economy, Mr. Van Warmer describes the current profile of people who are hungry, how Food Banks are vital in helping them, and several heartfelt stories. He explains where the food comes from, the difference between a Food Bank and a Food Pantry, and how the public can help.

Chris Colby, Principal of Spire Architecture & Design, provides an overview of how architecture impacts our quality of life and the importance today of “green” architecture—building to save energy and recycle materials. Mr. Colby outlines different steps to take to make a home more energy efficient. This includes solar and geothermal heating or electricity as well as basics such as sealing leaks and whole-home insulation. Mr. Colby offers suggestions for inexpensive ways to improve efficiency in new and older homes, as well as current information about wind power, shingle solar panels, and other energy systems. He also discusses the cost of implementing such “green” home improvements.

In this candid interview about male breast cancer, Nyack Rotarian Dr. Arnold Roufa, a retired OB/GYN, describes his own experience with breast cancer, detected in 1994. It is not nearly as prevalent as among women, but breast cancer affects about 2,000 men each year. Dr. Roufa describes the signs and the treatment, effective especially if the cancer has been detected early. Since the topic has not been part of a typical male’s medical concerns, it is more difficult to encourage men to take the same precautions as women, such as self-examination and an annual physical, which includes examination for breast cancer.

Helen LiMarzi, Director of Literacy Volunteers of Putnam County and Rotary District 7210’s Literacy Chair, discusses literacy—the ability to read with understanding–in the 21st century and the impact of electronic books on reading. Illiteracy still exists, but service organizations such as Rotary and Literacy Volunteers have developed programs that teach reading and encourage reading among reluctant readers. People may visit a local library for specific information about all kinds of literacy support. With heartfelt emotion, Ms. LiMarzi describes the joy of teaching a child to read or improving the quality of life of an adult who reads to his or her child for the first time.

Certified Tai Chi instructor and World Tai Chi member Scott Grimes explains the health benefits, both physical and mental, of the martial art called tai chi, which can be practiced by people of all ages. In addition to describing the interesting history of tai chi, Mr. Grimes discusses several simple behaviors that people can do in their daily life to reduce stress.

This program was pre-recorded. We dedicate the December 30 show in memory of an outstanding Rotarian, Chet Sawyer. Rotary District 7210’s Past District Governor Chet Sawyer (1990-91), President of the IMRF (International Medical Relief Foundation) and one of its founders, discusses how his organization turns “leftovers into life savers.” It collects gently used or new but outdated medical equipment that has been discarded in this country by hospitals and doctors but will be treasured in other parts of the world. Chet says both his military career in three wars from 1944-69 and his post-military profession in finance prepared him for international service.

Vocations improve our lives and strengthen our communities. Rotary District 7210’s Vocational Service Advisor Tamton Mustapha (Past District Governor 1999-2000), and Rotarian Penny Byron, District Vocational Service Chair, discuss vocational training initiatives for young people, including shadowing, mentoring, and Career Days. Rotary’s emphasis is on high ethical standards in all vocations, and Rotarians have the responsibility to lead by example. Rotary clubs honor people from all vocations in their community who reflect Rotary’s high ethical standards, based on the Declaration of Rotarians in Business and Professions and on Rotary’s Four-Way Test, the first two ways of which are: “Is it the truth?” and “Is it fair to all concerned?”

Rotarian Roger Lane, Organ Donor Advisor for Rotary District 7210, and Registered Nurse Sarah Wilbur, Peritoneal Dialysis Nurse Manager/CKD Educator, discuss current medical improvements in the areas of dialysis and transplants as well as dietary suggestions (that may be surprising to some) to avoid kidney problems. Mr. Lane allays fears related to dialysis and relates his experience as a transplant recipient.

John Harper, Chief Executive Officer of H.O.N.O.R (Helping Others Needing Our Resources—also known as Honor Ehg, Inc.), and Rotary District 7210’s Secretary and H.O.N.O.R Board Member Nick Constantino, discuss several ways this organization helps the neediest in New York’s Orange County. H.O.N.O.R programs include vocational training, which prepares clients for the job market, as well as shelter provisions and counseling. Clients young and old include runaway children, people with disabilities, the homeless, families in crisis, abuse victims, and more.