President Mack Beers called the meeting to order with Rev. Homer Nye giving a warm and personal essay on the strength and presence of Rotary a Moment of Gratitude and Reflection. Thanks Homer.

We welcomed guests: Cindy Weber from Precision Plumbing and Heating and John from Flight Path Creative. 

Mark Eckhoff introduced us to Rotarian transfer Marty Hall from Frankenmuth and Caro clubs. A Paul Harris Fellow, please welcome Marty to our Club.

President Mack reminded us that next week’s meeting is a Special Meeting of the Noon Club to elect new Club Board Members, and we need a quorum.

Announcement of the Blood Drive next Friday, October 30th, by Ramona Pleva along with her guest Cindy Weber speaking personally and with great emotion to the importance of giving blood. You can also assist by baking some goodies for the donors.

Alexis Juett reminded all about I.M. Rotary for new and interested members. I.M. is scheduled for the third Tuesday each month for all new members.

Allison Beers gave an update on the big 100th Anniversary celebration, originally scheduled for December will now be rescheduled to a time in the future when we can all safely assemble for the event.

Nick Beadleston gave a brief update on Rotary International program activities.

I CAN’T HEAR YOU!

Al Zelinski introduced the weekly program featuring fellow Rotarian Marlene Bevan speaking in her professional capacity as a Doctor and CEO of Audicare Hearing Centers through which she has spoken as a cochlear specialist. Her presentation revolved around the efficacy of cochlear implants.

Bevan asked us to consider a sound that is significant to us. From birdsongs to choirs to a Ferrari V12 were just some of the response. Sounds bring back memories and engender emotions in all of us. It is a connection with each other. Communication relies upon them. We move through our world via our communication and our ability to hear. Sound connects each of us to special moments and to people we cherish. We love sound and communication. We need to communicate. It is a human imperative.

It isn’t a stretch to imagine the inability to participate or follow those things around us when we cannot hear adequately to participate. I can leave us lost and feeling alone even in a crowd. Unfortunately many allow their sense of hearing to diminish, often out of fear of the alternatives.

A recent study found:

• Satisfaction with current hearing aids has increased to 85% or better

• The “hearing aid in the drawer” syndrome has decreased significantly to 3%

• Repeat buyers of hearing aids rate their new aids substantially better

Despite all the advances in aids, they just don’t work for some. She proposed the investigation and use of cochlear implants as a desirous alternative for those who suffer from severe hearing loss and cannot work with traditional hearing aids. Bevan suggested it is a way to preserve the important communications you deserve.

Available for over 30 years, cochlear implants have helped nearly a half-million people, and significantly improve their overall quality of life. Implants are now the standard of care for newborns with severe to profound hearing loss. Used in adults who gain no benefit from standard hearing aids, unfortunately, many who could benefit do not receive them. And the results are life-changing!

Should you find yourself having significant issues with your hearing, contact an audiologist who can easily test you for cochlear consideration. If you do qualify, the cost is covered by most commercial insurances and Medicare.