Erin Dickerson’s Prayer
Are you okay? Do you need anything? Is there anything I can do to help?
Lord,
We do not know what our brothers and sisters are going through, what they are feeling, or the weight they are carrying. Any one of those three simple questions could make a world of difference. Help us to recognize the needs of others and ourselves, to open the door to honest, and often times hard, conversations, and to work together to give one another the support we all need.
Amen.
Announcements
Thanks to Mindy Hoffbauer for This Week’s CNOtes
Patrick Arehart was not able to attend this week’s lunch meeting due to illness. He thanks Mindy Hoffbauer for stepping in and providing excellent, detailed notes that made this article possible.
Kelly Stone to Continue as JOI Advisor
Paul Boeckman thanked Kelly Stone for agreeing to remain the Junior Optimist International (JOI) advisor.
New Lunch Times Coming Soon
Paul Boeckman, on behalf of Sarah Umbreit, announced that starting October 7, 2025, the lunch buffet begins at 11:35 am and the meeting will start promptly at noon.
Build-a-Bear for Sickle Cell Families
Carol Smerz announced that on Saturday, September 20, from 12:00 to 2:00 pm, CNO will host a Build-a-Bear event benefiting sickle cell families and children at Dayton Children’s Hospital. Please sign up using the Member Calendar.
Centerville Fall Fest Volunteer Needed
Mike Bevis announced that CNO will have a booth again this year at Centerville’s Fall Fest at Stubbs Park. This well-attended event draws lots of kids and families and is a great chance to connect with the community and share what our club does.
We will be in the Kids Zone from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm on Saturday, October 4, putting on removable tattoos for kids. Everything will be provided, including tattoos, spray bottles, and sponges.
Please sign up using the Member Calendar for either the first shift (11:45 am – 2:30 pm) or the second (2:30 pm – 5:00 pm).
Haunted Trail Volunteers Needed
Debe Dockins announced that the Haunted Trail will be held on October 14 and 15. Many volunteers are needed to serve as trail guides, help with refreshments, play characters such as witches at the bonfire, or the Grim Reaper. Volunteers are also needed for setting up and tearing down props. Trail guides typically lead groups along the 0.75-mile trail two to three times in an evening, but even leading one group is a big help. Sign up online using the Member Calendar.
Euchre Party Success
Connie Risch reported that 28 people enjoyed the Euchre Tournament. Sharon England won first place and Beth Duncan won the “Going Alone” pool. Thank you to Greg and Mindy Hoffbauer for hosting at ContempoRoast Coffee & Roastery.
Tri-Star Soccer Volunteers Needed
Co-chair Mike Creech announced that Tri-Star Soccer competition at the Magsig soccer field will be on September 19, 2025, between 6:00 pm and 7:30 pm. You do not need to know anything about soccer or have any athletic skills to be a big help. The high school players do the physical work, and other volunteers help with registration and scoring. Sign up online using the Member Calendar.
Annual Officer Installation Dinner – Register Now!
Beth Duncan announced that the Annual Officer Installation Dinner will be on September 30, 2025. Gary Smiga will be the emcee for the evening. Register online using the Member Calendar.
Lori Horstman – Dementia Awareness and Support
Stan introduced our speaker, Lori Horstman, the Director of Life Enrichment and Memory Care at St. Leonard. Lori has dedicated her career to helping families and caregivers understand dementia and improve the quality of life for those living with it. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Social Psychology and a Master’s in Education, specializing in Social Psychology and Family Studies from Miami University. She also holds certifications from the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners as a Certified Dementia Practitioner, Certified Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Care Trainer, Certified First Responder Dementia Care Trainer, and Certified Montessori Dementia Care Professional. With more than 27 years as a trainer and speaker, 15 years in dementia care, and personal experience as a caregiver, she combines science and compassion to guide others through this challenging journey.
Understanding dementia
Lori began by explaining what dementia is and what it is not. Dementia is a syndrome that affects memory, thinking, learning, reasoning, and behavior. There are more than 100 forms of dementia known today. She emphasized that dementia is not a normal part of aging. Memory loss can be one sign, but dementia may also involve trouble with language, difficulty following instructions, vision changes, or personality shifts.
She reminded us that no one should attempt to diagnose themselves or others. For example, forgetting where you put your keys can be normal, but forgetting how to use objects or struggling with tasks that involve many steps, like brushing teeth, may be a sign of dementia.
Risk factors and prevention
Lori shared that only about one percent of dementia cases are hereditary. The remaining ninety-nine percent are mostly related to lifestyle choices. This means many cases can be prevented. She listed risk factors such as untreated high blood pressure, diabetes (sometimes called Type 3 diabetes when it affects the brain), head injuries, and poor diet.
She encouraged everyone to review prescriptions with their doctors, since certain medications, like some statins, may affect memory if not needed. She also warned against aspartame and heavily processed foods and pointed out that sugar can feed damaging proteins in the brain. Natural sweeteners such as local honey are a healthier alternative.
Types of dementia
The five most common forms of dementia are Alzheimer’s disease, Vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, Frontotemporal dementia, and mixed dementia. Alzheimer’s is the most common, but Vascular dementia is increasing. Lori also noted that women diagnosed with dementia before age 65 face an 85 percent chance of developing a second type of dementia.
She gave an example of a 25-year-old student at Wright State University who has dementia, showing that it is not strictly a disease of aging. In that case, factors such as long-term aspartame consumption, football-related head injuries, and vaping may have contributed.
Diagnosis and misconceptions
Dementia cannot be diagnosed by simply asking a few memory questions. Lori explained that her father memorized test answers and was initially misdiagnosed. A complete medical evaluation, including blood tests, is necessary. Other conditions, such as dehydration or urinary tract infections, can cause similar symptoms, and psychosis may be confused with dementia. Lori stressed the importance of seeing a qualified Gerontologist or Neurologist, as Primary Care Physicians may not always be trained in the complexities of dementia diagnosis.
Living with dementia
Early diagnosis gives families time to plan and arrange support. Lori emphasized the importance of maintaining independence as long as possible, creating consistent routines, and adapting the home environment to reduce stress. Simple changes can make a big difference, such as using colored plates instead of white, placing blue tape on toilet seats for visibility, and labeling household items.
Music is another powerful tool. Playing familiar songs can trigger memories and make it easier to have meaningful conversations afterward. Lori encouraged caregivers to focus on what individuals can do and create a sense of purpose in their daily lives.
Supporting caregivers and families
Lori reminded us that dementia affects the entire family. Support groups and adult day-care programs can help caregivers and give those with dementia a safe place for engagement. She noted that caring for someone with dementia is about making them comfortable, establishing routines, and offering compassion and patience.
Final message
Lori left us with a clear takeaway: “The more we understand dementia, the better we can support those living with it.”
Slides
The slide deck has more information than is listed in this article.
You can view the slide deck of the presentation here.
Thank you
Thank you, Lori Horstman, for sharing your knowledge and practical strategies to help families and caregivers better support those affected by dementia.
President Paul’s Quote of the Week
“Success usually comes to people who are too busy to be looking for it.” – Henry David Thoreau
New Member Readings and Inductions
- Laraine Butkus, Second Reading, Sponsored by Jean Pummill
- Carrie Thomson, Induction, Sponsored by Tom Conroy
Happy Bucks
- Vida McDowell won $4 in the Powerball lottery.
- Mike Creech shared that he saw his daughter-in-law, Brooke, promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in the Air Force at the Lincoln Memorial. He also spent a week with his daughter Julie and granddaughter Sage.
- Tim Mach gave $5 Happy Bucks. His daughter presented a paper on tracheotomies, where her team reduced the procedure time from ten minutes to two.
Sergeants at Arms Fines – Dave Kay and Denise Green
- Larry England’s wife, Sharon, won the Euchre tournament last Saturday—time to share the wealth.
- Beth Duncan was given the choice and just paid the $1 fine, so she didn’t have to tell us what she told the sergeants.
- Jay McAlpine just returned a winner from Las Vegas—time to share the wealth.
- Craig Dring wore a shirt with a Bar Codes Unlimited logo, an obvious shameless self-promotion.
- Paulette Novak won the new Lucky Lady Wheel contest. Fifteen people signed up as they picked up their name badges. Paulette won a prize from the basket, and the two members on either side of her spot on the wheel and the two seated beside her were fined.
- Stan Fronzaglia received the Random Fine of the Week.
- Beth Duncan was chosen by the Wheel of Misfortune.
Welcome Guests
| Guest | Guest Of |
| Cory Wagonfield | Roland Rapp |
| Kristina Corbin | Cindy Loudnes |
| Laraine Butkus | Jean Pummill |
| Lori Horstman | Speaker |
| Wendy Majeski | Larry England |
Club Membership Anniversaries
| Member | Joined | Years |
| Dean Heyne | September 14, 2016 | 9 |
| Melissa DeShurko | September 14, 2016 | 9 |
Birthdays
| Ron Rearick | September 9 |
| Bill Fischer | September 11 |
| Sam Pfabe | September 11 |
| Dawn Arrowood | September 14 |
| Michael Horton | September 14 |
CNO Donations – Since 2013
Click here to see a summary of donations the club has made since 2013
Thank You Notes Received this Week
CLICK HERE to see the Thank You Notes received this week
Links to PowerPoint and Pictures
CLICK HERE to see the PowerPoint Slide Deck from this week’s meeting