Worcester Rotary

On Thursday, Julie McMurray, the Senior Manager of the Central MA Region for the Alzheimer's Association and Jackson Nguyen, a Senior at WPI who plans to become a neurologist, presented an excellent program on Alzheimer's Disease.

Together, Julie and Jackson provided us with a comprehensive overview of the current state of Alzheimer's disease including demographics, prevention, risk factors, diagnosis, treatment, research, available resources, and ways to volunteer.

Several important takeaways are: (1) more people die from Alzheimer's Disease than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined, (2) although there is no definitive test to diagnose Alzheimer's, current research has found blood markers that may one day be predictive, and (3) there is currently no cure for Alzheimer's, however there are a number of medications that may slow its progression. Over the counter supplements which are often advertised on TV (e.g. Prevagin) have not been shown to be effective.

We had a wonderful presentation on Oct. 16 by the Director of Development at Quinsigamond Community College, Michelle Vigneux. She thanked our club for our contribution of scholarships to 3 of their students, and she read letters from each of them expressing their appreciation to our club. The letters were heartfelt, and made us aware again of how being a Rotarian is a privilege, because of the genuine good we can do for the community.

Michelle explained that although there is no longer tuition for attending QCC, it is often difficult for students to pay for other needed items such as books, meals, and transportation.

Yesterday was one of those days where you find yourself feeling proud to be a Rotarian. Our Club presented the Edward Hall Memorial Scholarship to two outstanding recipients: Anahit
Marutyan, a graduate of Claremont Academy, and Trinnity Ly, a graduate of Doherty High School. Each student received a $2500 check.

Trinnity was joined by the Director of Guidance, Judy Fairfull, and Anahit was joined by her parents and her two brothers. We were fortunate to have Sue Sullivan, Ed's daughter, and her husband Joe assist in awarding the scholarships.

Anahit will be attending Clark University with the intention of going to law school, and Trinniity will attend Assumption University with the intention of becoming a Physician Assistant.

I will refrain from noting all of the accomplishments of these young students, but we were all extremely impressed.

To top things off, Chris C. won the raffle, and donated all of the winnings to Judy to be used to assist worthy students.