The Rotary of Macomb meets Tuesdays at noon at the First Presbyterian Church.
May 5, 2026 President Seth Minter commenced the Rotary Club’s 43rd meeting by ringing the Rotary Bell at the First Presbyterian Church in Macomb. The invocation was delivered by Todd Rodeffer, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Ray Krey.
Ray Krey reported attendance with 28 members present, comprising 53% of the club membership. With four guests in attendance, the total participation reached 32 individuals.
The attendees included guests: Todd Lamison fellow Rotarian from Quincy and speaker with other speakers Nadia Indjai and Hawa Ibrahiam all from the Alzheimer’s Association, and Jeff Lee guest of Jerry Brookhart. Ten Rotarians contributed “Happy Money” in acknowledgment of recent noteworthy events. The 50/50 drawing took place, with Jerry Brookhart having the correct ticket to win $63 by drawing the 9 of Hearts from the remaining 43 cards; however, he drew the 2 of Diamonds, resulting in no winner for this week.
President Seth had a list of those Rotarians having birthdays and membership and wedding anniversaries in the month of May. These were Pat Osterman and Abbey Thorman having birthdays, Garry Johnson for 41 years as a Rotarian, and those having wedding anniversaries: Nick and Liz Knowles 19 years, Blake and Mary Ann Severs 8 years, Tom and Ann Stites 55 years, Lynne and Tony Campbell 46 years, and Jerry and Mary Brookhart 23 years.
Seth then had some announcements those being next week 5/12/26 our program will be Tim Roberts on a living history of World War II, 5/19/26 the program is Habitat for Humanity, and 5/26/26 will be our Paul Harris Award Day.
Todd Lester then introduced the day’s speakers.
The first speaker, Todd Lamison, is a Rotarian and President of the Quincy Rotary After Dark Rotary Club, as well as the Senior Development Manager for the Alzheimer’s Association of West Central Illinois, where he has served for over three years.
Mr. Lamison delivered his presentation on Alzheimer’s disease, emphasizing its widespread prevalence, significant impact, and current treatment approaches. He noted that Alzheimer’s is the third leading cause of death globally, affecting 7.4 million Americans. He highlighted the alarming fact that Alzheimer’s will claim more lives than prostate and breast cancer combined this year. Mr. Lamison also underscored the importance of early diagnosis and the critical support required by caregivers.
Additionally, Todd extended an invitation to the Walk for Alzheimer’s event scheduled for September 26, 2026, in Macomb, noting the ongoing need for volunteers and participants to raise funds for research aimed at ending the disease. Following his presentation, Mr. Lamison introduced Hawa Ibrahiam, a graduate student in Public Health at WIU. Hawa clarified the differences between Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, discussed the various types of dementia, and presented statistics regarding the economic impact of caregiving for individuals with these conditions.
Hawa then welcomed Nadia Indjai to speak.
Nadia, also a Public Health graduate student at WIU and a medical physician in training, expressed her enthusiasm for volunteering with the Alzheimer’s Association.
Ms. Indjai’s presentation addressed current diagnostic methods, causes, and treatments for Alzheimer’s disease. She explained that there is presently no definitive test for diagnosing Alzheimer’s; however, recent progress includes the approval of a new blood test that may offer future hope.
Alzheimer’s disease remains a complex condition with multiple risk factors. She illustrated her points with slides showing the comparison between a healthy brain and those affected by Alzheimer’s. Two medications have been approved to help reduce the accumulation of plaques in the brain, though they do not provide a cure.
Research continues in pursuit of a definitive cure for the disease.
The meeting concluded with the recitation of the “Four Way Test” and the sounding of the Rotary bell, encouraging all members to make Rotary Part Of Their Life – and to “Unite For Good”.
Interested in speaking at Rotary or becoming a member, contact Tom Stites at [email protected].
