A REPORT OF THE CLEVELAND STROKE CLUB July 2017 Cleveland Stroke Club, c/o Geri Pitts 9284 Towpath Trail Seville, OH 44273 330-975-4320

By Jim Scanlon

The MISSION of the Cleveland Stroke Club is to enhance the lives of stroke survivors and

their families through support, fellowship and socialization, education and advocacy.

The Cleveland Stroke Club was founded on the basic self-help concept. That is, stroke survivors and their families banded together to exchange coping techniques for the many stroke-related problems they experience. Except for the months of June and August, our General Meetings are held on the third Wednesdays of each month at Disciples Christian Church at 3663 Mayfield Rd, Cleveland, OH 44121. Usually, we host Bingo at 5:30, dinner at 6:30, and a presentation by community professionals from 7:30 until 8:30. Meetings end at 8:30. In addition, our Caregiver & Survivor meetings are held on the first Wednesday of every month at Select Medical (formerly Kindred Hospital) at 11900 Fairhill Road, Cleveland, OH 44120. We dine together at 6:30 and then breakout into separate meetings for caregivers and survivors from 7:30 until 8:30. Meetings end at 8:30. Please RSVP for both meetings to Kay 440-449-3309 or Deb 440-944-6794. Look for details in this newsletter. If you or a member of your family has had a stroke, we invite you to visit our meetings anytime. New members and community professionals are always welcome. Both meetings have plenty of free handicap parking and are fully wheelchair accessible.

Next General Meeting: July 19, 2017

By Kate Petras and Daisy

Board Committees Public Relations

Chairperson Sue Sheridan

Membership Chairperson Kay Exl

Secretary to the Board Sue Sheridan

Volunteer Coordinator Shirley Patterson

Assistant to the Board Bonnie Morris 440-552-3970

Greeters June Emmerson Roger Gulbranson

Callers Linda Pfeffer

Sherry Shelton

Bingo Damon Smith

Frank Nisenboum

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Executive Director & Editor Emeritus

Dorothy Norton

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Geri Pitts

Founder Bill Pitts

President Linda Davis

Asst. to the President

Linda Pfeffer

Vice-President Deena and Brian Barrett

216-410-2306

Secretary Barry and Barbara Schecter

Treasurer John Pumper

Assistant Treasurer Roger Gulbranson

Officers 5/2017-5/2018

Picnic Notes on June 21, 2017

Ajay Ladanyi said, “When I stopped by, on the way to visit my mom in the hospital, I saw a flurry of activity: people setting up the picnic, playing games, and just having fun in the beautiful weather. I thought how wonderful it is: We know it is not easy for many of us to get out of the house, travel, and sit outside but 102 of us did it!” Thank you. Bonnie Morris, Lurelean Patterson, Ellen and Ben Richman, Vinita and Raj Saggar, and Ora and Gil Dromi said that they thought it was really nice--everyone had a good time, the games were really fun, everything was well organized, and the food was great. We have put a few pictures in this newsletter, but there are a ton of great pictures on the Web. Visit: www.clevelandstrokeclub.org Go to the picnic tab and select 2017. Enjoy.

Western Reserve Chorale celebrated their 25th Anniversary with the concert, Isn’t It Romantic! on Sunday June 4th at Cedar Hill Baptist Church in Cleveland. From our Club, Judi Koffman sang and we appreciated the sounds of angels on a lovely Sunday afternoon.

Dancing Wheels Dance Company celebrated their 37th Anniversary with “The Best of Bowie” performance at the Nautica Stage on June 10th. In 1980, Cleveland’s Mary Verdi-Fletcher started the first professional dance company in the USA for persons of all abilities. In 1990, she added a dance school. We loved Mary’s performance as well as that of her dancers & students. Former Cleveland Stroke Club President and current board member, Shirley Patterson, hosted an open house for family, friends, and members on June 17th. We enjoyed her lovely hospitality.

By Geri Pitts

Huge thanks go to Pastor Bob Willard of the Meeting Place Learning Center. He brought his GRILL. And what a grill it was. Most of us have never before seen a grill that large. Actually it was three grills in one. He grilled our hamburgers and hot dogs, along with the Grilling Team, led by John Pumper. He made the cooking part of the picnic easy for the rest of us. I've gone to his website: http://www.tmplc.org and have lifted some information so you know what kind of organization he is part of. "The establishment of The Meeting Place Learning Center is an attempt to create a program that will strike at the root of the cycle of poverty – lack of basic educational skills." "The Learning Center will work with parents, teachers, and other professionals to assess the needs of each child and to tailor a learning plan that is specific to that child." I've sent them a donation to thank Pastor Bob for his generosity. You can, too. Or call if you'd like to volunteer: 216-938-9400. The Meeting Place Learning Center, 2636 E. 115 St., Cleveland, OH 44104

We have many members who are recovering from illnesses. Cards are welcome. Please call before visiting. Thank you.

Brian Barrett is at Highland Ht. & Rehab Ctr., Highland Pt., Rm i507, 402 Golf View Lane, Highland Heights, OH 44143. Don Broge is at St. Augustine Manor, Rm. 335, 2801 Detroit Ave., Cleveland OH, 44102-2895. Joe Chos is at Menorah Park Friedman Pavilion, Rm. 233, 27100 Cedar Road, Cleveland, Ohio 44122 Sherry Shelton is at home recovering from surgery. You can send a card or call her at: 495 Zorn Lane, Mayfield Village, OH 44143, 440-446-9780 Omelia Beverly, Sanjay Godbole, and Alice Ladanyi are at home. Geri, Kay, and Deb can help you get cards to them.

By Charlotte S. Wednesday, July 19, 2017 Disciples Christian Church,

3663 Mayfield Road, Cleveland Heights 44121

5:30 p.m. - Bingo 6:30 p.m. - Dinner by Rita – Oven-baked chicken and Summer salads, dessert -- $5.00. 7:30 p.m. - Kate Petras. “Daisy: The Healing Power of a Therapy Dog” 8:30 p.m. - Meeting ends.

David Muller 7/3 June Emmerson 7/4 Buddy Williams 7/4 Judy Koffmann 7/6 Arlene Beinhardt 7/8 Catherine Williams 7/8 Cecelia Hamilton 7/9 Bill Franko 7/10 Mary Pumper 7/10 Helen Rose 7/15 Cindy Davis 7/17 Shirley Kondo 7/18 Joanne Losz 7/23 William Beverly 7/27 Jon Colston 7/30 Katie Kern-Pilch 7/31

Dorothy & June Emmerson 7/4/2005

Deb & Roger Gulbranson 7/6/1991

Maggie & Charles Boone 7/10/1985

Barbara & Barry Schecter 7/12/1981

Jean & Don Broge 7/30/1999

Fran & Burt Kemelhar 7/30/1961

Paulette & Gary Mengay 7/30/1966

4 Independence Day 14 Bastille Day (France) 16 Nat'l. Ice Cream Day 18 Nelson Mandela Day 19 Nat’l Hot Dog Day 23 Parents' Day 29 Nat’l Lasagna Day 30 Nat'l. Cheesecake

Day http://www.wincalendar.com/Holiday-Calendar/July-2017

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By Linda Davis Kay counted 102 picnic attendees this year! (Last year we had 79.) Give yourself applause. This year we tried working together on big committees. Each committee was free to set their own goals and organize in their own way. Each committee also had a vote in our final layout and timetable.

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU. Site Selection and Set-Up Committees: Geri Pitts (Chair), Mason Camp, George and Jacky Williamston, Barbara and Barry Schecter, Linda Davis, Sue Sheridan, Kay Exl, Roger, and Deb. Volunteers: Geri’s daughter, Adrianne Santiago; Roger’s neighbors--Wickliffe High School students Brady Wilson and Cameron Cook; and Jean Nisenboum’s relatives Judy Pope and Angela Pierce. Grilling Committee and Set-Up: John Pumper (Chair), Mary Pumper, George Pfeffer, Chris Vuyancih, Shirley Patterson, Mason Camp, Diondre Kidd, Al Lebarre, and Pastor Bob Willard. Games Committee and Set-Up: Diondre Kidd (Chair), Luciana, Kathy Sims, Joanne Bergole, Lurelean Patterson, Joyce Levy, Kay Exl and Ashley Exl, Bonnie Morris, Malcolm Gordon, and Damon Smith. Name Tags and Ice Breaker Games: Gus Garcea, Kay Exl and her granddaughter Ashley Exl (All Chairs). Fund Raiser T-Shirts: Linda Davis and Deena Barrett (Co-Chairs), Char Starec, and the CSC Sweatshop Divas. Food & Supplies Committee: Deb, Kay, Geri, Roger, and Shelia Bambic (Partners). Drinks Set-Up: Arlene Beinhardt. Dining Tables Set-Up: Judy Pope and Angela Pierce Serving Tables Set-Up: Linda Davis’ cousin Heather Palmer (Chair), Arlene Beinhardt, Judy Pope, Angela Pierce, and Jean Nisenboum. The committee was assisted by Kay’s friend Christine Kiplinger and her friend. Reminder Phone Calls and Reservations: Linda Pfeffer and Kay Exl (Co-Chairs). BINGO Committee: Bonnie Morris (Chair), Damon Smith (organizer), and Frank Nisenboum (caller). Photographers: Jene Wilson, Damon Smith, Linda Davis, Sue Sheridan, and Frank Nisenboum. Parking Committee: Joe Malenowski (a friend of Geri’s daughter). Breakdown Committee: Judi Koffman (Chair), Kathy Wendorff, Jeff Jalovec, Linda Pfeffer, Vivien and Dan Sekeres, Charlotte Starec, John Beinhardt, Kay Exl, Ashley Exl, Geri, Sue Sheridan & Deb. Diondre Kidd put back most of the 112 chairs. Volunteers: Jean and Frank Nisenboum and their relative Harry Pierce broke down and put back most of the 19 tables. In addition, every single person helped to clean up. We were done in 45 min. Most of all we want to thank everyone who attended the picnic: you provided the wonderful side dishes (including smoked turkey, greens, and amazing salads), appetizer plates, and to-die for desserts (including cakes, pumpkin rolls, cookies, and on and on). Most of all, you helped us enjoy a lovely day with friends.

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By Dan S.

TUDOR ARMS HOTEL Completed in 1933, the Gothic Revival building opened as the swanky, exclusive Cleveland Club. The enormous structure, designed by Frank Meade was the tallest and grandest in the University Circle area. The twelve story building boasted ballrooms, a swimming pool, a bowling alley, tall ceiling, huge leaded windows, intricate and expensive detailing, and beautiful views of downtown Cleveland. Over the years, the club rented out its ballrooms and also hosted lavish parties and events. But the Cleveland Club could not sustain the building for very long. After weathering the depths of the Great Depression, the rough economy finally forced the Cleveland Club to end its lease on the building in 1939. Recently, Double Tree by Hilton bought the hotel and restored it. It is registered as a historical hotel. It is located on the corner of Carnegie Ave at East 107th St. http://www.cleveland.com/travel/index.ssf/2015/04/clevelands_tudor_arms_hotel_in.html

By Diondre K.

On Wednesday, August 16th we will be hosting our The Cleveland Stroke Club 43rd Anniversary Dinner at Embassy Suites in Beachwood. Social Hour begins at 5:00. Dinner begins at 6:00. Entertainment and dancing is from 7:30—9:00. Reservations are due by August 2. See the flyer in the newsletter and you can download it from the Web. Photos of past dinners are also on the Web. Go to: www.clevelandstrokeclub.org Click the Anniversary Dinner tab.

By Valerie P.

1 pint strawberries 1 cup orange juice 4 bananas 1/3 cup lemon juice 1 cup sugar 1 cup milk Mash your strawberries and bananas until they are chunky. Mix the two together in a large bowl. Add your sugar to taste. Pour orange juice and lemon juice into mixture and mix. Add milk and stir well. Pour into ice cube trays and freeze overnight. Put in tall glasses and serve.

By Harry H.

Here’s a very interesting video about stroke from a research to watch by Dr. Lara Boyd. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LNHBMFCzznE

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Where were you born? I was born in Norfolk VA, by the naval base where my father was stationed. Coincidently, my children were born in Charleston SC where I was stationed at an Air Force base. Where did you go to school? I went to Euclid HS. I received a BS in Math from Cleveland State. Then I took an exam to be a Civil Engineer. My favorite projects involved storm drainage design. Where did you work? I worked at many places in Cleveland: Arthur G. McKee, Progressive, WVIZ and smaller companies. Do you have kids? I have 2 children and 3 grandchildren--the oldest grandchild is graduating from high school. Do you like games? I like to play BINGO, Pinochle, Chess, Euchre, Gin Rummy and Mahjong. Do you have other hobbies? I like contra dancing. That’s where I met Kathy. She is from New York and she came to Ohio to visit her brother. We married in 1996. Do you like music? Yes, I like industrial music. I used to play a tin whistle (also known as a penny whistle) in a contra dance band. Do you like sports? I like to watch hockey, soccer, tennis, and football. I play tennis, table tennis and bocce. Do you like TV or Movies? I enjoy watching dramas and cooking shows on PBS. Do you like to travel? Yes, I've traveled to Canada, Mexico, Guatemala, Chile, Greece and Taiwan. I’d like to go to South Korea. Are you going on vacation this year? I’d like to go on a cruise; I’ve never been on a cruise. It's likely that Kathy and I will travel more now that she has recently retired.

Where were you born? I was born in Greenwood, Mississippi. I was 10 when I came to Cleveland. Where did you go to school? I went to Rollins, Nathan Hale, and John Adams. I graduated from Capital University in Columbus with a BA in Social Work and Psychology. I have a Master’s Degree from CASE in Social Work. I was getting ready to start a Ph.D. program when I had my stroke. I’d like to get back to it. Where did you work? I was a social worker for the Department of Health of the City of Cleveland. I also have my own 501C Non-Profit Agency named, SEEA, Inc., which is a counseling and referral agency. Do you have children? Yes, I was a married to a Korean War Veteran; he was 20 years older than me. He passed away. We have a daughter and three sons. I have 6 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. Do you like music? Yes, I love music--all kinds, especially Jazz and Blues. I like BB King. I come from a very musical family. I don’t play an instrument but I do sing. Do you like sports? I like sports a little. I like the Tribe and the Cavs. What are your hobbies? I work. I love my work and course of study. I’m a serious person. I like to lead groups. I worked and I had a business and I was starting a Ph.D. program. I’m a people person, I like to help people. Do you have any other hobbies? Yes, I like art (painting), singing, traveling, writing poetry, and cooking.

Where were you born? Dover, OH. I was born on a farm and all of our relatives lived near-by. My mom died when she was 50. My mom had 6 girls in a row then 2 sons. I was the second daughter. Where did you go to school? I went to Fenn College that became CSU. I studied science. I wanted to be an Oncologist but instead I raised my three children. I was a girl of my time; now I help girls get to college. Did you work? During WWII, I worked at a chemical place. I did two people’s work. Where do you live? We always lived in Shaker. We worked in the Civil Rights Movement. You are 95, your husband had a stroke and after he passed, you had 3 strokes. Tell me how you see life.

When you fall down the only thing that matters is how you get back up. I just look ahead. Where I am now is not important at all. Don’t ever try to stop me. I have things to do.

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By Roger G. The CSC Picnic I am writing on a different topic. I made Thai Lemon Grass Shrimp Salad for the picnic. I wanted some. But my wife was too slow to get to the serving table. It was all gone. I’m mad at her. I’m making the dish for the Speak Easy pot luck this week. I’m giving my wife a second chance.

By Zenia M. June 22nd would have been the 117th birthday of Oskar Fishinger. Oskar was a German American. His quest was to create visual music, decades before the advent of computer graphics and music videos. Google honored him in June with an amazing interactive program that allows you to construct your own visual music. To try it out go to: https://www.google.com/doodles/oskar-fischingers-117th-birthday To learn more about Oskar go to Wikipedia or: http://www.centerforvisualmusic.org/Fischinger/

By Harry H. “Going in Style” The movie is a comedy with an all-star cast of actors from the previous generations [no young screen idols]. Three elderly gentlemen who live in NYC were pensioners from a steel company which was sold to a foreign competitor. The competitor downsized the operation and shuttered their facility. The pension funds were placed under the control of the local bank which held the mortgages on their homes as well as their life savings. The bank would not pay the pension benefits, but insisted in foreclosing on their homes. These 3 elderly men determine to rob the bank that hold their pensions and only take the amount of monies owed to them by their pensions. Unfortunately, they have no experience with how to rob a bank, so they enlist the services of a professional bank robber to train them; he shows them how important it is to plan for all contingencies in order to conduct such a robbery. The antics they go through in the training and in the successful robbery are quite hilarious. The movie was well worth the watch.

Where were you born? Cleveland. Where did you go to high school? I went to George Westinghouse, Chicago and John F. Kennedy, here. After HS, I went to National Education Center to study Computer Technology. Where did you work? I worked at Viking Forge in Streetsboro. I was a supervisor for the Yellow Team: Final Inspection. We made parts for cars and airplanes. How many kids do you have? I have four daughters’ ages: 22, 21, and the twins who are 13. Do you get your fingernails painted a lot? No, they don’t share any more. Do you like sports? Yes, I like basketball, the Cavs and the Bulls. Music? Yes, R&B and Gospel. Travel? Yes, I’ve been to Mississippi., Atlanta, Columbus, Alabama, WV, Chicago, NY, Canada, and Detroit. Movies? I love movies. I have a bunch of them. My favorites are A League of Their Own and Armageddon. Hobbies? I like to play video games: Assassin Creed. I used to swim and run track, but now I exercise on a treadmill and mechanical bike. I also love to bake—I’m still too unsteady to cook on the stove top. Can’t stand. Anything else? I live on the Westside but I’m on the waiting list to get into the accessible apts. by CHSC. I had my stroke on April Fool’s Day 2007. I also celebrate my birthday every month!

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By Brenda K.

Q J H I P R V S P M F L Y E D J Z Y L C D O L N S L U K C Y G S B A R B E Q U E A P N Q L U V H A Q W V Z N E G Z E Y I G C E F W G X P Z E S O S N F F I R E C R A C K E R S D A I S S B C R Y Y O B O L E C M R A T F A A X P C D E P R I E E U V R N S A Y O K E Q J N R W F J K E R E O V N V G D C I O A E Z A C D B D T J Y M I C R E K D O L N E A A T G A P A K C E H E L N O Z L W H P D N S S J G P C S B C I L H X V K E D Q J E E I D N A D D C T N V

Where were you born? Cleveland Ohio. Where did you go to high school? Bedford High School and then Beautician School. Do you have children? Joe and I have been married for thirty-one years, we were together 35 years. I have a son, Skyler, 31 and daughter, Summer, who will be 29. Both live near Macedonia—near my home. My daughter wants to move to Conneaut in Ohio to buy a winery. Corine, my sister, also comes with me to the Stroke Club. Where did you work? I worked in a school kitchen before I had my stroke. I was working in that job since 1994 and then became a manager. As a manager I had to take in deliveries and put them away, which I did not love. But I loved the kids. I can tell you stories. Do you like music? Not crazy about it but I do like it—I listen in the car. Do you like sports? My husband and my son are sports fanatics, so I watch with them. Do you like to read? I read true stories, biography and histories: factual stories. I like reading magazines. Do you like movies? I like movies about true stories. I like the one with Jody Foster when she went to China, Anna and the King. I also like The Green Mile, it wasn’t exactly factual but it was good. Do you like to write? I like to write. I’m writing a book about my stroke. The thing I used to like to do most, is work out. I used to love exercise before my stroke: weights, Pilates, cardio. I’m trying to get back, I’m doing the elliptical for about 25 minutes every day and then I try to add the stationary bike, every day along with my other exercise. Do you have any other hobbies? I like to cook. I’m a good cook. Eating: I love to eat. My dad used to say, “Your sister and you are worse than linebackers.” I’ve never met a noodle that I didn’t like. I like to make: Chicken Cordon Blue, Chicken Imperial, Beef Stroganoff, and the list goes on and on. I used to like to garden but it became a job. This is important: If you have autoimmune diseases, like me, there are clotting factors that come along with that. I was unaware of that for 25 years, until I had my stroke. Two doctors have said that I should be on Plaquenil to slow down Rheumatoid Arthritis and Lupus which in turn will help with the clotting factor. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lupus/basics/treatment/con-20019676

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Find the letters in these words. (Use each letter only once.)

AMERICAN BARBEQUE BASEBALL CONCERTS DANDIE DAY DOODLE FIRECRACKERS FIREWORKS FLAGS INDEPENDENCE PARADES PICNIC YANKEE http://puzzlemaker.discoveryeducation.com/WordSearchSetupForm.asp

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ReFocus 10 July 2017

Come and Celebrate Our 43rd Anniversary Cleveland Stroke Club

Embassy Suites – Emerald Ballrooms 3 & 4

3775 Park East Drive, Beachwood, Ohio 44122

Wednesday, August 16, 2017 5:00-6:00 Social Time – cash bar

6:00 Dinner 7:30-8:30 Entertainment by Slammin Sam

8:30-9:00 dancing

Dinner Menu Mandarin Orange Salad on mixed green lettuce

Asiago Cheese Whipped Potatoes with Roasted Balsamic Vegetable Regular or Decaffeinated Coffee, Hot Tea, Iced Tea and Ice Water

Cheesecake or Chocolate Mousse Cake

Choice of Entrée: Vegetable Strudel (vegetarian)

Served with a Fortified Wine Reduction Sauce $26.95

Sautéed Chicken Breast Topped with a Boursin Asiago Cream Sauce

$26.95 Pan-Seared Salmon

With Lemon Caper Buerre Blanc $26.95

Petite Sirloin Topped with a Tri-Color Peppercorn, Bourbon Reduction

$34.95

To make your reservation, complete the form on the reverse side and mail on or before August 2nd .

Harvard Rd. exit 28B, turn right on Richmond, turn right on Park E. Dr.

Enter at front door, under the canopy. Handicap parking is just beyond the canopy. Emerald Rooms 3 & 4 are down the hall to the right, past the restaurant & restrooms.

Wheelchairs are available at the front desk. There is seating along the way.

If you have any questions and/or need directions call: Debbie Felt at 440-944-6794. Cell phone: 440-289-9192 or

Geri Pitts at 330-975-4320, Cell phone: 330-439-8073

Same location as last year

To make your reservations complete the form below and mail – on or before August 2nd (along with a check payable to Cleveland Stroke Club) to:

Cleveland Stroke Club

c/o Debbie Felt 29232 Armadale Avenue

Wickliffe, OH 44092

*Please place your first and last name (as you would like it printed on your place card) underneath the entrée of your choice:

Vegetable Strudel (vegetarian) @ $26.95 First Last __________________ ________________________ __________________ ________________________ Sautéed Chicken Breast @ $26.95

First Last __________________ ________________________ __________________ ________________________

Pan-Seared Salmon @ $26.95 First Last __________________ ________________________ __________________ ________________________ Petite Sirloin @$34.95 First Last __________________ ________________________ __________________ ________________________

Phone Number ____________________________ Number in Party ____________ Total Enclosed $ __________________

If you have any questions and/or need directions call Debbie Felt at 440-944-6794. Cell phone: 440-289-9192 or

Geri at 330-975-4320. Cell phone: 330-439-8073