Rose Smith, community health worker at the Area Agency on Aging, spoke at the March 5 Alpena Lions Club meeting. She asked the Lions to help her reach out to the aging needy in this area. Program chair for the meeting was President Mike Centala.

Serving nine counties as part of the Northeast Michigan Community Service Agency, Smith seeks to help elderly people remain in their homes. She consults with and seeks to obtain aide for those who need personal care and transportation, those with dementia, those who suffer from chronic falling, people who can’t handle their medications, and those who would like or need home-delivered meals (she connects people with Meals on Wheels). She connects these folks with home nursing aides, care equipment providers, help with coordinating appointments with their doctors, as well as directing them to resources to help cover costs with the federal Medicare and Medicaid programs, and with other local programs.

In both introduction and conclusion, Smith thanked the Lions for the help they provide to people in need. In her final words, she asked the Lions to spread the word about the many services she is able to set up for those in need.

President Centala announced that the club had awarded a Lifetime Award to Past District Governor (PDG) Tom Shiemke. He becomes the third Lion to receive this award. Previous awards were given to Bernie Lamp, Jr. and Gordon Nethercut.