We started off the meeting at Morningside with an array of sandwiches and salads. President Allyn called the meeting to order at 12:25 p.m. President Allyn asked Thad Sanford to lead the flag salute. Rick Price then gave the invocation. Newest Nine - Newest Member Gary Swank had us recite the four way test. Songmaster Nissa Newton led us in a lovely rendition of God Bless America and Smile. J Ritchey introduced guests, Don Stoddard with Legal Shield, Theresa Harvey’s guest, Brian Bartholomew, council candidate., Bob Radde’s guest, Harvey Valley, Diane Masseth-Jones’ guest, Rick Counterman, the Bookkeeper for the YWCA, Don Ludwig’s guest, his wife JoAnn, and Lee Brockett’s guest Will Abbott.

The only announcement was that Dick Glaus passed away, services are 11:00 a.m. Sunday August 26th at 1000 State College, Anaheim.

Recognition Master Tom Meyer fined Dan Kiernan for wearing shorts. Each person wearing a tie was fined $1 in honor of the fact that Tom wasn’t. Howard Minkley was offered a chance to go fine free on his birthday by guessing who was the greatest free throw shooter in NBA. Even though it was multiple choice, he didn’t correctly guess Mark Price, and received a $4 fine. Minard Duncan said it was his birthday and he got fined despite holding the esteemed title of the handsomest man in our Rotary. Allyn Lean was fined for his 39th wedding anniversary. We learned a little when Tom asked where did the term “Dog Days of August” originate. Apparently, the ancient Romans associated hot weather with the constellation Syrius, or the “dog star.” Rick Crane outed Maryalyce Jeremiah for knowing more about sports than Tom Meyer, and Maryalyce was fined $5 when she confirmed that she did. Rick has a 29 year wedding anniversary coming up. Chris Meyer, who recently had a wedding anniversary was fined $3 for calling his wife Janny a Loser for staying with him. Susan Smith, received congrats on the announcement of St. Jude’s new affiliation with Hoag Hospital, and happily paid a $1 fine. Dick Daybell was acknowledged for his 51 year anniversary this weekend, and his fine was doubled and doubled again, to $6. All Wisconsin Badger fans were also fined because Tom’s dad said the school was too liberal. Don Bankhead and Jim Blake were fined $5 in campaign funds for soliciting signatures on Don’s election nomination. Tom tried to finished by saying that BP had an oil spill off coast, and hired the Angels to clean it up. John Phelps stood up to say he was fine free for rest of year because his boy did so well at the Olympics. He then received a $10 fine for failing the four way test.

Allyn introduced Clint Marsh, sales manager at Morningside, to talk about their programming. Clint talked about the different types of retirement communities – continuing care facilities that exist.

There are independent communities, for independent living, age 55 and above, homes or apartments, with common areas and amenities, services vary, with costs of $2300 to $4500 per month;

The second type is assisted living, for those who may need assistance with dressing, bathing, etc. Costs are $3500 to $7500 per month;

Finally, a skilled nursing facility, providing private or semi-private rooms, costs $6400 to $9500 per month.

What Morningside does is put all of these services together, with smaller fees, great package of services, including long term care, single story patio homes, villas with garages, appliances, and security guards. Then there are apartment buildings surrounding a courtyard, with a clubhouse, dining rooms, billiards, card rooms, and a library. He described Lakeview Hall, with a large gathering facility and water feature. Inside of the apartments, there are spacious living rooms with balcony and patio, full kitchen all included, and maintenance free. There are different sized units up to two bedroom units in the apartments.

Services available to residents include, dining, housekeeping, security services, state of the art gym, a wellness manager, heated pool, putting green, bocci ball, pets are okay, gardening areas, card room, woodworking shop, entertainment, such as students from CSUF performing on stage, a courtyard, and all maintenance is taken care of. Residents handle rose garden. Residents may even receive move-in help. Morningside also offers transportation services, to shopping, church, etc.

Clint pointed out that the biggest value is the availability of long term care, which is available at Park Vista which is just adjacent to Morningside, and provides assisted living, skilled nursing and other support.

The cost to move into Morningside: There is an Entrance Fee: from $200,000, repayable to residents up to 100%, but never less than 75%. If for some reason, you have move out in the first 90 days, you would get it all back. At five years, 75% of the Entrance Fee comes back to you or to your estate.

The monthly service charges are $2000 and up, depending on the floor plan chosen. This fee includes nearly everything else you normally have to buy: food, insurance, taxes, housekeeping, transportion, etc. To qualify, you or your spouse have to be 60 or older, financially qualified (comfortably able to live here), and health qualified (must move in while you are still healthy). There is no third party debt involved. 18 percent of residents make less than $30,000 per year.

The fees are $2000 and up depending on floor plan selected for the first person; if there is a second person, their monthly fee is an additional $1514 regardless of unit size. Without the long term care coverage of Morningside residency, you can still use Park Vista, but the cost starts at about $4500 per month.

Clint answered a few questions and then was invited into the brotherhood of the gnome by President Allyn. President Allyn closed the meeting at 1:15.