If you are interested in participating as a speaker at a future meeting, please contact Phyllis Van Horn at 330-343-2690.

Attorney James F. Contini II Topic Estate Planning Attorny Contini covered some very important information. He explained everything in an easy to understand format and dispersed notebooks for everyone to take home. As he spoke it seemed that everyone learned something they should do and he generously offered to help. We appreciate his taking the time to answer so many questions.
Hospice of Tuscarawas County’s “Hospice House Wanda Croft, Chairman of the Hospice Board of Directors and Marti Massello, LSW. Marti discussed the need for respite care for caregivers and the vast amount of services that Hospice provides. She patiently answered many questions. Wanda showed us the steps that been taken from “planning to a reality” to have a Hospice House in Tuscarawas County. It will “provide a compassionate atmosphere of peace and comfort” and “medical resources to minimize patient stress and discomfort”. It will “provide a place for loving, praying and laughing” and will also “provide the opportunity to be surrounded by family and friends”.	Dr. Kurt C. Garren, M.D. Dr. Garren was in the emergency room in 1999 when patients came in from the Columbine High School shootings. He talked about his experiences and how he handled them. For about an hour he answered questions about handling adversity and did it in a way that made the meeting really enjoyable	Lori Dallacheisa, MOT, OTR/L Occupational Therapist - Medi-Wise Pharmacy Lori said instead of thinking I can't do this anymore, think you can; you just can't do it like you did. You have to do it in a different way. She demonstrated ways to transfer people from chairs, helping them sit up when they are lying down and how to get someone up from the floor when they fall
Ruthanne Donalson Society For Equal Access Topic: "Independent Living" The Agency assists with peer support, advocacy, information and referral, independent living skills and transportation.	Lee Harris Richards Medical Topic: "Respiratory Support" Lee discussed how respiratory support can give you a a better quality of life. He demonstrated the different masks for use with the Bi-Pap Machine. Lee spends a tremendous amount of time working for and with people with ALS.	Brad Stilwell Vice President of Comfort Keepers They provide non-medical assistance in your home. Whatever the situation, Comfort Keepers is dedicated to helping you stay safe, comfortable, and independent in your own home.
Attorney Mike Harrington Southeastern Ohio Legal Services Mike held a very informative question and answer session on a variety of legal matters.	Laura Williams, PT Owner of Tuscarawas Valley Physical Therapy Topic: Muscle Burn -Or- Burn Out Laura provided information that was greatly beneficial to both PALS and CALS.	Rev. Jenny Geib Circle of Light Reiki Guild She was assisted by Mina Plan, RN and Beverly Turner as they provided much enlightenment into the world of Reiki.
Marti Massello, LSW Hospice Marti presented a very positive discussion about how Hospice works and the benefits available from it. She stressed quality of life and maintaining your independence as long as possible.	Joanna Lee Health Care Services Coordinator for the Muscular Dystrophy Association spoke about MDA/ALS.	Steve Murphy Topic: "Staying Positive, it's not about (luck of the Irish") Brother of PALS: Dennis Murphy & Maxine Rufener
Christine M. Schoenberg LPCC - Community Mental Healthcare Topic: "Living & Surviving With Loss Christine talked about what the ALS diagnosis means to a person, how it changes your identity and how you view yourself. She stressed the importance of sharing and allowing others in. She stated that the whole person should be treated because "you" are not the disease.	Jessica Kinsey, MSW Social Worker/Union Hospital Jessica spoke about Living Wills and Healthcare Powers of Attorney. She is a very caring individual who explained in a pleasant but informative way why these issues are so important.	Rob Edwards, RRT Richards Medical  Topic: Pressure Support for the ALS Patient
Dee Grossman-Tasker says "I Love You" following her presentation on sign language.	Kasey Rippel Provider Relations Hospice of Tuscarawas County It felt like Kasey was a member of our family when she talked about the caring and support of Hospice; that "Hospice does not mean hopeless."	Holly Plotts, RN A Better Home Health Care, Inc. Holly's warm discussion gave us a clear definition of their purpose....... "Your Comfort at home is our concern."
Cathie Hiltbrand, RN Cathie is a major part of our "Family". She spoke first hand about the importance of a support network.	Gail Baldwin, Director - RSVP Gail was a beacon of light when she spoke about preparedness.	Ruth Anne Jones Director of Admissions & Community Relations Oakpointe Nursing & Rehabilitation Center Everyone enjoyed hearing Ruth Ann speak. She lights up a room just by entering it.
Alok Bhagat, MD Neurologist Dr. Bhagat sat amoung us and addressed questions and concerns.	Craig Walkerow, Director Holmes, Wayne, Tuscarawas Transportation Craig's company provides a way into the world that a lot of people could no longer participate in.	Brad Sussman Executive Director ALS Association of Northern Ohio Brad was kind enough to come down early and spend time with us on radio and TV helping to raise public awareness of ALS. He certainly raises the level of enthusiasm . It was an honor and a pleasure to have him.
Gina Kilberg, Health Care Service Coordinator Muscular Dystrophy Association. Gina talked about the many services the MDA has avaiable for people with neuromuscular disorders.	Chris Curtiss, Coordinator Community Support Network Area 8 - Brain Injury Association of Ohio Chris spoke about family members in denial. She compared similarities of cargivers of people with brain injuries and people with ALS. It was a very informative meeting with everyone participating in a round-table discussion.	Mary Ann Pica, RN Ember Complete Care Home Health Services Mary Ann talked about coping. When the question and answer period came people kept her there for over an hour. She was so helpful they asked to have her back. "We will.".
Diane Renicker Executive Director, Society for Equal Access Independent Living Center Diane said the SEA’s goal is to keep people independent. They teach independent living skills, offer peer support, and short term loans of medical equipment.	Bud Fete Dispatcher/Driver Society for Equal Access Bud explained the advantages of using SEA’s transportation. They have 13 vans, 3 of which are high tops. Rates vary depending on circumstances and income.	Brian Hanner Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home Brian talked about Exploring Ohio’s Disposition Law. There were many questions asked about many different subjects. He took the time to answer them all. Brian is such an amiable person that everyone had a good time.