“Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far” famous words from America’s 26^th president at the age of 42. As a Leader of the progressive movement, Teddy Roosevelt championed his Square Deal domestic policies that called for fairness for all citizens, breaking of Trusts, regulation of railroads, and safe food policies.  

 

Roosevelt prioritized conservation and established national parks, forests, and monuments we enjoy today.  In foreign policy he focused on Central America, started the construction of the Panama Canal and Exerted worldwide power by sending the US navy around the world.  In 1906 he won the Nobel Peace Prize for brokering the end of the Russo-Japanese war.

President Kris extends get well wishes to Nondas Voll.

 

Kris introduced an impromptu presentation by Barbara Harris, who presented Kris with a levitation aid for the podium to help with the vertical challenge.

 

Kris reminds the assembly to contact Sharon Garland regarding any interest in participating on the Board of directors.

 

Four new members to be introduced by Anthony Hollingshead include a representative of the Salvation Army and three from Johnson & Wales University.

 

Dr Friedman spoke in detail of the history and status of the treatment, and assessment of Parkinson’s disease, which effects 1-2% of the population.  James Parkinson (1755-1824) is attributed with first identifying key behaviors used in categorizing Parkinson’s patients, including tremors and a distinctive shaking palsy. He published “An Essay on the Shaking Palsy” in 1817, which was the first definition of the disease.

 

Parkinson’s disease historically has been misdiagnosed given it shares these traits with, for example, post encephalitis patients. More recently 20^th century experiences with the abuse of MATB (an opioid related drug from the 1980’s) caused neurological behavior that mimics Parkinsons. Early medical interventions such as El-Dopa (dopamine) proved somewhat successful, though to this day it and other medications prove to be medical interventions only and not cures for Parkinson’s. Ironically the only true diagnosis of Parkinson’s is achieved through an autopsy.