OFFICERS

President
Gina Adams
Vice President
Elaine Owen
Secretary
Glenda Sue Simonds
Treasurer
Wanda Kay Bell

Gina Adams (right), president of Fannin County Republican Women, presents
Susan Greene with lap quilts made especially for Alzheimer’s patients.

August 16 FCRW Meeting:
Susan Greene Talks about Alzheimer’s

Susan Greene was guest speaker at the August 16 meeting of the Fannin County Republican Women. Her topic was “Alzheimer’s.” Ms. Greene is well qualified to speak on this subject as she is a nurse-psychologist who specializes in elder care and deals with Alzheimer’s on a daily basis.

Ms. Greene stated that dementia is a brain disorder that seriously affects a person’s ability to carry out daily activities. The most common form of dementia among older people is Alzheimer’s disease (AD), which involves the parts of the brain that control thought, memory, and speech. Although scientists are learning more every day, right now they still do not know what causes AD, and there is no cure.

As many as 5 million Americans suffer from AD. The disease usually begins after age 60, and risk goes up with age. While younger people also may get AD, it is much less common. About 5 percent of men and women ages 65 to 74 have AD, and nearly half of those age 85 and older may have the disease. “It is important to remember”, said Ms. Greene, “that AD is not a normal part of aging.” It is a disease and not everyone who turns 60 and older will get Alzheimer’s.

AD is named after Dr. Aloius Alzheimer, a German doctor. In 1906, Dr. Alzheimer noticed changes in the brain tissue of a woman who had died of an unusual mental illness. He found abnormal clumps and tangled bundles of fibers. Today, these plaques and tangles in the brain are considered signs of AD.

Scientists also have found other brain changes in people with AD. Nerve cells die in areas of the brain that are vital to memory and other mental abilities, and connections between nerve cells are disrupted. There also are lower levels of some of the chemicals in the brain that carry messages back and forth between nerve cells. AD may impair thinking and memory by disrupting these messages.

What Causes AD?

Scientists do not yet fully understand what causes AD. There probably is not one single cause, but several factors that affect each person differently. Age is the most important known risk factor for AD. The number of people with the disease doubles every 5 years beyond age 65.

Family history is another risk factor. Scientists believe that genetics may play a role in many AD cases. For example, early-onset AD, a rare form of AD that usually occurs between the ages of 30 and 60, is inherited. The more common form of AD occurs later in life, and there is no obvious inheritance pattern in most families. However, several risk factor genes may interact with each other and with other factors to cause the disease.

Ms. Greene stressed that scientists still need to learn a lot more about what causes AD. In addition to genetics and particular genes, they are studying education, diet, and environment to learn what role they might play in the development of this disease. They are finding increasing evidence that some of the risk factors for heart disease and stroke, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol may also increase the risk of AD. Evidence that physical, mental, and social activities provide some protection against AD is also increasing. “Do crossword puzzles, read books, exercise...stay active,” she urged.

Symptoms of AD

At first, the only symptom of AD might be forgetfulness, which can be confused with age-related memory change. Most people with mild forgetfulness do not have AD. In the early stage of AD, people may have trouble remembering recent events, activities, or the names of familiar people or things. But they will remember things that happened long ago. They may not be able to solve simple math problems. Such difficulties may be bothersome, but usually they are not serious enough to cause alarm. “If you can’t remember a person’s name when you see them, and you keep thinking about it...and suddenly you remember the name, you probably DON’T have Alzheimer’s. It’s when you don’t remember a name and don’t remember that you didn’t remember the name that you might be showing symptoms of Alzheimer’s,” Ms. Greene assured the audience.

As the disease goes on, however, symptoms are more easily noticed and become serious enough to cause people with AD or their family members to seek medical help. Forgetfulness begins to interfere with daily activities. People in the middle stages of AD may forget how to do simple tasks like brushing their teeth or combing their hair. They can no longer think clearly. They might not recognize familiar people and places, and they might become paranoid. They might think family members took something from them...and ask them to return it. They begin to have problems speaking, understanding, reading, or writing. They forget how to swallow. Later on, people with AD may become anxious, aggressive, or wander away from home. Eventually, they need total care. And that might mean a nursing home or a family member devoting full time to care for the Alzheimer’s patient. Ms. Greene reassured the audience that there is help for caregivers, and some resources available locally.

She distributed literature from the National Alzheimer’s Association and Elder Care, then briefly described her work to open the Kessler Clinic in McCaysville.

Taken from the brochure, “The Kessler Community Clinic, Inc. is a 501 (C)(3) non-profit corporation. It was founded to service the needs of the people in the community. Located in downtown McCaysville, Georgia, this location was chosen to accommodate the needs of the people in the northwestern part of Fannin County, Georgia, East Polk County, Tennessee (also known as CopperBasin) and western part of Cherokee County, North Carolina.”

FCRW CHARTER MEMBERS

Gina Adams, Wanda Kay Bell, Wanda Collins, Francis Harris, Melanie Harris, Jane Koster, Louise Little, Elaine Owen, Glenda Sue Simonds, Janie Turner, Sharon Waltrop and Carolyn Weese

MEMBERSHIP

Membership is open to any Fannin County resident who believes and supports Republican ideals. Becoming a member of Fannin County Republican Women is a great way to participate in the political process at the grassroots level and to network with other women in our community. Members are automatically members of the Georgia Federation of Republican Women and the National Federation of Republican Women. Dues are $18 annually. For more information or a membership application, call Gina Adams at 706-374-4286 or Wanda Kay Bell at 706-492-3448.

BYLAWS

ARTICLE I - NAME

The name of this organization shall be

FANNIN COUNTY REPUBLICAN WOMEN

(Referred to as FCRW)

ARTICLE II - PURPOSE

The purpose(s) of this organization shall be:

1. To increase the effectiveness of women in the cause of good government through active political participation, seeking out and training qualified women candidates for all elected offices, including partisan/non-partisan, local, county, state and national elections to the best of our ability and resources

2. To promote an informed electorate through political education and activity

3. To foster loyalty to the Republican Party at all levels of government and to promote its ideals and candidates, including non-partisan elections, and appointments to the various local and state boards

4. To promote the principles of the Republican Party

5. To support the objectives and policies of the Republican National Committee  

ARTICLE III - MEMBERSHIP

A. Eligibility

Members

1. Membership in the Fannin County Republican Women shall be extended to those individuals loyal to the Republican Party and its ideals

2. Membership shall be contingent upon being current with Fannin County Republican Women dues

Associate Members

1. Republican women who have primary membership in a federated local Club are eligible for associate membership in local clubs upon payment of the required annual dues. Associate members cannot hold office, vote, or be counted for the purpose of determining the number of delegates to national or state federation meetings or conventions

2. Republican men are eligible for associate membership upon payment of the required annual dues to the local club. They cannot hold office, have a voice, vote or be counted for the purpose of determining the number of delegates to national or state federation meetings or conventions. Republican men who are associate members in local clubs do not become members of the state federation or the National Federation of Republican Women

B. Procedure for Membership

1. Applicant must complete Membership Application

2. Dues are to be paid in full upon application. These dues are payable to Fannin County Republican Women and includes fees for state and national dues.

C. Definition of a Member in Good Standing

1. An individual member in good standing is one whose current dues are paid in full. Yearly dues are payable no later than December 15 of the current year for the following year

2. Member who fully supports Article II of these Bylaws

D. Resignation from Membership

1. A member may resign from the Fannin County Republican Women by submitting a signed letter to any member of the Executive Committee

2. A letter of resignation should be addressed to the Executive Committee of the Fannin County Republican Women. The address shall be the address of the current president of the Fannin County Republican Women. Only members of said committee may accept a letter of resignation

E. Removal from Membership

Individuals may be removed from membership by two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Executive Committee in accordance with Robert’s Rules of Order (Newest Edition) with all rights accorded thereof for the following reasons:

1. Non-payment of dues; and/or

2. Non-compliance of the Fannin County Republican Women Bylaws

3. Any violation of Article II of Fannin County Republican Women Bylaws

F. Reinstatement of Membership

An individual, once removed from membership, may be reinstated by filing an application, in writing, and by two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Executive Committee, with the same requirements as a new member.   

ARTICLE IV – POLICIES

A. Endorsements

1. It shall be that the Fannin County Republican Women, as a whole, will NOT “officially” endorse Republican candidates at any level, including those for president and vice-president, who have opposition, until AFTER the primary election is held

2. Individual members of the Fannin County Republican Women are free to work for or support candidates of their choice, as long as it is not done in the name of the National Federation of Republican Women (NFRW), the Georgia Federation of Republican Women (GFRW) or the Fannin County Republican Women (FCRW)

3. The Fannin County Republican Women shall NOT support a “split party” ticket

4. The Fannin County Republican Women shall NOT support a candidate running on any opposing ticket

B. Fiscal Year

The Fannin County Republican Women fiscal year shall operate from January 1 st through December 31 st of each year

C. Quorum

One half of the membership plus one (51%) shall constitute a quorum for the purposes of conducting business at all meetings.

Monthly Meetings

1. Monthly meetings will be held on the third Thursday of each month at 7:00 p.m.

2. Should an occasion arise when the regular scheduled meeting cannot be held, an

announced date shall be released no later than seven (7) days before the regular meeting is

to be held

• The meeting in October shall be the Annual Meeting and shall be for the purpose of electing officers, receiving reports of officers and committees, and for any other business necessary. Those officers elected shall take office on January 1 st of the following year

Special Meetings

The Executive Committee with seven (7) days notice required may call special meetings. Only

business specified in the call of the meeting may be transacted.

V – COMMITTEES

One half of the membership plus one (51%) shall constitute a quorum for the purposes of conducting business at all meetings.

A. Executive Committee

The Executive Committee of the Fannin County Women shall consist of the:
President
Vice President
Secretary
Treasurer

The duties of the Executive Committee shall be:

1. To have complete jurisdiction over membership applications and removals/reinstatements of membership

2. To approve the President’s appointments

3. To approve the bank(s) where funds are to be deposited

4. To order an annual independent audit if deemed necessary and

5. To meet on the call of the President or on written request of three (3) members

B. Standing Committees

The Executive Committee shall determine the Standing Committees. The Standing Committees shall outline programs for action in their respective fields for consideration and adoption by the Executive Committee and shall carry out such other duties as may be requested by the Executive Committee. They shall report to the Fannin County Republican Women at regular meetings and as directed by the President.

The Standing Committees of the FCRW shall be (but not limited to):
Legislative Education/Awareness
Public Relations Campaign
Publications Membership
By-Laws Fund Raising
Program Chairs

The President, with the approval of the Executive Committee, shall appoint the Chairman of each committee.

C. Special Committees

Special Committees are appointed by the President (i.e. Nominations Committee, etc.) as deemed necessary.

ARTICLE VI – OFFICERS AND THEIR DUTIES

A. Officers

The officers of the Fannin County Republican Women shall be:
President
Vice President
Secretary
Treasurer

B. Eligibility

To be eligible to hold an office in the Fannin County Republican Women, a candidate must be a member in good standing.

C. Term

The officers shall be elected for a term of two (2) years beginning in January of each year.

D. Duties of the President

The duties of the President shall be:

1. To preside over all meetings of the organization and the Executive Committee

2. To appoint all committees including the Nominating Committee, subject to the approval of the Executive Committee no later than the first meeting after she becomes President

3. To be an ex-officio member of all committees except the Nominating Committee

4. To appoint a Parliamentarian

5. To sign checks, only in the inability of the Treasurer to do so

6. To represent the organization at all times or to designate another member of FCRW in good standing as her representative

7. To be liaison officer between the Fannin County Republican Women (FCRW), the Georgia Federation of Republican Women (GFRW) and the National Federation of Republican Women (NFRW) and

8. To serve on the Executive Committee of Fannin County Republican Women

E. Duties of the Vice President

The duties of the Vice President shall be:

1. To perform the duties of the President in her absence and such other duties as may be assigned to her by the President

2. To promote extension of the club and Republican activities

In the event of the President’s inability to serve, the Vice President, the Secretary then the Treasurer shall act as President until the next biennial election.

F. Duties of the Secretary

The duties of the Secretary shall be:

1. To keep minutes of all meetings of the FCRW

2. To keep minutes of all meetings of the Executive Committee and

3. To perform such other duties as may be assigned to her

G. Duties of the Treasurer

The duties of the Treasurer shall be:

1. To be custodian of all funds of FCRW

2. To maintain current and accurate records of all accounts held by FCRW

3. To collect all funds and to deposit them in a bank approved by the Executive Committee

4. To send notices of unpaid dues to members

5. To disburse funds as directed by the Executive Committee

6. To provide current reports of receipts and disbursements (using commonly accepted standards of Accounting practices) at all meetings; The Executive Committee, and as directed by the President, and

7. To forward to the Georgia Federation of Republican Women (GFRW)

a. Per capita dues for all members of the FCRW, and

b. The service charge for each member in good standing with the FCRW

H. Officers Records

All officers shall deliver all records, files, and properties of the FCRW to the appropriate incoming officers within one month after retiring from office AND at least 48 hours prior to the incoming officers first meeting within that month.

VII – PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE  

Robert’s Rules of Order (latest edition) shall govern this organization in all matters of procedure not covered by these Bylaws.

VIII – AMENDMENT OF BYLAWS

Any amendment to the Bylaws of the FCRW shall be carried out by:

Proposed amendment shall be presented during the monthly meeting as a motion, with a second, from the membership to go to the Bylaws Committee, for review.

The Bylaws Committee shall review said motion for amendment and present to the membership though email, letter or in person prior to the next monthly meeting.

Any Bylaws change must be ratified by a two third (2/3) vote of the FCRW membership in good standing and present at said meeting.

IX – DISSOLUTION

In the event of the dissolution of the Fannin County Republican Women, the Executive Board shall, after payment of all liabilities, distribute any remaining assets to the state federation. No funds shall benefit any member.