By Fred Hilsenrath
Janet Nelson of Alzheimer Arkansas gave us a pep-talk about participation in Alzheimer relief activities. Here is Janet’s message: Janet’s message 
to the Rotary on Wednesday, September 10, was titled – “A Mission to Serve Others. The major premise of the talk was, while serving others,” one has to carve out time to care for oneself. Emphasis was placed on the similarities in mission statements between the Rotary and Alzheimer’s Arkansas. Both organizations are service based organizations. Additionally, points were made about how FFB Rotary donations made to Alzheimer’s Arkansas extend the scope and reach of the Rotary in Arkansas through the programs and services offered at Alzheimer’s Arkansas. Finally, the Rotarian as well as the staff at Alzheimer’s Arkansas must maintain physical, emotional and mental health to have a rich personal and professional life. Without health and solid boundaries, balance between self and vocation can become unnecessarily blurred. Many of us over-commit with volunteer commitments at the expense of our own health. Janet’s advice was to serve and help but this is optimized by looking out for our own ability to spend the required energy.