Tom Clevenger New Kiwanian

Tom Clevenger the newest member of Kiwanis with Carol Landes, Program Chair.
 Tom Clevenger, the newest member of Greenfield Kiwanis spoke at the Meet Your Kiwanian night Tuesday at the club's new meeting location Ponderosa Steakhouse.
Tom spoke of growing up in Fort Wayne.  While at Homestead High School, Tom found his life calling of working with people with disabilities.  Tom mentored special students at Homestead.  After attending Franklin College and Indiana University Tom worked for several organizations that work with  the developmentally disabled including  Special Olympics.  Aside from working for Special Olympics, Tom has volunteered with the Special Olympics as an Area Director and Coach.  Tom coached Track and Field and Power lifting.  Tom was coach of a world champion power lifter.
Tom is the nephew of Kiwanian Nancy Ferdon.  He is married and has three children.  He enjoys hunting and collects hot sauces.

Kirsten Clevenger, Physical Therapist

Kirsten Clevenger, Physical Therapist, spoke to Kiwanis recently.  Kirsten has a degree in Physical Therapy and Physical Education and spoke about fall prevention.   Fall prevention is important at any age but especially to people 65 or older as 60% of fall-related deaths occur among people 65 and older.  More than one-third of adults 65+ fall each year.  The causes range from unsafe living environment, medications, muscle weakness, and vision problems to balance problems.  Prevention can begin with a regular exercise program.  Balance and coordination exercises should be included in any program to help strengthen and improve the ability to prevent falls.  The program should be approved by a doctor before beginning.  Vision should be checked and making the home safer by keeping the floor free of items that can cause tripping (paper, books, shoes and small throw rugs) should help.  Home areas should be well lit.  Hand rails on both sides of stairs and good lighting on all stairways is important.  These are just a few of the suggestions given to improve safety for any age.