banner
Bulletin Editor
Larry Haber
Speakers
Feb 20, 2026
Rotary Fellowship
Feb 27, 2026
Trinity Academy
Mar 06, 2026
Avon Connecticut's First Century
Mar 13, 2026
Mar 20, 2026
Melanoma
Mar 27, 2026
Therapy Dogs
View entire list
Executives & Directors
President
 
President Elect
 
Secretary
 
Treasurer
 
Immediate Past President
 
Membership
 
Sergeant-at-Arms
 
Rotary Foundation
 
International Service Chair
 
Community Service Chair
 
Board Member-at-Large
 
Board Member-at-Large
 
Assistant Treasurer
 
Interact Chair
 
Club Information
Rotary of Avon-Canton - Founded 1973
Avon-Canton
Service above Self
Fridays at 7:30 a.m.
FAVARH Life Education Center
150 Commerce Drive
Canton, CT 06019
United States of America
Fax:
(860) 760-6364
All meetings are hybrid with both in-person and Zoom available. Check our website for any weekly changes. Please park in the lower entry lot.
District Site Icon
District Site
Venue Map
Venue Map

 

August 22, 2025

Treasurer, State of Connecticut

Erik Russell
 
 
 
 
Sergeant-at-Arms Report 
Rotarians Present: 29
 
Visiting Rotarians: None
 
Guests:  Brian Magna (Speaker)
Happy Dollars: $79
Raffle Winner: Tom Wood
 
 
Fines: None today.
 
Birthdays:
 
Larry Haber 8/15      
 
Deb Stanwood 8/15 
 
Peter Vignati 8/16   
 
 
Meeting Summary
The meeting began with club updates and birthday celebrations, followed by discussions about various ongoing projects and events including a fire department lobster fest. The main focus was on Ryan Magna's presentation about the longevity mindset, which explored how mindset can impact health and physiology through studies and personal experiences. The presentation concluded with information about the Longevity Zone initiative, which offers resources and discounts to promote healthy living and longevity in the Farmington Valley.
 
Happy Dollars
 
Steve Morris announced that FAVARH has received a 2.5 million dollar grant from the state towards the construction of a new building on their campus.  Eleni Kavros-Degraw and Paul Honig were instrumental in securing the state bond funding for Favarh's new building project. 
 
Salin Low noted that the club really steps up when you ask for help and that she got more volunteers than needed for the Hole in One watchers.
 
Johnny Guillot  mentioned that he and his wife just celebrated their  38 anniversary.  
 
Deb Stanwood reminded members of the Canton Fire Department Lobster Fest.
 
Dick Kisel is in love with Prednisone as he is no longer having back pain.
 
Gary Miller will be parking cars for the Lions Club at the Lobster Fest and also that his grandson turned 18 yesterday.
 
Sue Budde complimented the club for the hard work and good time while packing 400 pencil boxes at Heather's house.
 
 
Announcements & Upcoming Events
 
Golf Tournament:  Deadline for new ads and new t-signs is 8/25.  Ads should go to Sue and T-Signs to Colleen. 
 
Donations for the for the raffle basket are also needed, including items like restaurant gift cards, high-end alcohol, and scratch tickets, or monetary contributions to purchase these items.
 
Induction of New Members
None this week.
Awards
 
 
None this week
 
 
Community and International Service Grants
None this week.
 
 
 
Speaker
Dr. Brian A. Magna, DPT, ATC
Magna Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine Center
Avon & Canton, Connecticut
The Longevity Zone
Farmington, CT
 
Brian is the owner of Magna Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine Centers in Avon and Canton as well as the founder of The Longevity Zone, based here in the Farmington Valley.  The Longevity zone is an organization dedicated to the health of all individuals following three pillars:  Physical,  Mental and Community Health, in order to help extend your HealthSpan.
 
 

Brian discussed a study by Helen Langer, a psychologist from Harvard, which explored the impact of mindset on health and physiology. The study involved two groups of men, with one group pretending to live in 1959 for a week, while the other group lived in 1979. After just one week, the group living as if it was 1959 significantly improved in various health markers, including grip strength, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and vision, while the other group did not show improvements. This study highlights the potential role of mindset in influencing physical health.

Shifting to a Giving Mindset

Brian discussed the importance of shifting from an acquisition mindset to a giving mindset after the age of 60, as described in the book "Live to 120." He emphasized the need to focus on extending healthspan and avoiding the mindset of accepting decline after age 50. Lawrence highlighted key factors for longevity, including grip strength, gait, posture, balance, dexterity, flexibility, vision, and hearing, and encouraged participants to take proactive steps to maintain these aspects of health.

Active Aging and Longevity Benefits

Brian discussed the importance of challenging oneself and maintaining an active lifestyle as one ages, emphasizing that avoiding physical activities due to age-related fears can lead to decreased health and longevity. He highlighted the benefits of regular exercise, such as ziplining and stair climbing, in preventing conditions like osteoporosis and arthritis, while also stressing the significance of a positive mindset and strong social connections in promoting overall well-being. Brian concluded by noting that relationships, particularly with a spouse, play a crucial role in longevity, even if bickering is part of the dynamic.

Mindset's Role in Health and Longevity

Brian discussed the concept of mindset and its impact on health, citing studies that show mindset plays a significant role in physiological states such as cholesterol levels, healing rates, and heart rate. He emphasized that while 25% of health is genetic, 75% is within an individual's control through factors like exercise, diet, and mindset. Brian  shared a personal story about his daughter using visualization techniques to improve her performance as a ballet dancer and highlighted the benefits of meditation for the mind. He encouraged the audience to share stories about positive mindset experiences, particularly in the context of longevity, and mentioned the "Longevity Zone" initiative for Farmer Valley.

Longevity Zone Membership Benefits

Briand iscussed the Longevity Zone, a membership organization that offers discounted business classes and local discounts at restaurants like Avon Prime Meet and Deep Water Seafood. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, a childlike mindset, and staying active, to increase longevity. Lawrence encouraged attendees to take advantage of the resources available through the Longevity Zone and to adopt a more positive and curious outlook on life.

 

 

Special Announcements

None this week.
 
Mail Bag
 
Photo Credits
Photos by

Lawrence discussed a study by Helen Langer, a psychologist from Harvard, which explored the impact of mindset on health and physiology. The study involved two groups of men, with one group pretending to live in 1959 for a week, while the other group lived in 1979. After just one week, the group living as if it was 1959 significantly improved in various health markers, including grip strength, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and vision, while the other group did not show improvements. This study highlights the potential role of mindset in influencing physical health.

Shifting to a Giving Mindset

Lawrence discussed the importance of shifting from an acquisition mindset to a giving mindset after the age of 60, as described in the book "Live to 120." He emphasized the need to focus on extending healthspan and avoiding the mindset of accepting decline after age 50. Lawrence highlighted key factors for longevity, including grip strength, gait, posture, balance, dexterity, flexibility, vision, and hearing, and encouraged participants to take proactive steps to maintain these aspects of health.

Active Aging and Longevity Benefits

Lawrence discussed the importance of challenging oneself and maintaining an active lifestyle as one ages, emphasizing that avoiding physical activities due to age-related fears can lead to decreased health and longevity. He highlighted the benefits of regular exercise, such as ziplining and stair climbing, in preventing conditions like osteoporosis and arthritis, while also stressing the significance of a positive mindset and strong social connections in promoting overall well-being. Lawrence concluded by noting that relationships, particularly with a spouse, play a crucial role in longevity, even if bickering is part of the dynamic.

Mindset's Role in Health and Longevity

Lawrence discussed the concept of mindset and its impact on health, citing studies that show mindset plays a significant role in physiological states such as cholesterol levels, healing rates, and heart rate. He emphasized that while 25% of health is genetic, 75% is within an individual's control through factors like exercise, diet, and mindset. Lawrence shared a personal story about his daughter using visualization techniques to improve her performance as a ballet dancer and highlighted the benefits of meditation for the mind. He encouraged the audience to share stories about positive mindset experiences, particularly in the context of longevity, and mentioned the "Longevity Zone" initiative for Farmer Valley.

Longevity Zone Membership Benefits

Lawrence discussed the Longevity Zone, a membership organization that offers discounted business classes and local discounts at restaurants like Avon Prime Meet and Deep Water Seafood. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, a childlike mindset, and staying active, to increase longevity. Lawrence encouraged attendees to take advantage of the resources available through the Longevity Zone and to adopt a more positive and curious outlook on life.

 

 
Technology Credits
Zoom platform management expertise by Mike Mezheritskiy.
 
Editor's Notes
Submission Deadline: Members are kindly encouraged to submit all materials for each week's Early Riser as early as possible. Please note that some editions may be published and distributed as early as the Saturday following our meetings, and during those weeks further contributions to the Early Riser will be included in the subsequent week's edition.
“The FOUR-WAY TEST of the things we think, say or do”:

1. Is it the TRUTH?
2. Is it FAIR to all Concerned?
3. Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
4. Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?