Rotary Log for May 9, 2019
On a cool, but beautiful Spring day President Cleo called the meeting to order. Following the Pledge, Al Lantinen once again led a vigorously sung patriotic number. Today’s greeter, Matt Randall, initiated the Four-Way Test. Aspiring Club Chaplain John Rice offered another sterling invocation.
Announcements
Cleo thanked the Hands-on Committee for yeoman service on her President’s project, the sprucing up of the John Paul Jones House. Another session is scheduled for Saturday.
The Seacoast Recovery Forums continue, according to Governor Dave. When this announcement hits your inbox, the next meeting is scheduled for June 3, 6 to 8pm, at Wentworth Douglas Hospital Garrison Wing Auditorium.
Tiffany impresses with her leadership of our club’s service to Crossroads House. Cooks and servers are needed for Saturday May 25 and Wednesday June 5th.
The Interact Club at Portsmouth High School thrives under the guidance of Joanie Dickinson, Craig Taylor and Donna Harvey. This Saturday the Club will be doing an annual clean-up project at Wallis Sands State Park.
The annual Vocational Awards program fast approaches. Lexi is looking for Committee members and nominees. Our fantastically informative website has the form. This is a great opportunity to recognize an unsung hero in the categories of Public Service, Education, Health and Human Services, and a General class.
Finally, appearing for Bill Hurley, who’s been noticeably absent for several weeks due to business obligations, was Joe Cunningham. Joe announced that on the already jam-packed upcoming Saturday he and Bill will be loading a container with thousands of pieces of equipment. Crutches for Africa is the cause, putting to good use perfectly serviceable mobility devices for poorer places in this world.
The Raffle
Craig Taylor’s number was pulled for the $51 prize, and there was a $125 match! All the better for the club, as Craig generously donated the winnings back. What a guy!
The speaker- Anne McSally, Hospice Help Foundation
Death and dying are not usually associated with words like uplifting and hopeful. Yet, today’s speaker, Anne McSally, brought a measure of both to a very upbeat presentation about Hospice Help Foundation. Standing in for Executive Director Marsha Filion, Anne described a unique non-profit incorporated in 2015. An organization that has assisted hundreds of individuals and their families at the end of life.
The mission is to provide financial support for hospice patients and their families who have dire financial need. This help is designed to enhance quality of life and lift the financial and emotional burdens that accompany a terminal diagnosis.
The Foundation accepts requests for otherwise unfunded needs of dying patients. These applications are vetted by social workers and approved by the Foundation’s board of directors. Anne effectively shared that mission through a series of positive and poignant stories.
Among those tales was one about a homebound man who was provided with a motorized scooter. He simply wanted to go fishing with his wife. Another person was provided with art supplies. An elderly woman with broken glasses was helped to purchase a new pair.
We often take so much for granted. Home Health Foundation doesn’t. The group assists people with basic needs such as rent and utility payments. It helps set minds at ease with assistance for funeral expenses. The agency is there to support people who have no resources to call upon at the end of their lives.
According to the website, hhelpfoundation.org, “Our support transcends the usual scope of hospice care by providing assistance for services not covered by Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance, and is available to patients regardless of which hospice provides their care”.
In her concluding comments Ms. McSally had three “asks.” First, spread the word about the Foundation. Second, donate. And, finally, volunteer. And she planted a seed: where are you with your advance directives?
Respectfully submitted, Neal Ouellett
Sorry no pictures this week!
