Port Jefferson Rotary (June 29, 2016) (Jun 29, 2016)

News of the Meeting of June 28th:

Posted by Yvette Hohler on Jun 28, 2016

Today, we welcomed as our visiting speaker Laura Marinus-Menno, Director of Recreation at the Woodhaven Center of Care (on Rte. 112, Port Jeff Station). Sharon introduced Laura, suggesting that we might want to create a volunteer hands-on project at that facility. Laura, a former nurse whose employment history also includes her having previously worked as a florist and as a cake decorator, has held her current position at Woodhaven for 9 1/2 years, where she has become totally devoted to her clients, the residents at Woodhaven. Laura explained that Woodhaven encompasses 2 facilities with over 180 residents- a skilled Nursing Home and an Assisted Living Residence. She described her clientele as rather diverse- a variety of ages and backgrounds, possessing different skills and abilities, having a variety of physical and emotional needs- but most requiring attention, loving care, and relief from loneliness. She sees her job, which she adores, as bringing cheer to all, even the most difficult resident, in whatever way possible. Laura enjoys engaging her clients in reminiscing and feels that each has a gift to share with visitors. She invites us to visit and share some time with her clients. Among her suggestions: we can offer to read to a resident- often a good conversation starter; or lead a crafts activity. All kinds of help with socializing with the residents are needed. Visitor/Volunteers are welcome 7 days a week all year round- not just during holidays.

ANNOUNCEMENTS/REMINDERS: There's still $217 in the pot waiting to be won. YOU could win it. Next opportunity: our July 12th luncheon at Cafe Spiga. ***Please Note: Membership voted to cancel the July 5th meeting; so, THERE'LL BE NO MEETING ON JULY 5th! (Here's to a safe, happy Independence Day!) Michael, who presided over today's meeting, thanked Nancy & Bob for arranging the special dinner at Mather Hospital on 6/23. Attendees especially praised the food & drinks and appreciated learning about cyber security from the informative speaker. Registration for the 2017 RI Convention in Atlanta is now open, with special rates available for early registrants. Saturday, July 9th, is the date for our next Stuff-A-Van at the Mount Sinai King Kullen- with 2 shifts: 10:00 to 11:30 AM and 11:30 to 1 PM. Volunteers are welcome. Our Habitat Build date is Saturday, July 16th and will run from morning to mid-afternoon. Members are invited to take part along with family & friends. The cost will be $100 (for members: $50 paid by the club and $50 by the participant). Place, time, and instructions TBA. Joan Elliott is sending out invitations to our club members to meet the visiting Australian Friendship Exchange group at a gathering at Dale's place on 7/10, 6-8 PM. Contact her for further info. Ed much enjoyed his opportunity to attend the installation of our new DG, MJ Fitzgerald, at the Royalton Mansion in Roslyn Heights on 6/23. Have you sold all of your RAFFLE TICKETS yet? If not, please do so in a timely fashion. Although our club team will not take part in the 9/17 Dragon Boat Races due to the lack of enough participants, Pat says you should contact him if you'd like to crew on another team.

***Please visit our club's Face Book Page and Like it. Debbie posted many photos taken at Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck. Who do you recognize?

If you missed today's meeting, kindly inform Yvette about make-ups in a timely fashion.