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Bob Scheidt presided tonight.

 

Guests:  Andrea Collaway and Linda Czop from Sunset House and Tony Mormino (last time as a guest!)

 

Membership:  Next week we plan to induct Tony Mormino as a member.  Bob Kosinsky is Tony's sponsor.

 

Andrea Collaway is Executive Director of Sunset House and Linda Czop has been a volunteer for over 3 years and is now Volunteer Coordinator.  The Sunset House is a home for the dying located in Irondequoit on St. Paul Street. The home was founded in 1990 with the help of Jim and Gail Nealon after the passing of their 16-year-old daughter Jennifer. The Nealon's committed themselves to establishing a local residence where those with an end-stage illness could receive dignified comfort care in a home like setting.  Over the years, 677 residents have been served.  There is room for 2 residents at a time.  Length of stay ranges from a few hours to 8 weeks.  They take great care of the dying but do much more:  take care of the families, provide specialized wholistic care by knowing their residents likes/dislikes and doing small things like holding hands and working together on jig-saw puzzles.  It's a Spiritual Journey for all involved.  It is NOT depressing work because it provides a peaceful, loving place for people to pass.  They say that we hold the hand of a brand new baby and we should hold the hand of a dying person.  

 

Linda Czop is Volunteer Coordinator and says that volunteering is a great experience.  She did not feel comfortable doing it before she tried but immediately realized what a rewarding experience volunteering can be.  Volunteers can pick their hours - as much or as little as they can afford.  Training is provided on an ongoing basis.  Medical training is not required but those retired from the Medical field would make great volunteers.  

 

Sunset House funding is primarily from fundraising and individual donations.  They are just finishing off a renovation of both of their bathrooms.  Future wishes would be to expand their space to allow for more family to visit and for volunteers.  "Love Always" is an annual event held this year on Feb 14 from 6:30-8pm.  You can purchase a memorial luminaria for $10. Each luminaria is personalized with the name of your loved one. All are welcome to join them that night and walk the lighted path, reading the names and reflecting on lost loved ones.  See the website for more info on this event and other upcoming fundraisers.

 

After the presentation, Bob Scheidt presented our speakers with a check for $500 from our club to show our support for the great work done at Sunset House.

 

Many contributions for Sunset House presentation, Foundation, and Polio.

 

Lou DiPrima for next week's induction of Tony Mormino and for Bob Kosinsky and Ray Holla for setting up the dinners for us. 

Lynn Wozniak for March of Life event in Washington, D.C. this year which included many more young men than she has seen in past years.

Ray Holla for club anniversary.

Dave Shaheen for cruise to Carribean.

Bob Scheidt for a trip to Savannah.