Minutes of the Feb 27th Meeting

Heartworks
Minutes of February 27, 2008
Present: Maralise Boynton,Carmel Furtado, Stacy Gates, Lisa Kelly, Wanda Knowles, Irene Nadler, Ellen Ogden, Julie Pierce, Katie Pinkus, Victoria Silsby, Margo Smithwick.
Old Business
Lisa began the meeting by thanking everyone for their support throughout the month. Although people may not be available to attend every meeting, they are still responding to those in need via our email requests.
Megan, from Londonderry, has been on chemo; however the results indicate that it will be a rough road. She was most appreciative of the food, gas cards and diapers. At this time she is not seeking any further help.
Terry Brady is out of the hospital and home. The results are very good.
New Business
Stacy Gates shared the cloth post cards she made for various occasions throughout the year. She is willing to share her talents with us in her studio, so that we might make our own "Heartworks" thank you or get well cards. More to follow…
Brian Gawlik is a technology teacher at Burr and Burton and he has had leukemia for ten years. He is single, in his 40’s and always there for everyone else when they need him. Lisa suggested we send him a care package with computer related items or things to read etc.
Paul Schwindt works at Finn and Stone and he also has been diagnosed with leukemia. He is an avid bicyclist and Lisa suggested sending a care package to him as well.
We discussed Pam Casey last meeting and have since found out that her child’s liver tumor has been removed, but the youngster will need bone marrow treatment. It was suggested that gas cards would be a valued necessity. Anyone interested in giving a gas card can get it to Lisa and she will pass it along to Kathi Bierwith and on to Pam.
Victoria shared that Tina and Scotty Maier might need some occasional help with meals. Scotty has cancer and they are elderly and could use assistance. Victoria will follow up on this and let us know.
Maralise shared that Missy Coleman gave birth to their new son "Cooper". Missy is one of our members and we decided to assist with meals and put together a special baby package for Cooper.
Our focus for this month will be Brian, Paul and Missy. Contributions for our care packages and baby items may be dropped off at Carmel’s shop at 180 Elm St. in Manchester. Anyone interested in putting the gift packages together, we will meet at 4:00 on March 16th at 180 Elm St.
Lisa said Heartworks can be an opportunity to help our own members as well by highlighting new ventures or networking with others. Margo Smithwick is a photographer who worked for the Rutland Herald and is now opening her own studio. Her specialty is children and families. She will shoot at her studio or on location. 297-3372
Lisa pointed out that the focus of Heartworks is primarily to help others in our local communities, however she suggested it might also be worthwhile to look at things more globally. Lisa expressed her feelings about her recent trip to New Orleans and the lack of progress that has been made in that area. A discussion focused on getting the message out to more people about the severity of the situation in New Orleans.
Action Items
Victoria will check with Tina about meals.
Irene will call Kate Cass from Neighbor to Neighbor about senior citizens.
Katie will check with Vinny about how we can help.
Would everyone forward their phone number to Lisa in case we need it.
Brian’s Care package- Victoria, Maralise, Carmel, Margo, Katie, Julie, Irene, Lisa and Stacy
Paul’s Care package-Victoria, Maralise,Carmel, Margo, Katie, Julie, Irene, Lisa and Stacy
Missy’s Baby Package- Maralise, Carmel, Margo, Stacy, Julie, Victoria, Lisa, Katie and Irene
Anyone may add to the Care or Baby packages by dropping off at 180 Elm St. before March 16th.