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Health & Fitness

McLean Auxiliary Celebrates a Great Year at the Annual Meeting and Strawberry Festival

The McLean Auxiliary held its Annual Meeting and Strawberry Festival on Monday, June 3rd. For more than 45 years, the very dedicated members of the McLean Auxiliary have supported the programs, residents and staff at McLean. This was another wonderful year with dozens of volunteers running the gift shop, offering special programs, and hosting fundraising events, reported McLean Auxiliary President Alison Hampton Bigman. The meeting opened with the presentation of the $1,500 Auxiliary scholarship by Lorraine Daigle, chair of the Scholarship Committee. Mrs. Daigle said “It is my distinct pleasure to announce that Jennifer Wilkinson, a full time Certified Nursing Assistant at McLean, is the 2013 recipient. Jennifer, a resident of Granby, is a goal oriented, determined and intelligent young woman. Jennifer currently holds an AD from Asnuntuck Community College, and while working full time as a CNA is pursuing full time her LPN at A.I. Price Technical School. Additionally, Jennifer is the mother of two school aged children and, when time permits, volunteers with her church. Jennifer’s references describe her as “dedicated, hardworking, conscientious, and committed to giving excellent care to her patients.” They also told us she shows great potential to become a wonderful nurse. Next Marge Brown, McLean Auxiliary Vice President and the chair of the Nominating Committee presented the slate of officers for 2014 which was passed unanimously: Lorraine Daigle, President; Alison Bigman, Vice President; Vickie Dirienzo, Recording Secretary, Connie Norstrom, Treasurer. Annually, the McLean Auxiliary awards thousands of dollars in grants to McLean departments based upon proposals submitted for the Board’s consideration. The funds are raised with the operation of the all-volunteer gift shop that is open to the public 7 days a week plus proceeds from fundraising events such as the recent Singin’ Dentist performance. This year $17,100 in grants were given to the various departments at McLean to enrich residents’ lives and assist in the care and increase the enjoyment of the residents. Some of the grants were given included assistance to the horticulture and ceramics programs, funds for many live performers throughout the year, and to provide digital scales to the Home Care Department. Again this year, the Auxiliary made a sizeable grant to the Personal Needs Fund so those who do not have the funds can always receive things they deserve like an appointment at the beauty salon. If you are interested in joining the McLean Auxiliary, please call the Auxiliary voicemail at 860 658-3710 or stop by the McLean Gift Shop to get an application.

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