After the pledge to the flag, Chaplain Mary Jo Zimmerli gave a beautiful devotion telling the story of a young man and his wonderful relationship with his next door neighbor. Unfortunately, the story is too long to print here, but the bottom line is that almost too late in life, the influence of a gift from the neighbor, changed his life -- it was the gift of time and relationships and smiles that were important.

Lois Seaman introduced the speaker for the program of the day, Candy Congdon of Miles Home Health and Hospice, and also director of local "Lifeline.''

Miles Home Health and Hospice provides assistance in one's home for a number of services including volunteer and private duty nursing, especially for anyone needing supportive services in the home for the individuals recuperating from illness or injury, persons who are permanently or temporarily disabled, or those recently hospitalized but now desire or require personal or skilled care services.

Among the skilled services are Health Aide Services, qualified therapists providing treatment based upon a comprehensive evaluation and consultation with a physician, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, respiratory therapy and speech therapy. Also the Hospice program is a life-affirming service providing physical, emotional, spiritual and psychological support for the dying individual and his or her family.

Congdon also provided information about "Lifeline'' -- an easy to use personal response service that insures that older adults living at home get quick assistance whenever it is needed, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Lois Seaman thanked Congdon and reminded us that at the April 19 meeting, Jean Hawley and Roger Roche will present a program on "Southport Memorial Library -- 100 years -- A Peek at the Past and A Forecast for the Future.''

Come join us at 10:30 on Tuesday morning at the Y. The programs will soon be ending, so don't miss the next few meetings.