You would be right if you say it's a long time since you have heard from
us/me on the internet or through the post.
No excuses. Somebody was either lazy or forgetful. Is it I?
Our Association is not 'hanging in there'; it is alive and limping. If
you would only come to our meetings four times a
year we would be strong and kicking.
Did I mention previously our 'Autumn Tea party'? It could have been
better attended, but the good thing is people
bought tickets but did not come. Those who came seemed to have some good
laughs. This time we went back to the
old way of asking for food and other items from members and friends. it
worked.
At our January quarterly meeting, Mr. Stewart, husband of one of our
members (Clerene), enlightened us about
the National Health Fund.
Presentation Content:
- Mission of the NHF
- How is the NHF financed?
- Mission strategy
- Illnesses covered
- Benefit requirements & Scope
- How to apply for the NHF card
- Receiving Benefits
The two programmes JADEP i.e. Jamaica Drug for the Elderly and the NHF
Card were thoroughly explained. The
areas covered by the Fund were outlined. Some of these are Arthritis,
Asthama, Breast and Prostate Cancer,
Diabetes, Glaucoma, Hypertension, High Cholesterol, Ischaemic Heart
Disease, Psychosis, Rheumatic Heart
Disease, Epilepsy and Vascular.
The importance of registering with the FUND was emphasized and many
members who had not previously done so
signed up their cards. (Cards were available for this).
It was an interesting presentation and members had their queries
answered.
Following this talk we had the usual refreshment and a lively Bingo
game.
In April, our quarterly meeting which should have been an outing to two
places of entertainment failed. The former,
'Serenity Park' was closed and the second one was under subscribed.
Attendance at our three quarterly meetings is poor; that's October,
January, April - fourth Saturday 3:00 p.m. -
College Campus. If the Association is to stay alive it has to get some
tonic, even old time 'String Back'. We need a
new executive slate right now for A.G.M. in July, and are not able to
find persons. Yes, most of us left S.J.T.C. and
went to universities here and abroad, but we made baby steps at S.J.T.C.
Do, come to a meeting, even twice a year.
As there is always time for a change, we gave fish fry and lunch, our
two money activities, a break this year. On the
advice of a new member we printed cards - a rally of the flowers in
which we are seeking donation for our charities.
Persons put their names on the card presented as well as their
contribution. At the A.G.M. in July all cards will be
handed in and of course
a prize for the named
flower group with the highest dollars. I think it will
do well.
