Oct - Old Ottawa South

THE OSCARlOCTOBER 2013Page 21Continued from page 20a broad range of backgrounds, variedmotivations and come from theneighbourhood or from afar.Rosemary Timlin, at the receptiondesk, is a member of the MayCourt Club and works every dayof the week to 3 p.m. She has beenvolunteering over 8 years. Her sister,Mary Francis was President of MayCourt Club. Elizabeth Jolliffe, whoworks on database, word processingand reception, nine hours per week,is a retired correctional officer andhas been volunteering for nine years.“I am just happy being a volunteer”she said. Tracy Arnett, owner of areal estate firm, a resident of OldOttawa South, has been volunteeringfor three years feeding patients inpalliative care. The help given to herfather-in-law in the Brockville MayCourt Hospice motivated her to volunteer.She is a Director of the MayCourt Board, sponsors the “Hike forHospice”, and “Movie at Mayfair”.Deirdre McQuillan, recently retiredOSCA Executive Director, likesgardening and this is her first year ofvolunteering. Carol Michaelis, wholikes flower arranging, comes all theway from Stittsville, and has beenvolunteer for over three years. “Thisis a beautiful place to work” shesaid, and “other volunteers are nice”Her special project was painting thehallways, cloakrooms and residents’rooms with Bob Legawski and CraigTurner who work on maintenance.Both men live in the neighbourhoodand have been volunteering for overseven years. They like having “somethingto do”. They built a gardenshed, fixed closets for art – “whateverneeds to be done”. Craig beganas receptionist! There is flexibility.OSCA Web/ITChair and EditorGwen Gall andthe May CourtHospiceBy Brendan McCoyGwen Gall, long-time OSCA WebEditor, OSCA Board Memberand local activist was recently aresident at the May Court Hospice.It was typical of Gwen thatshe consented to an article onlyto publicize the great work ofthe Hospice. Gwen’s own longstruggle in the face of illness wasnot to be the focus.Sitting in a light-filled roomoverlooking flowering gardens,Gwen, lucid and friendly as ever,began our talk by telling me aboutthe great care she was receiving.She spoke of the well-run facility,the professional staff, and thehundreds of volunteers that makePeople can do two or three differentjobs. It is fun. There is no pressureand volunteers are appreciated.Future expansionThe May Court Hospice is now apart of Hospice Care Ottawa, whichleased 8 beds at Embassy West onCarling this year, and also boughtthe Trinity Presbyterian Church inKanata for $1.4 million. The formerchurch will be renamed the ‘Mc-Curdy Hospice’, and transformedinto a 10-bed residential and dayhospice. Some $6 million are neededto make it serviceable.Gwen at the Hospice with her friend and OSCA colleague Kathy Krywicki.PHOTO BY GREG REILLYMay Court such a wonderfulplace.With her husband Greg, andCarlaine, one of her sisters, sittingby her, Gwen said she wanted toput on the record the benefits ofthe Hospice: “It is much betterthan a hospital” she said “It is likea home, and has an atmosphere ofquiet and peace”.Gwen’s sister concurred andsaid she was very impressed bythe cooks and the food, includingfresh breakfasts and the manymeal options including a Thaicoconutsoup.This facility is just down mystreet, but it was the first time Ihad ever been inside. On my wayout, I admired the library, stoppedin the lounge and walked out intothe garden overlooking the riverwhere a local cat was sunningitself. It is an important facilityindeed.Gwen passed away at theHospice on September 16th.Register now!Save $10 byregisteringonline!Tuion:Adults: $180.00Seniors (65+): $140.00Students (14+): $140.00For program details, registraon informaon, andonline registraon, visit us atwww.minimed.uoawa.cawww.minimed.uoawa.ca(613) 761‐4480 ext. 2‘Defeating Cancer: Progress in theManagement of Cancer in 2013’The University of Oawa, Office of Connuing Medical Educaon is pleasedto offer its Fall 2013 program. This is a unique 6‐week series of innovaveand informave lectures on modern and progressive cancer‐related topicsdelivered by University of Oawa faculty.Thursday evenings from 7:00‐9:00pmOctober 24 to November 28, 2013*Week 2 Lecture will be held on Monday, October 28The Ottawa Hospital, Civic Campus, Amphitheatre1053 Carling Avenue, Ottawa ONFollow us on Twier! @CME_uOawa