Daffodil Days A Winner 

for the American Cancer Society

   

     John Gately said, "This year, we again raised over $1,000 to help fund the American Cancer Society's research and patient resources. We thank our neighbors and friends in Melrose and the surrounding communities who gave generously. Special thanks goes to Joan Ford Mongeau, Director of the Melrose Chamber of Commerce, who joined with us to help solicit donations for Daffodil Days."

     John Gately said, "We look forward to Daffodil Days each year. The daffodils are a symbol of hope - the American Cancer Society means hope for many cancer patients. Each year, Daffodil Days raises much needed money for cancer research, programs, transportation for patients, and education."

     Donors can pick up their Daffodils and/or Daffodil Days gifts on Wednesday, March 20th from 10 am until 4 pm at Gately Funeral Home.

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Infant and Child Car Seats Save Lives

   

The best way to keep your children safe in a car is to have them in the right car seat that is installed properly.*

 

     The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration stresses that a car seat is essential to a child's safety in a motor vehicle. Car seats are especially effective for small children. In fact, the correct use of an infant car seat prevents 71% of potential deaths in the first year of life. 

 

     Only two states - Florida and South Dakota - do NOT have car seat safety laws. In Massachusetts the law requires car seats for all children under age seven and those  less than 57" tall.**

     Infants and toddlers should ride in rear-facing car seats until the age of two, or when they reach height and weight limits set by car seat manufacturers. They should then change to forward-facing car seats secured with seat belts ... progress to booster seats, and eventually to sitting in the back seat of a car secured with a seat belt.*

     Proper installation of car seats is essential for maximum effectiveness.  The Melrose Fire Department supports child safety by offering free installation of child car seats and booster seats by certified technicians. Simply make an appointment for Monday through Saturday between 9 am and 5 pm. Contact David Sutton at dsulton@cityofmelrose.org or call Melrose Fire Headquarters at 781-665-0501.

      If you already have an infant or child seat installed and would like to have it inspected, call the Melrose Police Station at 781-775-1212 to make an appointment for a safety check.

*National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration. 

**Governors Highway Safety Administration website.

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The Servant's Heart Food Pantry ...a Valuable Resource for the Community

 

     A handful of volunteers started The Servant's Heart Food Pantry in 1996, distributing food to five needy families from a three-shelf bookcase in the basement of Faith Evangelical Church on Franklin Street. Ten years later there were nearly 70 families receiving food each month.  

 

     Today SHFP offers emergency food to more than 230 families in Melrose and surrounding communities every month. Faith Evangelical Church is now partnered with St. Mary's Church which supports the Food Pantry with volunteers and food on a weekly basis. They help sort, organize the food, and serve the pantry every Friday from 10 am to 11:30 am.

 

     The SHFP relies on food and financial donations to meet the needs of those in the greater Melrose community and is staffed completely by volunteers. The name, "A Servant's Heart," symbolizes the attitude of service embodied by the donors, volunteers, and coordinators.  

 

     The Food Pantry is open every Friday from 10 am - 11:30 am. Individuals may come to the Food Pantry twice a month. Although the Food Pantry gets generous donations around the holidays, there are consistent needs which include such items as:

 

Rice & pasta  

Coffee
Canned turkey or chicken, beef stew,
corned beef hash, tuna
Hamburger Helper
Pasta sauce
Juice
Cooking oil
Mayonnaise, ketchup, & mustard
Jelly or jam
Campbell Chunky Soups
Canned fruit
Crackers
Cereal
Cake mix
Pretzels, cookies, snack bars
Peanut butter

 

     Non-edible items are also requested such as: mouthwash, toothpaste, shampoo, dish detergent, laundry detergent, toilet paper, tissues, hand soap, deodorant, air freshener, and cleaning products.

 

For more information, go to their web site  or call 781-662-8226.

                     

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Frequently Asked Questions    

     A eulogy is a speech in remembrance of the one who died and is one of the most important elements of the funeral service. Being chosen to give a person's eulogy is an honor, but it can sometimes be difficult. Here are some tips to help you prepare for and deliver a memorable eulogy:

• Begin by writing a list of what you want to include in the eulogy, such as awards, accomplishments, hobbies, and interests. Include special memories you have of your loved one as well.
• Speak with your family and friends to gather more information.
• Try to tie the information you now have into a theme. For instance, if your family member was always happy or smiling, create your eulogy around his or her happy outlook on life. Write your speech around how accomplished the person was in all aspects of life.
• Begin to write your eulogy and include personal remembrances, but avoid inside jokes that others might not understand. Highlight important life moments - make your eulogy a celebration of life.
• Practice delivering the eulogy in front of a mirror. Make whatever changes necessary and then ask others who knew your loved one well to hear you read it aloud to them. Ask for their input.
• When you are satisfied with your speech, write or type it out in large type onto cards or paper. This is helpful, even if you don't think you will need to reference your notes.
• Bring tissues with you to the lecturn, just in case you need them. Don't be afraid to show emotion; you won't be alone.
• Take a deep breath and as much time as you need to compose yourself before you begin. Think of your loved one; picture his or her face and speak as though he or she were in the room. Speak from the heart.
• Introduce yourself and your relationship to the deceased. Acknowledge the family members present.
• Try not to go over 5 to 7 minutes because people tend to let their minds wander after 5 minutes and you will lose some of the impact you are looking for.

     If you need more information on writing a eulogy or would like a sample template for creating a eulogy, your funeral director can help you. Contact us at 781-665-1949.