Captain Joseph Zukas of the Lynn Fire Department and his staff led a CPR Certification Course for the Rotary Club of Lynn at the regular meeting of March 6, 2014.  A great session was held for members and guests and each participant received instruction in proper CPR techniques, administering the Heimlich Maneuver, and proper use of the portable defibrillators available in so many places now.

 

 “30 compressions and 2 breaths” was the phrase used over and over, so that participants would remember how to apply the technique in the future.  Participants knew that they never wanted to use the skill, but wanted to know it in case the possibility ever came up.  Members were concerned about knowing what to do in the event that something happened with their family, friends, or coworkers.  Husbands, wives, parents, grandparents, coworkers, each person had their motivation for learning these lifesaving skills.

 

Registration was held for the event so that the proper number of instructors would be available.  The Fire Department provided the manikins and all the equipment necessary to learn the techniques.  An instructor was needed for each 10 participants and members worked in teams learning how to apply “30 and 2”.  Instruction was given on how to use CPR on adults and children since the techniques vary due to their size.  Of particular interest to members was how to use the defibrillators.  Members were relieved to know that the defibrillators have computer programs that help walk you through the procedures.

 

All in all, the session was well received by the members and their guests.  Certification cards will be sent to participants soon, but more importantly, each person felt a little more sure of themselves in the event that they had to address an emergency needing these skills.  There were many great questions and interest was high among the members.  The Club was very thankful to Captain Zukas and the Lynn Fire Department for providing such an interesting session and a great service.

The second Grade 8 Recognition Award Program was held at the regular club meeting of February 27, 2014 recently.  Seven worthy  student were given awards for their accomplishments in overcoming obstacles in their academic career at their respective schools and for being overall great kids.  Each student received a $25 gift certificate to Barnes and Noble bookstores, a certificate for their school file, one for their home, and a $25 deposit at Riverworks Credit Union when they opened a savings account there.

 

Excitement was high among the students, teachers, and parents attending.  Lots of pictures were taken as proud parents watched their sons and daughters accept their awards.  Each school wrote up a summary of the reasons for their recipient choice, and those letters were read aloud by club members Mark  Kennard and his co-host, Lisa Campbell.

 

The following students were awarded the Student of the Month: 

Annaliese Avery                  Sacred Heart School

Sophia Lin                           KIPP

Amanda Melo-Nieves          Breed Middle School

Daniel Morris                      St. Pius V School

Leandro Pena                    Thurgood Marshall Middle School

Steven Saing                      Pickering Middle School

Jake Valeri                          St. Mary’s Marian Division

 

Club members were appreciative of the sponsorship of the 8^th Grade Awards by Riverworks Credit Union and pogram chairman, Mark Kennard thanked member Maria Cacciola of Riverworks Credit Union for their support.