Blood Needed: LVAC Hosting Annual Drive

Lewisboro Volunteer Ambulance Corps (LVAC) is scheduling a community blood drive at its headquarters, 777 Route 35, Cross River, Wednesday, February 29 from 2:30 to 8:30 PM. Healthy people of all blood types are encouraged to donate as hospital use of blood products remains high -- due to surgeries, emergencies and care of cancer patients. Every three seconds someone needs blood and one out of three people will need blood during their lifetime. Area hospitals need blood 2000 times a day just to meet demand.

Eligible donors include people at least age 16 (with parental permission on NY Blood Center form available at the Drive)) to 75 years of age, who weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and are in good health. People age 76 and over may donate with a doctor's note. If you have medical eligibility questions, please call 1-800-688-0900. Please bring identification with photo or signature. Donors should eat and be well hydrated before donating.

Appointments are preferred but walk-ins are welcome. Please call Kathy Peterson at (914) 763-3818 or e-mail at kep6707@aol.com.

2012 LVAC Board of Directors

(Left to Right, front row) Assistant Captain Annie Petronis, Board Member Nancy Musich, and Vice President Ann Hirsch

(Back row) Captain Bob Stoddard, Treasurer Sue Herzog, Secretary Phyllis Fletcher, and President Jim Reilly

Lewisboro Volunteer Ambulance Corps members voted for a realignment of its Board Of Directors at its recent Annual Meeting. Nancy Musich has been elected a new member of the Board while current Board member Phyllis Fletcher has been elected Secretary. Fletcher replaces Nancy Hitchcock who stepped down as Board Secretary after eight years of service. Hitchcock will continue her operational duties as an EMT and Crew Chief. Reelected to the Board are James Reilly, President, Ann Hirsch, Vice President, Sue Herzog, Treasurer, Bob Stoddard, Captain and Annie Petronis, Assistant Captain. At the meeting, President Reilly spoke for the Board when he praised Nancy Hitchcock for her "unmatched professionalism, grace and commitment" during her long tenure as Secretary.

All of us at LVAC want to extend our gratitude and appreciation to the many first responder agencies that took part at the recent memorial services for our beloved friend and colleague, Laurie Gagliardi. EMTs from the Vista Fire Department with members of the Police Department relocated to LVAC headquarters to handle any 911 medical emergency calls during the funeral services while North Salem VAC went on standby to handle any calls in the northern part of the Town. A Westchester EMS (WEMS) paramedic response car took part in the procession from Clark’s Funeral home in Katonah to the South Salem Cemetery along with both LVAC ambulances. Thank you also to the officers and members of the Katonah-Bedford Hills Volunteer Ambulance Corps and the South Salem and Golden Bridge Fire Departments who attended the memorial service at the South Salem Presbyterian Church. Lewisboro Town police officers as well as representatives from the State Police also paid their respects at the memorial service. We also extend our heartfelt appreciation to the representatives of Lewisboro Town Government agencies who attended and to the many others who called or visited LVAC to express their condolences.

Sincerely,

James C. Reilly
LVAC President

Laurie Gagliardi

(1951-2011)

In Loving Memory

 

 

"Memories of Laurie" by Karen Barber

 

It is so difficult to put into a few minutes of words just how much Laurie meant to all her family, friends, co-workers, and townspeople gathered here today to celebrate her life.

Laurie touched so many lives, and we are all so privileged to have had her touch ours.

Many people, when they spoke of Laurie, called her "little Laurie" because physically Laurie was little. Short of stature as one person put it, she had little hands and little feet and delighted in all sorts of little things. I remember all our birthday celebrations and holidays throughout the almost 20 years I knew Laurie. She would always say to me, "I got you a little something for your birthday "or whatever occasion it was. If someone else said those words, it would mean they spent a few dollars on your gift, but Laurie actually meant she got you something tiny in size, a little treasure. Many of us at LVAC have windowsills lined with wonderful little treasures: a tiny wooden box with a heart inside, a tiny birdhouse that opens up to reveal tiny eggs inside a tiny nest, little angels to look over us, or all sorts of tiny dog figurines that Laurie was always able to find that looked just like your pet.

Laurie loved all creatures, even the tiniest ones. If we found an insect or spider at LVAC, she would not let anyone step on it. It had to be carefully lifted and carried outside to be set free.

Sue Lineen remembers that for many years we've had a big turtle that lays her eggs right out in front of LVAC in the garden bed right by the flagpole. Many years we'd be lucky enough to witness the hatching of dozens of these tiny creatures. Laurie would be down at LVAC a.s.a.p., setting up orange cones to divert traffic and ensure the safety of the babies as they worked their way across the driveway and down to the reservoir.

But there was also a lot about Laurie that wasn't little.

Laurie's love for her family, especially her children, Nick and Chrissy, was enormous. They were the center of her universe. I feel as if I knew then so well because Laurie always spoke about them, and shared their stories with me. Through all the ups and downs, she suffered their hurts and disappointments and felt tremendous joy in their many accomplishments. She was thrilled that Chrissy recently got married, and so happy about where both Nick and Chrissy were in their lives. The wonderful and special people they are today is a true testament to Laurie's caring and love.

Laurie also loved her home and loved working in her gardens, and of course, her huge devotion to her huge dogs, German Shepherds. I remember as far back as George, who I was terrified of, and now it is sweet Jackie that she leaves behind.

Laurie also had an enormous impact on her co-workers and all the folks who came into the post office, whose day she brightened with her cheerfulness and pleasure in helping them. She truly cared about all of them, and they knew it and loved her for it. I'd hear all about their children and grandchildren, who was away at which college, who had a new job, and also about all the pets that Laurie knew and loved and who came into the post office to see her each day. Ted and Janice Strauss remember how the dogs would be welcomed in the lobby. The smaller ones would come to the door to the back office and whimper, and the larger ones, like the big yellow lab and the golden retriever, would stand up on their hind legs and put their paws up on the counter. They all knew the exact place to stand to get their treat from Laurie, and they knew it was coming, because, as in all the other areas of her life, Laurie never failed to deliver.

Laurie was my dear friend and it was my joy to know her and a privilege to serve alongside her as part of LVAC these past 19 years. Laurie was caring and intelligent and hugely humble. I had the good fortune to serve as Laurie's assistant captain before she moved to Dover Plains around 12 years ago, and she was an outstanding leader. After moving out of Lewisboro, she was given life member status, only the 12th person ever to receive that honor in LVAC's history. She continued to come back to LVAC to ride as part of the Friday overnight crew- that's 6PM 'til Saturday morning, as a driver of the ambulance, and she maintained all of her close friendships for all of this time. Right after work every Friday, she would come and stay over at LVAC, and she'd call me each week after she'd settled in and we'd catch up on everything in our lives.

Bob Stoddard remembers all the Friday night calls he rode with Laurie and Wendell Vlachos. Laurie would fall asleep in front of the TV at around 9:00 and then many times there'd be a call in the evening around 10 or 11, and after that call if she got back to sleep, many times there'd be a second call at 2 or 3, before she reported back to work Saturday morning.

So many folks in Lewisboro received her wonderful care throughout her 25 years with LVAC. Likely some of you are sitting here today.

Laurie made me a better person. I know everyone here also has special memories of Laurie. The spectacular photo of Laurie that Jim Reilly took captures for many of us the essence of Laurie and how we will remember her. Her great smile, the twinkle in her eye, the tee shirt with the picture of a dog, and her favorite heart shaped pendant with a German Shepherd inside.

Lynda Crowley said," Laurie leaves behind a big, big hole."

Laurie- you will be missed tremendously, but I know you will live on forever in our hearts and memories.

Godspeed Laurie

Once again, we wish to express our sincere gratitude to friends and neighbors who supported the Lewisboro Volunteer Ambulance Corps at our Annual Country Auction held on November 12, at the Waccabuc Country Club. As usual the evening was both festive and fun as over three hundred people took part in the silent and live auctions to bid on items and services donated by the community. On behalf of our Board of Directors, Officers and the entire Corps, I want to express our thanks to the Waccabuc Country Club for donating the use of the Club and the assistance of their very helpful staff. A very special thank you for their support to Co-Chairs Pam Brokate, Laura Isler, Pat Normandeau and Marie Preneta who led a very committed auction volunteer team alongside members of the Ambulance Corps. We also acknowledge the great work of our two crowd-pleasing auctioneers, Dr. Mike Stillman and guest auctioneer, Maarten ten Holder, from Sotheby's. Finally, to the many, many people who donated all the great items for our Live and Silent auctions, thank you for making it possible.

Sincerely,

James C. Reilly
President
Lewisboro Volunteer Ambulance Corps

LVAC EMT and Crew Chief Lynda Crowley, Captain Bob Stoddard and LVAC Auction Co-Chair Laura Isler getting ready to host LVAC's Annual Country Auction on Saturday evening (November 12) at the Waccabuc Country Club.

Auction Volunteers are getting into high gear preparing for LVAC's Annual Country Auction set for November 12, at the Waccabuc Country Club. One of the most popular social events of the season, the Auction attracts several hundred residents to support fundraising for the Ambulance Corps. All proceeds from the Auction go directly to LVAC, allowing them to cover operating expenses, including vehicle repairs and gas, on-board medical equipment and supplies along with maintenance of the Corps Headquarters.

Auction Co-Chairs Pam Brokate and Laura Isler report that efforts are underway to encourage area residents and businesses to support the LVAC fundraiser with donations of goods and services for both the silent and live auctions. Donors may call LVAC at 763-3574 or Pam Brokate, 763-5322 or Laura Isler, 763-5661. Auction categories include fine art and photography, professional sporting event tickets, jewelry, gift baskets, toys, sporting goods, vacation getaways, theatre tickets, antique furniture and much more.

LVAC is a community-based, all-volunteer organization that provides emergency medical services at no charge to Golden's Bridge, South Salem, Waccabuc and South Salem residents and guests twenty-four hours each day, every day of the year. The Corps also provides mutual aid assistance to EMS Agencies in Vista, North Salem, Bedford, Katonah, Pound Ridge and Somers. "Since the Corps does not receive any local, state or federal funds to cover our expenses we rely on, and deeply appreciate, the always dependable good will and generosity of the community," commented LVAC President Jim Reilly.

Held under a tent on the Grounds of the Waccabuc Country Club, the silent auction begins at 4:00 PM and the live auction begins at 8:00 PM. Complimentary gourmet hors d'oeuvres and cash bar are available from 6:00 PM. Over 350 guests normally attend the event, which has grown in popularity to become an annual tradition open to all residents and friends. The dress is "Country Casual" with auction items priced for every budget.

Technicians from NYSEG demonstrated a Live Wire exercise showing LVAC volunteers and others the dangers associated with wires down at the scene of accidents. Click HERE for additional photos.

LVAC and Increase Miller Mark EMS Week with Emergency Awareness Project

Designed For Younger Students

As part of a Community Awareness Program aimed at first and second grade students, Lewisboro Volunteer Ambulance Corps and administrators at Increase Miller Elementary School are distributing a parent-child learning activities book called: "What To Do In An Emergency." The book helps young children to identify an emergency and how they might help. Through games, puzzles and dialogue with a parent, children have a better understanding of what to do, including how to dial 911 as well as activities to avoid.

A "Tips For Parents and Guardians" section offers guidance on preparing for emergencies in the home. Increase Miller interim Principal Gerard Finelli welcomed the initiative saying, "It's a unique and engaging way to help students at an early age understand they could play an important role in a family emergency."

2011

 

Total Runs: 461

 

Patients Transported: 369

 

Call Type

 

Trauma MVA (Motor Vehicle Accident): 63

Trauma non-MVA: 99

Medical: 279

Stand-by: 20

 

ALS (Advanced Life Support): 168

Pediatric (under 18 years of age): 60

Geriatric (age 70 and above): 129

Four Winds: 20

 

Call Location

 

Cross River: 89

Goldens Bridge: 125

South Salem: 179

Waccabuc: 35

Mutual Aid (calls covered for neighboring towns): 33

 

Patients Transported: 369

Refused Medical Attention: 81

Cancelled: 17

No Patient Found: 5

Other: 7

 

Destination

 

Northern Westchester Hospital: 330
Westchester Medical Center: 8
Norwalk Hospital: 8
Danbury Hospital: 13
Putnam Hospital: 8

Greemwich: 2