Message from the President

As I think about the true meaning of Memorial Day, the holiday we use to mark the unofficial start of the summer season, the concepts of service and sacrifice come to mind. I can’t help but feel gratitude toward generations of America’s service men and women who served and in some instances made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

On a lighter note I can’t help but think of the job done by the group of officers who just finished their long and fruitful period of service and sacrifice to Chapter #179 of Mended Hearts here at Jersey Shore University Medical Center. President Doctor Bill Ryan, VP Lenny Talalai, Treasurer Marty Brilliant and Secretary Lois Landis, who by the way continues to serve waiting patiently for someone to step up and take on that job. I feel deep gratitude to both groups of people for the job they have done and both have made our lives better by their contributions. A heart felt Thank You to all of these people.

The summer of 2010 stretches out before us with promises of fun and laughter here at The Shore for all of us with our families and friends. New beginnings is the theme that the new group of officers must deal with. While the organization entrusted to us is strong and healthy much work is needed for us to move forward into 2010 and beyond. As I’ve already stated we need a new secretary. We have been blessed with the recent addition of Sharon Barry as our new program chairperson. All this in addition to the planned expansion of visiting stent patients at JSUMC, so as you can see our new plate is already filling up, but we welcome the job ahead.

The reason I mentioned all this is that we could really use more of you out there to come and become involved with Mended Hearts in whatever way you care to. I know we have a deep pool of talent and ability among the people reading this first message from the new kid on the block. The reason I know this is true is that all I’ve got to do is look at the group of people who are already giving of their time and talent to make Mended Hearts Chapter #179 such a helpful organization to the families and patients who pass through the cardiac unit here at JSUMC.

So welcome to the summer of 2010, I’m looking forward to the season ahead and all the fun, joy and rewards it holds for all of us.

Matthew M. Klug
{the new kid
on the block}