The Manhasset Post 304 of the American Legion, at its January meeting, listened to a presentation by one of the Post's members, Lynn J. Taylor, also a Vice Commander. Commander Taylor was associated with St. Francis Hospital for 15 years primarily in the Health Care area. She spoke on the topic of "Health Care Proxies and End of Life Decisions."

While there are a number of plans available, Ms. Taylor mentioned a few that may be completed for term situations and are considered to be advanced directives in health care. These plans affect end-of -life decisions by providing for the individual empowerment and control of health care issues. They attempt to establish an individual's wishes.

Ms. Taylor discussed the following in summary, noting that:

A Health Care Proxy designates a named person (empowerment) appointed to represent an individual as their agent, who has talked and discussed various issues and knows the thoughts and wishes of that individual. An attorney is not required for a Health Care Proxy. Forty-eight states have similar Health Care Proxy formats.

Louisiana does not since its legal formats are based on the Napoleonic Code. She advised that a copy of an executed Health Care Proxy should be provided to one's physician, the hospital and carried on one's self when going into a hospital. A Health Care Proxy is valid until revoked;

A Living Will gives an agent specific powers reflecting on the wishes of an individual and may be restricted by the definition of the conditions to be met for implementation. Living Wills require an attorney; Durable Powers of Attorney deal with non-health issues and is not health care related.

Do Not Resuscitate Order - this order must be signed by a physician since it is presumed that all persons wish to live. Appropriate documents/orders of consent must be in place. Additionally, a specific order are required, each, for a patient in a hospital and outside of a hospital.

The presentation was well received and clarified many aspects of the health care issues for the Legionnaires and Commander Buzzitta thanked Ms. Taylor for a very informative presentation.

First Vice Commander James T. Brooks discussed preparations for the Law and Order Meeting on Wednesday, March 5. He reported that at the beginning of November, the Good Citizenship Citation and medal were presented to two new Eagle Scouts in Troop 71, James Kerigan and David Knowles. A history of the American Flag was presented to the Cub Scouts on Nov. 7. On Sunday, Nov. 11, the Post Hall was used by Troop 97 Boy Scout Eric Kaminsky as a drop-off point for his Eagle Project for home improvements and collection of baby clothes and supplies for "Home for Unwed Mothers." Commander Brooks reported that Arthur Frooks of St. Mary's High School, who was awarded a scholarship in June by the Post, will be attending the Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point. Michael Madden from Manhasset High School, also the recipient of a scholarship from the Post, will be attending the U.S. Air Force Academy.

Second Vice Commander Lynn J. Taylor announced that two young men from Manhasset High School, Demitri Dedoysis and Priyan Ha Panigtaki, will participate in the American Legion annual county-sponsored Oratorical Contest, the second week in January. Arrangements are being made for the Boys' State Program. Treasurer Joseph Labella presented the preliminary December financial report, subject to audit. Past County Commander William A. Baxter reminded the Legionnaires of the Nassau County American Legion sponsored Four Chaplains Remembrance to be held on Sunday Feb. 3, at the Back to God Service Temple of Judea in Manhasset from 2 to 4 p.m. Service Officer Edward J. Gaus briefed the meeting on the status of the ill Legionnaires.

Commander Anthony W. Buzzitta thanked Past Junior Commander John F. Keitz for sponsoring the refreshments at the Christmas Commander's Reception.