Sally Ranton, Patient Care representative of the Acadian Home Care of Lafayette, a division of Louisiana Health Care, was the guest speaker at the St. Martin Volunteers for Family and Community (VFC) Council meeting.

She was introduced by Dolores Mills, Breaux Bridge VFC member. The meeting was held at the Ag building.

Ranton stated that the emergence of new medical treatments and technologies has made home health care a viable, cost effective option for people recovering from illness.

They are equipped to provide high quality, professional care for a wide range of medical conditions.

Home health care allows families to keep medical costs down, and also helps with the healing process by allowing you to recover in the comfort of your own home.

Ranton also discussed Philips Lifeline’s Personal Emergency Response Service.

The 2011-2013 officers were introduced. They are Elsie Castille, president; Lovel Benoit, vice-president; Mavis Landry, secretary; and Barbara Bird, treasurer.

Council members planned their spring activities:

Feb. 8: (Tuesday) 1:30 p.m., Ag Bldg. Topic: “Heart Health,” Speaker: Karen Wyble, Heart and Vascular Hospital.

Feb. 9: (Wednesday) 1:30 pm, Catahoula – Barbara Latiolais. Topic: “Heart Health”

March 1: (Tuesday) 1:30 p.m., Ag Bldg. Topic: “Reducing Prescription Medication Errors”, Speaker: Rob Hollier, pharmacist.

March 2: (Wednesday) 1:30, Delores Boudreaux. Topic: “Stress Management”

March 24: (Thursday) Educational trip to the Bayou Teche Museum (10 a.m., leave Breaux Bridge at 9 a.m.). Lunch at Victor’s Cafeteria.

April 5: (Tuesday) 1:30 p.m., Ag Bldg. Speaker: Becky Patin, Parish Clerk of Court

April 6: (Wednesday) 1:30, Catahoula, Maria Bonin, hostess. Speaker: Becky Patin

April 12-14: LVFC Convention in Alexandria

May 11: (Wednesday) International Day, 10:30 a.m., St. Francis of Assisi Church Hall; country to be studied: “Brazil”. Speaker: Jeané Carmichael.

June 2: (Thursday) Area IV meeting, Lafayette, place to be announced.

A grant proposal will be written for Hospice of Acadiana.

Betty Frederick and Pris Breaux were recognized for their work as vice-president and secretary for the past two years.

Elsie Castille presided; Lovel Benoit, vice-president, led the group in the recitation of the pledge and Club Collect. Mavis Landry, secretary, performed the duties of that office, whereas, Barbara Bird, treasurer, presented the financial report and budget.

Twenty-seven members participated in the meeting.