Ministerial Alliance hosts presentation on H1N1 flu

A nasal swab analysis is the only way to know for sure whether a person is infected with the H1N1, she said, meaning that doctors cannot tell by symptoms alone.

Of the vaccine doses recently received, Marshall's share was 50 doses of nasal spray, which has the live virus and 20 doses of the shot, which has primarily gone to hospital workers, Glisson said, to ensure that they will be able to continue working to care for those who contract the virus.

Though some hospitals and health departments are requiring all hospital workers to get a vaccine, Fitzgibbon Hospital is not doing so.

Glisson estimated that 99 percent of those tested for H1N1 at Fitzgibbon Hospital are under 65.

Anyone allergic to eggs or who has had previous allergic reactions to vaccines is not eligible to receive the vaccine, said Glisson.

One way Glisson suggested people reduce the possibility of exposure to the virus is by keeping themselves at arm's length from those around them.

After Glisson's presentation, Jean Harms reported to the group that "food is the need" for the 2009 Holiday Project, rather than toys.

A list of food passed out to attendees included flour, sugar, gelatin or pudding mix, crackers, peanut butter, hot or cold cereal, boxed meals such as Hamburger Helper, baking mixes such as Bisquick and cake mixes, macaroni and cheese, bread, pasta noodles, soap, rice, ramen noodles, coffee, tea and paper products including toilet paper, paper towels and facial tissue. Canned and dry goods requested included fruit, vegetables, soups or broths, gravy, milk, meats, pie filling and fish.

To donate, call Jacci Grossenburg at 660-837-3270.

However, Lorel Box then told members that she was in need of some help to complete the toy package she has designed for the Holiday Project, requesting that anyone who could spend some time making building blocks do so. She also requested that the blocks not be painted.

Box added that she has as many pairs of jeans, used to make handbags for girls, as she needs, but asked for embroidered coveralls for male toddlers size 3T and under.

Rev. Keith Jackson will speak at First United Methodist Church 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 24, for the Thanksgiving service. The offering for the evening will go to the MMA Local Benevolent Fund.

Members talked about the bell-ringing to attract donations to the Salvation Army traditionally done outside of Walmart during the holiday season. Between Wednesday, Nov. 25, and Thursday, Dec. 24, a different church will have members and ministers ringing the bell on 17 of those days.

Rev. Pam Sebastian told members about the dedication of a Habitat for Humanity home in Slater. The dedication took place Sunday, Oct. 18.

The next Marshall Ministerial Alliance meeting is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 18, at Olivet Free Will Baptist Church.

Contact Geoff Rands at marshallreporter@socket.net