BOC Hears of Comfort Care House Fundraising Efforts

By DIANNE ALWARD-BIERY

Cleaver Senior Staff Writer

HARRISON – At the Jan. 21 meeting of the Clare County Board of Commissioners, retired Clare County Transit Director Tom Pirnstill spoke during Public Comment – this time wearing a much different hat. He was there to inform Commissioners – and through them, their constituents – about a fundraising effort for Big R & Smokin’ Joe’s Comfort Care House. He explained that this effort is housed in the former church building at 2246 E. Cranberry Lake Road north of Harrison, which is in the process of being remodeled. The goal is to provide for people needing dignified end-of-life comfort care.

Pirnstill explained that there are such facilities in Gladwin, Mecosta, Osceola and Roscommon counties, but none in Clare County.

 He noted the current project was started in 2005 by two gentlemen named Randy and Joe, one of whom had suffered a loss in the family and had hospice come in. That led to their raising money to help other hospice organizations, and then to instituting the Big R & Smokin’ Joe’s Comfort House in Clare County.

Pirnstill had provided a packet for each commissioner Big R and Smokin’ Joe’s Comfort House – and more for anyone else who wanted one – which included a donation letter and information regarding the upcoming April 25 Spring Fling Fundraiser event at the Harrison Moose Lodge. Tickets for the April 25 benefit cost $20 per person, with only 300 tickets available. The event includes a 5-6:30 p.m. dinner, raffles and a 6:30 p.m. live auction with music to follow.

Pirnstill said the building was purchased, but now grant money is being sought to finish the building, and make it a five-room house.

“We also have started an endowment fund,” he said. “And we also need money for operating expenses.”

While the BOC cannot do anything as a whole to seek funding, Pirnstill reminded that any individual can contribute. He reiterated the April 25 fundraising event is the big one, but added that bake sales also are slated for Feb. 7, March 7 and April 11 at Jay’s Sporting Goods in Clare.

“We’re asking the whole community to get involved,” he said. “Make your own competition, with the donations going to the hospice house. One thing I’d like to leave you with: A person needs to have their dignity at the end of life – and their family that needs comfort in that time.

“I always tell people, don’t be happy that it’s over – be glad it happened. Life is very precious, and we need to take care of our people: everybody in this room, all of our citizens.”

Pirnstill also noted later in the meeting that hospice care at the new facility would be free of charge for those who cannot afford to pay.

Contact information for Big R & Smokin’ Joe’s Comfort Care House includes: www.BigRandSmokinJoes.com; BigRSmokin@yahoo.com; and 517-230-7824.

Reporter’s Note: Donations may be made by contacting Maye Rood at 989-944-0075 or David Pohoda at 517-230-7824; or by mailing to: Big R & Smokin’ Joe’s Comfort Care House c/o Maye Rood, P.O. Box 581, Harrison MI 48625; or Big R and Smokin’ Joe’s Comfort Care House c/o David Pohoda, 3270 Pinehurst, Lake, MI 48632.