Ellen Clinton, Rockland

Age: Fifty-something

Photo by Mark Thomson

Occupation: Clinton’s full-time job is a patient and family representative at South Shore Hospital, and her part-time job is justice of the peace. She also has a small jewelry design hobby/business.

Proudest Accomplishments
Having the opportunity to help others, to use my talents to reach out to others who need my help and in some cases my expertise and talents.

Perfect Day
A perfect day for me is sitting back and realizing that I just joined two people together forever, or speaking to a group and educating people on the cure that is on the horizon for people with multiple sclerosis - it is not the death sentence it is believed to be. (Clinton was diagnosed 21 years ago with MS and is relatively symptom-free).

Looking Forward
Always being able to assist people and to have the foresight to step up when I see an opportunity to be of assistance.

Pass it on
Every time I hear of a community project I ask myself how can I put my talents toward that project. I am donating a bracelet and earring set to a silent auction for a sick child who has cancer. I read an article in The Patriot Ledger and decided I had to be part of this cause. My parents raised me to help people, and my mother really emphasized this. A quote that sums this up is by Abraham Lincoln: “All that I am or ever hope to be I owe to my angel mother.”

By Peggy Mullen, The Patriot Ledger