Handmade with care
Women from the Silver Sneakers program at James P. Gills YMCA delivered handmade blankets and shawls to the patients at the Gulfside Center for Hospice Care at Heather Hill. There were pink crocheted blankets and shawls for the women, and brown blankets for the men. The group left extra blankets for incoming patients, as well as bags of toiletry supplies. From left, Nancy Frazier, Lori Fridy, Glenda Hunter, Arline Kovacs and Gulfside representative Jennifer Chianella.
Campbell is employee of the year
Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point has recognized Corey Campbell, registered nurse, neuro spine, as its ninth annual Employee of the Year. Campbell exemplifies employee excellence and was recommended by the Employee Advisory Group. The employee is chosen from each of the hospital’s employees of the month.
Campbell received a $250 cash gift award, a front-row parking space for a year, and a plaque in his honor.
The employees of the month for 2015 were: Teresa Beck, Corey Campbell, Keith Cotter, Diana Henry, Gregory Howard, Michael Madden, Michael Wayne McDaniel, Charles Parker, Susan Schillace, Gina Tannenbaum and Anna Van Zyl.
Crisis center adds board members
The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay’s Board of Directors has elected four new members.
• Roger Boothroyd, professor at the University of South Florida’s Department of Mental Health Law and Policy at Louis de la Parte Florida Mental Health Institute, College of Behavioral Community Sciences
• Nancy Sternitzky, vice president Technology Solutions & Program Management at GTE Financial
• Timothy J. Sweeney, of Sweeney Interventions
• Dr. Kaley Tash, USF Health Division of Infectious Disease & International Medicine
For information on the nonprofit center, visit CrisisCenter.com.
Ombudsman advocates needed
Florida’s Long-term Care Ombudsman Program has advocate positions available in Hillsborough County. Volunteers visit with residents of nursing homes, assisted living facilities and adult family care homes to ensure they are treated with dignity and respect.
Training and certification are provided, and volunteers participate in council meetings, administrative assessments and complaint resolution in facilities.
Candidates need to: enjoy working with seniors and those with disabilities; volunteer 20 hours a month; pass a background check (paid for by the program); complete certification training; communicate well; attend a monthly meeting.
Those interested in becoming an ombudsman, can visit Ombudsman.MyFlorida.com, or call (888) 831-0404.
National Donate Life Month
April is the federally sanctioned Donate Life Month. Throughout the month, LifeLink of Florida honors the spirit of those individuals who make transplants possible – organ, tissue and eye donors.
One organ donor can potentially save the lives of eight people, and improve the lives of dozens more through tissue donation. Donation places no financial burden on the donor’s family. People of all ages can choose to donate. Donation is supported by all major religions as a personal choice and act of generosity.
For more information on organ and tissue donation, call (800) 262-5775, or visit LifeLinkFoundation.org.
Free neuropathy clinic
A free, volunteer-run clinic is open for the education and support of people who have been diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy.
CARE TampaBay provides education and support in the following areas: coping with neuropathy, dealing with physical limitations, home safety, and symptom management. The clinic is available by appointment only, and is now taking appointments for May and June.
For more information and appointments, contact Cindy Tofthagen at (813) 396-9441 or .
Strength & balance class
The Grove Golf and Country Club, 7924 Melogold Circle in Land O’ Lakes, will host the “Silver Sneakers Strength & Balance Class” on Wednesdays at 9 a.m., and Fridays at 10:30 a.m.
These are low-impact classes for men and women to help improve flexibility and balance, which may help prevent falls, broken hips and other injuries. Strength exercises may include lifting handheld weights, using tubing, and your own body resistance and core muscles.
The classes are free to Silver Sneakers members, and $5 per session ($30 per calendar month) for non-members.
For information, contact Tom Marbell at (352) 409-2984 or .
Center for veterans
The Pasco County Vet Center, 5139 Deer Park Drive in New Port Richey, provides counseling for post-traumatic stress disorder, military sexual trauma, bereavement counseling, marriage and family counseling, and resources for benefits information and suicide prevention referrals.
The center is open Monday to Wednesday from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., and Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Some Saturday appointments are available.
All services are confidential and provided at no cost to the veteran and family members.
To learn more, or to schedule a tour of the facility, call (727) 372-1854.
Information is also available at www.vetcenter.va.gov.
Lutz Nar-Anon family group
The Nar-Anon Family Groups are a worldwide fellowship for those affected by someone else’s addiction. The 12-step program offers shared experiences, strength and hope.
The Lutz Nar-Anon group meets every Tuesday at 7 p.m., in the sanctuary at Hope Church, 5107 Lutz Lake Fern Road in Lutz.
For information on the program, visit NarAnonFl.org, or call the help line at (888) 947-8885.
