Press Releases

Terry G. Stone
Community Outreach
(321) 269-4240
(321) 269-5428-fax
outreach@hospiceofstfrancis.com

Are You a Current or Future Caregiver?
Need Caregiving Information?
We will give you the information you need to help make your life healthier and happier during this very difficult time.

Come to our
CAREGIVING IN THE LAST YEARS
Series of Six Free Classes

Tuesdays and Thursdays
March 9, 11, 16, 18, 23 & 25, 2010
2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Watersong Retirement Community
7300 Watersong Lane, Viera 32940

To register or for more information, please contact Barbara Borman, RN at
321-269-4240 x 330 or e-mail caregiving@hospiceofstfrancis.com

SENIOR WELLNESS EXPO – “ASK THE EXPERTS”

WEST MELBOURNE, FL – The “Ask the Experts” Senior Wellness Expo will provide the public and healthcare professionals with the latest information available on senior health issues. Attendees will be invited to ask questions at the end of each presentation. The expo will be held at Buena Vida Estates, 2129 W. New Haven Ave., West Melbourne, FL on Wednesday, February 24, 2010 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Topics and featured speakers are:

Obesity and Heart Disease
Ralph Vicari, MD, Board Certified Cardiologist

Hospice 101
Ruddy Ruiz, MD, Board Certified in Internal Medicine

Navigating the Health System Successfully…and Community Resources
Meg Rayder, MSW, Masters in Social Work

Gait Strengthening
Jennifer McCoach, DPT, Doctor of Physical Therapy

The expo will include Senior Service Exhibits that will have professional representatives who specialize in senior services. Heart healthy refreshments will be served, and attendees will receive a chance to win valuable door prizes. Seating is limited. For additional information, please call Buena Vida Estates at 321-724-0060.

To locate Buena Vida Estates, take I-95 south to US 192 (exit 180), go three miles east, make a right on Doherty and Buena Vida is on the left.

CAREGIVER EDUCATION CLASSES FREE TO BREVARD RESIDENTS

Titusville, FL - Hospice of St. Francis' Caregiver Education and Resource Program provides the education and support necessary to “care for the caregiver” – both current and future. At some point in our lives, we will have to be the caregiver for someone. This program consists of a six-one and a half hour classes. The classes are designed to teach caregivers how to care for themselves as they care for others.

The training class is offered at no cost to all Brevard County residents.

Each class focuses on a different caregiver issue:

Class 1: The Experience of Caregiving – What is our commonality?
Class 2: Important Decisions and Communication - How do we make and whom do we tell about our Advance Directives?
Class 3: Community and Personal Relationships – Are we as alone as we think?
Class 4: Care of Self with Care of Others – How can we do both?
Class 5: Meaning, Purpose and Finality of Life – What needs to be done at life’s end, and what does death look like?
Class 6: Grief and Bereavement – What’s normal, and how do we know?

A new six class session of Caregiving in the Last Years begins on Monday, February 1, 2010 from 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and will be held at First Christian Church of Titusville, located at 2880 Jay Jay Rd., Titusville, FL 32796. Classes will be held on Monday and Wednesday for three weeks. To register, please contact Barbara Borman, RN at 321-269-4240 or toll free 866-269-4240 ext. 330 or e-mail her at caregiving@hospiceofstfrancis.com.

CAREGIVER EDUCATION CLASSES FREE TO BREVARD RESIDENTS

Titusville, FL - Caring for another person is often one of the most emotional and demanding experiences a person may face in their lifetime. The Caregiver Education and Resource Program at Hospice of St. Francis provides the education and support necessary to “care for the caregiver” – both current and future. At some point in our lives, we will have to be the caregiver for someone. This program consists of a six-one and a half hour classes. The classes are designed to teach caregivers how to care for themselves as they care for others.

The training class is offered at no cost to all Brevard County residents.

Each class focuses on a different caregiver issue:

Class 1: The Experience of Caregiving – What is our commonality?
Class 2: Important Decisions and Communication - How do we make and whom do we tell about our Advance Directives?
Class 3: Community and Personal Relationships – Are we as alone as we think?
Class 4: Care of Self with Care of Others – How can we do both?
Class 5: Meaning, Purpose and Finality of Life – What needs to be done at life’s end, and what does death look like?
Class 6: Grief and Bereavement – What’s normal, and how do we know?

HOSPICE OFFERS NEW ADULT GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP MEETINGS AT WATERSONG

VIERA, FL – Hospice of St. Francis adult bereavement program will begin offering a bi-weekly grief support group meeting at Watersong Retirement Community. Beginning January 12, 2010, meetings will be held every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month in the Watersong Clubhouse from 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon. Watersong Retirement Community is located at 7300 Watersong Lane, Viera, FL 32940.

Anyone who has lost a loved one and needs help coping with the loss is welcome. Private counseling sessions are also available by appointment. The service is free to any Brevard County resident.

To register for the adult grief support group or arrange for a private counseling session, please call Vivian Vayer, BSW at 321-269-4240/ 866-269-4240 (toll free) x332 or e-mail bereavement @hospiceofstfrancis.com.

SEEKING “PARTNERS IN COMPASSIONATE CARE" FOR VOLUNTEER TRAINING

Titusville, FL--Hospice of St. Francis (HOSF) is seeking caring people who would like to become volunteers. HOSF volunteers provide assistance in many different ways, including making friendly visits to hospice patients, providing respite care for homebound patients, running errands, performing much needed office support and many other services. No previous experience is needed.

Training is provided at no cost to the participants. Volunteer positions are available throughout Brevard County. The new training class will begin on Monday, February 1, 2010 and runs for two weeks on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Classes will be located at Hospice of St. Francis, 1250-B Grumman Place, Titusville, FL 32780. For more information or to register for the volunteer training classes, please call Vicky Hamilton, Volunteer Coordinator, at 321-269-4240 or 866-269-4240 (toll free).

CAREGIVER EDUCATION CLASSES FREE TO BREVARD RESIDENTS

Cocoa, FL - Caring for another person is often one of the most emotional and demanding experiences a person may face in their lifetime. The Caregiver Education and Resource Program at Hospice of St. Francis provides the education and support necessary to “care for the caregiver” – both current and future. At some point in our lives, we will have to be the caregiver for someone. This program consists of a six-one and a half hour classes. The classes are designed to teach caregivers how to care for themselves as they care for others.

The training class is offered at no cost to all Brevard County residents.

Each class focuses on a different caregiver issue:

Class 1: The Experience of Caregiving – What is our commonality?

Class 2: Important Decisions and Communication - How do we make and whom do we tell about our Advance Directives?

Class 3: Community and Personal Relationships – Are we as alone as we think?

Class 4: Care of Self with Care of Others – How can we do both?

Class 5: Meaning, Purpose and Finality of Life – What needs to be done at life’s end, and what does death look like?

Class 6: Grief and Bereavement – What’s normal, and how do we know?

The upcoming six class session of Caregiving in the Last Years begins on Monday, January 4, 2010 from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. and will be held at The Great Outdoors Church located at 144 Plantation Drive, Titusville, FL 32780. Classes will be held on Monday and Wednesday for three weeks. Please contact Barbara Borman, RN, to register. Ms. Borman can be reached at 321-269-4240 ext. 330 or e-mail her at caregiving@hospiceofstfrancis.com.

A CELEBRATION OF FREEDOM

Men of all ages are invited to attend a “Celebration of Freedom” on Monday, December 7, 2009. This special event for Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day will be held at Valiant Air Command Museum in Titusville, FL. From 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., special guest speaker, Colonel Danny McKnight, will share his thoughts and reflections on freedom.

The celebration is free for Brevard County men of all ages and will include a tour of the warbird museum. Light refreshments will be served and door prizes will be awarded. Please RSVP to 321-267-8751, as seating is limited. The Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum is located at the Titusville – Cocoa Airport, 6600 Tico Rd., Titusville, FL 32780 (US 1 just south of SR 405).

“Celebration of Freedom” is sponsored by Benton House of Titusville, Hospice of St., Francis, North Brevard Funeral Home/Oaklawn Memorial Gardens and Royal Oaks Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

CHILDRENS’ GRIEF SUPPORT PROGRAM OFFERS ANNUAL CAMP NORTH STAR

TITUSVILLE, FL – North Star, the Child Grief Support program at Hospice of St. Francis, will hold its annual Camp North Star on Saturday, November 14, 2009 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Hospice of St. Francis, 1250-B Grumman Place, Titusville, FL 32780. Any child between the ages of 6 and 12 is welcome to register to attend.

The purpose of Camp North Star is to offer support to grieving children and their families after the death of a loved one. Camp North Star offers a safe place for camper’s age 6 to 12 to explore feelings and to share experiences with others of similar ages, while providing a foundation for growth through the grieving process.

The camp is staffed by professionals and trained volunteers. Camp activities include creative learning and therapeutic crafts, as well as small group sessions to encourage campers to share memories and learn healthy coping skills. The camp experience closes with a memorial ceremony, which family members are encouraged to attend.

Attendance is free, but space is limited. Registration deadline is Monday, November 9, 2009. Please call Brooke Davis, MSW, North Star Coordinator at 321-264-1687 for more information and registration forms.

BAHS Celebrates Seniors and Veterans at Annual Health Fair

Melbourne, FL - Brevard Association of Human Services (BAHS) will host its fifth annual “Celebration of Seniors” on Wednesday, November 11, 2009 from 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at the Hilton Rialto located off Babcock Street at 200 Rialto Place, Melbourne 32935. For 2009, the health fair will have a twist! Since November 11th is Veterans’ Day, they will also be celebrating America’s veterans. Along with the health screenings, services and products information that will be featured, the VFW “Moving Memorial” special display honoring our veterans will be assembled for all to enjoy.

Admission is free to the public, and the first 150 seniors arriving at the Fair will receive invitations to a special formal educational plated lunch hosted by some of Brevard’s top senior service companies. Don’t miss the chance to win one of the many door prizes being raffled throughout the event.

Brevard Association of Human Services is a networking organization of professionals in the human services industry which meets monthly and focuses on education. It was established in an effort to increase awareness of community providers, thereby improving services available to the community. BAHS has grown to nearly 400 members. You can visit the BAHS website, a great resource offering a comprehensive listing of Brevard County health and service providers, at www.bahsbuzz.org.

HOSPICE OFFERS CAREGIVER EDUCATION CLASSES

Titusville, FL - Caring for another person is often one of the most emotional and demanding experiences a person may face in their lifetime. The Caregiver Education and Resource Program at Hospice of St. Francis provides the education and support necessary to “care for the caregiver” – both current and future. At some point in our lives, we will have to be the caregiver for someone. This program consists of a six-one and a half hour classes. The classes are designed to teach caregivers how to care for themselves as they care for others. The training class is offered at no cost to all Brevard County residents.

Each class focuses on a different caregiver issue:

Class 1: The Experience of Caregiving – What is our commonality?

Class 2: Important Decisions and Communication - How do we make and whom do we tell about our Advance Directives?

Class 3: Community and Personal Relationships – Are we as alone as we think?

Class 4: Care of Self with Care of Others – How can we do both?

Class 5: Meaning, Purpose and Finality of Life – What needs to be done at life’s end, and what does death look like?

Class 6: Grief and Bereavement – What’s normal, and how do we know?

The upcoming six class session of Caregiving in the Last Years begins on Tuesday, October 13, 2009 from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and will be held at Titusville Library located at 2121 S. Hopkins Ave., Titusville, FL 32780. Classes will be held on Tuesday and Thursday—October 13, 15, 20 22, and November 3 and 5, 2009. Please contact Barbara Borman, RN, to register. Ms. Borman can be reached at 321-269-4240 or e-mail her at caregiving@hospiceofstfrancis.com.

SECOND ANNUAL “FALL SENIOR HEALTH FAIR”

Titusville, FL – North Brevard Association of Health Services (NBAMS) will host its second annual “Fall Senior Health Fair” on Thursday, October 22, 2009 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Hospice of St. Francis office building located at 1250-B Grumman Place, Titusville 32780 (corner of SR405 and Grissom Parkway). Admission is free, parking is free and the public is welcome to attend.

This free event for presents a wide array of services and products with more than 30 senior-focused vendors providing free health screenings, information and giveaways. Each attendee registered at the health fair will receive a free box lunch (while supplies last) and be eligible for a chance to win one of many of the door prizes.

North Brevard Association of Health Services is a networking organization of professionals in the health services industry, which meets monthly and focuses on education and networking. It was established in an effort to increase awareness of north county community providers, thereby improving services available to the community. For additional information on the health fair and its offerings, please call 321-383-8643.

BAHS Celebrates Seniors and Veterans at Annual Health Fair

Melbourne, FL - Brevard Association of Human Services (BAHS) will host its fifth annual “Celebration of Seniors” on Wednesday, November 11, 2009 from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at the Hilton Rialto located off Babcock Street at 200 Rialto Place, Melbourne 32935. For 2009, the health fair will have a twist! Since November 11th is Veterans’ Day, we will also be celebrating America’s veterans. Along with the health screenings, services and products information that will be featured, a special display honoring our veterans will be assembled for all to enjoy.

Admission is free to the public, and seniors will receive free box lunches, while supplies last. Don’t miss the chance to win one of the many door prizes being raffled throughout the event.

Brevard Association of Human Services is a networking organization of professionals in the human services industry, which meets monthly and focuses on education and networking. It was established in an effort to increase awareness of community providers, thereby improving services available to the community. BAHS has grown to nearly 400 members. You can visit the BAHS website, a great resource offering a comprehensive listing of Brevard County health and service providers, at www.bahsbuzz.org.

SEEKING “PARTNERS IN COMPASSIONATE CARE" FOR VOLUNTEER TRAINING

Cocoa, FL--Hospice of St. Francis (HOSF) is seeking caring people who would like to become volunteers. HOSF volunteers provide assistance in many different ways, including making friendly visits to hospice patients, providing respite care for homebound patients, running errands and performing much needed office support and many other services. No previous experience is needed.

Training is provided at no cost to the participants. Volunteer positions are available throughout Brevard County. The new training class will begin on Monday, October 12, 2009 and runs for two weeks on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Classes will be located at Central Brevard Library, 308 Forrest Ave., Cocoa 32922. For more information or to register for the volunteer training classes, please call Vicky Hamilton, Volunteer Coordinator, at 321-269-4240 or 866-269-4240 (toll free).

Hospice of St. Francis is a local, non-sectarian, non-profit organization. Established in 1977, Hospice of St. Francis was Brevard County’s first hospice. HOSF continues to provide care for terminally ill patients and support for their loved ones. For more information on HOSF programs, please call 321-269-4240 or 866-269-4240 (toll free) or visit our website at www.hospiceofstfrancis.com.

GRATEFUL FAMILY HOLDS BENEFIT FOR HOSPICE

TITSUVILLE, FL-The Fowler family of Titusville have been planning an event to help raise donations for Hospice of St. Francis. Lisa Fowler’s father died from prostate cancer in June 1977. Hospice of St. Francis provided care for Lisa's (Mike's wife) father and support for the whole Fowler family during this very difficult time in their lives.

“Hospice of St. Francis is a great organization, and I want to try to educate people on the organization and the services they provide and give something back to them in at the same time,” explained Mike. “I decided a Texas Hold ‘Em Tournament would be a perfect educational/fundraising event. I know that many organizations have had great success with similar events. We hope that the public will join in the fun to help us support this good cause.”

The Texas Hold’em Poker Tournament will be held on Saturday, August 22, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. at Rounders Bar and Grill located at 2204 S. Washington Ave., Titusville, FL. The entry fee is a $25.00 donation. Prizes will be awarded to the top four players. First place prize is a 3-day, 2-night package at the Ocean Landing Resort and Racquet Club. Second place prize is valued at $250, the third place prize is valued at $150 and the fourth place prize is valued at $75.

The public is welcome to play. For additional information, please call Mike Fowler at 321-720-8725.

HOSPICE PHYSICIAN RECEIVES THIRD BOARD CERTIFICATION

BREVARD COUNTY, FL - Mina Zeini, M.D. was recently awarded her board certification in Hospice and Palliative Medicine from the American Board of Medical Specialties. She also holds certifications in Geriatrics and Family Medicine. Dr. Zeini received her Medical Degree from the University of Florida in 2001 and completed her Family Medicine Residency for which she served as a Chief Resident in 2004. She then completed her Geriatric Fellowship training at Florida Hospital and remains a preceptor to Residents and Fellows.

Dr. Zeini is one of four full-time physicians at Hospice of St. Francis and is passionate about achieving excellence in end-of-life care. She enjoys teaching, and for the third year, holds a position at Florida State University as an Assistant Clinical professor in the Department of Geriatrics.

NORTH STAR, CHILD GRIEF SUPPORT PROGRAM, SEEKS VOLUNTEERS

North Star, the child grief support program at Hospice of St. Francis, needs caring adult volunteers to help. Volunteers play a major role in providing our services. We are looking for men and women who are energetic, compassionate and patient. Volunteers must be willing to commit to the required screening and training. The North Star children's groups are designed for children from age 3 to 18 and meet in the evenings from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Volunteers are asked to commit to eight hours per month. No previous experience is required.

Training is free of charge. Classes will be held on Tuesday, July 14, July 21, July 28, August 4, August 11 and August 18 2009 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Classes will meet once a week for six weeks at Hospice of St. Francis, 1250-B Grumman Place, Titusville, FL 32780.

To register for the North Star Volunteer Training, please contact Brooke Davis, North Star Coordinator, at 321-264-1687.

HOSPICE OFFERS FREE CAREGIVER CLASSES

Brevard County, FL - Caring for another person is often one of the most emotional and demanding experiences a person may face in their lifetime. The Caregiving Education and Resource Program at Hospice of St. Francis provides the education and support necessary to “care for the caregiver” – both current and future. At some point in our lives, we will have to be the caregiver for someone. This program consists of a six-one and a half hour classes. The classes are designed to teach caregivers how to care for themselves as they care for others. The training class is offered at no cost to any Brevard County resident.

Each class focuses on a different caregiver issue:

Class 1: The Experience of Caregiving – What is our commonality?

Class 2: Important Decisions and Communication - How do we make and whom do we tell about our Advance Directives?

Class 3: Community and Personal Relationships – Are we as alone as we think?

Class 4: Care of Self with Care of Others – How can we do both?

Class 5: Meaning, Purpose and Finality of Life – What needs to be done at life’s end, and what does death look like?

Class 6: Grief and Bereavement – What’s normal, and how do we know?

The upcoming six class session of Caregiving in the Last Years begins on Monday, August 3, 2009 from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and will be held at Cocoa Beach Library located at 550 N. Brevard Ave., Cocoa Beach, FL 32931. Classes will be held on Monday and Thursday—August 3, 6, 10, 13, 17 and 20, 2009. Please contact Barbara Borman, RN, to register. Ms. Borman can be reached at 321-269-4240 or e-mail her at caregiving@hospiceofstfrancis.com.

HOSPICE SEEKS “PARTNERS IN COMPASSIONATE CARE” FOR VOLUNTEER TRAINING

TITUSVILLE, FL - Hospice of St. Francis (HOSF) is seeking caring people who would like to become volunteers. HOSF volunteers provide assistance in many different ways, including making friendly visits to hospice patients, providing respite care for homebound patients, running errands and performing much needed office support and many other services. No previous experience is needed.

Training is provided at no cost to the participants. Volunteer positions are available throughout Brevard County. The new training class will begin on Wednesday, June 3, 2009 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Class will meet Wednesdays and Monday for three weeks at Hospice of St. Francis, 1250-B Grumman Place, Titusville, FL 32780. For more information or to register for the volunteer training classes, please call Vicky Hamilton, Volunteer Coordinator at 321-269-4240 or 866-269-4240 (toll free).