Seashore Point, the proposed senior living community in Provincetown, passed another milestone recently by pre-selling 25 of its 81 apartment units to receive the go-ahead from its parent company, New England Deaconess, to proceed with the project. Achieving that threshold was necessary to receive favorable financing terms. When completed, Seashore Point will replace the old town-owned Cape End Manor.
Senator Therese Murray, Chairwoman of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means, has been presented with the Teal Ribbon Award from the Ovarian Cancer Awareness Coalition for her leadership in promoting ovarian cancer awareness and supporting prevention programs.
Senator Murray is an advisory board member of the M. Patricia Cronin Foundation, www.patsfriends.com, an organization to increase ovarian cancer awareness. "Ovarian cancer is treatable, but unfortunately the symptoms are so subtle that women don't think there is a problem until the cancer has spread, and many times it is too late," Senator Murray said, "By increasing awareness of ovarian cancer, we can save lives. We must make sure that women, their families and friends know about the dangers of this disease" It is estimated that this year alone, 16,000 women in the United States will succumb to ovarian cancer. For more information about ovarian cancer, visit the Ovarian Cancer Coalition's website at www.ovariancancerawareness.org.
First Barnstable District first-term Representative Cleon Turner (D-Dennis) has been honored by the Massachusetts Nurses Association with special recognition as its Freshman Legislator of the Year.
In the summer of 1916, the Woods Hole Women's Club considered creating a "public" nursing service for the community. Soon after, the Visiting Nurse Association was created at a Falmouth Town Meeting. The first VNA nurse was Elizabeth A. Eliot-Smith, an English woman who rode a bicycle to make patient visits. She provided bedside nursing, prenatal and infant welfare, care for tubercular patients and school programs. Over time, Elizabeth needed more than a bicycle to make her rounds – so a used Model T was purchased.
The cars and the communities have changed, but one thing has remained constant. As the VNA of Cape cod celebrates its 90th anniversary, it has continued its mission of bringing health care to the community.
Home Staff, a family-owned home health care agency with an office in Centerville, has received honorable mention recognition for the Better Business Bureau's Torch Award for ethical practices.
Identifying a need to expand rehabilitation services in the Lower Cape area, Harwich resident Helen Murdock has announced a $500,000 gift to the Cape Cod Healthcare Rehabilitation Services program. The gift, which will be used to construct a rehabilitation facility at the Fontaine Medical Center in Harwich, was inspired by her personal rehabilitation from knee-replacement surgery last year. Construction on the ground floor center is scheduled to be completed in October. It will be named the Boo McGraw Rehabilitation Center, after Ms. Murdock's late calico cat.
Tony Shepley of Hyannisport is being lauded for his community service and 15-year-old Catherine Lyons, a summer resident of Harwichport, is the survivor-honoree this year of the regional American Cancer Society. The pair was recognized at the Fifth Annual Sails of Hope Spinnaker Gala at the Wianno Club in Osterville.
Thriftique, the VNA of Cape Cod thrift shop in South Yarmouth is seeking volunteers to price, merchandise and sell donated articles. Volunteers for Saturdays are the greatest need. Call 508-957-7709 for information.
The Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children has received a $5,000 grant from the Edward Bangs Kelley and Elza Kelley Foundation in support of its GoodStart Program. GoodStart is a nationally recognized home visiting program designed to help parents safely raise children who are healthy and ready to learn.
Eagle Pond Rehabilitation & Living Center in South Dennis has announced the appointment of Rebecca Powers as Activities Director. She previously had worked at Hyannis Skilled Care and Middleboro Skilled Nursing.
The VNA Young at Heart Senior Exercise Program is seeking paid instructors for its classes at 14 different Cape locations. A day-long training session is scheduled in South Dennis October 17. Call 1-877-267-7700 for information whether you wish to be an instructor or to explore participating in one of the 10-week twice-weekly programs.
Nancy M. Sheehan has announced the sale of the uniform division of Cape Medical Supply in Hyannis to the previous store manager, Barbara Lauze. The new store, Suited For Work, will remain at the same Enterprise Road location and will continue to specialize in medical uniforms while adding a restaurant/hospitality line as well. Mark and Nancy Sheehan will continue to own the medical division of Cape Medical Supply in Sandwich.
Cape Medical Supply also has named Bob Sheehan (no relation to the Sheehan family ownership) to its staff as Director of Professional Relations. Mr. Sheehan has a 30-year background in the health care industry.
The Lower/Outer Cape Community Coalition was selected to make a presentation at October's Ninth Annual New England Rural Health Round Table Symposium on "Crisis in Rural Health Care: Creative Workforce Solutions, in Portland, Maine.
The Cape Cod Hospital Auxiliary has recognized the following winners of the 2006 Carolyn Murray Educational Grants; Kerry Cummings, RN, clinical educator; Deidra Gabriel, clerk-receptionist; Melissa Morin, MPT; Sheila Glynn, BSN, clinical education manager; Holly Coleman, pathology systems assistant; Margaret Connolly, RN, medical-surgical ICU; Kathleen McCarthy, RN, IV therapy; Bonnie Solley, RN, maternity; Jeanne Heroux, RN, behavioral health; Kathie Curry and Lisa Pearson, RN, cardiac surgical ICU.
Stacy Gallagher, former Coordinator and Forensic Interview Specialist with the Rhode Island Children's Advocacy Center in Providence, has been hired as the new director of the Children's Cove in Barnstable.