| News Archives |
At a Glance
|
||
| 15th Annual LIving with Grief® Teleconference April 16, 2008; 1:30-4 p.m. |
||
How Children Grieve: Insights on Helping Youngsters Cope
Hospice of Marion County is the host site for the 15th Annual Living with Grief® Teleconference on April 16, 2008, 1:30-4 p.m. The event will be held at the Center for Caring and Education, 3231 SW 34th Ave., Ocala. Each recipient who RSVPs will receive a beautiful keepsake book with articles by experts in the field. This year, the bereavement teleconference focuses on the experience of grieving children and adolescents and the ways that all hospice professionals, educators and counselors, parents, social workers, physicians, grief counselors, funeral directors, and clergy can best support these populations as they cope with loss and grief. The program has been approved for 3 contact hours of continuing education (CE) credits for some disciplines; a $25 processing fee and required participation in a 30-minute discussion after the broadcast. Frank Sesno, Professor, Media and Public Affairs, George Washington University and Special Correspondent with CNN, will lead a panel of noted authorities that includes: Kenneth J. Doka, PhD, MDiv from The College of New Rochelle, Nancy Hogan, PhD, RN, FAAN from Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing, Rita Milburn-Dobson, MA, RNC, FT from Precious Gems Supportive Services, Laura E. Olague, MEd, CT from Children’s Grief Center, Stacy F. Orloff, EdD LCSW from The Hospice of the Florida Suncoast, and J. William Worden, PhD, ABPP from Harvard Childhood Bereavement Study. Pre-registration is required. Fill in the form below or call 352-854-5230. |
||
| Hospice Announces Musical Benefit Honoring 25th Anniversary Sunday, March 30, 2008 |
||
In celebration of Hospice of Marion County’s 25th Anniversary, Big Sun Chorus is hosting a charity concert. The event will take place on Sunday, March 30 at 3 pm at the Ocala West United Methodist Church, which is located at 9336 SW 105th St. in Ocala. Big Sun Chorus is the local chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society, an international organization with more than 31,000 members. Locally, there is a membership of about 30 men who meet weekly to sing four-part “a capella” harmony in barbershop style. In addition to the Big Sun Chorus, three other groups will perform. Summer Spring Chorus of Sweet Adelines and two quartets—The True Tones and Good Vibrations will perform. There is no admission charge to attend the concert, but donations are encouraged. Proceeds will benefit patient care programs. |
||
| Tenth Annual “Hoofin’ It for Hospice - Saturday, March 8, 2008 | ||
Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. followed by an aerobic warm-up lead by Adela Anderson, of Anadela in Motion at 7:45 a.m. The walk begins at 8:00 a.m. and walkers will enjoy a delicious continental breakfast upon return—provided by Scrambles Restaurant. Participants can also look forward to the opportunity to win some great prizes. Donations of $15.00 or more will receive a “Hoofin’ It” T-shirt. The largest donations returned to the Hospice of Marion County Volunteer Services Department by March 3 will be awarded prizes at the event. Pledge forms may be obtained at any of the Hospice Thrift Store Locations: Jasmine Square at 6116 SW State Road 200, Ocala, 352.237.7707 Proceeds from the event go directly to patient care at Hospice of Marion County. Last year’s event raised a net total of $7498.00 - thanks to our sponsors and participants. Sponsorship is provided by the Ocala Star-Banner, Scrambles Café and Adela Anderson. For more information, call Jan Hathaway at 352.873.7441. |
||
| 8th Annual Horses for Hospice Trail Ride - February 9, 2008 | ||
 Hospice of Marion County, Inc. will hold its 8th annual trail ride on Saturday February 9, 2008 on the Central Florida Greenway at the Florida Horse Park in Ocala. Riders travel from as far as Jacksonville and Tampa to spend 2-3 hours on the trail. Following the ride, participants can enjoy lunch by Tommy’s BBQ, entertainment by Shane Wooten, and a demonstration by noted equestrian trainer Lynn Palm. More than 50 door prizes will be distributed to participants. Proceeds from this event will benefit patient care programs. The minimum donation to ride is $25.00. Horse lovers who are unable to ride may purchase a ticket to enjoy lunch and the entertainment. For more information or to register, call 352-854-5218. |
||
| Dine Out for Hospice of Marion County - Friday January 15, 2008 | ||
| Dine Out for Hospice of Marion County January 15, 2008 6-9 pm Clubhouse Bar & Grill on E. Silver Springs Blvd. “Italian Feast” |
||
| Caribbean Cruise to Help Four Hospice Organizations December 9 - 16 |
||
Inside cabins are $755 per person; outside cabins are $895; and balcony cabins are $995. Prices are based on double occupancy and include round-trip bus transportation to Port Canaveral, a cruise T-shirt, all government fees and taxes and ALL activities. Ports of call include the Bahamas, St. Thomas and St. Maarten. A minimum of $150 for each cabin booked will be donated to your hospice, according to cruise organizers. Participating hospices include Hospice of Marion County, Citrus and Sumter/Lake Counties and Hospice of the Nature Coast. The cruise is hosted by WRZN radio personality Don Bruce, who will entertain voyagers with a private cocktail party, dances and some unannounced surprise events! For those with Internet access, go to www.thedonbruceshow.com and click on Fundraiser for pictures and a video of the “Cruise for Hospice 2007”. For cruise information and reservations, call The Travel Authority at 352-628-0668 or 1-800-334-8838. |
||
| Memory Tree Ornament Sales November 23-December 23 |
||
Fragrant Carved Alder Wood $20 Call 854-5218 to order or for brochure |
||
| Steel Horse Stampede November 3 |
||
Registration starts at 8:00 am at Hospice of Marion County Education Center (3231 SW 34th Avenue) and the ride begins at 10:00 am. The $25.00 ($10.00 for passenger) registration fee includes: light breakfast, lunch by Tommy’s BBQ, door prizes, 50/50 and entertainment by Ocala’s finest The Nightshift Band. Proceeds to benefit Hospice of Marion County, Inc. Patient Care Program. For more information or pre-registration contact Karen, Suzanne or Mary Ann at 352-854-5218. |
||
| Saturday, May 12 , 2007 Third Annual Mother's Day Luncheon |
||
You are invited to Hospice of Marion County's
|
||
| Thursday, March 22, 2007 14th Annual Living with Grief® Teleconference |
||
 Before & After the Death Thursday, March 22, 2007 Hospice of Marion County Center for Caring and Education Please RSVP to 352.873.7440 or This program is offered to the public at no charge This program has been approved for 3 contact hours of continuing education (CE) credits for a $25 processing fee and required participation in a 30-minute discussion after the broadcast. Sponsored by Hospice of Marion County. |
||
| Saturday, March 10, 2007 “Hoofin’ It for Hospice” Benefits Hospice of Marion County |
||
Jan Hathaway (Merchandising Manager, HMC)
and volunteer Ruth Goldstein (right) Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. followed by an aerobic warm-up lead by Adela Anderson, Aquatic Fitness Director for Colonnades at On Top of the World. The walk begins at 8:00 a.m. and walkers will enjoy a delicious continental breakfast upon return—provided by Scrambles Restaurant. Participants can also look forward to the opportunity to win some great prizes: tickets to Disney World, Medieval Times, Silver Springs Theme Park. Donations of $25.00 or more will receive a “Hoofin’ It” T-shirt. The largest donations received by March 2 and returned to the Hospice of Marion County Volunteer Services Department will be awarded restaurant gift certificates (prizes awarded at event.) Pledge forms may be obtained at any of the Hospice Thrift Store Locations:
Proceeds from the event go directly to patient care at Hospice of Marion County. Last year’s walk raised a total of $7893.00 and 95% of that was profit—thanks to our sponsors and participants. Sponsorship is provided by Ocala Star-Banner, Scrambles Café and Adela Anderson. For more information, call Jan Hathaway at 352.873.7441. |
||
| (Ocala, FL – 11/24/06 to 12/20/06) | ||
 |
Annual Hospice of Marion County Memory Tree Ornament sales at the Paddock Mall. Proceeds from the ornament sales will help to provide care and support to patients and families of Hospice of Marion County, Inc. who are facing a most difficult and challenging time in their lives. For more information, contact the Development Department at 352-854-5218. |
|
| (Ocala, FL – 12/03/06) | ||
 |
For the fifth year in a row, Felix’s Restaurant will host a special party for Hospice of Marion County, Inc. This elegant evening feature wines and tables filled with delicious culinary creations in every part of the historic restaurant. Proceeds from this black tie optional event will be used to benefit the Children’s Bereavement Programs conducted by Hospice of Marion County, Inc. For more information, contact the Development Department at 352-854-5218. |
|
| (Ocala, FL – 11/4/06) | ||
Varoooooooooooommm……!Saturday, November 4, was a red letter day for Hospice of Marion County, when the bikes left the gate at the 3rd Annual Steel Horse Stampede. This year’s benefit resulted in:
|
||
| Ocala, Fla. 9/26/06 | ||
“Saddle Up” for Hospice of Marion County’s |
||
Led by a biker brigade from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office and the Ocala Police Department, the stampede will take riders on a 55-mile ride through picturesque Marion County. Along the way are scheduled stops at each of the four Hospice Houses, including the brand new Tuscany House near The Villages. Each stop is an opportunity for a close-up view of the beautiful houses for the area’s hospice patients. “Last year more than 300 bikers participated, creating quiet a spectacle on the county’s byways,” says Suzanne Reynolds, Director of Development for Hospice of Marion County. “The event is so much fun for everyone involved, and the money raised goes directly to supporting our mission of providing quality, compassionate patient care to the residents of this community—regardless of their ability to pay.” Participants may pre-register by calling (352) 854-5218 or register the day of the event at Hospice of Marion County’s Education Center, located at 3231 SW 34th Ave., Ocala. Onsite registration begins at 8:00 a.m. with a start time of 10:00 a.m. The cost is a donation of $25 for the first rider and $10 for a passenger. The registration fee includes a light breakfast to get your motor running, and at the end of the ride, a barbeque lunch catered by Tommy’s BBQ, with door prizes and entertainment by the Spectacular Gimmicks. For more information about the ride, contact (352) 854-5218 or to inquire about the many services Hospice of Marion County has to offer contact (352) 873-7400. |
||
| Ocala, Fla. 9/5/06 | ||
Hospice of Marion County Thrift Stores & The Blood Bank: |
||
Show your support for Hospice of Marion County and donate blood to the Marion County Blood Bank at the same time. Giveaways for donors include $10.00 Wal-Mart gift cards or discounted tickets from one of three theme parks: Universal Orlando, Silver Springs Attraction or Wet-N-Wild. Each Thrift Store will also have special sales and gift basket drawings.
Sunday, September 10 Sunday, September 17 Sunday, September 24 Volunteering is Good for You Health studies prove it: volunteering is good for your body and mind. Volunteers are also important members of the Hospice Team and work in many different areas—including administration, comfort and support for patients and their families, and in our Thrift Stores. Representatives from Hospice of Marion County will be on hand at all blood drives to answer your questions about how you can become a volunteer. For information, call 352.873.7441. |
||
| Ocala, Fla. 8/30/06 | ||
Hospice of Marion County and Its Affiliated Companies Win AARP Award |
||
Key areas of consideration include: recruiting practices; opportunities for training; education and career development; workplace accommodations; alternative work options, such as flexible scheduling, job sharing, and phased retirement; employee health and pension benefits; retiree benefits, and age diversity of the workforce. Fifty-nine percent of Hospice of Marion County and its companies’ employees are over the age of 50, while 48 percent of new hires in the past 12 months are 50+. These figures represent the highest percentage of 50+ employees and new hires among all 2006 AARP Best Employers winners. "Over the years, we have seen a trend in employees in this age group. They come with a level of maturity and experience that is simply unparalleled," says Human Resources Director Roy J. Hoxworth. 
Wanda Barnes, RN and Chaplain Jack Cushman
are
two 50+ employees who exemplify vitality, dedication and commitment. "We find that when we recruit for employees who will provide palliative care (pain control and symptom management) to patients, their perspective and insight is so much deeper than those who are less experienced,” adds CEO/President Alice J. Privett. “We have also noticed a loyalty and longevity factor in 50+ workers. The hospice approach suits their personal belief system and style of caregiving." "Dynamic employers recognize the importance of creating a mutually beneficial work environment," says AARP Executive Council member Doug Heinlen. "Hospice of Marion County, and its affiliated companies, Accent Medical, Florida Palliative Home Care and SummerField Suites, are to be congratulated for undergoing a tough evaluation process and coming out on top." Hospice and its three affiliated companies employ 375 people and have trained 490 volunteers who serve nearly 1,000 patients every day. This award comes on the heels of another national award, Best Medium-Sized Company to Work for in America, from the Great Place to Work® Institute and The Society for Human Resource Management, awarded to Hospice of Marion County and Its Affiliated Companies for three years running. AARP will host an awards’ presentation September 21 in Chicago, and feature Ocala Hospice nurse, Wanda Barnes, in the October issue of AARP’s Florida Update. |
||
| (Ocala, FL – 7/15/06) | ||
Hospice of Marion County, Inc. To Open The Tuscany House near The Villages Community Grand Opening – August 18, 4-7 pm. |
||
 |
||
Hospice of Marion County continues to fulfill its destiny by expanding its services of compassionate end-of-life care to more and more people. Come August, the 23-year-old agency will open a brand-new, state-of-the-art Hospice House, just a mile north of The Villages. The Tuscany House is a completely renovated building where Hospice’s Memory Care Center once stood next to SummerField Suites assisted living center, off Hwy. 441. “The Tuscany House has been meticulously designed to make it not only one of the most elegant, but the most efficient of Hospice Houses,” says Alice J. Privett, President/CEO of Hospice of Marion County. “Because we renovated an existing facility, we were able to create great savings while providing our patients and families with top-of-the-line care in an exquisite environment.” While other new hospice houses cost from three to seven million dollars, Hospice of Marion County was able to refurbish the building for well under a million dollars. The Tuscany House’s authentic Italian theme is carried throughout the nearly 20,000-square-foot facility, which has comfortable rooms and large suites with a total of 24 beds, all with beautiful cherry wood headboards and matching side tables. The suites include kitchen and sitting areas. Over each bed is a patient-controlled garden scene lighted painting, which is just one of Tuscany’s many amenities. Each room is also equipped with a wireless nurse call system, Plasma TV/DVDs, laptop availability and video conferencing, so patients can communicate with family and friends via live pictures and audio, anywhere in the world. Amid the elegant atmosphere, Hospice of Marion County never loses sight of its main focus to meet the growing need in southern Marion County for Hospice House beds. The nonprofit company employs 400 professionals and has 450 volunteers, which serve 1,000 patients a day. The Tuscany House was constructed with that mission in mind. Each eight-bed wing has its own nursing station to ensure excellent and attentive patient care. Adjacent the spacious seating and fireplace in the lobby is a bereavement room for private family times. An inside courtyard and fountain continues the Tuscan feel, along with the landscaping of the back courtyard with its 22-foot bronze angels statue and lined by a memorial walkway. “The angels have a unique history,” says Suzanne Reynolds, Development Director. “The magnificent bronze sculpture of two angels with a torch was donated by John Ford, whose wife, Elaine, died at Estelle’s Hospice House in 2001. He found the art piece in New England, but on a trip to Europe, Mr. Ford came across an identical replica of the statute, which he promptly purchased and shipped to Hospice. It has been placed permanently at The Tuscany House, where many people will be able to appreciate the beauty and tranquility they represent.” Volunteers are valued members of The Tuscany House team. For information, call 352-873-7441. |
||
| (Ocala, FL – 6/28/06) | ||
Hospice of Marion County and its Affiliated Companies Named One of the Best Places to Work in the U.S. — SHRM and GPTW List Top 25 "Best Medium Companies to Work for in America"
Hospice of Marion County, Inc., has served area residents with end-of-life comfort care since 1983. Since its inception, Hospice has striven for excellence in quality care for patients and their families, as well as providing its employees with a supportive work environment. In recent years, its affiliated non-profit companies have set the same standards of excellence, which are reflected in this national recognition. “Each of these companies is founded on this basic premise. Each and every day, our focus is respect and team support, a standard of excellence that is transferred to our customers, whether they are our clients, our customers or each other,” says Alice J. Privett, President/ CEO, Hospice of Marion County, and LLC Manager of the Affiliated Companies. The corporate culture includes such employee benefits as free massage therapy, participation in Leadership Team meetings and 70% of Hospice’s employees have completed Stephen Covey’s “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People.” Two-thirds of the scoring based on the Great Place to Work index comes from an anonymous employee survey that evaluates five key areas: management credibility, respect, fairness, pride and camaraderie. The other one-third is based on an overall corporate culture questionnaire. “Because of our companies’ stringent screening requirements for applicants, extensive orientation and training of new employees, and continuing staff development of all employees,” says Roy Hoxworth, director of Human Resources for Hospice, “our turnover rate is about 12%, which is only a-third of the national healthcare average. Because we hire the best, employees know that they are, without a doubt, our number one asset.” |
||
It’s often said that children are not just small adults. When it comes to experiencing or expressing grief, this statement could not be truer. The public is invited to a free teleconference that will provide insights on helping children deal with the loss of a loved one. This information could prevent a child from being burdened with unnecessary misunderstanding well into adulthood.
Saturday, March 8 is the date for the Tenth Annual “Hoofin’ It for Hospice.” A relaxing two-mile walk will take place at Jervey Gantt Park in Ocala—rain or shine.
Singer Don Cherry will be the featured entertainer on a Caribbean cruise to support area hospices. Cherry, who is known for his 70s hit song, Band of Gold, will sail aboard Royal Caribbean’s Mariner of the Seas from Port Canaveral on Dec. 9 for a seven-day voyage. He also will do a book-signing with proceeds going to hospice care. 
2007 Memory Tree Ornament Sales
Join us Saturday November 3rd, 2007 for a 55 mile police escorted ride through beautiful Marion County. 
Come November, motorcycle enthusiasts will be firing up their engines for a fundraiser to benefit patient care at Hospice of Marion County. Inc. The 3rd annual Steel Horse Stampede is slated for Saturday, November 4, 2006, starting with registration at 8:00 a.m.
Hospice of Marion County, Inc. and Its Affiliated Companies are among the top employers around the country according to AARP
For the third year in a row, Hospice of Marion County, Inc. and its Affiliated Companies, have been named among the top 25 Best Medium-Sized Companies to Work for in America. Hospice of Marion County, Inc. serves end-of-life residents, mostly in their homes, but also in the agency’s four hospices houses, which are open to patients in the tri-county area and beyond. Florida Palliative Home Care of Lake, Marion and Sumter Counties, is a home health care provider; Accent Medical is a home medical equipment company with coverage in Lake, Marion, Sumter, Citrus and Levy Counties; and Summerfield Suites is an assisted living facility, located just north of The Villages. Together, Hospice of Marion County and its Affiliated Companies employ 400 professionals and have 450 volunteers who serve nearly 1,000 patients every day.