Dyslexia Seminar set for three dates
NEWBURYPORT — A dyslexia seminar will be held at 25 State St., Suite 203, in Newburyport on Monday, June 16, at 6:30 p.m.; Tuesday, July 8, at 6:30 p.m.; and Tuesday, Aug. 5, at 6:30 p.m. There is no charge, but registration is required. For information, call Karen R. LoGiudice, New England Dyslexia Solutions, at 978-337-7753.
Andover resident wins tickets to Red Sox game
Norman Haines of Andover was honored as Blood Donor of the Game at Fenway Park prior to the Boston Red Sox game against the Toronto Blue Jays on May 1.
"It was a fantastic experience. I really appreciate the American Red Cross for this raffle," Haines said.
The American Red Cross, Boston Red Sox and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center are currently running the fourth season of the Blood Donor of the Game Program to raise awareness of the need for blood donations, especially in summer months when schools are not in session and many regular donors are on vacation.
Through the program, anyone who donates blood at a blood drive or donor center in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont through Sept. 17 has the opportunity to enter to win the title of Blood Donor of the Game. Winners also receive two tickets to a game at Fenway Park, a commemorative souvenir and photograph, as well as on-field recognition.
"Together with the Boston Red Sox and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, the American Red Cross is proud to honor lucky presenting donors with our Blood Donor of the Game Program. Fans are invited to enter for a chance of a lifetime by volunteering to help save a life of a patient in need," said Donna Morrissey, director of public relations and corporate affairs for the American Red Cross Blood Services — Northeast Division.
To donate blood and platelets through the American Red Cross, individuals must be at least 17 years of age, weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in general good health. For more information, call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE or visit www.newenglandblood.org.
Rehab center attains stroke certification
SALEM, N.H. — Northeast Rehabilitation Hospital of Salem, N.H., has been awarded the Gold Seal of Approval for its Stroke Rehabilitation Program by the Joint Commission, the nation's oldest and largest standards-setting and accrediting body in health care.
The distinction recognizes that Northeast Rehab's stroke program maintains high standards of excellence in the areas of patient care results and national patient safety criteria.
During the evaluation process, patients and staff were interviewed, clinical treatments were observed, performance outcome data were analyzed and policies and clinical practice guidelines were examined.
This is an ongoing process in which each year Northeast Rehab will have to submit data and every other year Joint Commission will make an unannounced visit and conduct an on-site survey to make sure that Joint Commission stringent standards are being maintained.
Operation Swan Dive raises funds for cancer
PEPPERELL — Organizers of Operation Swan Dive 2008 are seeking volunteers to skydive and raise money to fight cancer.
This second annual event will be taking place the weekend of July 19 and 20, at SkyDive Pepperell in Pepperell. It benefits Lyrics for Life, a nonprofit organization that raises funds for cancer research and to enrich the lives of those suffering from the disease. The charity was founded by Sister Hazel front-man Ken Block. Lyrics for Life started in memoriam for Block's younger brother, Jeffrey, who ultimately lost his four-year battle with cancer.
The weekend will feature skydiving and music. It ends Sunday afternoon with a live concert by members of Sister Hazel. In addition to Sister Hazel, bands scheduled to perform throughout the weekend include Tim Blane, Karl Dietel of The Samples, John Taglieri, Dave Pittenger and Claire Wyndham.
"The more you talk to people, the more you realize that cancer affects us all," said founder Jenny Amidio, a Hollis, N.H., resident. "In 2007, we raised over $65,000 to help fight cancer. We were astounded by the generosity and support we received from the local community and from music supporters."
Operation Swan Dive is the brainchild of Amidio and unites her two greatest passions — music and skydiving. At the 2007 event, Amidio completed her 100th jump and personally raised over $8,000. Amidio is co-owner of J. Bella salon in Amherst, N.H.
For more information, visit www.operationswandive.org, www.lyricsforlife.org or www.skyjump.com.
'Let's Talk the Talk'
MELROSE — Tammi Magazzu and TaraJean Lewis of Women's Healthcare Associates will host 'Let's Talk the Talk' on Monday from 7 to 9 p.m. to discuss preventive strategies for teen drug and alcohol use and early sexual behavior. The event will be held in Perkins Hall, first floor, Melrose-Wakefield Hospital, 585 Lebanon St., Melrose.
Adolescent nurse practitioner specialists will offer parents communication tips for openly discussing risky behaviors with their daughters. A question-and-answer session will follow, as well as a role-playing segment for parents to practice conversational starting points.
To register or for more information, call Krissie at Women's Healthcare Associates at 781-665-1185 or e-mail whcadoc@aol.com.
Happy, Healthy Kids Workshop offered
NORTH ANDOVER — The Champion Factory Gymnastics and Circus Arts Center will present a Happy, Healthy Kids Workshop on Friday, June 13, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Wellness educator Luann Colombo's lecture is the next in a series of free lectures for parents sponsored by the Champion Factory, located in Chickering Plaza, just behind Keys Grille, Route 125, in North Andover.
Colombo has been putting science into the hands of children and their parents for nearly two decades. Over 4 million of her children's books and games are currently in print. Now Colombo has found a way to combine her love of science and health. She says being a wellness educator provides an opportunity to share the science of health, nutrition and disease prevention.
The session includes a fitness activity for children. Space is limited. To register, call Teena at 978-683-8493.
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