This year's theme was chosen to honor those men and women who have served and those who are presently serving in the nation's armed forces. The Western Long Island Detachment, Marine Corps League Color Guard will open the program with the presentation of the colors. The festivities will include a four-course luncheon, raffle prizes and fashions by Dress Barn, Valley Stream. All attendees will receive a 10 percent coupon valid at the store.Tickets are $30 per person. All proceeds from the event will benefit essential services at Franklin Hospital Medical Center. For information call Franklin's Auxiliary at (516) 825-5216 or Volunteer Services at (516) 256-6144.
Remembering a loss
In recognition of Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness month, Winthrop-University Hospital's department of social work and women's health services will be holding its second annual Pregnancy and Infant Loss Day of Awareness and Remembrance Service on Sunday, Oct. 19 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The service will be held at Winthrop's New Life Conference Center.Winthrop started its first perinatal bereavement support group more than six years ago for parents who had experienced a loss to help them cope with their immeasurable grief. The first support group was initiated by a mother who gave birth to twins at Winthrop, but subsequently lost one of her infants. Since then, the support groups at Winthrop have flourished, filling a vast void in the lives of mothers and father."Although each person's grief experience is different, in all grief there is a universal sameness," said Margaret Fusco, CSW, maternal child social worker at the hospital. "Winthrop physicians, the community and our patients believe that it is so important to validate these feelings of sorrow and our support groups and special ceremonies fill this need." The remembrance service will include individuals sharing their personal stories as well as Winthrop physician and social workers speaking about how to deal with grief and offer hope for the future. There will be a special guest, Michael R. Berman, MD, clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology, Yale University School of Medicine, and president and CEO of the Hygeia Foundation. The service will conclude with candle lighting ceremony.A donation of $30 per person or $60 per couple is requested for the remembrance service. For more information on Winthrop support groups or to register for the Pregnancy and Infant Loss Day for Awareness and Remembrance Service, call Winthrop's department of social services at (516) 663-9363.
Manage your anger
Do you, or someone you know, have a hard time controlling your anger? When do you express anger, do family and friends tell you that your reaction is way out of proportion? If all of this sounds familiar, you should know that there is a solution. The Anxiety and Stress Treatment Program of the Department of Psychiatry at North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset is beginning an Anger Management Treatment Group. "The group format will include cognitive-behavioral techniques for managing anger," said Juliana Lachenmeyer, PhD, who heads up the Anxiety and Stress Treatment Program. "These techniques include relaxation exercises, cognitive restructuring and problem solving," she said. Sessions will meet on six consecutive Monday evenings at 8 p.m. beginning Oct. 6. Fees are often partially reimbursed by insurance carriers.If you are interested in joining the group or would like to obtain more information, contact Katherine Cieri at (516) 562-2329, mailbox number two. Space is limited, so call immediately to reserve your spot.
Urgent call for blood
Franklin Hospital Medical Center will be holding a blood drive on Wednesday, Oct. 8 in conjunction with Long Island Blood Services from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the hospital's Shankman Auditorium. Hospital officials have issued a call for the community to join with its employees in donating blood. Noting that due to new guidelines on blood donor criteria and eligibility, which may shrink our community's blood supply by 25 percent, Franklin's Blood Drive Campaign Director, Ignacio Lopez, said that "No one ever questions why we need blood. For many it's a personal reason; for others, they just want to do their part in helping a fellow human being. regardless, we are deeply indebted to those who step up to the plate and make a difference."According to the hospital, people 17 to 76, weighing at least 110 pounds and who are in general good health are eligible to donate. A photo ID is required at the time of donation at which time donors will also receive a fee mini-medical exam that includes checking temperature, pulse, blood pressure and iron count. To make an appointment to donate, call (516) 256-6397. The hospital has arranged reserved parking for the convenience of those coming to the hospital to donate blood.
