Suicide does not discriminate, affecting people of all genders, ages, and ethnicities. Many different factors may contribute to someone making a suicide attempt, depression being one of the lead reasons. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), suicide is the second leading cause of death among individuals between the ages of 10 and 34, and the fourth leading cause of death among individuals between the ages of 35 and 54.

This fall, to help create awareness about this community mental health issue, For All Seasons kicks off its 3rd Annual NO MATTER WHAT . . . YOU MATTER Suicide Prevention Campaign the week of October 4 through 12, 2019. The Campaign kicks off on Friday, October 4, 2018, from 5 to 8 p.m., at the Bartlett Pear Inn at 28 South Harrison Street in Easton. The free event will include champagne and hors d’oeuvres and live music. The event is part of the First Friday stroll through the local galleries and shops in Easton and provides the opportunity to learn more about what For All Seasons is doing to help those in crisis.

In 2018, the campaign raised $20,000 from 21 participating Easton businesses which helped to support same-day mental health crisis appointments offered by the agency. Again this year, a number of Easton businesses are participating in the weeklong event, donating a portion of sales on specific dates during the campaign week. For further information about participating businesses, visit forallseasonsinc.org/youmatter.

For All Seasons hopes that by discussing the signs and symptoms associated with suicide that it can raise awareness about the issue in our community.  Because family and friends are often the first to recognize the warning signs of suicide, they can be critical to helping an individual find treatment with a provider who specializes in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions.

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), for every suicide, 25 suicide attempts are made. For All Seasons wants people to know that if they think a friend or family member is considering suicide, they should reach out and start a conversation. Talking openly about suicidal thoughts and feelings can save a life. The following are three steps to help people begin the conversation:

1)            Ask directly – “Are you having suicidal thoughts?” – Let them know you care.

2)            Stay and Listen – Let them share their thoughts and feelings.

3)            Get help – Connect them with a friend, family member or a therapist at For All Seasons.

Beth Anne Langrell, Director of For All Seasons, comments, “For All Seasons hopes through this campaign to engage the community in ways that it can help with suicide prevention. This year, our campaign coincides with a new community offering by our staff – our Mental Health First Aid training. This community training prepares individuals to interact with a person experiencing a mental health crisis.”

Starting October 1, For All Seasons staff will provide an eight-hour training course which provides the tools for members of the community to identify when someone might be struggling with a mental health or substance use problem and connect them with the appropriate care. The training is available to churches, businesses, coaches, and civic organizations.

Just as CPR helps even those without clinical training assist an individual having a heart attack, Mental Health First Aid prepares participants to interact with a person experiencing a mental health crisis. A 5-step action plan guides them through the process of reaching out and offering appropriate support. In just 10 years, Mental Health First Aid has become a full-blown movement in the United States – more than one million people are certified Mental Health First Aides.

Throughout the year, For All Seasons brings awareness to the community about such issues as suicide, sexual assault, trauma, human trafficking, and mental health needs. To find out how to get involved with the NO MATTER WHAT . . . YOU MATTER Suicide Prevention Campaign contact Denae Spiering at 410-822-1018, email dspiering@forallseasonsinc.org. To request Mental Health First Aid training through the For All Seasons Center for Learning, contact Katie Pittsinger at 410-822-1018, email kpittsinger@forallseasonsinc.org.

For All Seasons serves Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne, and Talbot counties. For All Seasons Rape Crisis Center offers certified sexual assault victim advocates; counseling and support groups, free and confidential services in English and Spanish, support in the hospital, police department, and court, and referrals to social and legal services. For All Seasons English Hotline is 1-800-310-RAPE (7273) and Spanish Hotline is 410-829-6143.

Maggie’s Gift Shop in UM Shore Medical Center at Easton reopened Sept. 6 following a complete renovation and reorganization which lasted several months.

The grand reopening event included a ribbon-cutting and remarks by UM SRH President and CEO Ken Kozel and Memorial Hospital at Easton Auxiliary President Liz Hannegan, as well as a round of applause for all those who worked on the redesign and renovation, including staff from Facilities Management and Environmental Services and shop volunteers.

Maggie’s Gift Shop and Auxiliary of Memorial Hospital at Easton volunteers celebrate the recent grand reopening on Sept. 6. The gift shop is an essential resource for hospital visitors and staff.

The gift shop is an essential resource for hospital visitors and staff. Through its sales and the dedication of Easton Auxiliary volunteers, the shop raises thousands of dollars each year to benefit patient care and services, not only at UM Shore Medical Center at Easton, but also at Shore Emergency Center at Queenstown and the Cancer Center at UM SRH.

Named for Maggie Ferree, Maggie’s Gift Shop honors Ferree’s long dedication to the hospital board, Memorial Hospital Foundation and other organizations in Talbot County. She served twice as the president of the Easton Auxiliary, giving more than 15,000 hours of service over many years to the hospital community. She was instrumental in the founding of the gift shop that was named in her honor in 2010 and she also was devoted to the field of nursing.

Maggie’s Gift Shop hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday and 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday evenings.

UM Shore Regional Health’s Center for Diabetes and Endocrinology offers four diabetes support groups that are free and open to those with diabetes or pre-diabetes, as well as families, caregivers and friends of those living with diabetes. Led by certified diabetes nurse educators, these support groups provide informative presentations as well as fellowship and support for persons affected by diabetes.

Participants gather to discuss their successes and their fears while learning about meal planning, monitoring and managing blood sugar levels, treatment options and other strategies to avoid diabetes complications and maintain their best health. “Group members share their personal stories and learn meal preparation strategies so they can enjoy foods they like as long as they control portions and exercise regularly,” says Jessica Tippett, lead diabetes educator. Originally from St. Louis, Missouri, Tippett joined the diabetes education team in April and became lead educator in July.

Diabetes nurse educators Chrissy Nelson, Jessica Tippett and Karen Hollis. Not pictured: Wynne Aroom.

No registration is required to attend these groups, which are scheduled as follows:

Cambridge: Fourth Wednesday of each month, 5:30 p.m., first floor Board Room, UM Shore Medical Center at Dorchester, 300 Byrn Street. Led by Wynne Aroom.

Chestertown: Fourth Tuesday of each month, 6:30 p.m., Conference Center, UM Shore Medical Center at Chestertown, 100 Brown Street.

Denton (day and time change): First Tuesday of each month, 5 p.m., St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 100 S. Fifth Avenue. Led by Jessica Tippett.

Easton: Second Monday of each month, 5:30 p.m., Talbot County Senior Center, 400 Brookletts Avenue. Led by Karen Hollis.

Diabetes educators also are available to speak to community groups throughout the five-county region. “We are happy to speak to groups on such topics as the prevalence of pre-diabetes and diabetes in our region, treatment options and strategies for managing the disease for to maintain overall good health,” says Tippett.

For more information about the support groups or to book a speaker on diabetes for your organization, please call 410-822-1000, ext. 5757.

As part of the University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS), University of Maryland Shore Regional Health is the principal provider of comprehensive health care services for more than 170,000 residents of Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s, and Talbot counties on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. UM Shore Regional Health’s team of more than 2,500 employees, medical staff, board members, and volunteers works with various community partners to fulfill the organization’s mission of Creating Healthier Communities Together.

Jenny Bowie, Vice President, Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer, UM SRH

Jennifer L. Bowie, former vice president, Patient Care Services and chief nurse executive at Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital (MWPH) in Baltimore, has joined UM Shore Regional Health (SRH) as vice president for Nursing and Patient Care Services and chief nursing officer. For the past several weeks, Bowie has been on site working with vice former senior vice president and CNO Ruth Ann Jones, whose official retirement date was August 16, to effect a smooth transition.

Before her arrival at UM SRH, Bowie had served in the vice president position at MWPH since 2012. In in that capacity, she was responsible for the strategic/operational leadership of the 103-bed, two-campus hospital’s inpatient and outpatient nursing, respiratory therapy, pharmacy, social work, admissions, care management and infection prevention. MWPH is affiliated with University of Maryland Medical Center and Johns Hopkins Medicine.

Among Bowie’s many accomplishments at MWPH are: successful JCAHO, CARF and CMS surveys; the opening of a 50-bed transitional unit for infants; implementation of a successful, hospital-wide patient experience initiative; creation of a succession planning model to grow leaders and staff aligned with MWPH strategic goals and initiatives; and the creation of departmental and hospital-wide councils to build leadership growth opportunities.

Bowie’s previous experience also includes serving as executive director of nursing at Trinity Regional Healthcare, a 515-bed, three hospital system in Rockland, Illinois; administrative director, Women’s and Children’s Services at Mary Washington Hospital, a 459-bed Magnet®-accredited, level 2 trauma facility in Fredericksburg, Virginia; director, Business Development at West Valley Hospital in Goodyear, Arizona; and director, Women’s and Children’s Services at Paradise Valley Hospital in Phoenix, Arizona.

Bowie earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing from The Catholic University of America and her MBA from Grand Canyon University. She is pursuing a doctoral degree in Organizational Leadership and Development. She is a member of Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Honors Society and in 2018 was named one of Baltimore’s Best Nurses in the Manager/Nurse Executive Category by Baltimore Magazine.

“We are delighted to have Jenny Bowie joining the Shore Regional Health senior leadership team,” said Ken Kozel, president and CEO. “She is a proven nurse leader whose outstanding skills and accomplishments have contributed to innovative health care management strategies and excellent patient care at several medical organizations.”

As part of the University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS), University of Maryland Shore Regional Health is the principal provider of comprehensive health care services for more than 170,000 residents of Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s, and Talbot counties on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. UM Shore Regional Health’s team of more than 2,500 employees, medical staff, board members, and volunteers works with various community partners to fulfill the organization’s mission of Creating Healthier Communities Together.

Talbot Hospice will hold its bi-annual Volunteer Training the evenings of October 14, 16, 21, 23, 28, 2019. If you are interested in giving back to our community in a meaningful way, consider becoming a Talbot Hospice Volunteer. Perhaps you love to cook or garden. Maybe you play a musical instrument. Companion volunteers visit patients in their homes and in facilities, make check-in phone calls, shop for groceries, and transport patients to appointments and on errands. If you love to cook, we are seeking individuals to help cook breakfast and dinner, especially weekends. Other roles include musicians, greeters, Hospice House caregivers (especially weekends), and gardeners.

Topics covered during training include hospice purpose and philosophy, volunteer roles, spirituality at end of life, death and dying, listening skills and boundaries, family dynamics, cultural diversity, and grief.

If you’ve been looking for your passion and calling and would like to learn more about volunteering at Talbot Hospice, contact Ginni Blackiston, Director of Volunteer Services, at gblackiston@talbothospice.org or 410-822-6681, or visit TalbotHospice.org/Volunteer.

Founded in 1981, Talbot Hospice is the premier resource for hospice, palliative care, and grief support services in Talbot County and is the 2019 Talbot Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Nonprofit.

Judy Kyle, Senior Director, Operations, UM Shore Medical Group.

Judy Kyle has joined University of Maryland Shore Medical Group (UM SMG) as senior director, Operations, Timothy Shanahan, DO, medical director, UM SMG has announced. In this position, Kyle leads a 17-member team supporting UM SMG, which includes 25 medical practices employing more than 100 physicians and advanced practice providers.

Kyle brings more than 20 years in health care management and leadership to UM SMG, including 15 years providing oversight of physician practices and specialty clinics at Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters in Norfolk, Virginia and seven years directing the hospital’s informatics. Her responsibilities included overseeing the operations and financial management of pediatric primary care practices and subspecialty practices including the Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Cardiology Catheterization Laboratory, Peripheral Vascular Laboratory, EEG Lab, and Cardiology, Cardiovascular Surgery, Neurology, Psychiatry and Psychology. She also was responsible for the recruitment and hiring of physicians and for the expansion and/or relocation of 11 physician practices.

Kyle earned her B.S. in Clinical Laboratory Science from Thomas Edison State College in Trenton, New Jersey and her M.S. in Management from Troy State University in Troy, Alabama. She is a resident of Centreville, Maryland.

“I am very pleased to welcome Judy as our new director,” said Dr. Shanahan.  “She brings a broad depth of leadership skills and health care management to our team. I look forward to continuing to working collaboratively with the entire Shore team and my new partner, in the dyad structure, in continuing to build the premier healthcare organization on the Shore.”

As part of the University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS), University of Maryland Shore Regional Health is the principal provider of comprehensive health care services for more than 170,000 residents of Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s, and Talbot counties on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. UM Shore Regional Health’s team of more than 2,500 employees, medical staff, board members, and volunteers works with various community partners to fulfill the organization’s mission of Creating Healthier Communities Together.

The Nearly New Shop on High Street in Chestertown has a new look and layout, according to Nanny Porter, co-manager of the shop with JoAnn Bowdle. Porter and Bowdle are both members of the Chester River Hospital Center Auxiliary, which has owned and operated the Nearly New Shop for the past 60 years.

Porter has been a volunteer with the Auxiliary since 2013. When asked to become the new shop manager, she saw a need to make changes inthe interest of increasing sales. Using many suggestions from Shop volunteers, new concepts were implemented.

In an effort to appeal to customers, more display space was created. Porter felt that the male shoppers needed a room of their own, so the former volunteers’ work room is now the Men’s Department, which has been received very favorably by male customers.

“We also reorganized the remainder of the inventory by converting the first room that you enter into the housewares, jewelry, scarves and handbags display,” says Porter. “The entire store has new racks that give each room an open feeling. These changes have made a big difference in that shoppers can find  merchandise more easily and the open spaces allow them to move around more comfortably. Many have asked if we have added on to the building because the rooms seem more spacious.”

Nanny Porter, volunteer co-manager of the Nearly New Shop in Chestertown, in the shop’s front room.

New sales initiatives and policies accompany the new appearance. As Porter explains, “We try to turn over all merchandise within six weeks. We run a 50% off sale in both the men’s and women’s departments every week and we offer a senior discount every Thursday to shoppers over the age of 60. To attract more student shoppers, we offer a 10 % student discount during the school year, and during the month of September, to thank our first responders for the sacrifices they make every day, we are offering 10 % off their total purchase.”

Nearly New’s changes have been very well received. In addition to compliments from shoppers and greater volunteer pride and satisfaction, Porter reports that sales are up. “We are seeing big gains over the past; overall our revenues are now averaging $1500 or more each week and that is without raising our prices,” she says. “I think the quality of our merchandise is better as well – not just the clothing, but wonderful donations of china, crystal, linens, art and jewelry.”

Located at 320 High Street in Chestertown, the Nearly New Shop is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Weekly sales are listed in the Tidewater Trader.

Reported to be the oldest retail store in continuous operation in Chestertown, the Nearly New Shop is always in need of volunteers and interest person may apply in person at the store. For more information, call 410-778-1781.

As part of the University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS), University of Maryland Shore Regional Health is the principal provider of comprehensive health care services for more than 170,000 residents of Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s, and Talbot counties on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. UM Shore Regional Health’s team of more than 2,500 employees, medical staff, board members, and volunteers works with various community partners to fulfill the organization’s mission of Creating Healthier Communities Together.

Kinera Foundation will host its second Brew & BBQ on the Bay fundraiser event on Saturday, September 28 from 5:30p.m. to 9:30p.m. at the Kentmorr restaurant, located on the Chesapeake Bay in Stevensville, Maryland. Tickets are $50 per person or two for $90 and include all-you-can-eat BBQ themed menu with ice tea, sodas and draft beer, cash bar available; children 12 years old and younger are $10. Proceeds will go to support the programs, services and therapies  for children and youth with special needs provided by Kinera Foundation. Event tickets can be purchased at www.Kinera.org.

Participants will enjoy a night of live music featuring the local Kent Island band, Heavy Fred, a delicious all-you-can-eat BBQ meal, beer sampling, a 50/50 Raffle and a silent auction on the beautiful beachfront property of the Kentmorr restaurant.

Twins, Alexia and Kaylie Jamar enjoy the guest photo booth at Kinera’s Brew & BBQ 2018.

Kinera Foundation provides a variety of services to meet the needs of children with disabilities and special needs and their families who live on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, and serves the counties including (but not limited to): Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s, Talbot, Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester. These services include pediatric therapies (physical therapy and occupational therapy with sensory integration), behavioral health, specialty appointments, assistive technology consults, DME/orthotic fittings and more. Additionally, the foundation provides parent and caregiver support with the Kinera Connect support groups, care coordination, a lending library, trainings and workshops, along with social activities and events aimed at promoting inclusion within the community. Beginning fall 2019, Kinera will offer the new Youth in Transition and Adult Program, which will provide individuals on the Eastern Shore with special healthcare needs a safe space to develop skills that are essential for independent living.

The Kinera Foundation Eastern Shore Regional Hub is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that is in partnership with Chesapeake Charities community foundation, and the Office of Genetics and People with Special Health Care Needs provides a centralized, coordinated facility of patient/family centered care. Kinera brings together providers, therapists, families, and supporting agencies to ensure Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs (CYSHCN) have access to the level of care, services, therapies, and resources they need.

For more information on this event or how to become a sponsor, please contact Lori Stokes at Lori@Kinera.org, Kate McCloskey at Kate@Kinera.org or the Kinera Foundation office at443-249-3126.