FAMILY SAFETY FAIR SCHEDULED FOR MAY 1

Popular park event expands with additional activities, attractions, and hands-on learning for all ages

The public is invited to a fun-filled evening of activities for all ages at the Family Safety Fair, Wednesday May 1 from 4-7pm in Windmill Park in downtown Orange City. Some of the special attractions include: the Fire Safety House; bicycle safety (bring your own helmet; free helmets will be given as needed); Molly the Sioux County Sheriff K-9 Unit doing a vehicle search demonstration; the Sanford/Great Plains Zoo Express; a giant inflatable walk-through Sanford “AmeriHeart”; car seat safety checks; Mercy Air ambulance; “Distracted Driving” simulator (must be at least 14 to “drive” this high-tech simulator); an air bag demonstration; Double V pony rides; “Ask the vet” by Revival Animal Health (bring your leashed pets to the park for a treat!); and more! Plus … visit the tent featuring fun and educational, hands-on activities sponsored by the Governor’s Science Technology Engineering Math (STEM) initiative. And you can feed the family in the park — Don’s Food Center will be selling hamburgers and walking tacos. 

The Family Safety Fair is sponsored by Orange City Area Health System, the Orange City Chamber of Commerce, and the Governor’s STEM Advisory Council. For a complete list of attractions and activities, visit ocHealthSystem.org/educational-programs. Rain date is May 8.

Note: The Household Hazardous Waste collection trailer will be on site during the Family Safety Fair to accept items including solvents, caustic household cleaners, pesticides and herbicides, and paints. See orangecityiowa.com for a list of acceptable items.

Six-week “Powerful Tools for Caregivers” class schedule for April/May

Are you a caregiver? Feeling stretched? Putting your own needs on the back burner? Caregiving can be physically, emotionally, and financially stressful. “Powerful Tools for Caregivers” is a six week class designed for the caregiver’s well-being, while helping with tools to provide quality care for loved ones. The class, sponsored by Orange City Area Health System, ISU Extension and Outreach, and the Senior Companion Program of Lyon, O’Brien, Plymouth, and Sioux counties will be held consecutive Thursdays April 18-May 23 from 5-7:30pm in the lower level of the health system’s main campus at 1000 Lincoln Circle SE in Orange City. The cost is $30, and includes a light meal and materials (caregivers book is valued at $25). Senior Companion assistance is available for loved ones during class time if requested. Class size is limited. Registration deadline is April 15.  You may [gfpage form=”other” name=”powerful tools for caregivers april/may 2013″] or call 712-476-2627.

March 22 event raises funds for health system, features trivia and other contests

There are tickets available for individuals and 8-person teams for Orange City Area Health System’s Trivia Night FUNdraiser, Friday March 22 at Sioux Golf & Country Club in Alton. Tickets are $20 each and include an appetizer/dessert buffet, one drink coupon, and lots of prizes and drawings. Doors open at 6pm, and trivia begins at 7pm. Tickets are available at the health system’s ER desk. Call Mary Plathe, OCAHS Manager of Volunteer Services, at 737-5349 to reserve a table or be joined with a team. Proceeds directly benefit patients and families served by OCAHS.

Hospice Foundation annual educational program, April 23

Orange City Area Health System and Home Health & Hospice are hosting the Hospice Foundation of America’s 20th Annual National Educational Program entitled “Improving Care for Veterans Facing Illness and Death” on Tuesday, April 23 from 1-4pm at the health system’s main campus, lower level conference rooms, at 1000 Lincoln Circle SE in Orange City. 

This program assists end-of-life care providers and health and human services professionals in enhancing their sensitivities and understanding of veterans, and provides professionals with new interventions to better serve dying veterans and their families. The program will also look at military benefits and intersections with VA system. It will also explore the traditions and sensitivities of grieving families and resources that can assist them. 

This program is useful to clinicians, administrators, volunteers, and other staff working in hospice and palliative care, hospitals, long-term care, and assisted living facilities.

Continuing education credits are available through HFA for professionals nationwide. There is a $35 online processing fee per certificate, per participant until April 17, 2014. A Certificate of Attendance is also available through HFA .

Pre-registration is required by April 18 by calling the Orange City Area Health System Education Department at 712-737-5260 or [gfpage form=”other” name=”improving care for veterans April 23 2013″].