On Saturday, May 4th, from 3:30pm until 7:00pm, the big race will be on the big screen and there will be plenty of Derby fun, including a hat contest, games of chance, and mint juleps. All proceeds from the event benefit Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice of the Florida Keys.

Tickets are $75 per person and can be purchased at the Bottle Cap (1128 Simonton Street) and at VNA/Hospice (1319 William Street). Space is limited and tickets are going fast, so purchase yours today!

Wheeler joined the agency as Chief Financial Officer in 2004 and has helped transform VNA/Hospice into the preeminent home health and hospice care agency in Monroe County.

“It has been an honor working alongside Greg for the past few years,” said Jody Gross, President & CEO of VNA/Hospice, “and I am confident that in his new leadership role he will continue to play a vital role as we continue our mission of delivering high standards of care to people at home.”

Prior to VNA/Hospice, Wheeler was the Director of Operations at St. John Health Foundation, a division of a large, multi-hospital health care system in Southeast Michigan.

On March 1-3, professional and amateur fisherman will hit the waters to see who can catch and release the most sailfish. There will be cash prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd places in both divisions, as well as awards, trophies and exciting raffle prizes. Prizes also awarded for first place in the weight fish (tuna, dolphin and kingfish) division.

Since it began in 1984, the tournament has donated more than $165,000 to VNA/Hospice. Monies donated are used to support the agency’s home health and hospice programs and services.

For more information about the tournament, please visit www.leonshelltournament.com. For more information about how you can help VNA/Hospice and its mission, please call 305-587-0266 or visit www.VNAHospiceKeys.org.

The free sessions are open to anyone affected by cancer and will include educational talks on effective ways to cope and live with cancer, information about community resources, and an opportunities to share your experiences.

Sessions will start at 6 p.m. in the main conference room in Mariners Hospital. (91500 Overseas Highway, Tavernier). For more information, please contact either Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice of the Florida Keys (305-852-7887) or Mariners Hospital (305-434-1020).

Ryzoc has 24 years of experience in home health care as a field nurse, a Director of Nursing, and most recently as an Administrator. Ryzoc comes to VNA/Hospice from the Miami-Dade area.

“We are very fortunate to have Kathleen joining our team,” said Jody Gross, President & CEO of VNA/Hospice. “She brings the skills and experience needed to lead our clinical operations in our mission of care for the Florida Keys.”

Ryzoc lives in Key Largo and will be located in the Tavernier branch office.

VNA/Hospice offers the highest quality of care enabling friends and family members in Key West and the Florida Keys of live as fully as possible through the journey at life’s end.

Pictured (left to right): Rev. Stephen Braddock, Hospice Chaplain; Jody Gross, President & CEO of VNA/Hospice; and Key West Mayor Craig Cates.

VNA/Hospice will use the generous donation to assist in the costs of running their various home-health and hospice programs.

Pictured (left to right): Jody Gross, President & CEO of VNA/Hospice; Natalie Maddox, Fundraising Coordinator for VNA/Hospice; Carol Callowhill, LKWC; Loretta Baker, LKWC and Abby Oglesbee, Lower Keys Women’s Club President. Not Pictured: Joyce Revelli, LKWC

On Sunday, November 4th, motorcycles will take over the Upper Keys to raise money for the Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice of the Florida Keys.  Registration is from 9am until 11am at the Caribbean Club, MM 104.8, and then will continue on to four more stops (Smugglers Cove, Lazy Days, Snapper’s and Gilbert’s Resort).  The after-party and the blessing of the bikes (4:45pm until 5pm) will be at Gilbert’s Resort.

There will be prizes for first, second and third place, as well as for the worst hand.  The entry fee of $25 gets you three hands, extra hands are $10.  For more information and to pre-register visit www.vnahospicekeys.org or call 305-852-7887.

“Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice of the Florida Keys is so grateful to Catherine for everything she has contributed to us and the community for the past 20 years,” said President & CEO Jody Gross. “Her dedication and passion for caring are an inspiration to all who work with her.”