Century Care Center Unveils New ‘Person Centered’ Care Model
March 4, 2010
Whether it be at the Teaspoon Cafe or down on Dogwood Lane, there’s a new way of taking care of residents at Century Care Center called the “Person Centered Care Model”.
“Our goal is to keep our residents safe, happy, healthy and as active as possible. The Person Centered Care Model gives them more choices, self-respect, independence and keeps them physically and mentally active as possible,” said Don Ripley, Century Care Center administrator.
Under the Person Centered Care Model, residents are allowed to reasonably keep their lifelong daily rituals. Now, residents get choices like their waking or bedtime, what time they want to eat and their dining preferences.
“They will be asked when they want to take a bath or shower, when they want to get their room cleaned and how they want to decorate their room. People are asked what they want to do each day, activities of their choice that are of interest to them, like going shopping, going for a ride through their old neighborhoods, going to the church of their choice, picnic in the courtyard or by the Ole Mill Pond, doing a little fishing in their own stocked fish pond, card games, painting, music…or any other thing that would help pass the time away.”
New “communities” and “neighborhoods” have been established within the facility. Hallways and rooms like therapy, dining and showers have been given familiar names from the Century area. Jerry Fischer and Don Sales of the Alger-Sullivan Historic Society assisted Century Care Center in selecting some historic names, such as Spanish Moss Road, Mystic Springs; Dogwood Lane, Country Lane, Teaspoon Cafe, The Spot and Paradise Place.
The Century Care Center staff has been trained by Eric Haider, CEO and president on Person Centered Care, Inc. and founder of the Person Centered Care Model.
“People who live in long term care communities are not second class citizens. They have worked hard for us. They have fought in the wars and risked their lives to protect our freedoms … let’s not take their freedoms away,” Haider said. “Person Centered Care gives personal attention to the people who live in long term care and empowers staff to be a resident advocate.”
Ripley said the changes “should make Century Care Center the best place to work and will, especially provide our treasured Residents with the happiest and best care, both physically and emotionally, for the rest of their lives”.
Century Care Center was recently named as the Business of the Year by the Century Area Chamber of Commerce The 88-bed facility is ranked by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services as the number one of 69 nursing homes within 100 miles of Century
Pictured top: Century Care Center. Pictured top inset: The Person Center Care Model is introduced. Pictured bottom inset: A Century Care Center resident enjoying time by the Old Mill Pond. Pictured below: Residents in the “Teaspoon Cafe” at Century Care Center. Submitted and NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Charges Over Dog Poop Assault Dropped
March 4, 2010
Charges have been been dropped against a Century man arrested on domestic violence and aggravated assault charges after his girlfriend said he attacked her after a dog pooped on a bed.
William Mel Lowery, 52, was arrested in August and charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon without intent to kill and felony battery by strangulation in a domestic violence situation.
Charges were dropped against Lowery after the alleged victim recanted her statements.
In August, 2009, the victim told Deputy James Gilman and prosecutors that Lowery “entered the bedroom and observed that their dog had defecated on the bed sheets”. That is when, according the victim’s statements, Lowery became angry and woke up the female victim. The victim said the two got into an argument over the dog using the bed sheets, according to the original arrest report, before the incident escalated into a physical altercation.
Learn About Florida KidCare Insurance Friday At Northview, Byrneville
March 4, 2010
If your children are uninsured or are on the Medicaid share of cost program, there is an easy opportunity coming up on Friday to get Florida KidCare insurance for your children.
Friday, a Florida KidCare outreach advocate will be at Northview High School from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. and Byrneville Elementary School from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. This is a direct computer application process, but the advocate will be on hand to answer questions and provide assistance.
In order to apply for Florida KidCare for your children, you will need to bring:
- Picture Identification
- Social Security numbers for the children
- Pay stubs from past four weeks (or), 2009 W-2 form (or) Most recent tax return
- Proof of child support, Social Security and or unemployment benefits
- Information on cost to add child to parent’s health insurance through employer
For more information, contact Michelle Hinote R.N. at Northview High School at (850) 327-6681 ext. 243, click here for a printable information sheet, or visit floridakidcare.org for information and eligibility requirements.
Former Century Resident, Current ESPN Analyst Buck Showalter To Speak
March 4, 2010
Former Century resident and current ESPN analyst Buck Showalter will speak at an upcoming Pensacola Pelicans banquet.
The Pensacola Pelicans will host their Second Ever Hot Stove Banquet on Monday, March 22 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at The Sanders Beach Community Center. Former MLB manager and current ESPN Baseball Tonight analyst Buck Showalter will be the featured speaker. Showalter was born in DeFuniak Springs, FL and grew up in Century, just north of Pensacola.
Showalter, who now lives in Dallas, had three different managerial stints in the majors with the New York Yankees, the Arizona Diamondbacks, and the Texas Rangers. Showalter first managed the Yankees from 1992-1995 for 581 games posting a 313-268 record finishing 45 games over .500 with a .539 win/loss percentage. He was voted 1994 AL Manager of the Year after the Yankees finished first in the AL East going 70-43. Unfortunately, there would be no post-season in 1994 due to the strike. He made it to his first post-season appearance in 1995, losing the divisional series 3-2 to the Seattle Mariners.
Showalter moved on to the Arizona Diamondbacks where he managed 486 games from 1998-2000 with a 250-236 record. His best season with the Diamondbacks came in 1999 when they finished first in the NL West going 100-62 and eventually losing in the divisional series 3-1 to the NY Mets. Showalter took over as Texas Rangers skipper in 2003-2006 posting a 319-329 record in 648 games. He was selected 2004 AL Manager of the Year with the Texas Rangers going 89-73 with a .549 win/loss percentage.
The banquet is free to Pelicans season ticket holders and certain level sponsors. The public can attend for $30, which also gets them two tickets to the 2010 home opener, by reserving their spot at Jason@pensacolapelicans.com or by calling 850-934-8444.
“The great relationships created amongst the fans are far reaching beyond Pelican Park. Our Hot Stove banquets provide opportunities for our fans to catch up, hear an inspiring message, and see what’s in store with the team for 2010,” commented Pelicans General Manager Talmadge Nunnari. “Having someone like Buck, who’s lived in our community for so many years and his achievements in MLB, to return to Pensacola and share those experiences with us is a privilege.”
The term “Hot Stove” is a long-time baseball term that refers to the time between the end of one season and the beginning of spring training. The period is when die hard passionate fans would gather around a hot stove during the winter months and discuss their favorite teams, players, games, etc. This is also the time when a multitude of player transactions occur, called the “Hot Stove League.”
It’s not too late to get invited to this and other VIP Pelicans events. 2010 season ticket packages area now available starting at only $160. Other gift packages begin at $54. Fans can call the Pelicans office at 850-934-8444 for more information or to reserve their seats.
Sunny Through The Weekend, A Bit Of Rain Then Warmer
March 4, 2010
We are in for sunny skies through the weekend, some rain Monday night and then temperatures climbing into the middle 70’s.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
- Today: Sunny, with a high near 56. Wind chill values between 25 and 35 early. North wind between 5 and 10 mph.
- Tonight: Clear, with a low around 27. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
- Friday: Sunny, with a high near 61. Wind chill values between 20 and 30 early. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph.
- Friday Night: Clear, with a low around 29. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
- Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 64. Calm wind becoming north around 5 mph.
- Saturday Night: Clear, with a low around 32. North wind around 5 mph.
- Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 68. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming south.
- Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 39. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
- Monday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 69. Southeast wind between 5 and 10 mph.
- Monday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 51.
- Tuesday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a high near 76.
- Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 46.
- Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 70.
NHS Digital Design Students Win Pageant Poster Contest
March 4, 2010
Northview High School’s Digital Design classes participated in a 19th Annual Century Sawmill Pageant poster contest sponsored by the Century Lions Club.
Alissa Fiellin placed first in the contest to create the best poster to promote the pageant. Alex McDonald placed second in the poster contest, and Erin Fremin placed third. Fiellin received a $25 prize for her efforts.
The posters will be used to promote the annual Century Sawmill Beauty Pageant on Saturday, March 27 at 10 a.m. at Carver/Century K-8 School. Registration forms are available at Whataburger in Century.
Pictured: (L-R) Century Lions Club member Edsol Smith, Century Sawmill Pageant Poster Contest winners Erin Fremin, third place; Alissa Fiellin, first place; and Alex McDonald, second place; and Lions member Don Sales. Pictured below: Posters by (L-R) Alex McDonald, Alissa Fiellin and Erin Fremin. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Medical Emergency Causes Traffic Delays In Century
March 3, 2010
A medical emergency at a Century gas station caused traffic delays for about 45 minutes Wednesday afternoon. East Highway 4 at Highway 29 was closed for landing a LifeFlight helicopter.
The Century Station of Escambia Fire Rescue, Escambia County EMS and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded to a medical emergency at a convenience store located at the intersection of West Highway 4 and North Century Boulevard (Highway 29) about 4:45 p.m.
The occupant of a vehicle in the parking lot was reportedly experiencing a medical problem.
Naval Air Station Pensacola Commanding Officer Relieved of Command
March 3, 2010
The Navy is now officially acknowledging the removal of the commanding officer of Naval Air Station Pensacola.
“Capt. William P. Reavey has been relieved of command by Rear Adm. Tim Alexander, Commander, Navy Region Southeast, due to loss of confidence in Reavey’s judgment and ability to command. Reavey was temporarily removed from his duties Feb. 26 at the outset of an inquiry. The decision to relieve Capt. Reavey was made based on information obtained during the inquiry,” according to a Navy statement.
Reavey has been reassigned to Naval Air Station Whiting Field, Fla., pending the formal completion and review of the inquiry.
Naval Air Station Pensacola Executive Officer Cmdr. Greg A. Thomas has assumed the duties performed by Capt. Reavey until a relief reports aboard.
Traffic Delay: Lane Closures On Highway 97
March 3, 2010
Today, you can expect lane closures and delays on Highway 97 between North Highway 99 and South Highway 99 in Walnut Hill.
Crews from Panhandle Grading and Paving are working to replace a section of guardrail on Highway 97 just south of South Highway 99, according to Shawn Joseph, project administrator for the contractor. Lanes will be temporarily closed during the guardrail replacement, but one lane is expected to be open at all times.
It’s all part of a project to resurface Highway 97 between Molino and the Alabama state line. The project is expected to last until the fall of 2010.
NorthEscambia.com will continue provide the most current Highway 97 lane closure and construction updates to help you avoid delays.
What Are Gulf Power’s Plans For North Escambia Facility? Nuclear, Or What?
March 3, 2010
Gulf Power is revealing a little more information about their plans for a power generation plant in North Escambia — nuclear or otherwise.
The electric utility has paid over $3.5 million for just over 750 acres near Bluff Springs. It’s just the beginning of planned purchases, with the company eventually looking to own about 3,000 acres in the area.
“Nuclear, natural gas, solar or biomass.” That was as specific as Gulf Power’s Manager of Public Affairs Sandy Sims would get in a Tuesday afternoon interview with NorthEscambia.com about the latest on the power company’s plans. As for wind generation, current technology would eliminate that possibility for now, she said.
On the acreage currently owned by Gulf Power, soil analysis is underway to determine if the land can support “any type of generation facility”. Permits are being acquired for a meteorological weather station including 300-foot high tower to measure temperatures, wind speeds and rainfall. All of that data will be crunched, Sims said, as Gulf Power moves forward in a decision on building a new generation facility. Preliminary results from soil and drilling samples are expected by about June.
“We are not being intentionally vague,” Sims said. “We are exploring the options.” Final decisions, and the need for the plant, have been pushed out a couple of years due to a slower economy and lower than anticipated customer growth in 2008 and 2009. The company plans to use 2010 to analyze the data gathered on the parcels of land purchased. The projected need for the plant has been pushed to 2018 or 2019.
There’s always the chance, Sims said, that the North Escambia site will not support a power generation facility of the type Gulf Power plans to construct, Sims said. In that case, the land would be resold. But with millions of dollars invested, all options will be explored.
Residents in the area that have sold, or have been approached about selling, their land are quick to say they’ve been told the facility will be nuclear. But Sims continues to stress that all options — including nuclear — will be explored.
There is a large natural gas pipeline in the area, a lot of solar panels fit in 3,000 acres and with the large timber industry presence in the area, biomass fuels could be abundant.
“The area was chosen strategically due to the availability of different options in the area,” she said. “It keeps the flexibility open.”
While most of the land purchased by Gulf Power has been on the west side of Highway 29, the power giant has purchased acreage on the east side of the highway — near the Escambia River.
“If by chance we were to build a nuclear plant, we we would need a source of water,” Sims said.
As Gulf Power continues to purchase land in the Cox and Roach road areas, the electric utility is taking issue with an article published in last Sunday’s Pensacola News Journal. That article was headlined “Gulf Power grabbing up land”.
“There is no ‘land-grab’,” Bentina Terry, vice president of External Affairs and Corporate Services for Gulf Power, said in a written statement Tuesday to NorthEscambia.com. “The article (in the Pensacola News Journal) also tried to imply that we overpaid for certain parcels. The writer referred to a two-acre parcel ‘with brush and scrub pines’ that we purchased for $175,000. What the (PNJ) writer did not mention was there was a home, private well, fencing and large workshop on these two acres. We did not buy a vacant lot – we bought an improved homestead well worth the price paid.” (To read Terry’s complete statement, click here.)
The daily newspaper’s article also stated that some property owners had been threatened with eminent domain — a legal process by which property is seized for the public good and the owner compensated, if they are not willing to sell.
“At Gulf Power Company, that’s not the way we do business,” Sims said. ” We don’t threaten anybody.”
Sims admits that Gulf Power has discussed eminent domain with some property owners, but only because the property owner asked if Gulf Power could exercise the option. “In an effort to be honest and truthful, we have told them that it could be a last option down the road.”
“Whatever we do will be positive for North Escambia,” she said, “and positive for Northwest Florida, regardless of the type of generation facility.”
Pictured above: This property in the 200 block of Roach Road that was purchased by Gulf Power Company last year. Pictured below: The location of some of the land purchased by Gulf Power. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
