Event to support CFK Academy charter high school KEY WEST, FL, March 15, 2024— The College of the Florida Keys (CFK) Foundation invites the community to “A Roaring Good Time Speakeasy” on Friday, April 19, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Tennessee Williams Theatre. The first annual event will offer partygoers food, drinks, entertainment, auctions, and more. Tickets are $75. Proceeds from the fundraiser will benefit the CFK Academy, the College’s new tuition-free public charter high school. Tickets and sponsorship packages are available on the College’s website at www.cfk.edu/roaring.
To contribute auction items or donations to the CFK Foundation, contact Lana Gaspari, CFK Vice President of Advancement and CFK Foundation Executive Director, at foundation@cfk.edu or 305-809-3214.
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KEY WEST, FL, February 22, 2024—The College of the Florida Keys (CFK) invites prospective students to learn more about the various academic and career training opportunities available at CFK through its “Future Student” virtual event on Wednesday, March 6 at 5:30 p.m.
Topics to be covered at the information session:
MARATHON, FL, February 20, 2024— The College of the Florida Keys is teaming up with the Marathon Chamber of Commerce to help local high school students, their families, mentors, and guidance counselors through processes related to college applications, decisions, requirements, and deadlines. The free workshop, entitled “Ready, Set, COLLEGE!,” will be held on Wednesday, February 28, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the College’s Middle Keys Center, located at Marathon High School, in room 5204. The first part of the workshop will focus on writing. Students will receive tips for writing effective essays for both college admissions and scholarship applications. The session will also help parents, mentors, and guidance counselors learn how to better evaluate student essays and suggest improvements. The second half of the workshop will be dedicated to learning about different ways to pay for college through federal grants and loans, scholarships, and payment plans. CFK staff will provide hands-on guidance through completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which is the first step required for federal and many other financial aid opportunities. For additional information about “Ready, Set, COLLEGE!,” contact CFK at 305-296-9081. Bid on adventures, vacation packages, art, dining, and more FLORIDA KEYS, FL, February 15, 2024— The College of the Florida Keys’ (CFK) Foundation is hosting a two-week virtual silent auction and a raffle for a Yamaha EX Limited WaveRunner. Both activities are part of the twelfth annual Seaside Soiree fundraiser to support CFK students and programs. Bidding in the silent auction opens on Friday, February 16 at 6 a.m. and ends on Friday, March 1 at 8 p.m., in concert with the event, which will be at the Islander Resort in Islamorada. Both the raffle and virtual silent auction offers opportunities for individuals to support the College’s fundraising efforts regardless of their attendance at the Seaside Soiree event.
Created to attract all levels of support, the auction features a range of value points. Items up for bid include adventure and travel experiences, dining and catering packages, art, jewelry, books, sports equipment, and more. Those interested in participating can access the auction website at CFK.edu/soiree. Throughout the auction period, new items will be introduced, so bidders are encouraged to visit often. Bidders will receive email notices about auction activity including notifications if they have been outbid on any items. Sponsors of the Seaside Soiree include First Horizon Bank, The Lisa Ferringo Group, Annette & David Curry, Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate Co., Spottswood Companies, Mote Marine Laboratory, Mason Investment Group, Yamaha, and Belfor Property Restoration. For more information about the Seaside Soiree fundraising efforts, visit CFK.edu/soiree or contact Lana Gaspari, CFK Vice President of Advancement and CFK Foundation Executive Director, at foundation@cfk.edu or 305-809-3214. WaveRunner Raffle Terms and Conditions: The WaveRunner raffle and drawing is conducted by the Florida Keys Educational Foundation, Inc. DBA CFK Foundation, (a non-profit under section 501 (c) 3) whose principal place of business is 5901 College Road, Key West, FL 33040 to support the students and programs of CFK. The prize was donated by Yamaha. The drawing will occur at 9:30 pm on March 1, 2024, at the Islander Resort at 82100 Overseas Highway, Islamorada, FL 33036, and on Facebook live. Winners do not need to be present to win and do not need to print ticket stubs. One winner will be chosen by random selection. The winner is responsible for taxes, title fees, registration fees, etc. Winners will be contacted by phone and/or email within seven days of the drawing. The winner will receive a Yamaha EX Limited WaveRunner and trailer. Participants must be 18 years old at the time of entry. The prize must be picked up from the Key West Campus at 5901 College Road, and title transferred, within 30 calendar days of notification and will be offered “as is.” A valid identification matching the name on the raffle ticket is required. Tickets are $200 each (suggested minimum donation). No purchase or contribution is necessary. Winner agrees to comply with the IRS and all applicable tax laws, rules, and regulations. KEY WEST, FL, FEBRUARY 13, 2024 – On February 7, 2024, Lower Keys Medical Center leaders recognized the 2023 Annual Award winners and honored employees with milestone years of service.
Michelle Hayward-Brown, administrative assistant, Surgical Services, was named Employee of the Year. David Clay, CEO, shared comments from Michelle’s colleagues who described her as professional, polite, knowledgeable and reliable. “Michelle has been recognized as an Employee of the Month several times in the past year and is consistently recognized in daily safety meetings,” Clay noted. “She is always helping peers and patients, ensuring Lower Keys Medical Center can give the best service, with the best outcomes for patients, physicians, offices, insurance providers, and peers.” Brenna Balbuena, RN, Intensive Care Unit, was recognized as Clinical Employee of the Year. Colleagues noted that “Brenna has grown into an exceptional caregiver, peer, and leader. She has taken on preceptor and charge duties willingly. She’s a natural at mentoring and identifying opportunities with solutions. Brenna’s commitment to our patients and community is an example of our Community Cares culture. She is dedicated to a superior patient experience.” Brandie Adamson, RN, Behavioral Health, received a national Nursing Excellence Award recognizing her compassionate care and dedication to the hospital’s Community Cares culture. Coworkers say, “Brandie is always in a positive and helping mood. She goes out of her way to be kind, loving and accepting. She is motivational and continues to keep the team positive. Her knowledge is endless. Brandie goes above and beyond for patients in crisis. She comforts them and their family members and takes the time to sit down and listen to the patients.” The Frank Houtman Award was presented to Tom Lock, materials coordinator in Surgical Services. The award is named in honor of a former volunteer who always shared his desire to give back. He enjoyed helping patients and staff. When asked what he looked for in people, he said, “I look for people who shine.” Tom Lock is such a person. Colleagues noted that Tom “goes out of his way to support any department that is in need. He is kind, professional, and helpful. He takes pride in his work and his community.” Outside of the hospital, Tom spends his off time giving back to the community by independently and consistently picking up trash along College Road and ensuring that our community and surrounding waters are clean. Jose Hernandez, Radiology, was named Clinical Director of the Year. Colleagues recognized Jose’s commitment to the hospital, with over 25 years of service, saying, “Jose is a level-headed, responsible leader. His consistency in leading his department and achieving operational goals is a staple in the facility. His experience allows him to steadily lead the department through various challenges to deliver excellent patient care. Jose serves as an example through his commitment to patient care and employee engagement.” Jean Desire, Environmental Services, received the Nonclinical Director of the Year award. Coworkers noted, “Desire embodies the humility and work ethic of a true leader. He is extremely responsive and truly cares about the hospital, its patients, and its staff. Not only does he lead his department, he works alongside his team. His department has contributed to a significant increase in hospital cleanliness scores over the past year. Desire leads by example, willingly working holidays and weekends to ensure the job is done, while always giving credit back to his team for their successes.” Employees recognized for milestone years of service were: Twenty Five Years: Lynda Delph, Phyllis Stout Twenty Years: Marie Louis Fifteen Years: Angelina Ashler, Latanya Campbell, Chris Garry, Shelley Hornbuckle, DeeAnna Lowery-Major, April Nibbe, Zulma Peterson, Alicia Rizzo, Isabel Ruiz-Fernandez, Teresa Alfonso Ten Years: Audra Brock, Annette Brough, Dr. Pasquale Dell’Api, Rachel Fletcher, Isabel Lenderman, Jacqueline Nicksic, Michele Ramirez, Tammy Sarver, Erin Sheehan Five Years: Ioana Amuza, John Bandura, Jessica Barroso, Jeannette Bruein, Adriana Carroll, Marie Centaus, Darryl DeHanas, Andrew Dick, Maureen Cervello, Kristina DuMouchel, Michael Hayes, Leo Hedger, Jessica Laino, Abelina Oglesbee, Sophia Ratcliff-Numez, Katrina Ryder KEY WEST, FL, February 13, 2024— The College of the Florida Keys is teaming up with the Key West Chamber of Commerce to help local high school students, their families, mentors, and guidance counselors through processes related to college applications, decisions, requirements, and deadlines. The free workshop, entitled “Ready, Set, COLLEGE!” will be held on Wednesday, February 21, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in the library on the College’s Key West Campus. The first part of the workshop will focus on writing. Students will receive tips for writing effective essays for both college admissions and scholarship applications. The session will also help parents, mentors, and guidance counselors learn how to better evaluate student essays and suggest improvements. The second half of the workshop will be dedicated to learning about different ways to pay for college through federal grants and loans, scholarships, and payment plans. CFK financial aid staff will provide hands-on guidance through completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which is the first step required for federal and many other financial aid opportunities. For additional information about “Ready, Set, COLLEGE!,” contact CFK at 305-296-9081. Local veterinarian Dr. Douglas Madar will lead the presentation KEY WEST, FL, February 12, 2024— The College of the Florida Keys continues its 2024 VIP Series with “Global Warming and Wildlife” on Thursday, February 22 at 7 p.m. in the Tennessee Williams Theatre on the Key West Campus. The presentation will be led by local veterinarian and author Dr. Douglas Mader. In its tenth season, the College’s VIP Series invites the community to learn from the Views, Ideas, and Perspectives of speakers of local, regional, and national prominence. The 2024 season includes presentations that focus on timely topics relevant to Keys’ audiences.
Dr. Mader will discuss the impact that increasing temperatures have had on wildlife. He will also explore how changes in water, including droughts and floods, contribute to habitat instability. His presentation will focus on sea turtles, which he calls the proverbial “Canary in the Coal Mine” for our oceans, and the recent phenomena of all female hatchling nests caused by warmer temperatures in South Florida. Dr. Mader is a triple board-certified veterinary specialist with over three decades of experience. He is an internationally acclaimed lecturer and is on the review boards of several scientific journals. Dr. Mader has written medical textbooks and numerous scientific publications. His latest work is "The Vet at Noah's Ark - Stories of Survival from an Inner-City Animal Hospital." He serves many animals in South Florida through his veterinary practice and by serving as the consulting veterinarian for the Monroe County Sheriff's Zoo, the Key West Aquarium, Dynasty Marine, the Sea Turtle Hospital, the Everglades Alligator Farm, Zoo Miami, and the Theater of the Sea. CFK’s 2024 VIP Series is sponsored by First Horizon Bank. Tickets for each event are $5 at the door. Admission is free for students at CFK and Monroe County schools. For more information, call CFK at 305-296-9081 or visit the College’s website at CFK.edu/VIP. KEY WEST, FL, January 22, 2024— The College of the Florida Keys invites middle and high school students and their family members to the CFK Academy Showcase on Thursday, February 1 at 5:30 p.m. at the CFK Academy on the College’s Key West Campus. The event will provide key information about the tuition-free public charter high school that opened in August 2023. Attendees will be able to see exhibits created by current students, tour the school, and meet the CFK Academy’s principal, teachers, staff, and students.
The CFK Academy focuses on college and career readiness with curriculum centered on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) and Career Technical Education (CTE). Teachers use a Project-Based Learning (PBL) approach, which provides students hands-on engagement in the learning process beyond the traditional classroom. In the process they further develop critical-thinking and communication skills. CFK Academy students are encouraged to earn college credit through the College’s Dual Enrollment program in classes conveniently located on the same campus as the high school. Motivated students can graduate with their high school diploma as well as an associate degree, certificate, and/or industry certification. There is no cost to attend the CFK Academy, including the college level classes, potentially saving families tens of thousands of dollars. Applications are now open for grades 9 through 12 for the 2024- 25 school year and can be found online at CFK.edu/CFKAcademy. Space is limited. Applications are due on February 26 and a lottery will be conducted on February 29. Virtual silent auction items and sponsorships sought KEY WEST, FL, January 16, 2024— The College of the Florida Keys (CFK) invites the community to “Swords and Tails: A Seaside Soiree” on Friday, March 1 at the Islander Resort in Islamorada. The twelfth annual event will feature costumes, fine dining and cocktails, and live entertainment by the 79th Street Band. Tickets and sponsorship packages are available for the fundraiser on the College’s website at www.cfk.edu/soiree. In conjunction with the Seaside Soiree, the College will hold a virtual silent auction during the two weeks leading up to the event, running February 16 through March 1. The virtual silent auction offers an opportunity for people from anywhere to support the College’s fundraising efforts, regardless of their attendance at the Seaside Soiree event. All proceeds of the event and auction will benefit the students and programs at CFK. Sponsors of CFK’s 2024 Seaside Soiree include The Lisa Ferringo Group, Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate, Spottswood Companies, Mote Marine Laboratory, Mason Investments, Belfor Property Restoration, Ajax Building Company, Sam Williams, Capital City Consulting and Gray Robinson Consulting. To contribute auction items or donations to the CFK Foundation, contact Lana Gaspari, CFK Vice President of Advancement and CFK Foundation Executive Director, at foundation@cfk.edu or 305-809-3214. KEY WEST, FL, January 5, 2024— The College of the Florida Keys will open its 2024 VIP Series with “Memoirs of the Holocaust” on Thursday, January 18 at 7 p.m. in the Tennessee Williams Theatre on the Key West Campus. The presentation will be led by descendants of Holocaust survivors, Lucy Barker and her daughter Diana Tapper. In its tenth season, the College’s VIP Series invites the community to learn from the Views, Ideas, and Perspectives of speakers of local, regional, and national prominence. The 2024 season includes presentations that focus on timely topics relevant to Keys’ audiences.
Barker and Tapper will discuss the survival of Barker’s father, Jack Kowal, through eight concentration camps, a story that was documented by Steven Spielberg’s Shoah Foundation. Barker and Tapper’s presentation includes elements of the documentary as well as their experiences traveling to Poland and Germany to retrace Kowal’s journey. Barker, a 19-year resident of Key West, was born in Zeiltzheim, Germany, in a Displaced Persons’ Camp and emigrated to the United States in 1949 with her parents. Barker grew up in Boston and spent most of her life in that area before retiring to Key West. Inspired by her father’s passion to educate people about the atrocities of the Holocaust, she has given numerous presentations that bring history to life using her father’s stories, photos, and artifacts. Diana Tapper, a retired insurance professional, currently holds leadership roles on several not-for-profit boards. She is the board chair of The TAMID Group, a nonprofit with 57 college campus chapters and an alumni network focused on connecting the next generation of business leaders to Israel. Additionally, she serves as the Secretary on the Executive Board of the Access Psychology Foundation, which aims to improve access to mental health resources for underserved and racially diverse populations. CFK’s 2024 VIP Series is sponsored by First Horizon Bank. Tickets for each event are $5 at the door. Admission is free for students at CFK and Monroe County schools. For more information, call CFK at 305-296-9081 or visit the College’s website at CFK.edu/VIP. |
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