LAKE WALES MEDICAL CENTER SEEKS VOLUNTEERS

Lake Wales, FL – Lake Wales Medical Center has an immediate need for volunteers for the front lobby information desks, gift shop, and courtesy shuttle drivers. Front lobby volunteers greet visitors, hand out visitor passes, and answer questions. Gift Shop volunteers assist shoppers in the hospital gift shop. Courtesy shuttle drivers bring patients and visitors to the hospital entrances from parking areas. All volunteers must be friendly, personable, and at-ease interacting with the public.

“As we move into the Summer season, many of our volunteers head back up North, and we have a need for year-round residents who can volunteer four hours per week,” said Julie Sing, manager of volunteer services at the hospital.

Volunteers must be at least 18 years old, complete an application, submit a letter of recommendation, and pass a background and drug screening. Top applicants will be interviewed, and available positions will be filled based on best fit.  Not all applicants will be brought on as volunteers. Shuttle drivers must be 21 years of age and will be trained on courtesy shuttle safety prior to beginning their assignment.

Hospital volunteers receive a free meal ticket for the hospital cafeteria for each shift worked, a volunteer uniform, and a free flu shot once per year. Volunteers ages 50 or older who work an average of at least 4 hours per week will receive free membership to LWMC’s Senior Circle program.

Applications are available in the lobbies at the hospital, or can be downloaded online at www.lakewalesmedicalcenter.com and click on the “Volunteers” tab at the top of the home page.

Mother’s Day is right around the corner, and we have gifts for mothers of all ages!​​

We have Women’s Apparel, Devotionals, Bibles, Bath Salts, Kitchen Ware, & More!

Personalization is available on all leather-bound Bibles and Journals.

For those picky moms, we offer gift certificates in all denominations.

Park Avenue Christian Bookstore is your one-stop shop for your significant other, your mom, and even your grandmother.

218 E Park Avenue

Lake Wales, FL

Mon-Fri 10-5   Saturday 9-3

863-223-8193

LWMC’S WOUND HEALING CENTER RECEIVES PRESTIGIOUS AWARDS

Lake Wales, FL – Lake Wales Medical Center physicians, leaders and clinicians gathered today to celebrate the hospital’s Wound Healing Center receiving both the Center of Distinction Award and the Center of Excellence Award from Healogics.

“This is our third year winning the Center of Excellence Award, and our fourth year winning the Center of Distinction award, and we are very proud of that accomplishment,” said Tiffany Rodriguez, RN, Program Director at the Wound Healing Center.

The Center of Distinction award recognizes outstanding clinical outcomes for twelve consecutive months, including patient satisfaction higher than 92 percent, and a minimum wound healing rate of at least 91 percent within 30 median days to heal. There were 512 Centers eligible for the Center of Distinction award, but only 221 achieved the honor.

The Robert A. Warriner III, M.D., Center of Excellence award recognizes the Wound Healing Center meeting benchmarks including patient satisfaction rates higher than 92 percent and a healing rate of at least 91 percent in less than 30 median days, among other quality standards for a minimum of two consecutive years.  The Lake Wales Wound Healing Center is one of only 110 centers to receive the award this year.  The award is named for Dr. Robert A. Warriner III, a pioneer in wound care and the former Chief Medical Officer for Healogics.

“We are proud to be able to offer such a vital service to the people of our community, and to be able to offer it with such a high level of excellence,” said hospital CEO Andrew Howard. “Our staff and physicians take great care of their patients, who often tell us that they feel like family when they go to the Wound Healing Center. We’re happy to be able to make such a positive impact on their lives.”

The Lake Wales Wound Healing Center offers highly specialized wound care to patients suffering from diabetic ulcers, pressure ulcers, infections and other chronic wounds which have not healed in a reasonable amount of time. Advanced treatments include negative pressure wound therapy, bio-engineered skin substitutes, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, biological and biosynthetic dressings and growth factor therapies. The center is a member of the Healogics network of nearly 800 Centers.

Photo Info: Lake Wales Medical Center staff and physicians celebrated recently the hospital’s Wound Healing Center, which received two prestigious awards, the Center of Distinction and the Center of Excellence awards from Healogics. Both awards are given to outstanding wound treatment centers for meeting and exceeding benchmarks in healing rates and patient satisfaction. Pictured are, back row, from left: Andrew Howard, hospital CEO; Amanda Williams, RN, clinical nurse manager; Katina Green, RN, case manager; Monte Holm, certified hyperbaric technician; Dr. Fred Howard, and Dr. James Nelson, Wound Center medical director. Front row, from left: Alicia Lyons, office coordinator; Alesia Walker, RN, case manager; Lindsay Kula, CMA; and Tiffany Rodriguez, RN, program director. Not pictured are Dr. Carolyn Pass, Dr. Benigno Feliciano, Dr. Snehal Patel, and Crystal Browning, RN, case manager.

Lake Wales, Florida – On Tuesday, April 19, 2016, Polk County Sheriff’s undercover detectives arrested 66-year-old Stephen Glenn Charest of Lake Wales for one count Solicitation Another to Commit Lewdness, at Lake Fannie Boat Ramp. Charest is the pastor at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Lake Wales.

The following is an excerpt from the affidavit:

On the above date and time, I was working in an undercover capacity in the area of Winter Haven, Florida (Polk County). I was at the Lake Fannie Boat Ramp, when I observed an unknown white male walk into the wooded area. Detectives were in the area in response to complaints of lewd activity.

I walked into the wooded area where I made contact with the male. Then after some casual conversation I asked the unknown male what he was doing in the wooded area. The defendant stated the following, “I want you to [expletive describing a lewd act].” I then asked the defendant, “Ok, is that what you want me to do?” The defendant replied, “Yeah.” I then asked the defendant, “You ready?” The defendant then replied, “Yeah.”

The defendant solicited me to perform oral sex on him in a public place. I showed the defendant my badge and identified myself as a Detective from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

Charest was booked into the Polk County Jail on the aforementioned charge, and released after posting $250.00 bond.

LWMC ANNOUNCES QUARTERLY AWARDS

Lake Wales, FL – Lake Wales Medical Center presented quarterly awards recently.

Employee of the Quarter was Jennifer Scalf, CT Technologist in Imaging Services. She was recognized for continued outstanding customer service, patient care and team work. “We often receive feedback from patients about Jennifer, and she is always focused on patient safety,” said CEO Andrew Howard.

Manager of the Quarter was Erwin Jaropillo, Information Systems. He was recognized for his outstanding work on several recent IT upgrades and programs. “Erwin works tirelessly to keep the many computer systems here operational so that we can provide great care to our patients,” Howard said.

Volunteer of the Quarter was Tina Stegman and her service dog, Phoenix, who visit patients in the hospital’s geriatric psychiatric unit.

“Tina and Phoenix have become a part of our treatment team,” said Sabrina Long, director of the unit. “The impact of pet therapy on patient mood and recovery is well documented.  Phoenix intuitively knows which patients need a little extra time and attention when he visits.  He is a gentle giant who helps our senior patients to realistically reminisce and remember happy times.  The impact on staff attitude and satisfaction is a bonus benefit of having the weekly visits from Tina and Phoenix.  The smiles and joy brought by Phoenix and Tina are felt long after they have left the unit for the day.”

— end —

Photo info:

Volunteer: Tina Stegman and her service dog, Phoenix, were the volunteers of the quarter at Lake Wales Medical Center.

Jaropillo: Erwin Jaropillo was named Manager of the Quarter at Lake Wales Medical Center

Lake Wales, Florida – The Lake Wales Police Department is investigating two business robberies they believe are related. The first robbery occurred at Pizzano’s Pizza, located at 1326 SR60 E, on Friday, April 15 at 5:15pm. During this robbery the suspect walked into Pizzano’s, pointed a handgun at the cashier, took an undisclosed amount of money, and fled the area. The suspect was described as a black male, approximately 5’9″ tall, wearing a red hoodie which was tightened up around his face, long red or black pants, and he was armed with an unknown make/model handgun.

     The second robbery occurred at CVS, located at 500 S 11th St, on Saturday, April 16 at 10:12pm. During this robbery the suspect walked into CVS pointed a handgun at the cashiers, took an undisclosed amount of money, and fled the area. The suspect was described as a black male, thin build, approximately 6’00” tall, wearing a red hoodie which was tightened up around his face, red sweat pants, white cloth gloves, dark sunglasses, black and white tennis shoes, and he was armed with an unknown make/model handgun.

     After both robberies occurred law enforcement officers set up perimeters and searched extensively for the suspect but were not able to locate him. There were no injuries as a result of either of the robberies. These are photographs of the suspect during the robberies. Anyone who witnessed either of the robberies, has information on either of the robberies, or knows who the suspect is should contact Detective Alvin Maultsby at (863) 678-4223 extension 265 or Heartland Crime Stoppers at (800) 226-8477.

Lake Wales, Florida – The Lake Wales Police Department are currently searching for an armed robbery suspect.  The suspect robbed the Pizzanos Pizza in the Orange Grove Shopping Center on S.R.60.  The suspect is described as a black male where a red sweatshirt & black pants.

Currently officers along with the assistance of a PCSO air unit is conducting a search  of the area. The incident occurred around 5:40pm. Witnesses advise crime scene units are on scene.

Final Update:

Man in Critical Condition from a Single Vehicle Crash

On April 15, 2016 at 5:53am Dale May, a 55 year old of 3331 Harbor Beach Dr. Lake Wales, was involved in a serious single vehicle traffic crash. The crash occurred on HWY27 at the SR60 overpass. May was transported to Lakeland Regional Medical Center where he was admitted in critical condition. May was unable to recover from his injuries and died on April 19, 2016 at 3:40pm. Our thoughts and prayers are with May’s family during this difficult time.

Update April 15, 2016:

Man in Critical Condition from a Single Vehicle Crash

      On April 15, 2016 at 5:53am members of the Lake Wales Police Department were dispatched to a traffic crash on HWY27 at SR60. Upon arrival officers discovered the crash involved only one vehicle which collided with the concrete barrier under the overpass of SR60. The investigation revealed Dale May, a 55 year old of Lake Wales, was traveling northbound on HWY27 in a white 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt. For an unknown reason May drove into the median of HWY27 and continued northbound. While traveling in the median he hit two traffic control signs and then crossed over the southbound lanes of HWY27. May’s vehicle crashed into a concrete barrier under the SR60 overpass. May’s vehicle came to rest after impacting the barrier in the southbound lanes of HWY27. The overpass was not damaged due to the barrier stopping May’s vehicle.

May suffered critical injuries from the crash and was transported to Lakeland Regional Hospital for treatment. The vehicle May was driving sustained major damage and no other vehicles were involved. Traffic was affected for several hours while the investigation was conducted and the vehicle was removed from the crash scene. At this point impairment is not suspected, no charges have been filed, and the investigation in ongoing. Anyone who witnessed this crash is asked to contact Detective David Hernandez at (863) 678-4223 extension 264.

Original Release:

Lake Wales, Florida – An accident Friday
morning caused major road closures and detouring of traffic in Lake Wales. According to the Lake Wales Police Department a male victim was seriously injured when the vehicle he was operating crashed into the underpass of Hwy 27 & S.R. 60. The crash closed all southbound lanes of Hwy 27 and the southbound exit to Hwy 27 from S.R. 60 for several hours. Currently the roadway is open going in both directions on Hwy 27, but is limited to one lane.

According to LWPD spokesperson, Lt. David Black, the victim is Dale Richard May and he was transported to Lakeland Regional Health. The accident is under investigation. We will update when more information is available.

Lake Wales, Florida – A 24-year-old Lake Wales man, Landon Myers, died early Monday morning when his motorcycle crashed into a concrete barrier wall in Orange County, troopers say.Meyers was on the exit ramp from State Road 528 West to Interstate 4 West about 1 a.m. when he lost control of the 2015 Honda motorcycle he was operating, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The motorcycle crashed into a concrete barrier, throwing Meyers onto the grass, troopers said. He passed away at the scene.

He was born on November 28, 1991 in Winter Haven, Florida to Bret Myers and Michelle Lord Bixler and he has been a lifelong resident of this area. He was a Manager for Delmonico’s Steakhouse in Orlando. He loved to ride his motorcycle, drive his Cadillac and fish, but most of all he loved playing with his little papoose, “daughter Hayden”. He was preceded in death by his Paternal Grandmother, Judith Grace Myers; Maternal Grandfather, Jake Lord; Paternal Grandfather, Richard A Bixler, Sr.

Survivors include his father, Bret Myers of Ocala and mother, Michelle Lord Bixler & Richard Bixler, Jr. of Beverly Hills; daughter, Hayden Myers; Fiancé Brittany Lawrence; sisters, Whitney Forde of Ocala, Rhonda (Nigel) Ballard of Georgia; brother, Richard Bixler, III, of Georgia; Maternal Grandmother, Charlene Lord “The Granny” of Beverly Hills; Paternal Grandfather, Terry Myers of Lake Wales; Paternal Grandmother, Dorothy Bixler of Beverly Hills and many Aunts, Uncles and Cousins.

Family will receive friends on Friday, April 15, 2016 from 5:00 PM until service time at 6:00 PM at the Marion Nelson Funeral Home with Minister John Guzetta officiating.