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Bonnie Bonomo
bbonomo@leezasplace.org
Leeza Care Advocate
Leeza’s Place at Memorial Hospital Pembroke


Bonnie Bonomo is a caregiver by nature.  She has worked with children and adults in both community programs as well as in teaching and training capacities. Bonnie also cared for her husband in his struggle with colon cancer. She learned how to advocate on his behalf and navigate through the healthcare system effectively, with a positive attitude through it all.  She understands first hand how challenging it can be to care for a loved one and have the energy to maintain your own health. Bonnie strongly believes there is a need for nourishing and honoring caregivers in our community.

A graduate in Journalism from the University of Florida, Bonnie began her career working with McDonald’s Restaurants of Southeast Florida, eventually earning the position of Director of Marketing, working with over one-hundred Owner Operator and Company owned stores.  An integral part of the initial stages of the Ronald McDonald House at Jackson Memorial Hospital, Bonnie has experience in programming, fundraising and community outreach.

For over ten years, Bonnie also had an entrepreneurial phase of her life, opening a successful consulting firm,  representing such clients as Gatorade, Coca Cola, Ford Motor Company, Blockbuster Video, Proctor and Gamble, Tenet Healthcare Systems and Mercy Hospital.

Her first love is caregiving, whether reaching out to the young or old.  Assisting and advocating for caregivers, enables Bonnie to fulfill her life’s mission to “empower herself and others to life a life of joy and passion each and every day.”
Leeza's Place at Memorial Hospital Pembroke
2261 N. University Drive, Suite 103
Pembroke Pines, FL 33024
Tel 954-967-7240
Fax 954-967-7241


 Leeza’s Place is a community gathering place for caregivers and those recently diagnosed with memory disorders.  We are a source of information, strength and purpose, offering programs that Educate, Empower and Energize both the caregiver and the recently

SEPTEMBER 2008

Download Calendar of Events >>


All programs are FREE of CHARGE.  Stop by anytime or make and appointment to inquire about resources.

Education

  • Care for the Caregiver - “Caregiver Oasis – Is it Working for You?” with Dr. Jamie Huysman, Executive Director and Co-Founder of Leeza Gibbons Memory Foundation, Friday, September 12th -  11 a.m.
  • Age Proof Your Brain  - Kim Johnson from Brain Aerobics,  Monday, September 15th – 10:45 a.m.
  • Happy Days are Here Again! with MaryAnn Watson RN, Nurse Educator and Healing Touch Practitioner -  Tuesday, September 23rd   -  11:11 a.m.
  • Mandala WorkshopInformative and Creative workshop with Gayle Nelson,  Friday, September 19th from 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Empowerment

Caregiver to Caregiver Support Group (Septmber 4, 11th, 18th & 26th)

  • Morning Support Group:  10:30-11:30 a.m. (The 1st & 3rd Thursday of the month)
  • Evening Support Group:  6:30 – 8:00 p.m. (2nd & 4th Thursday of the month)

ES Connect – Education, Support, Connection 1st & 3rd Wed. of the month (September 3rd & 17th 10:30 – 12:00)
A group for the recently diagnosed Caregiver and their loved one. Facilitated by Memorial Pembroke Memory Center & the Alzheimer’s Association, Southeast Chapter – Must speak with Bonnie first.

Bereavement Support Group (Tuesdays, September 2nd, 9th, 16th 23rd & 30th) led by VITAS 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Scrapbooking/Memory Preservation  (Tuesdays September 2nd, 9th, 16th 23rd & 30th and Saturday September  27th)

  • Weekly scrapbooking classes.  Just bring your photos; we supply the rest; instruction, scrapbooks, and supplies. Tuesdays - 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. 
  • Bonnie’s Brunch Bunch & Scrapbooking Class September 27th from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Energy

  • Breathe, Stretch, Relax & Meditate a wonderful stress relieving tranquil time of moving, breathing and relaxing   (Monday, September 29th )  
  • Reiki Healing Energy Circle (Every Friday, Sept. 5th 12th 19th & 26th @ 1:00 p.m.) - Increase your body’s natural ability to heal itself with Reiki Masters Dottie, Kiki and Barbara
  • Create A Mandala – Meditation, creative visualization and the process of creating healing art - Friday, September 19th 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
  • Free Memory Screenings – Thursday, September 25th - Please

EDUCATION

ALLEVIATES ANXIETY . . .  so Join us for one of our Educational Presentations

Care for the Caregiver Presentation “Caregiver Oasis – Is It Working for You?” with Dr. Jamie Friday, September 12th @ 11:00 a.m.
Join our Executive Director and Co-Founder of the Leeza Gibbons Memory Foundation, and Leeza’s Place, Dr. Jamie Huysman for this presentation. Dr. Jamie’s presentations always inspire caregivers to share and grow as he shows everyone how they can maintain a healthy outlook and lifestyle while caring for another person, by “Taking the Oxygen first”.  

  • Friday, September 12th @ 11:11 a.m. Please RSVP as refreshments will be served

Age Proof Your Brain (Monday, September 15th @ 10:45 a.m.)
In the “Age Proof Your Brain” presentation, vital information on “Medical Discoveries” and “The Train Brain” Memory Fitness Circuit that can improve your memory in fourteen cognitive functions for improved daily quality of life will be shared with you from a company that has designed a software to sharpen memory.  You will be able to try the software too as a demonstration on our computers will be part of the program that day.  As a matter of fact we are discussing keeping it on our computers at Leeza’s Place for our caregivers and loved ones to use on a regular basis. 

Through this presentation you will learn and experience:
  1. Three Pillars of Mental Fitness Keys
  2. BulletScientific Breakthroughs to Memory Improvement
  3. Memory Improvement Exercises
  4. Whole Body Vibration Training Techniques for Increased Mobility and Strength. 
  • Monday, September 15th  @ 10:45 a.m. Please RSVP as refreshments will be served

Happy Days Are Here Again (Tuesday, September 23rd 11:11 a.m.)
Did you know there was such a thing as a Happiness Equation? Well there is and there are many ways for us to “reach out” for happiness.  Join Mary Ann Watson, Nurse Educator, Medical Intuitive and Healing Touch Practitioner, as she talks about Happiness and It’s causes as well as how to find happiness even during times of suffering and sadness. Don’t miss out and  please be sure to RSVP. 

  • Tuesday, September 23rd @ 11:11 a.m. Please RSVP as refreshments will be served

Mandala Worskshop (Friday, September 19th 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)
Mandala is the Sanskrit word meaning circle.  It has been used in many cultures for thousands of years including Native tribes and the Tibetans.  Carl Jung created a Mandala and said it is like creating a window to the psyche.  We invite you to join us for this informative and creative experience. Gayle Nelson is a certified teacher, founder and director of the Studio for the Arts, Science and Spirit.

  • Friday, September 19th 10:30 – 12:30 . Please RSVP as lunch will be served

EMPOWERMENT – The Beginning of Transformation

Caregiver to Caregiver Support Group (September 4th, 11th, 18th  & 26th)
.Join us for a time of education, support, encouragement and friendship.  Please feel free to attend as many support groups as you like – they are all open to all caregivers.

  • Morning Support Group:  Thursdays –   September 4th   & 18th     10:30 – 11:30 a.m. 
  • Evening Support Group:  Thursdays – September 11th  & 26th     6:30 – 8:00 p.m.

ES Connect Education, Support & Connection (Wednesdays, September 3rd & 17th  ~ 10:30 – 12:00)
ES Connect is designed to offer additional education and support caregivers and loved ones who have been recently diagnosed with a memory disorder. It is facilitated by The Memorial Memory and Chris from the Alzheimer’s Association. Please contact Bonnie if interested.

Bereavement /Grief Counseling  (Every Tuesday, September 2nd, 9th 23rd  & 30th  ~  11:00 a.m. – 12:30)
A support group for anyone who has experienced the loss of a loved one, facilitated by  VITAS.

SCRAPBOOKING (Tuesdays September 2nd, 9th 23rd  & 30th  & Saturday, Sept. 27th – 11:00 –1:00 p.m.)
A Workshop for the caregivers and loved one, designed to express creativity and build Family Scrapbooks. 

ENERGY IS THE ABSENCE OF ANXIETY ! ! !

Breathe, Stretch & Relax  (Monday, September 29th  @ 11:45 a.m.)
Moving and breathing is so important for a caregiver and yet we forget to do it! Relieve STRESS.
Relax and use techniques that help you bring oxygen into your body - - it works wonders on your mental health and your physical being.

A little bit of Chair Yoga, A little breathing, lots of moving and a few moments to quiet your mind - - a time for peace, a time to go within yourself and find calm.  A TIME FOR YOU! Try it – You might like it!

Reiki Healing Energy Circle   (Fridays September 5th, 12th, 19th, & 26th  @  1:00 p.m.) 
Led by Dottie, Reiki Master, a weekly class for caregivers and their loved ones. Increase your body’s natural ability to heal itself. Relieve stress and facilitate emotional, mental and spiritual restoration. 

FREE Memory Screenings -  Thursday, September 25th – Please call for appointment.

Mandala Workshop – Friday, September 19th 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
For those of you interested in the field of metaphysics and vibration energy, it is said that process of creating this kind of circular art is healing in and of itself; it has many healing properties and has the potential to raise your vibrational energy. So think about joining us!

NEW – Respite Program
Do you need a break?  Are you looking for someone who can help watch your loved one so you can go out for a few hours?  We have just the right person and program for you - - it’s with an organization called Senior Volunteer Services.  They will send a volunteer to your home to help you out.  We are so fortunate that we have a special program here at Leeza’s Place, where our very own Dottie (Reiki Master) can watch your loved one for you either here at Leeza’s Place during an activity or she can go to your home. Call Bonnie for details – FREE help and a break for you the Caregiver!!!

Leeza’s Place WISH LIST:

Summer Cleaning ???  We are in need of a few items that you may have at home or may see in travels, especially if you are at the dollar store.  Please consider donating:

  • Supplies for scrapbooking class and other craft projects:

                         Stickers – decorative
                         Stickers – letters of the Alphabet
                         Lots and lots of Glue dots (small and medium sized would be great)
                         Decorative paper either 12 x 12 or 81/2 x 11
                         Solid color card stock       

Thank you to everyone who has been donating supplies and yummy treats… We Really appreciate it!                    

AFTERNOON VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED for a couple of afternoons a week – Please let us know if you can help out!!!  (especially on Mondays and Wednesdays from 2:30 – 5:00)

INSTRUCTORS: FOR TAI CHI CLASS &  MUSIC & MOVEMENT CLASS – We are looking for a couple of additional instructors to round out our programs.  Please let us know if you know of someone who can help us out.


ONGOING PROGRAMS AND RESOURCES
Leeza’s Memory Television (LMTV)
Preserving Family Memories and History on Videotape
Leeza’s Memory Television is a unique, fun, family experience, designed to preserve family memories on videotape.  Create a video reflecting family history – Free of charge. Call Today!  

Mentors
Mentors are people who have already walked in your shoes as a caregiver. They are waiting to help you. Allowing others to help you, provides them with the opportunity to give - - and we all know what a great feeling that is!  Call Bonnie to arrange to speak or meet with one of our mentors today: (954) 967-7240.

Health Corner Television
Walgreen’s Health Corner TV broadcast “explores today’s most important health and family issues with America’s top medical experts discussing the latest information, treatment and research.” Health Corner Television airs on the Lifetime Channel, Sundays at 9:30 a.m. EST (website www.healthcornertv.com).

 

“No life ends if it leaves a memory.
Memories give us strength for another day.”

            

 

© 2003 The Leeza Gibbons Memory Foundation | 3050 Biscayne Boulevard, Suite 605 | Miami, Florida 33137 | 1-888-OK-Leeza | info@leezasplace.org