NewsBytes would like to wish you a safe and happy Thanksgiving!

Our publication will return on Friday, Dec. 5.

 

 

SSU Professor Meets With Obama's Transition Team in D.C.

Sheila Katz, professor of sociology, will meet with President-Elect Barack Obama's transition team at the Realizing the Promise Forum in Washington, D.C. on Thurs., Dec. 4, as well as meet with members of Congress and their legislative staffers on Fri., Dec. 5. Katz will be part of a group representing Low Income Families' Empowerment Through Education (LIFETIME) and The California Partnership. She has worked with the organizations for more than five years and travels to D.C. next week with LIFETIME's Executive Director, community organizers from the California Partnership and two community activists who are mothers on welfare. "I think this is an important opportunity to represent SSU and our community in this historic moment. President-Elect Obama faces many tough issues, and it is vital that community activists and policy advocates stay involved in this transition to strive for social and economic justice," she says.

Dennis Harris Back in Sonoma County, Donations Welcomed

Dennis Harris, who taught in the history department for over 30 years, sustained severe spinal cord injuries from a fall at his home in July. After an unsuccessful spinal cord surgery and nearly four months at the Santa Clara Spinal Rehabilitation Center, he is back in Sonoma County. He remains in a quadriplegic state, though he is breathing on his own and acupuncture treatments have helped him to regain some use of his shoulders and upper arms. "Bonnie, his wife of 40 years, is at his side daily. In spite of his travails, Dennis remains upbeat and cheerful," says Adrian Praetzellis.

However, medical bills have already drained their retirement savings, and many expenses are not covered by insurance, such as the acupuncture treatments he has greatly benefited from. Furthermore, they are approaching the major medical cap on his insurance policy. "If you can find it in your heart to assist Dennis and Bonnie in this time of great need, they and their family and friends will be exceedingly grateful," say Praetzellis. Contributions payable to the Dennis Harris Trust Fund may be mailed to the Exchange Bank, Rohnert Park Office, 6290 Commerce Blvd., Rohnert Park, CA 94928. Cards and visits are also welcomed and encouraged, at Brighton Gardens, 300 Fountaingrove Pkwy, Room 272A, Santa Rosa 95403.

Low Cost Health Examinations Available until Dec. 10

Low cost physical examinations and health appraisals for well adults and children are offered through the SSU Nursing Department's Family Nurse Practitioner program on Wednesdays until Dec. 10. They are available only to Sonoma County residents.

The cost of a physical examination is $30, Pap test $45 and cholesterol check $25. Hearing tests are free and a DMV physical examination is $60. The exams are supervised by nursing faculty and performed by Family Nurse Practitioner students who are registered nurses enrolled in the Master's nursing program. Services include a complete medical and health history, identification of health risk factors, complete physical examinations and screening tests such as blood pressure checks, vision testing, audiology testing, urinalysis, hematocrit (for anemia), cholesterol testing, and Pap smears for cervical cancer. These services can be used for annual exams, sports physicals, pre-employment physicals, camp physicals and Class II DMV licensing physicals.

Appointments can be made by calling the Nursing Department at 4-2466, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.