A new memorial fund has been established in Perry to help local employees in their efforts to stop smoking.

Bob Nevitt recently started the Barb Nevitt Memorial Fund in honor of his late wife.

Employees of the Perry Lutheran Home, Rowley Memorial Masonic Home and the Perry Health Care Center, along with their significant others, may be reimbursed for medication used to help them stop smoking.

Bob says both he and Barb are formers smokers and personally knowing how difficult it is to quit, he says she would have been enthused and thrilled about this initiative to help others kick the habit.

Perry Lutheran Home Chief Administrative Officer Dr. Randy McCaulley says they “truly appreciate the generosity of Bob in establishing this fund in memory of Barb”,  He expects it to benefit many nursing care employees here in Perry.

Beth Turner, a Perry High School alumnus who now works for the American Lung Association as a Tobacco Control Program Coordinator, will teach smoking cessation classes free for employees and their significant others.  Participants will also be able to get over the counter smoking cessation aids free of charge.