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Valley County Health System and the University of Nebraska Extension partnered to offer the "Fit & Lovin' It" program for area 5^th graders on January 25, 2012 at the Valley County Fairgrounds. The program was made possible by a $10,000 grant from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska through the 2010 BlueHealth Advantage Wellness Grant program. 

The "Fit and Lovin' It" program provided a learning opportunity for nearly 250 area 5^th grade students to increase awareness, encourage skill enhancement and foster positive attitudes toward individual health. Students participated in seven 30-minute sessions about seat belt use, physical activity, the importance of breakfast, healthy snacks, making good decisions, web-based health and saying no to tobacco. The students were provided with a healthy lunch catered by Sandstone Grill.  They also received t-shirts and bags filled with healthy lifestyle items and information. 

Schools that participated were Arcadia, Burwell, Centura, Elyria District #63, Greeley Wolbach, Litchfield, Loup City, Loup County, North Loup Scotia, Ord, Ord St. Mary's, St Paul, St Libory-Chapman and Vinton District # 23. 

Presenters for the program included: 

• Amy Peterson, UNL Extension Educator: Web-based Health
• Wanda Koszewski, UNL Nutrition Specialist: The Case for Breakfast
• Kayla Hinrichs, UNL Extension Educator: Healthy Snacks
• Janet Hanna, UNL Extension Educator: Say No to Tobacco
• Jonathan Tomjack, Personal Trainer at New Beginnings Fitness Center: Physical Activity
• Trooper Beethe and Trooper Schultze, Nebraska State Patrol: Seat Belts
• Michelle Krehibel, UNL Youth Development Specialist: Making Good Decisions

Additional support to make the day possible was donated by Ord Grocery Kart, the Nebraska Beef Council, The Nebraska Pork Council and The Soybean Board.

It is hoped through this day, youth will feel empowered to make steps toward a healthier lifestyle.

 It may surprise many people to learn that 25 percent of those who die every year in the U.S. are Veterans. To help provide care and support that reflect the important contributions made by these men and women, Valley County Hospice has become a national partner of We Honor Veterans, a pioneering campaign developed by National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization in collaboration with the Department of Veterans Affairs.

As a We Honor Veterans Partner, Valley County Hospice  will implement ongoing Veteran-centered education for their staff and volunteers to help improve the care they provide to the Veterans they proudly serve.  The nation is seeing many of the Veterans who served in World War II and Korean pass away-and the number of deaths of Vietnam Veterans is beginning to rise.

The We Honor Veterans campaign provides tiered recognition to organizations that demonstrate a systematic commitment to improving care for Veterans. "Partners" can assess their ability to serve Veterans and, using resources provided as part of the campaign, integrate best practices for providing end-of-life care to Veterans into their organization. By recognizing the unique needs of our nation's Veterans who are facing a life-limiting illness, Valley County Hospice is better able to accompany and guide Veterans and their families toward a more peaceful ending. And in cases where there might be some specific needs related to the Veteran's  military service, combat experience or other traumatic events, Valley County Hospice will find tools to help support those they are caring for.

"All hospices are serving Veterans but often aren't aware of that person's service in the armed forces," said J. Donald Schumacher, NHPCO president and CEO. "Through We Honor Veterans we are taking a giant step forward in helping hospice and palliative care providers understand and serve Veterans at the end of life and work more effectively with VA medical facilities in their communities."

"VA shares a common goal with our nation's hospices, and that is to provide the best possible care specifically tailored for Veterans, meeting their goals of care in their preferred setting.  As we focus on working together and unite our services and skills, We Honor Veterans will channel our combined strengths directly to Veterans - wherever they are receiving care."

The resources of We Honor Veterans focus on respectful inquiry, compassionate listening, and grateful acknowledgment, coupled with Veteran-centric education of health care staff caring for Veterans. To learn more about We Honor Veterans or to support this important work via a secure, online donation, please visit www.wehonorveterans.org.

"America's Veterans have done everything asked of them in their mission to serve our country and we believe it is never too late to give them a hero's welcome home. Now it is time that we step up, acquire the necessary skills and fulfill our mission to serve these men and women with the dignity they deserve," added Schumacher.

Kelly Geweke, APRN-NP will begin her medical practice at the VCHS Medical Clinic in Ord on Monday, February 6th.  She will be seeing patients in Ord on Monday, Thursday and Friday.

Geweke earned her Master's in Nursing, in the Family Nurse Practitioner Program at Clarkson College in August 2011.  In addition, Kelly has a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the UNMC College of Nursing and is a graduate of Emory University Wound, Ostomy & Continence Program. 

Geweke lives in Ord with her husband, Barry and their 3 girls; Kara, Lucy, and Gretchen.  Dr. Jennifer Bengston, VCHS Chief of Medical Staff stated, "We're thrilled to welcome Kelly to VCHS in her expanded role as a Nurse Practitioner.  All of the medical providers have worked closely with her as Wound, Ostomy & Continence Nurse and look forward to continuing to have her expertise in that area as well.  It's always nice to add someone local to our Medical Staff."

A community welcome reception will be held for Kelly on Thursday, February 16th from 4:30 - 6:00 pm in the Courtyard Grille at Valley County Health System.

To schedule an appointment with Kelly Geweke, APRN-NP, call 728.4202.

Christina Pollard joined Valley County Health System as the Director of Special Projects on January 16th.  Pollard will be responsible for Corporate Compliance, Risk Management, Quality Improvement, Education, Infection Control, Meaningful Use and the Heritage Program. 

Christina was born and raised in Omaha, NE and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from Nebraska Wesleyan University.  Her previous position was with Wide River TEC as the Clinical Information Specialist. Prior to that, Christina worked at VCHS as the Medical Clinic Coordinator for a year.

Christina and her husband, Caleb, reside in Ord with their two sons, Calen, who is 7 years old and Elijah, who is 4 years old. 

This past Saturday night brought a record attendance of approximately 270 people out to the Valley County Health System Foundation's Annual Gala, and what a night it was!  Early tabulations show that approximately $25,000 was raised in support of Valley County Health System as well!  

This year's theme was "Smokin' Pianos & Southern BBQ".  The decorating committee turned the ballroom into an elegant BBQ themed layout, from Chinese lanterns hanging from the ceiling to the burlap, candles & blue bandanas & wine bottles on the tables.  Mr. Doug Duda served as this years emcee and kept the crowd continuously laughing with his "ever-interesting" humor. 

The evening began with a social hour at 5:30pm, during which time you could bid on great silent auction items, as well as enjoy delicious appetizers by Chef Roy Farrens.  Following the social hour, the Vet's Club served a wonderful barbeque meal of brisket, BBQ ribs & all the fixings.  Next, Steve Wolf of Wolf Auction & Real Estate conducted the live auction, along with the help of Mr. Duda.  Thanks to several generous donors, there was a very nice offering of auction items for those in attendance. 

After the auction, a raffle drawing for a La-Z-boy xZipit Recliner (sponsored by Helix Financial Services/Matt Geiser, and donated in part by Lukasiewicz Furniture, Appliances & Flooring) was held.  Karen White of North Loup was the lucky winner. 

Then came the entertainment that everyone had been anticipating....176 Keys Fun Dueling Pianos!  Sam and Jefrey starting their performance off with getting the crowd clapping and involved and from there on out, the night was full of laughter, entertainment, great songs, sing-a-longs and lots of humor & some memorable moments for those who were "lucky" enough to make it up front.     

The Foundation was again overwhelmed, and so thankful for the generous support of everyone who helped with, or came out and enjoyed, this annual evening with us. We feel truly blessed to be part of this community & that we are able to give back through the great support given us by all our kind donors.  The Foundation would like to thank everyone for helping make the gala possible.   Your donations & support touch the lives of so many who are served by Valley County Health System & through the services they offer. 

Our next fundraiser will be the annual golf tournament & auction, which is scheduled to be held on Friday, July 6, 2012 at the Ord Golf Course, so please mark your calendars & plan to attend. 

For more information on how you can get involved, or about the Valley County Health System Foundation, please contact Becky Ries at 308-728-3011 or visit the Foundation page at www.ValleyCountyHealthSystem.org. 

The Valley County Health System Good Beginnings Committee has made a generous donation of 74  new books for the Leading to Reading Program. This ongoing program, sponsored by the committee, provides parents in the area with a postcard each month that lists important information regarding your child and detailed milestones to watch for in your child's development. The postcards also list age appropriate books that can be read aloud to your child to further develop language skills. New copies of these suggested books are all available at the Ord Township Library.  These titles are on display and are clearly marked with a blue age appropriate sticker from birth to 60 months.   

Families may register to receive Leading to Reading cards , free of charge, to match their child's age. To register fill out a form at: The Ord Township Library 1718 M Street Ord, NE  68862 or visit:  http://www.valleycountyhealthsystem.org/community-services/good-beginnings to download the form.

 Funding for the books was made possible by grant funds through the John and Alyce Wozab Memorial Fund.

The Valley County Health System Child Development Committee is offering the five-week parenting class titled, Becoming a Love & Logic Parent^®.  The class is designed to give you practical skills that can be used immediately.  It is designed by the Love & Logic Institute, Inc. and is America's most practical and entertaining parent training.  The class is designed for those with children who are in elementary/middle school and provides answers to many day-to-day parenting challenges.

If you answer yes to the following questions, this class might be for you:

• Would you like to feel more confident as a parent?
• Would you like to have more fun parenting?
• Would you like to feel more relaxed at the end of the day?

The five-week class will begin on Monday, January 23, 2011 and continue each week through Monday, February 20. It will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 pm at the Ord United Methodist Church - 304 S. 16^th Street.  The cost is only $5 per family and includes the book.  Scholarships are available if needed.  Childcare will be available.  There must be a minimum of 10 families register in order to hold the class. To learn more or to register, call 308.728.4397.  Registration deadline is Thur. January 12^th.

(ORD) - The Annual Valley County Health System Foundation Gala will take place on Saturday, January 14, 2012, at the Ord Veteran's Club.  Social hour will begin at 5:30 pm with the meal, auction and entertainment to follow at 6:30 pm.

The theme for this year's gala is "Smokin' Pianos & Southern BBQ" and entertainment will be provided by 176 Keys, smokin' good Dueling Pianos. The show takes popular songs, requested by the audience, and encourages singing along and other participation. You will hear comedic lyrics in place of standard lyrics, fun with audience members on and off stage, and a high-energy mix of music and comedy.

Tickets are available at local banks, from any Foundation Board member, the VCHS Registration desk and the Foundation office. Tickets are $40 each or $70 for a couple. Raffle tickets will be available the night of the Gala (1 for $10, 3 for $20 or 8 for $50) for a chance to win the best seat in the house on game day. The raffle tickets are for a new XZipit® by La-Z-Boy recliner and an interchangeable embroidered logo panel system with a Husker "N" on it. For more information, contact Becky Ries at 728-3011.

In this season's spirit of giving VCHS donated 32 turkeys to charitable organizations on Friday, December 16^th.   16 turkeys went to Make Christmas Happen, and 16 turkeys went to Burwell's Christmas Box, two local programs providing holiday assistance to families in Valley and Garfield Counties.

Valley County Health System is pleased to contribute to two great programs like Make Christmas Happen and Burwell's Christmas Box.

Valley View Living Center residents received an early Christmas gift this week. The generous Angeline Koelling estate funds purchased new modern beds, mattresses, dressers, and night stands for all residents.

In conjunction with the resident rooms being updated, VVLC has installed a new call system.  The wireless call system goes directly to pagers that each employee wears.  This creates a quieter home environment for the residents and will allow management to track how long each call response takes.  The new call system allows for reports to be done ensuring quality care at all times. In addition to the new call system, Care Tracker a new documentation system has been purchased.  The Care Tracker allows VVLC employees to document the care given at the time of care.  This will make for more accurate assessments and documentation reports for quality measurements.

After the first of the year VVLC will continue with facility renovations.  First, the 400 hall bathhouse will be updated.  A side entry tub has also been purchased through VCHS Foundation donations and grant money.  Next, the all important dining room will receive a face lift.  After those renovations are completed the atrium, sunshine circle, and all hallways will be refinished to create a warm, comfortable atmosphere for all of our residents.

Valley View Living is a licensed 60-bed intermediate nursing care facility that is owned and operated by Valley County Health System.