Tri-Rivers honors Presidential Post Acute for Distinguished Service

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Introduction by Dr. Emeline Kelly

Presidential Post-Acute was chosen as one of the Distinguished Service Award recipients this year. The core component of nursing education and other healthcare programs is the clinical experience. Through this experience under the guidance of licensed and working nurses, students can take the knowledge they learned and are tested on in the classroom and now apply it in real situations with real patients.

Implementation of our HealthCare Programs requires collaborative partnerships with our clinical sites. Our nursing faculty believe that success in completing nursing education requires the adoption of an effective hands on approach to familiarize the students with new knowledge and essential needs of the patients they will be caring for.

Implication of collaborative Partnership with Presidential

Presidential Post-Acute has been our clinical partner for many years. This distinguished award reflects both past and current service Year after year, they provide us clinical support in preparing our healthcare students in obtaining valuable clinical experiences; allowing our students the opportunities and privilege to care for their residents. These clinical experiences assist students in developing clinical judgement, and critical thinking as well as cultivating their learned skills.

Pictured: Dr. Emeline Kelly, Tri-Rivers; Hillary Suter, Presidential Post Acute;
Dr. Charles Speelman, superintendent; and Linda Dotson, Presidential Post Acute.

The Clinical site

Presidential Post-Acute is a full-service skilled nursing and long-term care facility within the Marion community. They provide a range of services to their residents including physical, occupational, and speech therapies. As well as long-term, palliative, and hospice care.

Presidential Post-Acute is known for its professional and compassionate team of physicians, registered nurses, licensed practical (vocational) nurses as well as state-tested nursing assistants. The Presidential team provides 24-hour care to ensure that all rehabilitation and skilled nursing needs are being met. The residents that reside here can enjoy the finest in senior living paired with the flexibility needed to meet their needs.

Presidential Post-Acute has repeatedly been recognized as one of the best nursing and senior living homes in the region with outstanding results.

The healthcare team is known for being passionate about the residence road to recovery and providing comfort and understanding every step of the way.

The impact of Pandemic

Their commitment and dedication in supporting our students was even more evident during the pandemic Because of COVID 19 all Clinical sites closed their doors and suspended clinical rotation. This resulted in challenges, practical worries, fewer learning opportunities, and even fundamental doubts among faculty and students.

Presidential Post-Acute was one of the first facilities to allow our students to return and participate in clinical education during this trying time. The Nursing administration and staff at Presidential accepted our nursing faculty and students, provided respectful and professional communication about matters such as responsibility for COVID testing, mitigation strategies, the provisions of uniforms and personal protective equipment, and structurally sharing guidelines with nursing faculty and students to provide safe patient care. Through collaborative efforts between the facility’s and education program’s nursing leaders, a safe, and nurturing learning environment was implemented.

 

Tri-Rivers honors CenMac Metalworks for Distinguished Service

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Pictured: Matt Comer, vice president for CenMac Metalworks, Presenter and Welding Instructor Levi Retterer,

Superintendent Dr. Charles Speelman, and CenMac employee and TRCC Board Member Mick Landon

 

Introduction by Levi Retterer

Tonight it is my honor and privilege to present a Lautenslager Distinguished Service award to CenMac Metalworks. I was lucky to have been an employee of CenMac Metalworks for several years before I started teaching at Tri-River Career Center full time, and still look back at all of the valuable things that I was able to learn during my time there that has really helped me through my career.

 

CenMac was started in 1960 under the name Central Machine, and it was primarily a metal stamping and tool and die company that supplied several local companies with hinges and latch mechanisms.

 

Jerry Galbreath joined Central Machine in 1994, and his son Rod joined the company in 1998 and took over as president in 2012. At that time, they were in a small 7,000 square foot shop at the intersection of st rt 309 and st rt 98 and had 13 employees including Rod and Jerry. In that time between 1998 and present day, the company has grown and continues to prosper.

 

 When they built their new manufacturing facility in 2003 on Fairground street, I remember Rod reminiscing that he did not know how they were going to fill all 25,000 square feet of new space. Fast forward to today and they have expanded that same shop to 68,000 square feet and are breaking ground on an additional 25,000 square feet. They have gone from having a handful of customers who made up 90% of their sales, to now having their largest customer be only 33% of their sales and no other single customer being more than 6% of total sales, showing how much they have diversified since their inception. 

 

Today the shop employs over 90 individuals and operates on two shifts. This includes around 20 skilled tradesmen and women in the welding department, a majority of which are TRCC graduates. (I often like to joke with Rod that when I was there, the welding department was made up of one other gentleman and myself, and since I left to come here as a teacher, it took 19 people and 9 Robotic welders to replace me. Rod always reminds me that that may not exactly be the case…) 

 

CenMac is a shop that many people in the trades strive to work for. They provide living wage jobs and benefits to their employees and have a culture within the shop that makes it a great place to work. It is never uncommon to see the president and Vice president out on the shop floor running the scrubber or cleaning things up when they need to, and whenever I am lucky enough to be able to stop in and visit the shop to check on students that are on advanced placement, I always look at how the employees react when the boss is walking around the floor. No one acts nervous around the boss and you can tell that there is a mutual level of respect amongst all that work there. I have no doubts that this is a huge reason for their continued growth and success.

 

Throughout the years, CenMac has supported Tri Rivers in a multitude of ways. They have donated practice materials to the welding program which is crucial to our operations. They also employ a number of our alumni from our adult and secondary programs as well as current students who are on advanced placement. I am always able to rest easy knowing that students that we send there to work will be treated fairly, not be taken advantage of and will be in a safe working environment. Numerous members of our advisory boards are employees of CenMac metalworks and they are always willing to give us valuable feedback and insights as to what our program needs to provide to our students to make them successful and employable. We also have a member of our very own board of education who is employed at CenMac, Mickey Landon. 

 

We are proud to be industry partners with CenMac Metalworks and are thankful for all of their support over the years. Rod was unable to join us tonight, But it is my pleasure to present this distinguished award to Vice President Matt Comer and our own Mickey Landon.

Amanda Tackett—2022 Outstanding Alumni

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Introduction by Becky Salyer and Roy Schweinfurth

Representing the Tri Rivers Cosmetology Program Outstanding Alumni Amanda Tackett. Amanda is graduate of the class of 2003. She received her Cosmetology license in the spring of 2003 and began working as an apprentice/stylist at Charles Penzone’s Salon and Spa. Amanda was a team member for two years training in a state-of-the art salon with the newest products and equipment as well as having outstanding educational opportunities. She continued her career at Rejuvenations Salon and Spa in Marion where she continued to work for 15 years. For the last year and a half Amanda has been self-employed at Brush Hair and Skin Bar. Being self-employed Amanda over sees all aspects of the business. She is responsible for her continuing education, inventory, scheduling, taxes, insurance and meeting all State Boards Rules and Regulations.

Amanda has maintained a professional attitude, participates in advanced education to better herself as well as the people around her. She has maintained a large clientele to be able to work as an independent contractor. Amanda has been a strong force in the cosmetology industry. She maintains professionalism and is an excellent role model for future cosmetologists. Amanda’s work ethic in the Cosmetology field has been superior. Her attendance has always been exceptional. Her attention to detail within her work environment and willingness to help her co-workers has made her a much appreciated and valued employee. Amanda has always been an individual that strives for the next level.

Amanda’s contribution to Tri Rivers include advisory committee member attending meetings, judging local SkillsUSA contests and assisting with our annual Shear Class Style show. Amanda has often shared advance training with the Cosmetology Class giving of herself to provide educational opportunities to our students.

Amanda works diligently to be a good mother and spouse to her family. She is very involved in her children’s education and sport activities. She runs a very structured home to always having time for her children and working with them to expand their individual interests. Amanda also takes good care of her physical self to give the most to all aspects of her life.

Amanda has proven be the total package. She has learned how to balance her home while challenging herself to reach for higher levels in her career field. As motivated as Amanda is, we believe she will continue to challenge herself to higher levels throughout her career.

Please join me in congratulating Amanda Schweinfurth Tackett, Outstanding Alumni

Hillary Suter–2022 Outstanding Alumni

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Introduction by Billie Fields-Baer

Good Evening, welcome friends, family, colleagues, and our Board of Education members. It is my honor to present to you the 2022 Tri-Rivers Adult Education Outstanding Alumni…Hillary Sutter.

Hillary can be described as a devoted student to Tri-Rivers Adult Education. Not only because she has always strived to do her best, while continually challenging herself, but because she has graduated from every adult healthcare program in which Tri-Rivers Adult Education has to offer. Hillary is a 2006 graduate of the Patient Care Technician Program and a 2006 graduate of the Emergency Medical Technician Program. Upon completion of these two programs, Hillary began her Health Career Career at Med-Corp as an ambulance transporter, where she worked for three years.

After leaving Med-Corp, she continued to work in home health care for an additional four years. It was during this time Hillary decided that she wanted to enhance her knowledge and enrolled in the Tri-Rivers Adult Education Paramedic Program, which she completed in 2007. In 2012 Hillary enrolled in our Practical Nursing program which she completed in 2013. Upon graduating from the Practical Nursing program, she worked with the MRDD population at Angeline Industries for two years. Striving for more challenges, Hillary then began working at Presidential Post Acute as an LPN where she gained experience for three years before returning to Tri-Rivers yet again to enroll in the LPN to RN program, which she completed in 2019.

Upon graduating from the RN program, Hillary worked as a contingent RN at Presidential Post Acute. Where she also took on the role of Assistant to Christin Browning Nurse Practitioner, making rounds on patients at various facilities.

Hillary not only had a long-standing history, but had a great rapport with the residents and the staff, and therefore was offered the position as Director of Nursing of the facility in which she currently holds.

As the Director, Hillary has been faced with many challenges beginning her new. Position at the onset of the COVID pandemic, which came with numerous challenges. She has also learned to fill the roles of various positions within the facility due to staffing shortages, such as MDS, scheduling, and fiscal while continuing to work as a floor nurse. Not only has she survived running a LTC facility during a pandemic, she has also survived a remodel, a flood and a re-remodel of her facility

Therefore, it is obvious to why Hillary has been chosen as out 2022 Outstanding Tri-Rivers Adult Education Alumni.

 

 

Jack Holliday, Jr.—2022 Outstanding Alumni

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As we honor our Distinguished Adult Ed Alumni this evening, let me begin by taking a moment to share a brief history of our Paramedic Program.

In early 1980, the North Central Ohio Emergency Medical Services Training Council, recognized the critical need for advanced pre-hospital emergency medical care, in the greater seven county area. They approached Marion General Hospital for help in developing an educational program that could supply Advanced EMT’s and Paramedics to fulfill that need. A Paramedic Advisory Committee was organized in May of 1981. It was their task to guide the formation of a paramedic education program and to oversee the application for state accreditation of the program through the Ohio Board of Regents. In November 1981, that accreditation was granted.

 

The first Paramedic class at Marion General Hospital began on October 5, 1982, and ran through to the second week of June, 1983. Twenty students started the program and twenty students completed the program. Then on July 1, 1984 the Hospital signed an agreement with Tri-Rivers Joint Vocational School that consolidated the resources of both facilities in order to take advantage of the educational and financial benefits of such a merger. The school became known as Tri-Rivers/Marion General Hospital School of Paramedicine.

 

One of the Distinguished Alumni that we are honoring this evening was a member of the very first class that was held after that consolidation. That alumni is Jack Holliday Jr.

 

Who is Jack Holliday Jr? He’s the son of Jack Holliday Sr., a distinguished public servant himself. Jack Sr. served eighteen years as Chief of Marion Township Fire Department and he was a member of that very 1st Paramedic Advisory Committee back in 1981. His son, Jack Holliday Jr. developed his interest in firefighting and public safety services at a very early age. Jack Jr., graduated from Marion Harding High School on May 31, 1981 – he enlisted in the Ohio National Guard and was in basic training on July 1st, just a few weeks later. Later that year he completed his firefighting training at the U.S. Air Force Fire Fighting School – Chanute Air Force Base in Champaign County, Illinois.

 

In 1982 Jack completed his EMT training back in Marion, Ohio. In 1983 he completed the Ohio Fire Academy. Then in 1984-1985, Jack was a member of the first Tri-Rivers/Marion General Hospital Paramedic School class.

 

I found it interesting that right at the time that Jack was completing his studies in our Paramedic program, it was reported in The Marion Star under an article entitled; “Tri-Rivers is home to good things” that “A review team for the Ohio Board of Regents concluded that the Tri-Rivers / Marion General Hospital School of Paramedicine is one of the best classroom and clinical programs in the state”.

 

In 1987 Jack began his career at Marion Township Fire Department. He became a Fire EMS Instructor in 1989. In 1993 he was promoted to Lieutenant at Marion Township. Jack is also a graduate of the Executive Fire Officer Program – at the National Fire Academy in Maryland, which he completed in 2000. And in 2016, Jack Holliday Jr. retired from Marion Township Fire Department.

Accepting the award on Jack’s behalf were Richard George and Dr. Emeline Kelly. 

He then started back at Tri-Rivers as a Paramedic instructor and today Jack is our Lead Paramedic Instructor for the program. At Tri-Rivers our programs provide excellent training, combined with excellent students, to produce graduates who go on to complete distinguished service for our community.

 

Like many of our graduates, Jack is a true advocate of lifelong learning, He continues to train and advance his knowledge and skills by taking online courses through Columbia Southern University. Jack is finishing up work towards completing a Public Safety Services Bachelor’s Degree. Since his return to Tri-Rivers, Jack has been instrumental in strengthening our community / school support. He’s a very strong supporter of Tri-Rivers Career Center, our School of Paramedicine and the programs and training that we provide.

 

Unfortunately, Jack could not be here this evening – he just had his hip replaced on March 2nd, and he really did hope to be able to be here. I spoke with Jack yesterday and he shared that he is still with staples and stitches, and living in the power assist chair. (He is hoping to have those staples and stitches removed later this week.) His ultimate goal is to be back to school by April 1st for the Prep Class for the largest single Paramedic class that we have had in several years, 18 Paramedic students.

 

Jack’s father passed away in 2013, but I believe that somewhere up above, he’s smiling down as his son is being recognized as a one of our Tri-Rivers Adult Ed, Distinguished Alumni, this evening.

Introduction by Richard George

Tom Stotts—2022 Outstanding Alumni

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Tom excelled as a student at Tri-Rivers. And, he continues to excel and go above and beyond in any position he holds or any organization he represents… He is truly a servant leader.

After graduating in 1996 from our Diversified Business/Marketing program, he continued his education at Marion Technical College earning an Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice from the Marion Law Enforcement Academy in 2000. Then in 2010 he earned his Bachelors of Science in Public Safety Management from Franklin University.

Tom started his government career in 2000 as a dispatcher with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, then he went to work for the Marion County Common Pleas Court as a probation officer/pre-sentence investigator. Shortly, after completing the police academy, he worked for 7 years at the Mt. Gilead Police Department as an auxiliary officer then later as a part-time officer while concurrently working for the court.

He always keeps busy! He’s never doing just one thing… In 2012 he became the Chief Probation Officer at the Marion Municipal Court— that’s where he is currently employed.

In 2013, Tom worked with Marion County Adult Probation, Marion County Prosecutors Office, and Marion Law Director’s Office to create Marion’s first Diversion Program that served both felony and misdemeanor cases.  Marion County Adult Probation Department wrote the grant, the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office maintained the grant and Marion Municipal Court furnished the office and office supplies for the position. While the collaborative position doesn’t exist today, the diversion program at Marion Municipal Court is flourishing with great success.

In 2019, Tom worked with ADAMH Board to hire the very first case manager for the court. This position assisted those who are addicted to opioids by expediting them into treatment…as opposed to sitting in jail.  He is always thinking about how to help people recover and regain their lives.

Tom is an exceptional individual, we are so  proud of his accomplishments! In 2020 MarionMade featured the probation department as a department that improves lives of clients and the community. Tom is all about improving lives…

In 2020, Tom was elected the President of the Ohio Chief Probation Officers Association for the years 2021 and 2022. Prior to serving as president, he served on the board as treasurer, secretary, and vice president.

His contributions to our community were recognized in 2019 when he was inducted into Marion Tech’s Alumni Hall of Fame. He was also MTC’s keynote speaker at their 2020 graduation. And he also serves on MTC’s Foundation Board of Directors.

…He also has served on the Marion Matters Board and is currently their treasurer.

Tom is truly a servant leader. He focuses on the growth and well-being of people and the communities to which they belong. Tom’s goal is to serve the greater good. He is an Outstanding Tri-Rivers Alumni because of his professionalism, his caring ways, his high energy and his love of people. Tom, you are AMAZING Alumni. Congratulations!

Introduction by Ellen Messenger

 

Austin Charles—2022 Outstanding Alumni

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Michelle Rawlins introduced Austin Charles, who joined the celebration via Zoom.

 

Introduction by Michelle Rawlins 

Austin Charles is a member of the United States Navy where he has been a Sailor for the last 9 ½ years. He is a 2012 Cardington Lincoln High School graduate and a Tri-Rivers Health Care Professions graduate. After graduation, he entered the United States Navy where he served as an Aircrew Survival Equipmentman / Parachute Rigger (PR) First Class Petty Officer. Austin has been stationed aboard the USS George Washington (CVN-73) / USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) out of Yokosuka, Japan, Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 120 (VAW-120) / Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron 15 (HM-15) out of Norfolk, Virginia, and is currently an A-School Instructor in Pensacola, Florida where he is training Sailors who have just completed boot camp.  

Austin was in the first class to be enrolled in the Tri-Rivers Transition sophomore program where he explored some of the trades offered at that time. He participated in classes such as Cosmetology, Graphic Design, and Healthcare Professions.  He chose to pursue the Health Care Professions area of study his junior and senior years in hopes to become a Physical trainer. 

Using the Skills he gained from Tri-Rivers Healthcare Professions, Austin Charles was able to transform them into what he does today where he currently helps instruct over 1000 sailors a year.  

He completed an Associate of Arts in 2017 in general studies and received a Bachelor of Arts in Intelligence Studies in Terrorism in 2021. Austin is currently working on his Masters in Homeland Security and Disaster Management from American Military University. Accepted into 2 internships with the navy, he will postpone them due to his military service. He has also completed several journeymen programs the Navy has to offer including: ALSS Technician (8000 hrs.), Canvas Worker (2000 hrs.), Upholster (2000hrs), and Computer Operator (2000 hrs.).  

Austin is an amazing Sailor. He always wants to participate and help wherever he can.  Some of the many awards and achievements he has earned include the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (2016, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021), Sailor of the Year (2016, 2017), and Sailor of the Quarter (2018 Q1, 2021 Q3).  He was also selected as one of twelve Active PR`s ranging from E-5 / E-9 where he was the only E-5 that was hand selected to help revamp a training program which would shape future sailors in the PR Rating. 

Austin exemplifies the Tri-Rivers slogan of “A school where you are ALLOWED to, INSPIRED, and EXPECTED to BE AMAZING!”

Austin’s Grandpa, Roger Linder, accepts Austin’s Outstanding Alumni Award. Austin joined the celebration via Zoom.

 

Kiwanis Pancake Day, a Marion Tradition, returns March 12!

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A Marion Tradition is back this year! The Marion Noon Kiwanis Pancake Day will be held Saturday, March 12, 2022, 7am to 2pm at Tri-Rivers Career Center. The event, along with offering all the pancakes you can eat along with sausage, juice, milk and coffee, also showcases local talent throughout the day. “It is definitely a gathering of friends and family,” said Gareth Higgins, club president. “The community has missed this gathering. We are thankful we can hold it this year to raise funds for area children’s groups and youth scholarships.

When it comes to serving up a scrumptious breakfast, nothing seems to top our fascination with the pancake, said Higgins. “And if you’re familiar with the Marion Noon Kiwanis Annual Pancake Day, chances are you’ve had your share of pancakes—one of our organizations’ key ingredients for a successful fundraiser.”

Most importantly, the proceeds from the event benefit children through groups and activities such as: Marion Tall Grass Trail, Marion Palace Theatre, Explore-It-Torium Children’s Museum, Marion Public Library, Marion Goodwill Industries, Junior Service Guild Clearinghouse, the Dog Park, the Pep Club, Altrusa-RX Marion, and numerous other groups. Plus, the Kiwanis Foundation provides scholarships.

This year’s entertainment includes:

7-7:45 am—D.J. Music by Tom Danner

7:45-8:45am— Carolyn Heimlich on the Keyboard

9-9:45am—John Garners Jr. & Friends

10am-10:45am—Marionaires Barbershop Chorus

11-11:45am—Martha Douce Dance Studio Dancers

12-12:45pm–Elgin Cosmic Beat Drummer

1-2pm—D.J. Music by Tom Danner

Kiwanis Secretary Sean DeWitt always does a great job in the kitchen at the Pancake Day event at Tri-Rivers. Featured photo top: Kiwanis President Gareth Higgins, is ready for Pancake Day 2022.

 

Interesting Pancake Facts From Our Last Event:• We served over 5,000 pancakes• 370 pounds of pancake batter was used• We netted around $8,000…this year we hope to reach $10,000 plus…all proceeds benefit children• Volunteers include not only Kiwanis members, but community members, students and others
• It takes close to 500 volunteer hours to make the event successful

You can save a dollar a ticket by purchasing your tickets in advance of the event from Kiwanis members, Altrusa members, or by stopping by Tri-Rivers Career Center, Custom Professional Accounting or Southland Barbers. Tickets at the door are $6 for adults; kids 4 years and under eat free.

This year’s major event sponsors include: Sansotta’s, Custom Professional Accounting, Messenger Farm, Marion Technical College, A-1 Printing, Mennel Bakery Mix and Food Service, OhioHealth, Zucker & Associates, Meijer, All Occasions Catering, Merrill: A Bank of America Company, Tri-Rivers Career Center, Wyandot Snacks, CRT Mechanical, American Legion Posts 584 and 605 and Southland Barbers.

Come join the fun, come see what’s going on at Marion Noon Kiwanis Pancake Day 2022!