WTVB Business Beat

Rick Herman, an employee of the Coldwater Board of Public Utilities, recently passed Michigan DEQ’s examination for certification as a D-3 drinking water operator.

The "D" certification is for water treatment. In order to progress through the certification process, operators must meet educational qualifications, experience qualifications, and receive examination scores of 70% or better.

On behalf of the Board of Directors of the CBPU, Director Beckhusen congratulates Mr. Herman for successfully obtaining this certification. This accomplishment speaks highly of his work ethic and dedication to support the CBPU’s strong foundation for serving its customers.

The Volunteer Services Department of the Community Health Center of Branch County (CHC) is very pleased to announce that long time volunteer, Pat Sampsel of Coldwater, was recently elected as the Legislative/Advocacy Director of the Michigan Association of Healthcare Advocates (MAHA) Board at the 61st Annual Meeting and Educational Institute held at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island.

In 2005, Pat started volunteering in the CHC Human Resources and Marketing departments doing clerical work. Later she started delivering mail to departments in the hospital and helping out in the Oncology department. Pat has served as Vice President, President for two years and is currently serving as Counselor of the CHC Volunteers Board. She has been on the By-laws/Policy Committee, Budget Committee, Nomination Committee and has served on several fund raising committees for the hospital. The Community Health Center is proud to have Pat as a volunteer and Legislative/Advocacy Director for MAHA. Pat served one year as Public Relations Chair on the MAHA Board.

The purpose of the Michigan Association Healthcare Advocates (MAHA) is to provide services, education, and leadership training to the MAHA membership in addition to providing support to the Michigan Health and Hospital Association (MHA). This year 29,476 auxiliaries/volunteers donated 2,772,241 hours of service to their respective health care facilities. In addition, over $6,391,219.81 was raised to benefit Michigan hospitals.

For more information on volunteering at CHC, please contact Volunteer Services at (517) 279-5282.

Great Lakes Chiropractic sponsored Tibbits’ recent Popcorn Theatre production of “Little Red Riding Hood and the Three Little Pigs.” The show proved a hit with children in the audience who helped the Pigs build their homes, showed the Big Bad Wolf how to sound like a wolf and sang along on cue. On Saturday, Jillian and Makinzie Groves enjoyed the performance with their father Dr. Sean Groves, owner of Great Lakes Chiropractic and Great Lakes Health and Fitness. Sponsorship also helped provide 14 community tickets to area service agencies to bring their clients to see the performance.

Every month, the Community Health Center of Branch County salutes the Employee of the Month. The award is a great accomplishment that recognizes a positive work ethic and excellent customer service. The Employee of the Month is nominated by fellow employees and CHC rewards the recipient with special recognition and gifts.

CHC is proud to recognize Teresa Cuthbert as June’s Employee of the Month. Teresa is in the patient registration department at CHC working as a registration clerk. Teresa was hired at CHC on December 14, 2005. According to her nominator, “Teresa is awesome at her job at the front desk/switchboard. She is totally about customer service, going out of her way to assist both co-workers and customers, which she does with a smile. As switchboard operator, she is the voice of the hospital. She doesn’t just connect extensions; she makes sure needs are met. Working mostly the 3 – 11 p.m. shift, she often has to think on her feet with not much backup around like the day shift may have. She has assisted me so often with my needs and I know that I can rely on her no matter what the situation. Teresa is well deserving of the employee of the month award.”

Cuthbert is from Coldwater and graduated from Coldwater High School. She is very active, participating on a bowling league, shooting pool, gardening, spending time with family and friends, and is the treasurer of her Thursday night ladies bowling league. Teresa is married to husband Jim who works at G & W Display and together they have two children. Her son Eric works in the accounting department for a small business in Chicago and her daughter Tara is a stay at home mom in Coldwater.

Thanks to the generosity of Jack and Susan Shaw, hundreds of golf balls will be dropped out of their helicopter on Saturday, August 28th to mark the Sue Nagle Help from Above Golf Ball Drop to benefit the Branch County Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

The ball that drops the closest to the pin or goes in the hole will win $1,000, 2nd closest will win $500 and furthest from the hole wins $250. Golf balls will be sold for $10 a piece at The Golf Club of Coldwater, Wilber’s Furniture, Sauk Trail Trading Post, Prairie River Golf Club in Bronson, Iyopawa Island Golf Course, or by calling the Shelter House at 278-7432. Participants need not be present to win.

Following the drop Martell’s Restaurant, located in the club house at the Golf Club of Coldwater, will offer a cookout dinner, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the Shelter House. Thank you to Jack and Susan Shaw, the Golf Club of Coldwater and ticket sponsors Monarch Community Bank and Graphics 3. If you’re interested in being a $50 Titanium Sponsor, please call John Rohloff at 278-6615.

All of the monies raised from the event will help provide services to those that use the Naomi Davis Home, Altrusa Teen S.H.A.R.E, and Laura’s Place. The Shelter House has a wide range of services for the community to take advantage of including 24 hour crisis line for domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking survivors, Legal Advocacy Program for domestic violence survivors involved with the criminal or child protective services system, and the Circle of Care program for families with school age children who are homeless.

Donations from area individuals and organization make it possible for the Shelter House to offer safe refuge, encouragement, support services, food and clothing to victims fleeing domestic violence.

The Shelterhouse headquarters is located at 220 N. Michigan Ave. in the Naomi Davis Home. For more information about the Sue Nagle Help from Above Golf Ball Drop, call 517. 278.7432.

Pictured is Jack Shaw and his helicopter that will be used to dump golf balls for the Sue Nagle Help from Above Golf Ball Drop on Saturday, August 28th.

Nurses at Community Health Center of Branch County are being honored with the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses. The award, presented in collaboration with the American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE), is part of the DAISY Foundation's program to recognize the super-human efforts nurses perform everyday.

This quarter’s award recipient at CHC is Drus Ferguson from the Critical Care Unit. Drus was nominated to receive the DAISY Award because she comes to work everyday ready to give her all to her patients and does it with a smile. She treats every patient, visitor, and staff member with great care and compassion and without judgment. Drus is truly a great human being and people aspire to be more like her.

Each quarter a nurse is selected by CHC nursing administration to receive the DAISY Award. At a presentation given in front of the nurse’s colleagues, physicians, patients, and visitors, the honoree receives a certificate commending her or him for being an "Extraordinary Nurse." The certificate reads: "In deep appreciation of all you do, who you are, and the incredibly meaningful difference you make in the lives of so many people." The honoree will also be given a special sculpture called A Healer’s Touch, hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Africa.

The not-for-profit DAISY Foundation is based in Glen Ellen, CA, and was established by family members in memory of J. Patrick Barnes. Patrick died at the age of 33 in late 1999 from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), a little known, but not uncommon, auto-immune disease. The care Patrick and his family received from nurses while he was ill inspired this unique means of thanking nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and patient families.

Said Bonnie Barnes, President and Co-Founder of the DAISY Foundation, "When Patrick was critically ill, our family experienced first-hand the remarkable skill and care nurses provide acutely ill patients every day and night. Yet these unsung heroes are seldom recognized for the super-human work they do. The kind of work the nurses at the Community Health Center of Branch County are called on to do every day epitomizes the purpose of the DAISY Award.”

“We are proud to be among the hospitals participating in the DAISY Award program. Nurses are heroes everyday,” said Chief Clinical Officer, Mary Rose. “It’s important that our nurses know their work is highly valued, and the DAISY Foundation provides a way for us to do that.”

CHC held an award ceremony on June 29, 2010. This was CHC’s second quarterly Daisy Award. Congratulations to all nominees. CHC will be awarding a new recipient every quarter.

The Board of Directors at Monarch Community Bank and Monarch Community Bancorp, Inc is proud to announce the appointment of Richard J. (“Rick”) DeVries, as the new president and CEO of the Bank and the Bancorp. DeVries has begun working at the Bank, however, his appointment as President and CEO is subject to approval of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Michigan Office of Insurance and Financial Services, and the Federal Reserve. He comes to the Bank with extensive banking experience and an enthusiasm for leading a community bank.

DeVries was previously the president and CEO of Pavilion Bancorp Inc./Bank of Lenawee in Adrian, Michigan. During his five years as president he developed a dynamic sales and credit culture while significantly increasing shareholder value. He has also been nationally recognized for innovations in product development and cross-selling.

DeVries also has a diverse background in banking, working as the president and CEO of Bank One/Citizens Bank in Ypsilanti and Lansing, commercial lending, venture capital lending, corporate training, commercial loan officer, and commercial lending trainee. He obtained his Bachelors and Masters degrees from Central Michigan University in the areas of Finance, Marketing, and Economics.

He is a graduate of St. Joseph High School in St. Joseph, Michigan and currently resides in Adrian with his wife, Dyana. Together they have six children and two grandchildren. In his spare time he enjoys running marathons, playing golf, and being with family. DeVries office will be located at 375 N. Willowbrook Rd. in Coldwater.

“I’m excited to be working with the team of employees at Monarch to make this the best bank in the country,” said DeVries. His job responsibilities will include overseeing the day to day operations of the bank, managing investor relations, overseeing the adequacy and soundness of the organization’s financial structure, and representing the bank while providing support to customers, shareholders, the public, and the financial community.

Established in 1934, Monarch Community Bank has branches located in Marshall, Coldwater, Union City and Hillsdale. For more information about Monarch Community Bank products and services, connect on Facebook, Twitter, the blog or go to www.monarchcb.com.

The Community Health Center of Branch County recently held their annual Community Fest at Heritage Park in Coldwater. The event was June 26 and coincided with the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. Community Fest is an annual event that provides participants with information on health and safety. In addition, Community Fest also featured free health screenings as well as activities for kids.

Over 600 people came to Community Fest with CHC Dietary serving 571 people lunch in a two hour span. Community Fest featured 37 exhibitors that were on hand to give information on a variety of topics. CHC also offered a chance for participants to get health screenings for free, with over 120 people taking advantage. For the kids, CHC had a kid’s corner that included a place to color and also had a station set up to show kids the importance of good hand washing. Also for the kids, Steve Franks, State Farm agent, sponsored and held a bike rodeo that helped kids understand bike safety. With the bike rodeo, CHC fitted and gave away 118 bike helmets to children. The Coldwater Fire Department had one of their fire trucks on site and taught kids about the features of the truck and how they help with emergencies. The Quincy Fire Department brought the Smokehouse, which taught kids what to do in case of a fire by simulating a fire in the house.

CHC was very fortunate to have great sponsors for this year’s Community Fest. Among the sponsors, Emergency Physicians Medical Group, PC was the health screening sponsor and Health Plan of Michigan and Great Lakes Health Plan were supporting sponsors. Many companies also stepped in and helped CHC provide food and water for participants. Sponsors that helped with food and water included Frito Lay, McDonalds, Pepsi, and Gordon’s Culligan. Without the help of our sponsors, Community Fest wouldn’t have been as successful.

To help celebrate the 2nd year of Monarch Community Bank’s Tree House Club account, Monarch held a birthday party and invited all of the current Tree House Club account members and the community. Throughout the day, donations were accepted and $300 was recently presented to Bev Gearhart of the Branch County No Kill Humane Society.

Volunteers of the Shelter were also present at the event with dogs and cats that were up for adoption. Several got adopted that day and according to Gearhart, “It was a great event, we’re so appreciative of Monarch for providing us with this exposure and donations”.

During the event there were a variety of vendors and activities. Thanks to Coldwater Board of Public Utilities, who had both the Hazard Hamlet display showing how important it is to stay away from dangerous electricity as well as a bucket truck to take people in a ride in the bucket for a view of Coldwater.

The Safe Kids Coalition was also onsite providing free car seat safety checks. Throughout the day they checked 23 car seats and provided 15 seats to those who’s seat had expired or was recalled.

Other vendors that were at the event included: Michigan State Police doing child finger printing on 50 participants, Head Start of Branch County, local girl scout troops collecting can goods for the food pantry, and Coldwater Fire Department who brought a fire truck to the event. Kids also participated in face painting, Baggo/bean bag toss, a coloring contest, and indulged in bake sale items, popcorn, cotton candy, and snow cones.

During the event, kids and their parents were also able to open up Tree House Club accounts, for the youngest savers in the family. “This is our third year of holding a Kids Day event, since we’ve kicked off the Tree House Club. We’re excited to help support community organizations and provide a means for kids to start saving their money,” said Courtney Dirschell of the marketing department at the bank.

Monarch Community Bank has branches located in Marshall, Coldwater, Union City and Hillsdale.

State Farm has been a long time supporter of the local American Red Cross and continues to be a major partner again this year. The funds received from the Good Neighbor Citizenship Safe Neighbors philanthropy program will allow the Red Cross to provide services right here in our community.

“Thanks to the phenomenal support of State Farm Insurance Companies, the Red Cross will be able to continue delivering its lifesaving mission of helping people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies. We are grateful for the strong partnership State Farm has shown over the years, which has allowed the Red Cross to help our communities be a safer place to work and live in,” said Angie Gresley, Health & Safety Director of the Red Cross.

"I commend State Farm for their generous donation to the Red Cross and its life saving mission," said State Senator Mike Nofs. "This funding will help the Red Cross maintain its ability to respond to calls for help in times of crisis."

This grant funding will support our preparedness program that educates children and adults in health preparedness, disaster preparedness, and emergency response. This program better educates citizens to the potential harm and loss that can occur from an emergency or disaster. The Red Cross will reach over 17,000 people in Calhoun and Branch Counties this year providing them with educational materials, presentations, trainings, and classes on preparedness and response. All of this has been made possible by the extraordinary support of State Farm Insurance Companies.

You hear the old saying…The Difference between men and boys is the size of their toys! Well here comes a store that is sure to be a hit with young and old alike – and both sexes!!

Blitz Hobbysports recently opened its doors at 28 S. Hanchett Street next to the Tibbits Opera House in downtown Coldwater. Blitz Hobbysports will feature remote control cars, planes, and boats as well as model trains and slot racing cars.

Shopping at Blitz Hobbysports means “Customer Satisfaction” notes owner John Marshall. “Blitz Hobbysport’s goal is to maintain a long-lasting relationship with our customers based on exceptional design and cost effective solutions that meet our needs as a radio-control store. We put our customers as our number one priority. Our mission is to enhance our customers’ experience with our widest selection of electric and gas radio-controlled planes, helicopters, cars, tanks, boats, etc. at unbelievable prices. We welcome all to come explore and discover our most up to date technology toys with the hottest product on the market, and our rich selection of products at unbeatable prices.”

A staff member from Blitz Hobbysports remarked that they chose Coldwater because they felt the area really needed a good hobby shop. “We are extremely pleased at the great reception we have received so far. Everyone has been so helpful and welcoming. Already we have over 500 people registered on our e-mail list. We are excited to be in Coldwater. We feel there are unlimited opportunities for us here.

Corey Collins, President of the Downtown Business Association (DBA), commented that he “is very pleased that Blitz Hobbysports has joined our downtown retail community. We have a very strong retail mix and the addition of Blitz Hobbysports will be a great asset to Downtown Coldwater.”

Janice Cooper, manager of Taylor’s Books and More welcomes Blitz Hobbysports to Downtown Coldwater. “Having a variety of businesses in our Downtown business community is good for everyone in Coldwater…not only the downtown.”

Blitz Hobbysports will employ two additional employees and be open Monday thru Saturday from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Blitz Hobbysports plans on having many demonstration events throughout the year so that everyone can see firsthand all the many product lines they have available.

The Blitz Hobbysports staff welcome one and all to stop by their new store and see all that they have. You may call Blitz Hobbysports at 517-338-3178 and go to their website: www.blitzhobbysports.org.

LANSING - If you're planning a trip to a vacation home, a time share, a rental property, or a home exchange this summer, keep in mind these properties might have specific insurance needs. But be careful not to waste money by over-insuring your summer vacation. The Office of Financial and Insurance Regulation (OFIR) offers these tips to help you prepare a well-planned vacation that includes insurance protections.

“Taking the time to do an annual insurance check-up can prevent costly headaches that disrupt a summer vacation,” OFIR Commissioner Ken Ross said.

 Renting a Vacation Property or Participating in a Home Exchange

 If you're renting a property or exchanging homes with another family this summer, your homeowners insurance policy might extend to the property where you'll be staying. Generally, as a renter you are not responsible for damages caused by unavoidable accidents, such as faulty plumbing. However, there are circumstances where you could be considered partially responsible for damages due to negligence, and you may be expected to pay for them.

Personal belongings you take on vacation - such as a laptop, camera or clothing - are generally covered by your primary homeowners policy. Read your homeowners policy before going out of town so that you know if there is a maximum amount it pays for a loss. If you don't feel you have enough insurance for the belongings you plan to take, you may consider additional or temporary personal property coverage.

 Secondary Home Insurance

 If your secondary home or vacation home has a mortgage, your lender may require homeowners insurance just as it would for your primary residence. However, there may be additional stipulations in the policy because you only reside in the home for part of the year. Like with your primary homeowners insurance, it is important to review the policy for your secondary home every year and keep an up-to-date home inventory in case you would need to file a claim following a loss.

Even if you do not plan to spend time at your vacation home, you might consider maintaining coverage for the structure, contents and your liability in the event that someone gets injured on your property while you're not there.

 "Named Perils" Coverage

 Homeowners insurance for a secondary home can have significantly different terms than your primary home's insurance policy. How a secondary property is used and how often it is occupied during the year determines the type of coverage. Insurance for these properties is typically written on a "named perils" basis. A "named perils" policy covers losses for events specifically outlined in the policy, such as lightning, explosion, theft or smoke damage.

Homeowners policies also typically provide liability coverage in case a guest is injured on your property or if you are responsible for damage to another's property. Your homeowners policy might also include medical payments coverage that would pay an injured person's medical bills to a stated limit, regardless of negligence.

 Umbrella Policies

 If you have an umbrella policy in place to provide excess liability coverage, the policy should automatically extend to any new property you purchase or rent. To be sure the umbrella meets your liability expectations and that there are no exclusions in the policy that might be triggered by the new property, read your policy before making your down payment.