Robert Erickson Named St. Francis Health Center’s President, Chief Executive Officer

Robert J. Erickson has been named president and chief executive officer of St. Francis Health Center. He will join St. Francis March 25.

Erickson is currently the regional chief operating officer for Aspirus Inc., Wausau, Wis. He joined Aspirus in 2000 as vice president of administration and was promoted to senior vice president of ambulatory services and senior vice president of business development. Previously, he worked for rehabilitation facilities in Arizona and in administrative capacities, including interim chief executive officer for Simi Valley Hospital and Health Care Services, Simi Valley, Calif.

Erickson has a bachelor’s degree in speech pathology and audiology from Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wis., and a master’s degree in speech and hearing science from Arizona State University, Tempe, Ariz. He completed all coursework with honors for a doctorate in cognitive psychology in 1994 before making a career change to business administration.

Erickson served as president of the Wausau Early Bird Rotary and the Boys and Girls Club of Wausau and as a director for the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Board of Advisers and the Centergy Alliance for Economic Development.

Erickson and his wife, Cindy, have three children.

MAXIMUS TO OPEN A NEW SW LOCATION

Maximus Fitness and Wellness announced a new SW Maximus Fitness and Wellness @ Wood Valley is opening on March 3 at 2909 SW 37th, Topeka. The expanded SW Maximus will feature over 35,000 square feet of of fitness luxery, eight fitness studios, executive locker rooms, the only Induro Cycling-Enhanced Theater in Topeka, Les Mills Body Pump, and a professional and friendly Kids’ Klub.

Maximus invites the public to a free ribbon cutting with the Topeka Chamber of Commerce on Friday, March 5, 4:30PM with free food and beverages, prizes and to the grand reopening on Saturday, March 6 from 10AM-2PM at the new SW Maximus at 2909 SW 37th. The grand reopening will feature free classes, free tours, prizes and drawings.

The new SW Maximus is located with Wood Valley Racquet Club, Northeast Kansas premiere tennis and racquet center featuring six indoor tennis courts, Olympic size swimming pool, racquetball and the new Double Bagel Café.

Maximus is the fitness club voted number one three years in a row in “Best of Topeka.”

St. Francis Health Center Among Top 5 Percent in Nation According to Quality Study

St. Francis Health Center has achieved HealthGrades’ 2010 Distinguished Hospital Award for Clinical ExcellenceTM based on its clinical quality performance. Mary Sweet, a HealthGrades representative, will present Grant Wicklund, St. Francis interim president and chief executive officer, with the award at a news conference at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 16, in the St. Francis Auditorium.

According to the HealthGrades study, patients admitted to a hospital receiving this award are, on average, 29 percent less likely to die and 9 percent less likely to suffer from a major complication. This year, only 269 of the nation’s nearly 5,000 nonfederal hospitals will receive this distinction.

“At St. Francis, we have a skillful and dedicated team of physicians, clinicians and employees,” Wicklund said. “It is because of their hard work and commitment that our patients and their families in northeast Kansas receive high-quality health care that is among the best in the nation.”

“The hospitals that have been designated as Distinguished Hospitals for Clinical Excellence™ have, across the board, been leaders in their commitment to delivering the highest quality patient care. Consumers can choose where they receive their health care and our study again highlights the tremendous disparity in quality between hospitals,” said Rick May, MD, HealthGrades senior physician consultant.

St. Francis Health Center is one of three hospitals in Kansas to receive the Clinical Excellence designation. The other hospitals are the University of Kansas Hospital, Kansas City, Kan, and Via Christi Regional Medical Center, Wichita.

Additionally, St. Francis is:
• Ranked No. 1 in Kansas for GI services
• Ranked No. 1 in Kansas for GI medical treatment
• Ranked among the top five (No. 3) in Kansas for coronary interventional procedures
• Ranked among the top five (No. 3) for overall orthopedic services
• Ranked among the top five (No. 2) in Kansas for treatment of stroke
• Ranked among the top five (No. 3) in Kansas for overall critical care
• Five-star rated for treatment of heart attack for three consecutive years (2008-10)
• Five-star rated for treatment of pneumonia for four consecutive years (2007-10)
• The recipient the HealthGrades Stroke Care Excellence Award™ two years in a row (2009 and 2010).

This is the eighth year that HealthGrades has independently analyzed the clinical quality performance of all nonfederal hospitals across the country in 26 procedures and diagnoses. In the Distinguished Hospital Study, the company reviewed 40 million hospitalization records from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, during the years 2006, 2007 and 2008. Participation is not voluntary, and no hospital can opt out of being rated. All hospitals that participate in the Medicare program were part of the independent study. Hospitals that receive the HealthGrades Distinguished Hospital Award for Clinical ExcellenceTM are those hospitals that rank in the top 5 percent when all 26 individual scores are aggregated into an overall score.

A full copy of the study can be found at www.healthgrades.com.

Heartland Visioning to Hold Community Meeting to Discuss Downtown Redevelopment

Heartland Visioning would like to invite the community to join a discussion about downtown redevelopment of Kansas Avenue and Eighth Avenue from 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m., Thursday, February 25, 2010 in the Regency Ballroom of the Ramada at Sixth and Madison.

In the Heartland Visioning Strategic Plan, an overwhelming majority of the community wanted downtown redevelopment and revitalization. Heartland Visioning is creating an opportunity for the community to come discuss redeveloping downtown Topeka, particularly Kansas Avenue and Eighth Avenue.

William Beteta, Executive Director of Heartland Visioning said, “Our goal at Heartland Visioning is to provide opportunities for community collaboration in the implementation of the strategic plan, and we want to make sure the community is included in the discussion of downtown redevelopment from the beginning.”

Heartland Visioning is a community-wide initiative to develop and implement a shared strategic vision for what we want our community to be in 5, 10, 20 years. Our community is defined as Shawnee County which includes: Auburn, Rossville, Topeka, Silver Lake, Willard, and unincorporated Shawnee County.

For more information please contact the Heartland Visioning office at 785.231.6006 or info@heartlandvisioning.com. We are also on facebook.com/HeartlandVision and twitter.com/HeartlandVision.

GO TOPEKA ECONOMIC IMPACT STUDY RELEASED

Projects resulting from GO Topeka’s 2009 efforts will have a net benefit of more than $15 million for the City of Topeka and Shawnee County over the next ten years, according to a report issued by Impact DataSource, an Austin, Texas, economic consulting, research and analysis firm.

GO Topeka, a subsidiary of the Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce, is funded by the countywide half-cent economic development sales tax, which generates around $5 million annually, as well as private funding for attraction of new businesses, expansion of existing businesses, and acquiring and managing assets necessary to support and retain primary jobs. The dispersion of that money is overseen by the Joint Economic Development Organization, comprised of elected officials from both Shawnee County and the City of Topeka.

The announced projects in 2009 included the new Home Depot Rapid Deployment Center, the purchase of the former Payless ShoeSource Distribution Center by PTMW, Inc. and expansions at the existing U.S. Foodservice, Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company and Frito-Lay plants. Together, these projects retained 1,575 jobs and created 463 new jobs with a combined average wage of $48,250.

The study estimates that the benefits will continue to grow over the next ten years, with 3,770 direct and indirect jobs added, resulting in 762 new residents in Shawnee County. Of those 762 new residents, 254 will be from direct and indirect workers moving into the county, with 64 new residential properties to be built for those incoming residents. The salaries to be paid to direct and indirect workers over the next ten years exceeds $2 billion, with nearly $777 million worth of taxable sales and purchases expected in the county over that decade.

“These are exactly the sort of results voters expected when they passed the half-cent sales tax for economic development, the Topeka Blvd. Bridge and specific ballot listed road projects,” said Doug Kinsinger, president and CEO of the Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce/GO Topeka. “The efforts of GO Topeka have always been to ensure the promising future of Topeka and Shawnee County, and we will continue to do so for the people of the region.”

After the extraction of all incentive costs and the cost of services resulting from announced projects, the City of Topeka is expected to see nearly $10.8 million worth of net benefits over the next ten years due to the operations of GO Topeka’s 2009 announced projects, while Shawnee County is expected to net approximately $4.4 million. The study estimates Washburn University will see just over $5 million in net benefits over the ten-year span, while the Auburn/Washburn school district will see about $1.2 million and Seaman school district would see just over $1 million. Impact DataSource also predicts about $104.5 million in net benefits to the State of Kansas in the next decade.

“This is a great return on the investment for economic development and is worth celebrating,” said Steve Jenkins, senior vice president of economic development for the Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce/GO Topeka. “In addition to the benefits to other taxing entities and the wages being added to the community for the next decade, we continue to see a growth in the primary job sector that drives growth of small businesses and improvement of the community’s quality of life. This is what the community envisioned when the sales tax for economic development was passed by the voters.”

Resurrection debate: Did Jesus Rise from the Dead?

Michael Licona, author and New Testament historian, and Richard Carrier, author and speaker, will debate the question of the resurrection - if Jesus rose from the dead - at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 11, in Washburn Room A, Memorial Union, Washburn University. The event is free and open to the public.

Licona wrote “The Case for the Resurrection of Jesus.” He also was interviewed by Lee Strobel in his book, “The Case for the Real Jesus,” and Stobel’s video, “The Case for Christ.”

Carrier is a professional historian, published philosopher, and prominent defender of the American free thought movement. He has appeared across the country and on national television defending sound historical methods and the ethical worldview of secular nationalism.

Washburn University’s student organization, Christian Challenge, and the Atheist Community of Topeka are sponsoring the event. For more information, contact Craig Freerksen at (785) 806-4255.

Topeka Edward Jones Branch Office Supports Project Topeka - Community Food Drive

Jonathan Didde, an Edward Jones financial advisor in Topeka, is supporting Project Topeka by using his office as a drop-off location for a food drive.

Local residents and businesses may help those less fortunate in the community by bringing in items to the Edward Jones branch office during regular business hours from January 27th to February 28th.

The branch address is: 5844 SW Huntoon, Ste 300 in Topeka.

ERC selects 30th Annual Designers’ Showhouse Sites

ERC Resource & Referral announces sites for the 30th Annual Designers’ Showhouse, an annual grassroots fundraiser for the non-profit, community service agency. The event raises critically needed support for ERC though a partnership between ERC, local home owners, and area designers and craftsmen. This year, ERC has select two homes with unique features to transform and showcase for public tours and activities:

A historic, Victorian home at 1621 SW Boswell, in the College Hill neighborhood --- The home built by the Sweet family in 1922 has been a private residence, a home for unwed mothers and was recently purchased by the United Methodist Church as a campus ecumenical ministry center. The first and second floors are identical, however, the first floor will be transformed into a gathering room, small group conference space, offices and fellowship areas. The second floor will be transformed into communal student residences featuring bedrooms; bathrooms; and kitchen, dining and living room space.

A new construction home at 5029 NW Derby Drive in North Topeka --- This 3400 square-foot home is being built in the Sterling Chase housing edition by Russ King Homes for a Topeka family. The home will feature "green," or environmentally friendly, construction techniques and energy efficiencies, and will be rated as an Energy Star home. This project will help educate the public about the latest in "green" building, as well as showcase the creativity of area decorators and interior designers.

"This year’s event is a little different from the previous 29 Showhouses. We are featuring two homes. We have never featured ‘green building’ before. The timing seemed right as our society is becoming more aware and interested in green building techniques and learning ways to conserve energy. The north home will create public awareness and entertain at the same time," said Reva Wywadis, ERC executive director. "The Topeka Home Builders Association Green Council is heavily involved with the project."

"The home on Boswell is interesting because of it’s history and intended use as a campus ministry and student residence. It will create new and interesting design challenges for our interior designers as they help transform the space into a functional, livable, yet fun environment that appeals to the college crowd and young-at-heart," said Wywadis.

Because the home on Boswell is an ecumenical ministry with limited funding, ERC is encouraging local businesses and philanthropic community members to consider adopting a room to provide the funding necessary to makeover the property. "We really need the support of the community on this showhouse property. Community support will benefit two local non-profits---ERC and Campus Ministry at Washburn University."

"We have a lot of space this year to design and decorate. We need area designers to help us transform both properties with the latest and greatest design trends, while keeping the intended purpose of both properties," said Wywadis.

Local businesses and individuals interested in supporting the project and area designers interested in decorating a room at either property are asked to contact Reva Wywadis at ERC Resource & Referral at 785-357-5171 as soon as possible.

A "bare bones" showing of both properties is scheduled for February 18-21, 2010. The Bare Bones Preview kicks off the Showhouse event by giving the public the chance to tour both properties for $5 before work begins. Special events at area showrooms are also being planned this year in conjunction with the Bare Bones Preview showing.

Visit www.ercrefer. org for updates on the 30th Annual ERC Designers’ Showhouses and associated events.

Taxpayers Shouldn’t Be Burdened with Solving Government’s Spending Problem

The Kansas chapter of the grassroots group Americans for Prosperity released the following statement in response to Gov. Mark Parkinson’s 2010 State of the State Address:

“Considering that over a six-year time frame, from FY 2004 to FY 2009, spending increased by a staggering 40 percent, it was disappointing to once again hear Gov. Parkinson fail to identify excessive spending as being the real reason why Kansas is facing a budget shortfall,” said AFP-Kansas state director Derrick Sontag. “The budget crisis we are currently experiencing is a direct result of our state government living beyond its means, thus it is simply unacceptable for Gov. Parkinson to call for tax increases on Kansas families and businesses.

“Contrary to the Governor’s claim tonight, Kansas is a high tax state in nearly every measurement. When compared to our neighboring states, Kansas has the second highest personal and corporate income tax rates, second highest sales and gas tax rates and is even second highest in property tax collections per capita. Kansans simply cannot afford more taxes. The only state with a higher tax burden is Nebraska. However Nebraska’s state debt per capita is $22, while Kansas’ is $1,202.

“Now more than ever is the time to implement true fiscal reform in how we spend taxpayer dollars. I encourage the Governor and Legislature to not only avoid increasing taxes, but also to seriously consider passage of key measures that will impose some fiscal sanity in Topeka.

“Kansas needs to enact spending constraints, zero-based budgeting and budget stabilization fund legislation this year. When our state government entirely exhausts a budget surplus of nearly $1 billion in two and a half years, it’s obvious these measures need to be taken.

“Now is the time for our Governor and lawmakers to look in the mirror, not in the pockets of Kansas taxpayers when searching for answers. We have an opportunity to change the way we do business in Kansas by getting control over the reckless way we spend taxpayer dollars and ultimately, changing the reputation of our great state from being considered a high tax state to one that cultivates economic growth and prosperity through reductions in spending and tax rates.”

Beauchamp’s Gallery to Feature Colorists Diane Lawrence and Debra Clemente

Fans of bright colorful artwork will see plenty to like in Beauchamp’s upcoming exhibit- New Works by Debra Clemente and Diane Lawrence. Both artists utilize bright pure color to inject energy and emotion into their paintings. Clemente applies heavy colorful oil paints on canvas with a pallet knife. Her works have a textural quality that seems to be influenced by the impressionists like Van Gogh. Lawrence applies thin layers of equally colorful pigments to delicate silk fabric. And though the color is just as striking, the surface quality of her work is much different than Clemente’s. Lawrence’s use of silk gives each painting a shimmering effect that is unique to the medium and a nice contrast to Clemente’s heavy oils.

For Clemente, much of her inspiration comes from the landscape. However, she is in no way focused on an exact interpretation of a particular scene. Rather, she is much more interested in using color to express the emotions that she feels. Similarly, Lawrence puts it this way, “Forms that radiate vibrant color energize my soul and lead me into a delightful journey into expression….” In the past, Lawrence’s focus has been florals and depictions of colorful Koi fish and this show has good examples of such work. However Lawrence, like Clemente, will also present a number of works influenced by the landscape.

New Works by Debra Clemente and Diane Lawrence can be seen at Beauchamp’s Gallery starting December 31, but an opening reception for both artists will take place on Friday evening, January 8th at the gallery. The public is invited.
Beauchamp’s is Topeka’s premier provider of original fine art, classic custom framing, art restoration/repair, and consulting. Located at 3113 SW Huntoon in the Westboro Mart, Beauchamp’s has been a mainstay of the Topeka arts community for over 35 years.

2010 Leadership Greater Topeka Class Announced

Thirty-six individuals from Topeka and Shawnee County have been selected to participate in the 2010 Leadership Greater Topeka program. Leadership Greater Topeka, a program of the Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce since 1984, identifies outstanding potential leaders from various components of the community. There are 776 alumni of the program.

Class members will attend a retreat and seven day-long sessions between January 28-29 and May 7 to learn about challenges facing the City of Topeka and Shawnee County and how they, as individuals, can work to influence community issues and problems. The 2010 class was chosen from more than 300 nominees representing a variety of backgrounds and a cross section of the community.

Members of the 2010 class are:

Erin Aldridge, marketing manager, Topeka Performing Arts Center; Jose Arimany, associate manager, Business Analysis, Hill's Pet Nutrition; Gregg Burden, supervisory program specialist, VA Health Resource Center; Tyrell Carstarphen, student, Highland Park High School; Aaron Classi, commercial banking relationship manager, U.S. Bank; Shelley D'Attilio, laboratory manager, Stormont-Vail HealthCare; Kristina Dietrick, president, Creative Business Solutions; Mary Anne Durall; assistant vice president - global services/operations, se2 - div. of Security Benefit; Amber Gentry, vice president, Networks Plus; Brenda Guilfoyle, director resource development, United Way of Greater Topeka; Brian Haug, account executive, WIBW-TV; Julie Hinrichsen, vice president information services, CIO, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas; Captain Shane Hoobler, Shawnee County Sheriff's Office; Dracy Jenkins, executive director, Distribution Power Delivery, Westar Energy, Inc.; Dean Roxanne Kelly, Washburn Institute of Technology; Amanda Lanum, news anchor, WIBW Channels; Chris Lipp, cirector of cardiology/vascular surgery service line, St. Francis Health Center; Larry McCoig, regional president, Citizens Bank & Trust; Katie McCollom, development director, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Topeka; Bill Naeger, senior project manager, Bartlett & West; Jenny Oxandale, assistant director, Kansas Volunteer Commission, KSDE; Nancy Riegle, interpreter/translator, Spanish Solutions International, LLC; Cody Robertson, associate attorney, Goodell, Stratton, Edmonds & Palmer, LLP; Angel Romero, resident assistant (RA), Washburn University Residential Living; Ginger Spivey, programming associate, KTWU, Washburn University; Captain Jerry Stanley, Topeka Police Department; Shelly Starr, chief of litigation, Topeka City Attorney; Brandi Studer, associate attorney, Henson, Hutton, Mudrick & Gragson, LLP; Bob Swafford, owner/president, ColorWorks Paint & Supply; Bob Trepinski, executive director, Marian Clinic; Angela Valdivia, administrative assistant, Student Activities & Greek Life Office; Washburn University; Monte Weathers, Brigade S4 (Logistics Officer), 69th Troop Command, Kansas Army Nat’l Guard; Dana Wethington, chief executive officer, American Red Cross, Kansas Capital Area Chapter; Abbey Wostal, vice president/business development, Fidelity State Bank and Trust Co.; Corrie Wright, HND manager, City of Topeka - Dept. of Housing & Neighborhood Development; Tyson Yager, business analyst, Capitol Federal Savings.

Wells Fargo Advisors Topeka, Kansas, and The Topeka Rescue Mission helping to give back this Holiday Season

Wells Fargo Advisors Topeka, Kansas, announced today a new project with The Topeka Rescue Mission. Throughout the holiday season and the coming year, Wells Fargo Advisors employees will provide support to the Mission by having food and item bins at their office, volunteering hours in the warehouse, and serving meals over the course of 2010. A $3,000.00 grant from The Wachovia Wells Fargo Foundation has been provided to leverage their efforts.

“We know that many more of our neighbors have been hit hard by the economic downturn and our team members want to do what they can to help,” says Neta Jeffus, Branch Manager and Sr. Vice-President. “Our project with The Topeka Rescue Mission to provide food and supplies will help to make a difference in the lives of many.”

The project is one of 200 throughout the U.S. managed by Wells Fargo Advisors as part of the firm’s Investing in Our Communities initiative.

“As a leader in our industry, we recognize that investing in our communities is a responsibility we have as a result of doing business there, and we understand that our firm is only as strong as the communities where we are located,” said Danny Ludeman, president & CEO of Wells Fargo Advisors. “To that end, through our team members’ volunteer efforts, corporate philanthropy and community involvement, Wells Fargo Advisors is showing its commitment to building strong and vibrant communities, improving quality of life, and making a positive difference where we live and work in a very hands-on way.”

To be eligible for foundation funding, projects had to outline how the firm’s employees would get involved in hands-on projects ranging from stocking food pantries and serving meals, to conducting clothing drives and re-painting shelters.

Both Wachovia Corporation and Wells Fargo & Company have strong legacies of giving to the community. In 2008, the combined company contributed $226 million in grants to 22,000 nonprofit organizations and 1.4 million team member hours volunteering in communities across the United States.

Washburn University School of Business students score high on national business exam

Fifty-two students attending the Washburn School of Business received a score on the Educational Testing Services (ETS) Major Field Test in Business that would place the School in the top 15 percent of all schools administering the exam.

Given at approximately 600 colleges and universities across the country, the MFT is a comprehensive outcomes assessments designed to measure the critical knowledge and understanding obtained by students in a major field of study. The tests go beyond the measurement of factual knowledge by helping business programs evaluate the ability of the students to analyze and solve problems, understand relationships and interpret material from their study of business.

Washburn students consistently score in the top 20 percent each year.

“We are very pleased with the performance of our undergraduate students” said David Sollars, dean of the School of Business. “It reflects the dedication of our students, faculty and staff to provide a high quality business education for our students. It is also a reflection of the support provided by the university, the Washburn Endowment Association, our alumni and other supporters who have provided resources to support student learning.”

The Washburn School of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International, the premier accrediting body of business programs. The School was also included in Princeton Review’s 2010 Best 301 Business School List for its high quality MBA program.

Washburn students who individually scored at the top 75th percentile and above are:
Anthony: Aaron Podschun
Berryton: Sarah Sims
Chanute: Heath Bideau
Council Grove: Jesse Morgan
Glen Elder: Jessica Winkel
Ness City: Dillon Schwindt
Ottawa: Matthew Neff
Overland Park: Ben Bianchino
Quinter: Grady Kesler
Sabetha: Daniel Tramp
Topeka: Megan Allen, Nicholas Armstrong, Douglas Boleski, Jared Bryant, Kevin Etzel, Marshall Ferguson, Lindsay Heil, John Imming, Robert Seitz, Nathan Stillings, Thaddeus Taylor

Designed by Educational Testing Services (also known for the SAT, PSAT and other nationally known tests), the ETS Major Field Tests are comprehensive outcome assessments designed to measure the critical knowledge and understanding obtained by students in a major field of study. The Major Field Tests go beyond the measurement of factual knowledge and help students analyze and solve problems, understand relationships and interpret material from their major field of study.

SCOTCH SHARE THE WARMTH® COAT GIVEAWAY

Thousands of clean, warm coats in good condition will be given away at the 23rd Annual Scotch Share the Warmth® program. Scotch Cleaners and the Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary have announced that the public coat giveaway will be Monday, November 30 through Saturday, December 5. Hours are 1 – 3 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. The giveaway is at the Salvation Army, located at 1320 SE 6th in Topeka. Coats are free to anyone in need. Individuals should be there in person to try on coats before selection.

Groups needing special times or individuals needing assistance may make an appointment for getting coats by contacting a social worker at the Salvation Army in Topeka at (785) 233-9648.

Disney On Ice celebrates 100 Years of Magic Opens Today at Kansas Expocentre

The opening performance of "Disney on Ice Celebrates 100 Years of Magic" at the Kansas Expocentre will be today, Friday, Nov. 27 at 1:00 p.m. (show runs through Sunday, Nov. 29).

Ticket prices start at $14 and are available at the Kansas Expocentre box office, at all Ticketmaster locations, and online at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 800.745.3000. All tickets are subject to service charges and facility fees.

Disney On Ice celebrates 100 Years of Magic is a sing-along score of award-winning Disney music, stunning choreography, elaborate, eye-dazzling sets and beautiful costumes. More than 60 of Disney’s characters and 18 unforgettable stories will be featured in this commemorative celebration when Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse take audiences on a fun-filled adventure, sharing memories with Disney friends including Goofy, Donald Duck, Jiminy Cricket, Pinocchio, Mulan, Timon, Pumbaa, Stitch, the beloved Disney Princesses, Buzz Lightyear, Woody, Nemo, the Incredibles and many more!

To learn more about Disney On Ice, visit www.disneyonice.com.

Show Dates: Friday Nov 27 – Sunday, Nov. 29. Friday, Nov. 27 at 1:00 pm and 5:00 pm; Saturday, Nov. 28 at 11:00 am. 3:00 pm; Sunday, Nov. 29 at 1:00 pm.

HOLIDAY EVENTS AT TOPEKA CIVIC THEATRE

Topeka Civic Theatre & Academy has announced three wonderful events to help celebrate the holidays! Fans of live theatre will be able to experience a classic holiday film brought to life with singing and dancing, a beloved children’s literature character brought to life on stage, and improv comedy to ring in the new year!

Beginning this weekend and running through December 20, 2009, It’s a Wonderful Life is being performed on the Sheffel Stage at TCTA. Frank Capra’s classic holiday film is lovingly brought to the stage with a faithful script and charming music. Through the gift of his guardian angel, Clarence, George Bailey discovers how wonderful his life has been by being granted the privilege of seeing what the world would have been like had he never been born. The show features almost 50 actors, ages toddler through senior citizen, performing delightful holiday music for families to enjoy!

Opening December 11 and playing through December 20, 2009, the new TYA series with adults performing for children brings the stories of A.A. Milne to the stage with A Winnie the Pooh Christmas Tail. On a Christmas Eve not too long ago, Eeyore, the old gray donkey, was absolutely miserable. He had lost his tail and Winnie-the-Pooh and Piglet gather all their friends to organize a search to find it! This show is packed with fun and excitement and is appropriate for kids of all ages.

Adults can ring in the New Year laughing at TCT as the Laughing Matters Improvisational Comedy Troupe brings a night of outrageous comedy sketches and improvisational games to the stage. This show contains some humor not suitable for all audiences. The show begins at 10pm and ends with a midnight countdown by the comedy company from the Sheffel stage.

For more information about any of these holiday activities and more, please visit TopekaCivicTheatre.com or call Chelle Decker, Marketing Director at (785) 357-5213.

St. Francis Health Center has lower mortality rate than national average, according to national study

St. Francis Health Center received recognition for providing high-quality care in several service lines, according to a comprehensive annual study released by HealthGrades, the leading independent health care ratings organization. The HealthGrades study annually assesses patient outcomes – mortality and complication rates – at virtually all of the nation’s nearly 5,000 nonfederal hospitals. No hospital can opt in or out of being rated, and no hospital pays to be rated.

St. Francis received recognition in 25 areas, including:

• Ranked No. 1 in Kansas for GI services
• Ranked No. 1 in Kansas for GI medical treatment
• Ranked among the top 5 (No. 3) for coronary interventional procedures
• Five-star rated for treatment of heart attack—three years in a row (2008-10)
• Ranked among the top 5 (No. 3) in Kansas for overall orthopedic services
• Recipient of the HealthGrades Stroke Care Excellence Award™—two years in a row (2009 and 2010)
• Ranked among the top 5 (No. 2) in Kansas for treatment of stroke
• Five-star rated for treatment of pneumonia—four years in a row (2007-10)
• Ranked among the top 5 (No. 3) in Kansas for overall critical care

“St. Francis has invested significantly in process improvements, patient satisfaction initiatives and technology to enhance the quality of our patient care,” said Grant Wicklund, St. Francis interim president and chief executive officer. “This recognition from HealthGrades across multiple service lines underscores our commitment to improving the health of our community and is an appreciated acknowledgment of the expertise and effort our staff and partnering physicians apply at St. Francis every day.”

According to the 12th annual HealthGrades Hospital Quality in America study, top-rated hospitals had a 52 percent lower mortality rate than the U.S. national average when looking at the patient outcomes of 17 procedures and diagnoses ranging from bypass surgery to treatment for heart attack. When the top-rated hospitals were compared to the poorest performers, there was an even greater difference, 72 percent lower mortality.

The new 2010 HealthGrades hospital ratings are posted at www.healthgrades.com, HealthGrades’ public Web site.

Library receives national four-star ranking from Library Journal

The Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library has been recognized as a high-performing library in a time of need. This week, the library was given four out of five stars by Library Journal, by the oldest and most respected publication covering the library field.

Libraries across the nation are playing a key role in their communities in this current economic crisis, and your library is no exception. Libraries were judged on number of visits, circulation, program attendance and public Internet computer use.

“Each month since the economic downturn, we’ve broken circulation records. More customers are coming in looking for job search tips or looking for free entertainment. We’re happy to fulfill their need and be recognized as a library of distinction,” Paul Brennan, collections manager, said.

Each day more than 3,000 visitors walk through the doors of the library. The library has experienced a 19.3 percent increase in the number of people coming into the library this year compared to last. In 2008, we checked out 2,453,453 items. This year, checkout is up 7 percent.

The library provides free computer and Internet access and training. We offer about 500 computer-training classes each year. Our instructors say attendance at computer training programs has increased as the unemployment rate has increased.

258 libraries from across the United States earned a star ranking. To find out what other Kansas libraries were awarded stars, visit http://www.libraryjournal.com/article/CA6705870.html#KS.

Heartland Visioning Inaugural Report, 2009

Today Heartland Visioning released its inaugural report. The report, which is promised every year, will provide a look at what has been accomplished in the year toward achieving the community-wide vision. The efforts put in by the dedicated vision partners and over 500 volunteers from around the community are what make the success of Heartland Visioning possible.

There are changes taking place in Shawnee County. In 2008, Shawnee County grew by 0.8% only 0.2% away from the 1% annual growth target.

The average earnings per job increased 1.6% in Shawnee County during the first quarter of 2009 versus a decline of 2.5% nationally. This is 3.35% over our benchmark target of being 0.75% over the national average for average job earnings.

Lastly, from 2006 to 2007, crime in Shawnee County declined by 12%, a greater decrease than the U.S. average. Additionally, crime in the City of Topeka has dropped 6.4% from 2007 to 2008.

These Key Benchmark results show that change is happening for the better. From here, the goal for Heartland Visioning is to keep these changes going in a positive direction. The Key Benchmarks are used as indicators, letting the Strategic Alliances and everyone know that what we are doing is working.

“There are a lot of wonderful things happening in our community,” said William Beteta, Executive Director, Heartland Visioning. “This was a learning year for all of us. One thing we learned was about all the great people and programs that exist and are working on things the community said it wants.”

In learning about existing programs, Heartland Visioning’s mission is to help like minded individuals and organizations build collaboration and make what they do even better for the community.

A copy of the report is available by contacting the Heartland Visioning office 785.231.6006, info@heartlandvisioning.com or go to the Website www.heartlandvisionoing.com.

Heartland Visioning is a community-wide initiative to develop and implement a shared strategic vision for what we want our community to be in 5, 10, or 20 years.

AFP-Kansas prepares transportation policy primer for legislators, taxpayers

The Kansas chapter of the grassroots group Americans for Prosperity has prepared a ‘policy primer’ to help Kansans understand what Kansas spends on transportation in the state, and how our state compares with others in the region.

Derrick Sontag, AFP-Kansas state director, said Kansas has had a comprehensive highway or transportation plan for twenty years now.

“There are many in Topeka who believe that the simple act of building new roads and highways spurs economic growth, but the numbers suggest otherwise,” he said. “For example, between 2002 and 2006 Kansas ranked eighth in the country in highway spending per capita, yet our Gross State Product growth lagged at 33rd.”

Sontag said that generally speaking, economic research studies have not found that increased spending and building more roads will lead to a larger economy and to more private capital in a given state.


“Kansas’ rankings in highway spending and GSP growth, as well as other economic measurements, suggest there is no direct correlation between increased government spending on highways and economic growth,” he said.

Sontag also noted that the state’s annual population growth has averaged less than a half percent.

“With lagging Gross State Product and population growth, one has to wonder just what economic measurements the proponents of implementing a new highway plan cite in making their claims that simply building new roads will lead to an economic recovery in Kansas,” he said. “Reducing the tax burden and government spending will best assist the private sector, not increasing our tax and debt burden.”

Sontag said it would be irresponsible for the Legislature to do anything further than authorize an appropriate maintenance plan during the upcoming legislative session.

“Kansas’ roads and highways are in great conditions, and AFP-Kansas supports the implementation of a responsible maintenance program,” he said. “However, with the state facing a $500 million shortfall and Kansans already facing an uncompetitive tax and debt burden the last thing the Legislature should do is embark on a massive tax and debt plan that further places Kansas families and businesses in a financial bind.”

The AFP transportation policy primer outlines the state funding for highway plans, which has traditionally involved taxes and debt. It also compares the Kansas tax rates to those of neighboring states.