June 23, 2022

CHCS receives $50,000 donation

Community HealthCare System recently received a donation of $50,000 from the estate of Benedict Patrick Heideman. Heideman, a native of Corning, passed away in November of 2021. Gary Heideman, Ben’s nephew and co-executor of his estate, delivered the donation. Gary said his uncle had been a successful farmer, stockman, and dairyman his whole life. As someone who “loved to see stuff grow,” Ben was a good steward of the land, and he wanted to extend the benefits of his stewardship to area organizations and communities. Gary said it was a privilege to execute his uncle’s wishes. “I have been getting to make people happy and have delivered checks to several organizations. The family was happy that Ben got to put money into things he believed in and liked,” Gary said. Ben chose Community HealthCare System, or CHCS, as a recipient because he was a longtime patient of Dr. Tom Walsh and appreciated the care and relationship Dr. Walsh provided. “He enjoyed Dr. Tom so much. They loved to visit. They didn’t always talk about medicine,” Gary said, noting that much of their conversation was about sports, and they always laughed. Gary added that Ben “always doctored here” in Onaga and wanted to help secure the future of CHCS. CEO Todd Willert and Justin Boswell, Chair of the CHCS Board of Directors, were pleased to accept the donation (see photo, above).

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Know your options for voting in Kansas in 2022

As healthcare employees who may be working long shifts or odd hours, it can be challenging to arrive at the voting booth before the polls close on election days. Fortunately, Kansas allows absentee voting and “no excuse” early voting. Kansas also has a voter registration process that allows you to become a registered voter from the safety of your own home. Get Registered by July 12 (Primary Election) and October 18 (General Election)! First and foremost, register to vote. If you have already registered during prior elections, go online and check your registration status to ensure everything is still in place and your registration is still valid by visiting https://myvoteinfo.voteks.org/voterview/ To register for the first time or to update your voter registration, you can visit https://www.kdor.ks.gov/Apps/VoterReg/Default.aspx More information on registration and voting in Kansas is on the Secretary of State website. You must register to vote by July 12 to vote in the primary election. You must register by Oct. 18 to vote in the general election. Voting by Mail/Absentee Voting – Request Ballot Before July 26 (Primary Election) and Nov. 1 (General Election). You can request your vote-from-home ballot at https://vot-er.org/kha/. All Kansas voters can vote by mail for any reason. There are no special eligibility requirements, but you do need to submit an application for an advance ballot by July 26 for the Primary Election and Nov. 1 for the General Election. Your ballot must be postmarked on or before election day and must be received by the local county election office by three days following the elections. Early Voting Early voting means casting your ballot in person at a polling place prior to an election. Kansas permits no-excuse early voting, which means you do not have to provide a reason for voting early. Deadlines and polling locations vary by county – for more information, find the contact information for your County Election Officer. Election Day Voting: August 2 and November 8 You can also vote in-person at your polling location on election day. Polls are required to count all votes for those in line by the time the polls close on election day. To find your polling place location, you can visit myvoteinfo.voteks.org. Remember, Kansas requires all voters to present valid photo identification when casting a ballot in person, such as a driver’s license or non-driver’s identification card. The 2022 election will be critical for choosing state and national leaders who care about building a healthy Kansas. Your vote counts and your voice matters, so please be sure you are ready and able to cast your ballot for the future leadership of our state and our country.

Help keep your family safe

Get free gun locks Kansas Ag Stress is an organization devoted to offering care and resources to support Kansas farmers and ranchers in their well-being. It offers help with stress management, financial and legal challenges, mental health, and more. Kansas Ag Stress is now offering FREE gun locks to Kansas residents. The locks are quick and easy to order through the website; click the green button below. The cable locks can be used on most firearms. These locks allow for quick access in an emergency, provide security from theft, and offer safety to your family. It has been proven that gun locks are a deterrent to suicide. Firearms that are stored locked are less likely to be used in a suicide than those that are stored unlocked. These cable locks provide critical life-saving moments between impulse and action.

Order your locks now!

Learn about Instagram safety tools Are you concerned about your teen's social media safety? Instagram has launched new tools to help parents supervise and limit their teens' time on the app. Read a news story or watch a video clip about the tools. Visit the Meta/Instagram Family Center/Education Hub to learn more

Summertime fun

THANK YOU to the crew pictured above for representing CHCS at Frankfort Summerfest. We hear the stress balls were a big hit! Please sign up to represent CHCS in your community. We will provide giveaways, a parade sign, parade candy, and other needed items as necessary. Be sure to wear a CHCS T-shirt! Notes: Those who walk in parades can be paid for 1 hour of work. If you know of a community event that is missing from the signup, please send it to Sarah Hancock. All community sponsorship requests should also be directed to Sarah.

SIGN UP NOW! We need you!

More community events In addition to the community events and parades listed at the signup linked above, we've been asked to pass along the following opportunities. The Onaga Historical Society is holding its Fourth Saturday Garage Sale in two Onaga locations on Saturday, June 25 from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Find the details. Onaga is holding a 3rd of July Celebration; many activities are planned. Volunteers are needed--check your email for details. The Westy Fitness Center is sponsoring a 5K Fun Run/Walk and 1-Mile Fun Walk on Saturday, July 23 at 8:30 a.m. to kick off the Westy Wagon Wheels Car Show. Registration fees apply. Email westyfitness@gmail.com to register. The Onaga Historical Museum will host "Ramblings, Tales, and Trivia of Early Area History" on July 27 at 7:00 p.m. Donn Teske is the presenter. Learn more about upcoming events on the organization's Facebook page.

Welcome We are happy to have the following associates joining us. Welcome to CHCS! Amy Toby, EVS tech, Eastridge Donna Bragg, Coder, Onaga

Here's to our associates with July birthdays. Join us in wishing them all the best as they celebrate!  Juliana Morgali, Kasandra Winegarden, Stephanie Duncan, Stephanie Brey, Sigrid Howard, Chantel Heinen, Michele Thorne, Jaiden Thomas, Tamera Anwar, Tiffany Ronnebaum, Steven Land, Mary Heideman, Rachel Cain, Carol Perry, Theresa McMindes, Jennifer Stephens, Pamela Lacenski, Olenna Barnes, Sarah Hancock, Wendi Alexander, Catherine Peverley, Gayla Schober, Mark Downey, Gordon Beightel, Christina Magnett, Kaitlynn Fairchild, Kelly McCauley, Lisa Hostetler, Michelle Lewis, Samantha Watkins, Fofoga Daniels, Nicole Huey, Jessica Swart, Joseph McDowell, Patricia Sage, Nichole Rivers, Dana Burdiek, Mary Budenbender, Deloris Looper, Brianna Bates, Angela Sauvage, Kathy Teske, Clarissa Koch View a list with dates

Important reminders Home COVID-19 tests are available at CHCS clinics. Associates who would like some are welcome to visit any location to pick some up for personal use. Download the FREE Sunflower Summer app from Google Play or Apple app stores to learn how Kansas students and their guardians (up to two adults) are provided one free visit to each of the participating attractions per year. Attractions include museums, zoos, historic landmarks, and more. Visits must occur May 28 through August 14. Learn more. Employee Assistance Program: All CHCS associates are eligible for three confidential counseling sessions per year. Our EAP program is in transition, and we will announce information and details soon.

Coffee Shop Specials

June 27-July 1 Tropical Mocha Chocolate, coconut, and vanilla 16 oz., $4 Hot, cold, or frappe Friday = cherry limeade day. Beat the heat with a delicious treat! The Coffee Shop Meal Deal is back for summer! Get a sandwich, chips, cookie, and cherry limeade on FRIDAYS for $10 + tax.

Get ready to celebrate the Fourth! Spend $25 in the Gift Shop to enter our drawing for a July 4 Patriotic Party Pack worth more than $120! We'll draw at 12 noon on Thursday, July 30. Good luck!

CHCS menu: Onaga and Eastridge View menus for June 26-July 2 St. Marys menus are available each morning through the Activities chronicle.

Happy birthday, Norma! Eastridge resident Norma Jeanerett recently celebrated her 101st birthday. Norma's great grandparents immigrated from Germany. Her parents were farmers. Norma was married for 72 years and has two children. She celebrated her big day at Eastridge with her family. When asked about the secret to living a long life, she said, "You need to have a few talks with God now and then." Best wishes, Norma!

Final funnies

Did you miss your Connection? Important information is relayed every week in the E-Connection. If you miss it in your email, an archive is available on our website. Visit the For Associates page, then click E-Connection Archive.

Send items for the E-Connection or for sharing with our broader social media audience to sarahhancock@chcsks.org. Please send items by close of business on Tuesdays when possible. Ideas are welcome!

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