Seventeen facts about the summer solstice |
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"A perfect summer day is when the sun is shining, the breeze is blowing, the birds are singing, and the lawnmower is broken."
-- Unknown
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The Spirit Squad is celebrating the upcoming summer solstice this year with a systemwide barbecue! Besides being the longest day of the year, what else do you know about this annual event? Here are 17 facts.
- The summer solstice is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere
- In the United States, the solstice occurs at 11:32 p.m. EDT on June 20, 2021
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The word solstice comes from the Latin words sol, “sun,” and stitium, “to stand still”
- The sun’s path stops advancing northward and appears to stand still for a day before going back the other way
- Because of this, sunlight will strike places in your home that get illuminated at no other time
- The sun, on this day, is directly overhead at the Tropic of Cancer
- In ancient Egypt, the summer solstice heralded the beginning of the New Year, as it coincided with the annual flooding of the Nile
- Stonehenge appears to have had some connection with the summer solstice
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In China, the influence of Yang was thought to be at its height at the solstice, but the celebration centered on the impending switch to Yin, which was its peak during the winter solstice
- Every year in Alaska, the Goldpanners of Fairbanks participate in the Midnight Sun Game, a baseball game that starts at 10:00 p.m. and stretches into the morning – without the need for artificial light!
- Eratosthenes, the Greek mathematician and astronomer, calculated the circumference of the Earth to within 465 miles (1.9%)!
- He did this in approximately 240 BCE by studying the angle of the Sun during the summer solstice
- Earth is actually at its farthest point from the sun during the summer solstice, which is the opposite of what you would think.
- The warmth of the summer is because of the tilt of Earth’s axis.
- Why isn’t the solstice the hottest day of the year (with the most sun)? Because of Earth's water, which takes a while to heat up and cool down.
- It takes about 6 weeks for the temperatures to catch up.
- A study from 2 million Twitter users found that positive messages were sent out more frequently when days are longer
Happy solstice to all! Enjoy!
--Todd Willert, CEO
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Celebrate with Peggy and Pat! |
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All are invited to celebrate two special lead nurses and wish them well as they retire.
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Peggy Buessing, LPN and lead nurse from Centralia Clinic (at left in photo, above), has worked at CHCS for 30 years. A reception will be held in her honor and open to the public on Tuesday, June 29 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. in the Centralia Clinic. Remarks at 2:00.
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Pat Flentie, LPN and lead nurse from Onaga Clinic (at right in photo, above), has worked at CHCS for 45 years. A reception will be held in her honor and open to the public on Wednesday, June 30 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. in the Onaga Community Hospital Lobby. Remarks at 2:15.
“Our lead nurses keep everything running smoothly, and Pat and Peggy leave big shoes to fill. They will be deeply missed, but both have earned long and happy retirements,” said Merica Surdez, Chief of Provider and Clinic Operations.
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Need a retirement plan consultation? |
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Individual retirement plan consultations are available at no additional cost to CHCS associates.
You can discuss your retirement account with an experienced Two West Financial Planner on a confidential basis, over the phone or on a video chat like Zoom or Microsoft Teams. Some questions you might have include:
- Are my investments properly allocated?
- Am I on track to meet my retirement goals?
- Am I saving enough?
- Is Roth right for me?
- How can I reduce my personal debt?
- What do I do with my rollovers?
A consultation can provide you with a personalized actionable plan based on, among other things, your goals, time horizon, and individual risk tolerance.
Access other planning resources
Have questions or need assistance?
Contact Mike Curran, plan consultant
(913) 475-3684 (cell) or (913 647-8376 (office)
https://twowestadvisors.com/
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Welcome to Medicare visits |
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Each month, CHCS shares a community health news article to provide information that can help keep patients and communities informed and healthy. This month, our topic is Welcome to Medicare visits and annual wellness examinations.
Many people don’t take advantage of these free services offered by Medicare because they don’t know about the benefit. The visits are important tools in helping CHCS nurses and providers build a personal relationship with patients, which helps us see the whole picture of their health needs. Learning about life and health challenges, specialist visits, medications, and day-to-day joys and difficulties helps providers and nurses make sure patients’ needs are met.
“The conversation often leads to further information about stresses and concerns in a patient’s life that may be affecting their health,” said Pat Flentie, LPN and Onaga Clinic lead nurse.
“I like their stories. It’s a privilege and an honor to hear what they have to say. For example, I’ve learned about people who served in Vietnam or have lost children or survived tragedies. I see how their faces light up when they talk about their grandkids, great-, or great-great grandkids,” said Susan Tanking, Holton Clinic LPN.
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The dreaded Employee Incident Report
No one wants to have an injury, especially at work. We would love to have a 100% accident-free environment, but the reality is that accidents can happen. It is OK to report an injury. When you report an injury, it does not affect your status within CHCS. Reporting accidents helps us find problems and identify solutions so we can avoid injuries in the future.
What should CHCS associates do if they have a work-related injury?
- Perform first aid to affected site.
- Inform your manager or direct supervisor of incident.
- Your manager or supervisor will help you get the treatment you need for your injury. They will direct you to the closest CHCS facility that is best equipped to treat your injuries.
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Manager will initiate the Incident Report online
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Go to Quality Data Check website.
- Click on "Submit an Incident Report"
- Fill in the data; the more specific, the better.
- If information is missing, the Employee Health Nurse will complete it during her follow-up with the associate.
Next steps:
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All associates who have a work-related accident will go to lab to do a urine drug screen. (OSHA is currently reviewing this rule, and we are waiting for changes. Until the rule is final, we will continue to do urine drug screens on all associates with work-related accidents).
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Your manager or supervisor will notify the Employee Health Nurse, who will then contact the associate and help them get the care they need for their injury.
Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns. Have a great day, and thanks for all you do to make CHCS a great place to work!
Employee Health Nurse
Ext. 5109
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Greater Giving: Why 'I'm in' |
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Jes Hipp, who is transitioning as lead nurse at Westmoreland Clinic to Centralia Clinic, recently took time to tell us about herself and share why she contributes to the Greater Giving program.
Tell us about yourself!
I have worked for CHCS since April of 2002. I am married to Jeremiah, and we have three daughters: Shaley (20), Alexus (16), and Isabella (11). We have a grandson, Graham (age 3). I enjoy spending time with my family watching movies, cooking, and watching my kids play softball. I often get a surprised reaction when people find out that I am a grandma, and then even more when they find out he is 3!
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What benefit have you witnessed to patients, residents, or staff as a result of Greater Giving?
We have had patients assisted with gas to be able to attend out-of-town appointments.
Would you encourage others to participate?
Yes. I feel like when we can help people, we should, no matter if we know them or not. There is no effort needed--just sign up!
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Thanks for giving, Jes!
Jes is also filling Peggy Buessing's position on the Greater Giving Committee upon Peggy's retirement.
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Merry July!
The Greater Giving Committee will tour the system during the last week of July to deliver some special treats, activities (such as throwing "snowballs" at a certain CEO), and info on how to join.
Take a look at the flyer at left for some details, and mark those calendars!
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Jeans in July
Thanks to all who participated. 29 associates paid $10 to wear jeans. Donation choices were:
- 17 donors selected Comfort Closet
- 5 selected CHCS Scholarship
- 5 selected Wish List
- 2 selected the Williamson Endowment
Payments for July jeans are due June 30. Please use the form at right.
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July 4 reminder
The Fourth of July is just around the corner! Several associates have asked if we will be observing the Fourth of July on Monday, July 5 since the holiday falls on a Sunday.
As an organization, we do recognize the Fourth of July holiday, and any associate working that day (Sunday, July 4) will receive holiday pay at time and a half. Because we are a 24-7 organization, however, we will be open for business as usual on Monday, July 5.
If you want to take the day off on Monday, please work with you manager to ensure your department has adequate staffing. Questions? Contact Human Resources.
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Onaga pool repair update
The 2,700-pound HVAC unit has arrived! The work required to get it inside the building (removing a large window and part of a wall, plus removing an interior wall) should be complete by the end of next week, and connection work will follow. New fire sprinkler heads are installed, so sheetrock repairs can begin soon.
Thanks to Gordon, our maintenance guru, for providing the update and overseeing the process. It's great to see progress!
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Welcome to CHCS!
We are happy to have the following associates joining us. Welcome to CHCS!
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Hayle Schriver, C.N.A., Onaga Acute
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Maria Ladolfi, C.N.A., St. Marys Manor
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Alaina Riccomini, C.N.A., St. Marys Manor
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Ana Haynos, C.N.A., St. Marys Manor
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Connie Fisher, Patient Transportation, Eastridge
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Bobbi Tryon, EVS, Eastridge
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Important reminders
- If you'd like to wear jeans on Fridays in July, payments are due June 30. See story above or download the form. Questions? Contact Susie Kufahl.
- The public is invited to Frankfort Care Home Fireworks on July 10 at dusk. CHCS helped sponsor the show.
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Any CHCS associate who wishes to receive a COVID-19 vaccine or who has questions about the vaccine is welcome to contact Employee Health Nurse Christina Hasenkamp. Questions and conversations will be kept confidential. Contact Christina by phone at extension 5109 or email christinahasenkamp@chcsks.org. View a flyer.
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Employee Assistance Program: All CHCS associates are eligible for three confidential counseling sessions per fiscal year (April 1-March 31). To schedule, contact Regina Gronewoller, LSCSW, at reginagronewoller@chcsks.org (preferred) or call 785-437-3734. Download and share a flyer.
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Coffee Shop special
(and Gift Shop goodies)
June 21-25
Blueberry cheesecake latte
- 16 oz., $4
- Hot, cold, or frappe
FRIDAY AFTERNOON Special: CHERRY LIMEADES!
(And don't miss $15 Friday Flowers. Surprise someone!)
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Last chance! Father's Day is this Sunday, June 20.
Your dad says not to get him anything, but he doesn't mean it. Stop by to find him something he will enjoy!
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CHCS menu: Onaga and Eastridge |
St. Marys menus are available each morning through the Activities chronicle.
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It's a bird! It's a plane!
It's Jason McKinsey, radiology manager! Jason saved Onaga staff from the threat of a snake in the hallway earlier this week.
Butch Meyer reported that he and Jenna VanDonge were walking down the hall and saw something on the carpet, and it was a small snake that was about to crawl into the vending area. Jason donned a pair of gloves, picked up the snake, and took it outside, much to the relief of the witnesses.
"Several employees threatened to leave the building," Butch said.
Nice work, Superman!
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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.
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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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