Jill Boomer, Editor

John Woodward and Larry Rawlings are the two staff nurse anesthetists at Jersey Community Hospital.In recognition of their profession’s long history and enduring record of patient safety, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) at Jersey Community Hospital and across the country are celebrating the 13th annual National Nurse Anesthetists Week, January 22-28with this year’s theme of “Quality and Excellence in Anesthesia Care.”
Established by the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA), National Nurse Anesthetists Week was created to encourage CRNAs to take the opportunity to educate the public about anesthesia safety, questions to ask prior to undergoing surgery, and the benefits of receiving anesthesia care from nurse anesthetists.
The theme of this year’s campaign emphasizes the high standards which CRNAs adhere to when administering anesthesia.
“One of the many rewards of being a nurse anesthetist is providing patients with the comfort of knowing that I will be by their side monitoring their vital signs and  adjusting their anesthetics to ensure a pain free and safe anesthesia experience,” said Larry Rawlings, CRNA. “National Nurse Anesthetists Week serves as an opportunity to inform the public exactly what CRNAs do and who we are.”

The Jersey County Business Association held its Annual Dinner Meeting  January 12 with a near record crowd of over 160 guests in attendance.   

Serving as Master of Ceremonies, David Fuhler of WJBM Radio kicked off the evening event with his own brand of light hearted commentary followed by Reverend Don Stribling delivering the invocation before the dinner was served.  Following a delicious dinner prepared by Carla’s Catering,  Fuhler introduced the Head Table which included outgoing JCBA Board Chairwoman Anne Sturgeon, incoming JCBA Board Chairman Jim Mager along with his wife Mary and JCBA CEO Alan Gilmore and his wife Emily.  Gilmore took to the podium to recognize the two retiring JCBA Board members Jill Boomer and Dave Hansen honoring them for their service to the organization with plaques.  Gilmore then called upon the outgoing JCBA Ambassadors Co-Chairs of Paul and Alvina Isringhausen who also received a plaque in recognition of their contributions to the JCBA.   

Caroline GibsonCaroline Grace Gibson will represent the Calhoun County Fair at the Illinois Association of Agricultural Fairs State Talent Competition Saturday at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Springfield.
 
Gibson received 1st place in the Junior Division at the Calhoun County Fair Talent Competition held in September.  Her local victory qualified her for the state competition. She will be singing "Thank You, Soldiers" a patriotic salute to the U.S. Armed Forces and veterans.