Kirby Auxiliary Annual Luncheon

Kirby Medical Center’s Auxiliary held its annual luncheon July 13th, 2015 at the First Christian Church. More than 80 members and guests attended, including family members of newly elected board members and Thomas D. Dixon Memorial Scholarship recipients.

Each year the Auxiliary donates a portion of the profits from gift shop sales and other fundraising activities to Kirby Medical Center. Auxiliary treasurer, Bev Erickson, presented a $16,000 check to Kirby CEO Steve Tenhouse during the meeting. This year’s contribution will support the purchase of the new ambulance, or the replacement of the services Response Vehicle. “These units allow us to continue to meet critical needs within our community. The Auxiliary’s financial support not only helps us make this important purchase, but also strengthens the opportunity for future growth of educational and medical services that our ambulance staff can provide to Piatt County,” said Tenhouse.

Connie Brown of Monticello was named Auxilian of the Year for her hard work, dedication, and “Scholarship work for the Kirby Medical Center Auxiliary." Brown is a life member of Kirby Auxiliary. In working with the Auxiliary, she organized the scholarship applications and volunteers in the Gift Shop.

The 2015-2016 Kirby Auxiliary officers include:
President: Pam Tenhouse of Monticello
VP: Michele Hillard of Monticello
Secretary: Pat Rhoades of Monticello
Treasurer: Bev Erickson of Monticello
Director of Volunteers: Paula Heath of Monticello
Directors: Barb Carroll, Monticello, Mary Herbold, Monticello, and Jan Redman, Monticello.
Annually the Kirby Auxiliary provides the Thomas D. Dixon Memorial Scholarships to area students that have an interest in pursuing a career in a medical field. This year the Auxiliary presented scholarships totaling $32,000 for the 2015-16 academic year.

Continuing Recipients Include:

1. Saylor Bower:  Saylor has completed his first year at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in Indiana studying to become a biomedical engineer.  He is the son of Scott and Sally Bower.
2. Chloe Nayonis:  Chloe is now a junior at Indiana University – Purdue University in Indianapolis.  She plans on a career as a registered nurse.  Chloe is the daughter of Tracey Nayonis and James Nayonis.
3. Carter Ness:  Carter is now a sophomore continuing at Harding University in Arkansas.  He plans to be a physical therapist specializing in athletic training.  Carter is the son of Kyle and Lynn Ness.
4. Elizabeth Nisly-Nagele:  Elizabeth will be a 3rd year student at Millikin University in Decatur on her way to earning her bachelor’s degree in nursing.  She plans to be a Certified Nurse Midwife or to use her nursing skills in the ministry field.  Elizabeth is the daughter of Ken and Sheryl Nisly-Nagele.
5. Katelyn Rogers:  Katelyn is a junior at Millikin University.  She continues to pursue a degree in nursing to become a CRNA (Nurse Anesthetist).  Katelyn is the daughter of Kyle and Kelly Rogers.
6. Emily Wells:  Emily is now in her third year of college at the University of Illinois.  She is majoring in Community Health Planning and Administration.  She wants to work in public health, long term care or worksite wellness.  She is the daughter of Suzanne Wells.
7. Matthew Brewer:  Returning to the list of Kirby scholars, Matthew is now in his second year of medical school at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine to become a physician.  Matthew is using his final year of eligibility.

First Time Recipients:

1. Alyssa Brewer:  Alyssa is in her second year of the RN program at Parkland College.  She is majoring in nursing.  She is the daughter of Michael and Cheryl Brewer of DeLand.
2. Blake Doane:  Blake just completed his first year in the Doctorate Program at Concordia College in St. Paul, MN.  He is studying to be a physical therapist.  He is the son of Victoria Doane (Monticello) and Scott Doane (Decatur).
3. Alyssa Hendrix:  Alyssa will be in her third year at Southern Illinois University – Carbondale.  She is studying to be a family physician.  She is the daughter of John and Lisa Hendrix of Bement.
4. Anna Hendrix:  Anna is working on her medical degree at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale.  She is planning to be a pediatrician.  She is the daughter of John and Lisa Hendrix of Bement.
5. Molly Lawler:  Molly just graduated from Cerro Gordo High School and will be a freshman at Illinois State University.  She aspires to be a nurse anesthetist.  Molly is the daughter of Jay and Genea Lawler of Oakley.
6. Carolyn Rigsby:  Carolyn already is a registered nurse but is returning to school to become a nurse anesthetist.  She is in the doctorate program at Millikin University.  Carolyn is married to Christopher Rigsby, and they live in Monticello.
7. Emily Smith:  Emily will finish her bachelor’s degree at the University of Indianapolis in 2016.  She plans to continue her studies to become a physical therapist by completing her doctorate in 2018.  Emily is the daughter of Kelly and Jennifer Smith, Monticello. 
8. Lisa Stanek:  Lisa has her first degree in psychology from Illinois Wesleyan University but now is finishing the RN program at Parkland in December of 2015.  She plans to continue on to become a Family Nurse Practitioner.  She is married to Tim Stanek, and they live in Monticello.

In addition to their fundraising efforts, Auxiliary members recorded 6,000 volunteer hours in the past year. Auxiliary members staff free blood pressure screenings every Tuesday morning, volunteer their time for blood drives which are held every eight weeks, and make over 125 telephone calls each month to CareLink clients to verify that their emergency call equipment is working properly. Auxiliary members also operate the Auxiliary Gift Shop, and serve as greeters at Kirby Medical Center’s Welcome Desk.

If you are interested in learning more about the Auxiliary or want to become a member, please stop by the Kirby Medical Center Gift Shop or talk to an Auxiliary member for information.

Thomas D. Dixon Memorial Scholarship Recipients