Progress 2015 Part IV Section 03-04

Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2015

Health/Education

Progress Edition IV — Section 3

Franciscan University athletics: ʻThe house that Hank builtʼ

Contributed

Ian Miller carries the ball during the Franciscan University of Steubenville’s Baron rugby team’s 74-0 win over Fairmont State University.

STEUBENVILLE — “We stand on the shoulders of giants,” is one of Chris Ledyard’s favorite sayings.

The director of athletics at Franciscan University of Steubenville utters it when referring to legendary coaches and players in the 69-year history of Baron athletics — and none was more legendary than Hank Kuzma, who died Sept. 13 at age 86.

What Dean Martin did for Steubenville in entertainment circles, Kuzma did in the world of athletics. From 1954-58 his basketball teams brought national recognition to Steubenville and the Ohio Valley by leading them to three NAIA tournament appearances and an overall 95-19 record.

His crowning achievement occurred with the 1957-58 team.

The 24-1 Barons beat top-ranked Tennessee

State and was named the “Number One Small College Basketball Team in the U.S.” by the United Press International Board of Coaches.

Kuzma went on to even more legendary coaching feats at Midland High School in Western Pennsylvania. He then returned to Franciscan University to coach and later serve as a fundraiser and ambassador for the university.

Ironically, Kuzma never coached on the basketball floor in Franciscan University’s Finnegan Fieldhouse that bears his name. But Ledyard and others call it the “House that Hank Built” for good reason.

Kuzma’s fundraising acumen helped build the sports facility in 1992 and renovate and expand it in 2014, while his mentorship helped guide the school’s return to intercollegiate athletics in 2007 after they were dropped in 1981 for financial reasons.

Today, Franciscan University fields 15 NCAA Division III teams and a nationally ranked rugby team, and Finnegan Field-

house is a hub of activity for nearly 300 student-athletes and several dozen coaches.

It seems fitting that the fall 2014 sports season — the semester in which Hank died — was the best season in the history of Baron athletics.

The women’s tennis team was conference champions and will compete in an NCAA tournament this spring; the rugby team went undefeated in its regular season; women’s volleyball made its first NCAA tournament appearance; women’s soccer achieved its best season ever; and women’s cross country won its fifth conference championship, with the men coming in second. Each team experienced memorable moments.

Rugby “When you are out on that field, it is like a war, it is a battle,” said Chris Courtnell, Franciscan head rugby coach, discussing the Barons’ successful season.

The ruggers won many battles, finishing the regular season 7-0 in conference play and 8-0 overall. All told, the Barons recorded

four shutouts, including a 74-0 win over Fairmont State University in the semi-final round of the Three Rivers Rugby Conference playoffs.

Their only defeat came during post-season play with a 31-24 loss to Robert Morris University in the Three Rivers Rugby Conference Championship match held at Franciscan University on Nov. 8.

“This was about our growth as men and our character, dignity and passion,” said Courtnell. “I think they did a very good job of laying the foundation for an exciting program for many years to come.”

Women’s Tennis The Lady Baron tennis team is the 2014 Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference Champions. They came from behind in doubles on their way to a 5-2 win over defending conference champions Penn StateBehrend on Oct. 19 to seal this achievement.

The championship gives Franciscan a spot in the NCAA Division III Championship Tournament in May and makes them the first Franciscan University

women’s team to qualify for national post-season play. Last season, the Lady Barons were conference runners-up.

“For the program to finally get the title feels good. All the hard work is in that cup right there,” head coach Jenna Lynch said, pointing to the gold championship trophy after winning the conference match. “God has blessed the program. The championship is just a culmination of his blessings.”

Women’s Soccer The Lady Baron soccer team finished the 2014 season with an overall record of 13-5-1 and an 8-1 conference record, the best in the program’s history.

It was the second year the team made the playoffs.

This year they were a higher seed, which gave them a first-round bye, and their record qualified them to host a playoff game for the first time.

The Lady Barons finished their season with a 61 loss to defending champion Penn State-Behrend in the AMCC semi-finals.

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Blackburn Funeral Homes: Serving the area since 1972

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BERGHOLZ — Funeral director and embalmer Roy Blackburn, owner of Blackburn Funeral Homes, will receive his 50-year recognition at this spring’s annual Ohio Funeral Director’s

Association convention in Columbus.

Blackburn graduated from Hopedale High School and attended the Ohio University Martins Ferry campus. He graduated from the Pittsburgh Institute of

Mortuary Science in 1963 and completed an internship with Schoedinger Funeral Services in Columbus.

His career began in Cambridge, with McCracken Thorn Funeral Home. From there, he worked for Unglesby Funeral Home in Franklin until the death of his father, Ralph, in 1968.

Roy and wife Claren and family came back to Hopedale and purchased Blackburn Funeral Home from his mother, Ruth, also a licensed funeral director. Ruth remained active in funeral service until 1995, when she

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Roy and Claren Blackburn opened the first Blackburn Funeral Home in 1972, and the business continues to serve families in Bergholz, Hopedale and Jewett.

passed away at age 89.

The Blackburns welcomed daughter Christine into the world in June of 1972, and in late December of the same year they opened Blackburn Funeral Home in

Both Roy and Claren have enjoyed participating in various local activities and organizations. Roy has been involved with clubs such as the Masonic Lodge and Steubenville Shrine Club, Hopedale Lions Club,

Virginia Kemmer and Jean Reynard have helped a great deal at that location.

The longest-running Blackburn Funeral Homes employee at the Hopedale location was Toady Wallace,

Bergholz. For 42 years their family has enjoyed serving the people of Bergholz.

Following the death of Dean Telfer of Jewett, the Blackburns purchased his funeral home in 1983 and have been providing a variety of services to the community of Jewett for 31 years.

Claren Branch Blackburn graduated from Muskingum College with a degree in teaching music and came to Hopedale School’s music department in 1961. She and Roy married in 1963, and she continued to teach, mostly as a substitute teacher in Harrison and Jefferson counties. Claren obtained her funeral director’s license in 1981.

Over all those years they raised four children: Roy Jr. of Tampa, Fla., and wife Jenny; Robb of Bristow, Va., wife Courtney, and son Connor; Forrest of Monroeville, Pa., and wife Judy and children Jocelyn, Jillian and twins Benjamin and Zachary; and daughter Christine of Denver.

Jewett Ruritans and he is also a lifelong member of the National Rifle Association and a private pilot since the age of 16.

Claren belonged to the Hopedale and Jewett garden clubs and the Harrison Coal and Reclamation Historical Park. She has been an organist for the Hopedale United Methodist Church for the past 20 years.

The Blackburns said they have been fortunate to have exceptional part-time employees, many who stayed for years and some who were with them for a short time, but all of them are appreciated greatly for their service to the funeral home and the community.

They recognized Marcus Lee and Mardell Dulkoski, both of Jewett, and remembered past employees such as Walt Thompson, John Forro and Cotton Kail.

The Blackburns credited Irma Hackathorn of Bergholz for talking them into starting their business there.

who began working with ambulance and funeral service under Ralph Blackburn in 1940 and only stopped when ill health forced him to step aside in the early 2000s.

Also mentioned with gratitude were workers Glen Osburn, Bob Hanish and Rich Rensi.

As the Hopedale Chapel begins its 46th year of business under Roy and Claren, they look forward to serving more families and thank the communities that have supported them over the years.

Blackburn Funeral Homes offer many types of services from cremations to full services, at the funeral home, at home or church or simply graveside.

The Blackburns can answer any questions concerning services they offer. They can be reached online at www.blackburnfuneralhomes@aol.com or by phone at the main office in Hopedale (740)937-2461; the Jewett Chapel (740) 9463351; or the Bergholz Chapel (740) 768-2300.

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Contributed

The Franciscan University of Steubenville’s women’s cross country celebrates with its AMCC Championship Trophy, earned in October.

Franciscan Continued from Page 1C

“Even to the last whistle, they were pounding the goal trying to score. The average team would’ve given up,” said head coach Clare McBane ’11. “Soccer, if you’re doing it right, is so much greater than yourself.”

Seven Lady Baron soccer players earned spots on the AMCC AllConference team.

competed on Franciscan University’s new cross country course.

“It is nice to have the women win the title again, particularly because there are so many seniors,” head coach Dan Kuebler said. “It is a testament to how deep our team is and how strong our pack is.”

The new cross country course, on the site of the former Women’s Belleview Municipal and Men’s XC Golf Course, was The Lady Baron unveiled at the invitacross country team won the AMCC Cham- tional meet held Oct. 4 during homecoming pionship meet by defeating former con- weekend.

The men’s cross ference champions country team Penn State-Behrend regained its place as by six points. The conference runnersmen took second up after finishing place as the teams third last season,

while the women moved from runnersup in 2013 to win the fifth conference title since the program was founded in 2007.

Nine Baron runners qualified for the AMCC All-Conference team, five women and four men. Kuebler, a Franciscan University biology professor, was also named AMCC Coach of the Year for leading the Lady Barons to their fifth AMCC Championship win.

qualifying by beating Penn State-Altoona in the conference championship match to receive its first AMCC title.

The Lady Barons were bested in their 3-set loss against Juniata College in the first round of the NCAA tournament.

“Having to end the season is sad, but having it end at the NCAAs is awesome, “ said Amy O’Keefe, Franciscan’s team captain, leader in assists and All-ConWomen’s Volleyball ference player.

With a regular seaCoach Kelly Herson conference record rmann said that when of 7-2, Franciscan any Franciscan team University volleyball experiences success, made its first NCAA it is a positive thing Championship appear- for all Baron sports. ance, automatically “Volleyball has

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The Franciscan University of Steubenville head women’s soccer coach Clare McBane and midfielder Elizabeth Krilich make halftime adjustments during recent games.

benefitted from the success of tennis, cross country and rugby,” she said.

“Franciscan athletics continues to grow and our successes mean a lot to our program and to our school.”

from New York, Pennsylvania and Ohio.

The athletic department especially invites parents and coaches to take youth to see their favorite sport played at the collegiate level. The Free Youth cost is $3 for any Group Admission sport, but there is no The future certain- charge for youth ly is bright for Fran- groups of any size, ciscan’s athletic pro- including grade grams. New equipschool and high ment and facility school sports teams, improvements that youth recreation came with last year’s teams, Cub Scouts expansion of the and nonsports youth Fieldhouse are signs clubs. of the growth and To arrange for permanence of inter- free admission, concollegiate athletics at tact the coach of the Franciscan. sporting event, or Sports fans can fol- call Peter Rosaschi, low the Barons at the men’s lacrosse Franciscan.edu/athcoach, at (740) 284letics, where they 5875. can find the “This is a great home-game way for young people schedules to to experience the watch as the excitement of NCAA Barons compete athletics and witness in the Allegheny our student-athletes Mountain Collewho play with so giate Conference, much integrity and comprised of 10 passion” Ledyard teams said.

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AmeriDrive steers future drivers in the right direction

WINTERSVILLE — During the last 10 years AmeriDrive has expanded from three locations to seven, including an office at 58 Maplewood Ave., Wintersville, and now educates about 400 aspiring drivers each year.

Mary Lyons, the owner and manager of the school since 2001 and an instructor for it since 1998, said getting teens ready for the road is her first priority.

“I enjoy making a difference in students’ lives, making them safer drivers,” she said, adding, “We just want teens to keep their minds on the driving, hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.”

AmeriDrive also offers refresher courses for adults and remedial courses for adults dealing with license suspension in addition to the beginner classes.

Students under the age of 18 are required to earn a driver education certificate before they can obtain a license.

The course for that certificate consists of 24 hours of classroom instruction, eight hours behind the wheel with an instructor present and 50 hours of driving with a parent or legal guardian.

Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2015

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Mary Lyons, owner and instructor for the AmeriDrive driver education school, has been preparing hundreds of drivers for the road at locations that include Wintersville, St. Clairsville and several area high schools.

In Ohio students must obtain a driving permit before actually practicing in the car, and they have six months to complete the course’s driving requirements.

A driver education school, AmeriDrive is licensed by the Ohio Department of Public

Safety and a member of the Driving School Association of the Americas.

Its corporate office is at 157 E. Main St., St. Clairsville.

In addition to that office and its Wintersville location, AmeriDrive offers classes at

Buckeye Local, Harrison Central, Martins Ferry, Monroe Central and Shadyside high schools.

New classes begin each Monday in Wintersville and St. Clairsville.

There is no wait list, which sets AmeriDrive apart from

area competitors, Lyons said.

The cost is $350, with AmeriDrive’s Wintersville location offering a $100 discount for a limited time.

For information about AmeriDrive or to register for a class, call (800) U-DRIVE-2 or visit www.ameridrive.net.

Trinity School of Nursing pass rates exceed national, state averages

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Students learn about oil, gas industry Students recently spent some time learning in the Utica Shale Academy located at Southern Local High School. The students were completing their own version of seismic studies for oil and gas products using graph paper and a soundboard. The program uses online as well as in-classroom teaching to train students for various aspects of oil and gas work.

STEUBENVILLE — Since April 2013, the National and State Board of Nursing pass rates have been in a state of decline.

Despite the downward trend, the Trinity Health System School of Nursing has secured pass rates that consistently exceed the national and state averages. As of the third quarter of 2014, Trinity School of Nursing is ending the year with a 94.4 percent pass rate in comparison to a national rate of 82.86 percent and a state rate of 78.31 percent, respectively. The director of the school of nursing, Melissa Hassan MSN, not only attributes the program’s success to the dedication and support of the board of trustees, hospital administration, nursing staff and school of nursing staff but also to the faculty’s combined years of nursing experience, master-prepared education and commitment to the educational process.

For more than a century, Trinity Health System School of Nursing has been providing a quality nursing program within the community.

The school maintains full eight-year accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, formerly known as the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission, and full five-year approval by the Ohio Board of Nursing. Furthermore, Trinity School of Nursing is certified by the Ohio Board of Regents and is affiliated with the Helene Fuld Health Trust. The Ohio Valley Hospital/Trinity School of Nursing Alumni Association further supports the school in its academic endeavors.

In 2016, the school of nursing will be launching an educational plan that will incorporate courses from the biologi-

cal and behavioral sciences into the existing nursing-focused curriculum.

Hassan states, “The Trinity Health System School of Nursing is excited to offer this curriculum revision. The purpose is to further strengthen the foundation and framework of the educational design that has fashioned successful outcomes for the Trinity School of Nursing.”

In addition to the traditional 24-month program, Trinity Health System School of Nursing offers a unique and dynamic LPN-to-RN articulation pathway.

The licensed practical nurse accepted into the school must hold a current license to practice as an LPN with the appropriate credentials to administer medications. Medical-Surgical experience is preferred.

No preadmission testing is required.

Despite the challenge of a rapidly changing health care arena, the school of nursing continues to prepare a beginning professional nurse who is qualified to meet the health care needs of people across the lifespan. Trinity graduates are employed in a variety of health care settings locally, in surrounding communities and nationwide.

Become part of the distinguished record of achievement in education at Trinity Health System School of Nursing. Individuals interested in enrollment in the Trinity School of Nursing may visit the school’s website, www.trinityson.com, or contact the office of student affairs at (740) 2837467 for information regarding pre-admission requirements and the application process.

The excellence continues at Trinity School of Nursing.

Plans for new middle school in Brooke County moving forward

Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2015

By WARREN SCOTT Staff writer

WELLSBURG — Brooke County school officials are moving forward with plans to build a new middle school that would bring together the pupils of Follansbee and Wellsburg middle schools at a location near Brooke High School.

Rising costs for utilities and maintenance and declining enrollment have been cited as reasons to merge the two schools. The new school is expected to serve about 1,000 pupils.

School officials also plan to equip the building with newer technology.

Plans call for the school to include computer labs, a media center and wireless technology to support the use of computers and the Internet in the classrooms and a

chill beam heating and cooling system expected to result in a 30 percent reduction in utility costs.

The consolidation is part of a 10year plan developed by McKinley and Associates of Wheeling and Planning Advocates of Delaware, Ohio, and approved by a committee of 43 school staff and community members and the Brooke County school board in 2010.

The school board recently approved the sale of $15 million in bonds to support the project and will seek another $15 million from the state School Building Authority for the school’s construction in April.

In November a majority of voters supported the bond issue, which also will raise $3 million for a new heating, ventilation and air conditioning system at the high school during a 15-and-one-half-year period.

The school board has set aside $3 million in existing funds for the HVAC project.

The state School Building Authority previously awarded a $100,000 grant to cover various expenses involved in planning the new school, including the hiring of a bond counsel.

The bond issue will go into effect in July, following the expiration of another 15-year bond issue that supported improvements to all Brooke County schools, including the high school’s wellness center.

Superintendent Kathy KidderWilkerson said through refinancing, the school board was able to pay off the bonds early in a move aimed at preventing an increase in taxes.

Plans call for the school to be built near the high school’s west entrance in a lot currently used for

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student parking and visitor parking during football games and other events.

Designs for the proposed 110,000square-foot building include about 30 classrooms, a large dining area, a large gym with a regulation basketball court and a smaller one that may double as a multipurpose room and will be adjacent to the music room.

A new parking area will be established west of the school’s ballfields, and there are plans to extend a road from there to the adjacent Cross Creek Road/Bruin Drive. The road is seen as a way to alleviate traffic congestion when school buses and student drivers leave at the end of the school day.

Rob Robinson, facilities superviSee BROOKE Page 6C ➪

Warren Scott

As architect for the planned new middle school for Brooke County, McKinley and Associates of Wheeling has produced concept illustrations and blueprints for the 110,000-square-foot building, which is slated to be built near the west entrance to Brooke High School.

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Connect to the Public Library of Steubenville and Jefferson County

STEUBENVILLE — Whether you visit in person or connect electronically, the Public Library of Steubenville and Jefferson County makes it easy to access more than 7 million items.

Connect when you’re on the go through BookMyne.

BookMyne is an application that allows mobile users to search the library’s catalog, place and cancel holds, renew checked-out items and download e-resources. It is compatible with Androids and iPhones.

After you download your free BookMyne app, you’ll receive a list of library branches. You can choose any library location but can

Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2015

only search one at a time. General information about each branch, including phone number and address, is listed.

Begin your search by subject, author, title or keyword. There also is a suggested reading category.

And, don’t spend money buying a book until you find out first if the library has it. BookMyne allows you to scan the barcode on any book and check availability at the library.

Are you a Facebook friend of the library? Connect to the library through Facebook. After you read postings about upcoming events click on the “Catalog” icon to get started.

Patrons can share materials, search, reserve, renew and hold items from the library’s catalog.

The library’s Facebook page is facebook.com/SteubenvilleLibrary.

Connect with the Public Library of Steubenville and Jefferson County through the website at www.steubenvillelibrary.org The website offers a variety of databases and links to information that include health, business, art, government and genealogy. Of course, you can browse the collection, order items, then pick them up at any library location. e-Materials for downloading books, audiobooks, videos and music are available, too.

Now available to electronically download are magazines through a database called Flipster.

Forty-two popular magazines can be read in full. Click on “e-

resources” on the homepage and then go to the drop down box to click on Flipster to begin.

While it is convenient to electronically download, search and order from the library, seeing a smiling face is a warm welcome.

Please connect to your library by coming in to attend a program, read a book or chat with staff. All of the things that are done in cyberspace can be done in your library building too.

The Public Library of Steubenville and Jefferson County locations are the main library in downtown Steubenville and its branches, Adena, Brilliant, Dillonvale-Mount Pleasant, Schiappa, Tiltonsville, Toronto and the Bookmobile service.

We look forward to connecting with you.

Brooke Continued from Page 5C

sor, noted the parking lot for the middle school also can be used for events held after school.

School officials have discussed various options for the two existing middle schools, including razing them and using the sites for new consolidated primary schools, updating them to serve as primary schools, using them for school departments or programs and leasing them to city or private organizations.

Board President Jim Piccirillo said there are no current plans to demolish the two schools, and he believes there are opportunities for them to be used in some other way.

Piccirillo said he expects cuts in staffing at the two middle schools to occur largely through attrition,

as older teachers there retire.

Pending the state School Building Authority’s approval, construction of the new school is slated to start in the fall and take 18 to 24 months to complete.

School officials see the new school as a selling point for businesses and people considering moving into Brooke County.

Piccirillo envisions it as “a showcase for not only our school system but for our entire county.

When families are looking for homes in our county, we will be able to show them with no doubt the finest middle school,” KidderWilkerson said. “It’s all about the kids and their education. If we’re going to grow as a community, we’re going to have to keep abreast of the changes.”

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You can read every story, every page of every issue on your computer, tablet or phone. With the Steubenville Herald-Star or The Weirton Daily Times digital editions, the latest news will be just a click away.

Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2015

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Wheeling Hospital continues to earn recognition

Contributed

Wheeling Hospital has received many awards and honors for its care of patients undergoing cardiac care, cancer treatment, knee and hip replacement and other care.

WHEELING — During the past year, Wheeling Hospital again earned a significant number of local, state and national recognitions for its medical services.

For the second consecutive year, two distinct areas of care at the hospital — cardiac care and knee and hip replacement — were recognized for achievement.

The hospital was honored for its expertise and efficiency in delivering specialty care in those areas by being identified as a Blue Distinction Center by Blue Cross Blue Shield. Wheeling Hospital is the only health care facility in the Northern Panhandle of West Virginia and Eastern Ohio to receive the designation.

The Blue Distinction Center designation is based on nationally established measures and criteria cre-

ated with experienced physicians’ and medical organizations’ recommendations.

The goal is to help consumers find health care facilities that have demonstrated better overall outcomes, such as fewer medical complications, fewer readmissions and high survival rates in the delivery of specialty care.

Wheeling Hospital was nationally recognized for its treatment of chest pain and heart attacks. The hospital was one of only 197 hospitals nationwide to receive the American College of Cardiology Foundation’s NCDR ACTION Registry — Get With the Guidelines Platinum Performance Achievement Award.

The award recognized Wheeling Hospital’s commitment and success in implementing a higher standard of care for heart attack patients and

signifies that it has reached an aggressive goal of treating these patients to standard levels of care as outlined by the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association clinical guidelines and recommendations.

To receive the award, Wheeling Hospital consistently followed the treatment guidelines in the ACTION RegistryGWTG Premier for eight consecutive quarters and met a performance standard of 90 percent for specific performance measures.

In addition, Wheeling Hospital once again was recognized as one of the top hospitals in the U.S. for its quick and effective treatment of the deadliest type of heart attack — a ST Elevation Acute Myocardial Infarction.

The hospital earned the Gold Plus Receiv-

ing Quality Achievement Award from the American Heart Association for meeting the standards of the AHA’s Mission: Lifeline program.

Mission: Lifeline was created to help ensure prompt, evidence-based care for STEMI patients.

Wheeling Hospital also received the award in 2010, 2011 and 2013. The award recognized Wheeling Hospital’s commitment and success in implementing a higher standard of care for such patients experiencing this type of profoundly life-threatening emergency.

For the fourth consecutive year, Wheeling Hospital was named the Consumer Choice Award winner based on a national survey that included the entire local health care market. In all, the hospital earned four awards in the survey.

The awards, issued by the National Research Corp., identified hospitals in the top 300 markets throughout the U.S. that health care consumers have chosen as having the highest quality and image. In its market, Wheeling Hospital was singled out for Best Overall Quality, Best Overall Image/Reputation, Best Doctors and Best Nurses.

In July, Belmont Community Hospital, a division of Wheeling Hospital, was one of 37 Ohio hospitals and transplant centers to be honored for its outstanding efforts to promote organ donation. The award came from the Department of Health and Human Services as part of the workplace Partnership for Life Hospital Organ Donation Campaign.

BCH also was one of 47 Ohio hospitals recognized for its participation in the 2013-14 Hospital Champions program, aimed at increasing organ, eye and tissue donor registration. BCH was honored as a Gold Partner

by Donate Life Ohio, the Ohio Hospital Association and the Ohio Department of Health’s Second Chance Trust Fund at the 2014 OHA annual meeting.

Melissa Mealy, the American Cancer Society patient resource navigator at Wheeling Hospital, was recognized in August for “truly making a difference in the quality and outcomes of the treatment experience.”

Since the PRN program began at Wheeling Hospital, nearly 1,250 patients have been served. Of the 24 hospitals in the ACS South Atlantic Division with PRNs, Wheeling Hospital has served the most patients this year, even more than much larger facilities in the division.

The South Atlantic Division covers Delaware, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Washington, D.C., and West Virginia.

Clinical trials at Wheeling Hospital’s Schiffler Cancer Center were recognized in 2014 as high quality following a NRG Oncology Quality Assurance Audit. NRG Oncology is a new cancer cooperative that integrates three of the 10 cancer groups supported by the National Cancer Institute.

One of the groups, Radiation Therapy Oncology Group, previously recognized Schiffler for its excellence in providing high quality clinical trials.

As the only nationally sanctioned group for radiation oncology, NRG Oncology conducts reviews at all of its approximately 200 sites to ensure exceptional radiation services in clinical cancer trials.

The Schiffler Cancer Center’s oncology program has been an affiliate site for 18 years (first through RTOG) and remains the only site in West Virginia that conducts clinical cancer research through the NCI. The center is the only Commission on Cancer-accredited comprehensive cancer center between Canton and Parkersburg and from Pittsburgh to Columbus.

In October, Wheeling Hospital was recognized for achieving excellence in clinical and supply chain performance by VHA Inc., a national network of not-for-profit health systems.

Wheeling Hospital, a member of the VHA Central Atlantic region, received five performance awards for improved outcomes in 2013 based on selected clinical quality, patient safety and supply chain measures.

The VHA Central Atlantic Recognition Program recognizes achievement among VHA health care organizations in North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, eastern Tennessee and the District of Columbia.

In 2014, Wheeling Hospital treated a record 51,004 patients in its emergency-trauma center. The previous record was set in 2012, with 48,389 patients visiting the center.

Rehab Plus Physical Therapy offers pain-free, expert physical therapy

Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2015

STEUBENVILLE — Dr. Robert P. Runkel took over Rehab Plus Physical Therapy in 1998, previously located in the Kmart Plaza.

After 12 years, he decided the area required more options and better ways to help patients meet their goals. Four years ago, Runkel moved rehab Plus Physical Therapy to 2716 Sunset Blvd., where he brought the area’s first aquatic therapy pool and acquired a cold laser unit. Rehab Plus Physical Therapy is the most complete clinic in the area.

Within Rehab Plus Physical Therapy’s 7,000-square-foot facility is a state-of the-art clinic.

The aquatic therapy pool, combined with traditional therapy, allows patients first-class treatment.

The health provider’s focal point is the aquatherapy room, where traditional physical therapy takes a turning point. The Hydroworx pool is a therapist’s dream come true.

An underwater electronic treadmill, hand-held massage wands, multiple depth levels and resistance jets complete the pool package.

The unit is kept at a therapeutic 92 degrees. This is quite different than the 70-to-80degree temperatures found in swimming pools.

Aquatic therapy, like all therapy at Rehab Plus Physical Therapy, is done on an individual basis. No group therapy is performed. The pool is the same unit used by professional trainers and physical therapists for the Pittsburgh sports teams. It’s used by numerous professional and college teams, the U.S. Navy SEALS and even TV’s “The Biggest Loser” series.

Rehab Plus Physical Therapy is proud to have the only full-size aquatic therapy pool to be found locally. The aquatherapy room also features an extremity whirlpool and a Hubbard tank for those not in need of full body aquatherapy.

The gym area at Rehab Plus Physical Therapy is fully equipped with various treadmills, elliptical, stationary bicycle and ankle strengthening machines.

There are individual weight machines for trunk flexion and extension along with a full Cybex weight machine. Hand weights, cuff weights, band and ball exercises are all performed in the gym area. There is an area for gait training for those in need.

Rehab Plus Physical Therapy is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays. To reach the health care provider, call (740) 264-0772.

A Community Investment Plan: The executive summary

STEUBENVILLE — The Jefferson County Implementation Team has released an executive summary report on progress made on the Community Investment Plan.

The report is available at the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce office as well as through the other members of the team that include the Jefferson County Port Authority; Brooke, Hancock, Jefferson Metropolitan Planning Commission; Jefferson County Regional Planning Commission; Jefferson Soil and Water Conservation District; Historic Fort Steuben; and Eastern Gateway Community College.

The document outlines progress made since 2008 in fulfilling the goals of the plan.

The formation of the group arose in response to continuing requests from state officials— notably the Ohio Governor’s Office of Appalachia — for the county to produce a strategic plan to identify project priorities.

The plan was envisioned as an opportunity to guide county agencies, organizations and residents in a collaborative effort to secure funding and other resources. The result is a document setting forth key strategies to improve and enhance quality of life, infrastructure and work force and economic growth for the entire county.

The primary aim of the Jefferson County Community Investment Plan is to help all communities in the county — cities, towns and rural areas — to build on their rich assets, capitalize on opportunities and address current and projected needs. The plan constitutes a countywide vision and framework for change and growth.

The vision encompasses desired goals for the county as well as prior-

itized strategies designed to help reach outcomes that are essential to the vitality of its communities and residents.

No plan is an allknowing, defined path to success; however the Advisory Group was made up of active and involved persons who respond on a daily basis to challenges and set an investment course for private businesses or local agencies. In their own organization, many members are accountable to a board or commission— accountability that requires an objective, current and practical perspective within their area of influence.

The planning process engaged community leaders with diverse levels of experience and from diverse sectors.

Through five afternoon work sessions led by the Voinovich School, members of the advisory group created a common vision.

Throughout the planning process the Advisory Group identified the needs of the county, shared information and reinforced partnerships to achieve their vision. Most importantly, the advisory group created a means and a path to positively influence the lives of citizens in all parts of Jefferson County.

The vision captures the group’s image for Jefferson County in the future with the statement, “Jefferson County, Ohio, will be the center of a prosperous, attractive region flourishing together to provide an enviable living and working environment, quality education, vibrant communities, a thriving economy with diverse recreational and cultural opportunities.”

The advisory group determined three major goal areas for the plan. This led to the formation of corre-

sponding committees whose task was to develop outcomes and strategies for each of three goal area.

According to the report, the first goal of enhancing the quality of Community and family life included four outcomes, including retaining and attracting young people; enhancing living options for retirees and active seniors; improving the overall health of Jefferson County citizens; and improving education resources.

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A patient undergoes physical therapy in Rehab Plus Physical Therapy’s aquatic therapy pool, the only one of its size in the area.

The second goal of improving and expanding infrastructure calls for improving transportation; developing vacant and underutilized land; and enhance and sustain water, sewer and other utility infrastructures.

And the third and final goal to stimulate work force and economic growth states the need to increase the number of successful small businesses in Jefferson County by providing entrepreneurial services;

enhancing marketing efforts to attract investments to Jefferson County; and increasing the employed work force by focusing on business retention and expansion.

In addition to these goals the advisory group identified the need to develop a fourth committee that would determine how the plan would be implemented and maintained. This committee would focus on collaboration and implementa-

tion.

The advisory committee cited numerous individuals, organizations and agencies that have collaborated to carry forward the plan and put it into action.

This document is the testimony that the common vision of improving Jefferson County’s future for all of its citizens is flourishing and that there are continuing efforts to work toward positively influencing the lives of the citizens in all parts of Jefferson County.

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Valley Hospice marks 30th anniversary

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Cynthia Bougher, registered nurse and chief executive officer for Valley Hospice, left, and Andrea Prosko, vice president of access for community care, hold a rendering of the health care provider’s upcoming new rooms at Trinity Medical Center West.

RAYLAND — Thirty years ago, Karen Nichols, retired Valley Hospice CEO, had the dream of starting a hospice program — a program that would allow families to care for their loved ones at home at the end-of-life.

From that dream, came Valley Hospice.

Valley Hospice began caring for patients in Jefferson County in the summer of 1985. Due to overwhelming community support, board members and volunteers,

Valley Hospice continued to grow. Now 30 years later, its specially trained compassionate staff has cared for thousands of patients throughout the entire Ohio Valley.

“Coping with a lifelimiting illness is not easy. In fact, it might be the hardest work you’ll ever do,” said Cynthia Bougher, a registered nurse, and chief executive officer.

“We have always wanted the community to know that there’s help available that brings

comfort, love and respect when they’re most needed.”

Although Valley Hospice has grown dramatically, it has kept with its core mission of ensuring access to care for anyone living with a life-limiting illness through its commitment to caring, living and healing. The organization was founded on the principle that everyone deserves excellent endof-life care regardless of their ability to pay and continues to oper-

North employees prepare for the move to Trinity Medical Center West.

They include Carolyn Book, care center director, left; Crystal Pasco, hospital liaison and care center north supervisor; and Roberta Ennis, registered nurs

ate by that principle today.

“It’s the right thing to do,” said Nichols.

In addition to being the oldest, most experienced hospice in the area, Valley Hospice is proud to offer services that set it apart from other hospices — “A Hero’s Salute,” Veteran’s Program, designed to provide specialized end-of-life care and support to Valley Hospice patients who have served in the military; “A Plan for Living,” a program that helps

anyone in the community create their advanced directives; and “Whispered Wishes,” granting end-oflife wishes to Valley Hospice patients.

In addition to these programs, Valley Hospice offers the area’s only state-of-the-art inpatient hospice care centers; Liza’s Place, Valley Hospice Care Center South in Wheeling and Care Center North in Steubenville.

More than 10 years ago, Valley Hospice had the vision of opening the first inpatient hospice care center in the area. As a result, Care Center North was opened in 2004 at Trinity Medical Center East, with Dr. John Figel serving as associate medical director.

This year, after more than a decade of providing physical, emotional and spiritual support for patients and their families, Valley Hospice will move its Care Center North to Trinity Medical Center West.

“We are very excited for the opportunity to move our Care Center to Trinity West,” said Bougher. “The new space will provide a welcoming and home-

like environment for patients and their families.”

“Trinity Health System is pleased to partner with Valley Hospice in bringing its inpatient unit to our west campus,” said JoAnn Mulrooney, Trinity Health System vice president of operations and chief operating officer. “For our Trinity patients, the relocation eases the transfer from acute care to hospice care by simply a short elevator ride rather than an ambulance ride across town. Valley Hospice provides quality, compassionate care. We’re looking forward to making the service even more accessible to our community and patients.”

“As your community hospice, we are committed to providing the best possible care,” said Bougher. “Every patient is the ‘most important patient’ and nothing is more important than helping each individual patient and family.”

To reach Valley Hospice, call (740) 8595650 or (877) 467-7423.

For information, go to www.valleyhospice.org .

STEUBENVILLE — ”Recovery is beautiful” is the new blueprint for Ohio’s Community Mental Health and Addiction System.

This effort is all about putting the needs of individuals and families requiring addiction or mental health programming first and foremost, said Pamela Petrilla, Jefferson County Prevention and Recovery Board executive director. Clients are the drivers of decisions about service and support needs, she said.

This recovery oriented System of Care is about ensuring timely access to care, promoting healthy, safe and drug-free communities, prioritizing accountable and outcome-driven financing and local management of the system, Petrilla said. All community systems will have five years to implement the framework.

The Jefferson County Prevention and Recovery Board receives and pays out nearly $4 million to provider agencies within the county.

The agencies include Trinity Health System’s Behavioral Medicine Unit, Family Service Association, Jefferson County Family and Children First Council and Jefferson County Behavioral Health System.

Officers of the county’s Prevention and Recovery Board are Gerald Anderson, chairman; Doug Knight; vice chairman; Rebecca Black, secretary; and attorney Craig Allen, parliamentarian. Other members of the board include Rose Ann Braniff Hall, Edward Florak, Larry Levi, Dr. Christopher Long, Paul Moore, Larry Yanda, Dr. Frank Petrola, Daniel Pinciaro, Linda Strizak, Tom Timmons, Steve Wilson and Mary Mihalyo.

Staff includes, in addition to Petrilla, Daniel Obertance, associate director; Margaret Campbell, finance director; and Sandra Madzia, executive assistant.

The office is located at 524 Madison Ave. and can be reached at (740) 282-1300.

ʻRecovery is beautifulʼ is blueprint for Jefferson County Prevention and Recovery Board

Charity Hospice: Nine years and growing

Feb. 18, 2015

WINTERSVILLE — “It is hard to believe that it will be nine years on April 26 that we took in our first patient at Charity Hospice,” states Cathy Cich, founder of Charity Hospice and chief innovation officer.

Charity Hospice is a nonprofit hospice organization serving the local community including patients in Jefferson, Harrison and Columbiana counties.

Charity is also licensed and able to serve patients in bordering neighboring counties of Belmont and Carroll.

Patients can be in their own home, nursing home, assisted living facility, personal care home and even in the hospital.

Cich also states, “We forget that approximately 5 percent of all nursing home patients are appropriate for hospice care with diagnoses that include many end-stage diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, congestive heart failure, COPD, ALS, stroke and neuromuscular disorders.”

Cich also states, “I

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“It is hard to believe that it will be nine years on April 26 that we took in our first patient at Charity Hospice, I can never, ever say enough good about our wonderful staff who all have the passion of hospice in their hearts and emphasize that we are ‘the Hospice with the Heart.’”

– Cathy Cich, founder of Charity Hospice

can never, ever say enough good about our wonderful staff who all have the passion of hospice in their hearts and emphasize that we are ‘the Hospice with the Heart.’”

Referrals can come from anyone. If in question about a loved one, don’t hesitate to call and obtain information or an evaluation.

Charity Hospice can be reached at (740) 264-2280 or toll free at (866) 884-8008 or on the web at www.charityhospice.o rg.

Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2015

Health/Education Progress Edition IV — Section 4

EGCC sees its student population soar

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Thanks to deep-rooted support from their community, students at Eastern Gateway Community College have access to a quality, affordable education that equips them with the knowledge and skills they need to enter the work force or advance in an existing job.

Eastern Gateway Community College’s dental assisting program prepares students to perform office and clinical assisting duties in general dental practices, clinics and hospital settings or the armed forces. Kelly Hudson, left, and Macey JohnsonWorks, shown here in a dental radiology class, have graduated and found jobs in their field. Johnson-Works with Dr. Jeremy Crow of Weirton, and Hudson with Dr. Thomas Brown of Wintersville.

From staff reports

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STEUBENVILLE — Eastern Gateway Community College is enjoying an unprecedented growth in enrollment and programming, but President Laura Meeks said there’s still more to be done.

Already rated one of the fastest growing community colleges in the nation, Eastern Gateway has seen its student population soar as the oil and gas industry takes root in the Upper Ohio Valley, bringing with it a need for workers with specialized skills.

Meeks said it plays to the college’s strengths — helping existing workers adapt to changing dynamics in their workplace while equipping a new generation of workers with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed as leaders in their communities as well as on the job.

“Our mission is to help our students and communities grow and prosper,” Meeks said. “We develop training opportunities tailor-made to the needs of area business and industries, and we do it quickly and efficiently. We’re also always looking ahead at new programs of study to answer identifiable needs

in our community and making sure we deliver workers capable of meeting those needs. An educated work force is key to creating jobs and spurring development in our region.”

Meeks, who plans to retire later this year, credits the commitment and generosity of the people of Jefferson County and the Mahoning Valley with making the college’s meteoric rise possible.

“It wasn’t so very long ago that we were a small, struggling technical school,” Meeks said. “But, with the support of the voters of Jefferson County, we’ve been able to grow our Jefferson campus, attract knowledgeable and caring faculty and staff and develop support services to help those who come to us from disadvantaged backgrounds or who may have difficulty in a specific subject areas. The people of our community want our students to succeed, just as we at Eastern Gateway want our communities to grow and prosper.”

Meeks said area residents have made it clear they want Eastern Gateway to offer classes and programs that will help them get good-paying jobs and advance in their chosen careers, all at an affordable price.

“And we’ve been able to See EGCC Page 3D ➪

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Afflilation with OSU Wexner center brings quality care to the Ohio Valley

Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2015

WHEELING — Since Ohio Valley Health Services and Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center announced their affiliation June 12, steps have been implemented to bring the affiliation to fruition in the Ohio Valley.

The overall goal of the affiliation between the organization is to improve the availability, quality and cost-effectiveness of health care services, research and medical education in the Ohio Valley region.

Under the affiliation agreement, the health systems remain independent, but work together to develop close-to-home care options for residents who would normally travel to Ohio State for highly specialized treatments. The OSU Wexner Medical Center is one of the largest and most diverse academic medical centers in the country, and the only academic medical center in central Ohio.

Advanced heart failure

Ohio State University Advanced Heart Failure Clinic opened at the East Ohio Outpatient Center in St. Clairsville, where patients with advanced heart failure no longer need to travel outside the Ohio Valley to see cardiac specialists. It is the first of its kind locally, because it includes physicians certified in advanced heart failure and transplants.

These two physicians — Dr. Gerrie Haas, who is the professor of clinical medicine at Ohio State University as well as medical director of heart failure, and Dr. William Abraham, who is the director of the division of cardiovascular medicine and professor — travel to see patients at the East Ohio location, where they help patients manage the symptoms of heart failure and work with patients’ local physicians and laboratory testing facility for follow-up care. Both physicians practice at Ohio State’s Richard M. Ross Heart Hospital, which was recognized in the 2013 survey by U.S. News and World Report as a leader in

cardiology and heart surgery.

Cancer Care In October, the Cancer Center at OVMC and the James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute at Ohio State University announced their affiliation.

This was the first service line agreement since the June affiliation announcement with OSU Wexner Medical Center. For patients in the Ohio Valley, this affiliation means the team of worldrenowned scientists and oncologists from one of the leading oncology networks in the nation is bringing their expertise to the Ohio Valley.

Specifically, this means: ¯ Access to physicians.

OVMC physicians in the Cancer Center will consult with these world-renowned physicians regarding local patients’ care. OVMC patients now have access to the vast network of cancer sub-specialists at the

James Cancer Hospital.

This access to clinical trials at the James brings hope to local patients who are fighting cancer. ¯ Targeted therapies.

OVMC physicians team with cancer sub-specialists and researchers to provide the most advanced, targeted clinical therapies. This team approach allows a shared vision for developing and delivering

ment and prevention. ¯ Addition of Dr. Phuong Nguyen. A radiation oncologist from The James, Nguyen treats patients full-time at the Cancer Center at OVMC. A graduate of Stanford University School of Medicine, Nguyen joins OVMC’s team from the

effective ways to prevent, detect, treat and cure cancers. ¯ Medical education and research. OVMC’s physicians and medical staff have additional resources now through continuing education through the James’ research programs, which host more than 250 scientists working together to beat cancer through diagnosis, treat-

Ohio State University School of Medicine, where she completed her residency in radiation oncology. She is a member of the American Board of Radiology, the American Society of Radiation Oncology and the American Medical Association.

In addition, she has received numerous awards and honors throughout her medical career.

Wheeling Treatment Center: Helping those who struggle to help themselves

The availability to specialty heart care came to the Ohio Valley when the

TRIADELPHIA — Since it opened in 2004, the Wheeling Treatment Center, a compressive treatment center, has helped more than 2,000 residents from throughout the Tri-State Area in their fight against various forms of substance addiction.

Located off the Dallas Pike exit of Interstate 70, the center offers outpatient services to those who want to end their addiction to alcohol, OxyContin, cocaine and other substances.

The Wheeling Treatment Center views addiction as a disease and attempts to treat it as such, said Chuck Clark, the center’s clinical director.

“The same principles come into play regardless of the addiction.

We use evidence-based practices that research has shown to be effective to treat the disease of addiction,” Clark said.

The center is one of more than 70 outpatient opiate treatment facilities in 19 states operated by the CRC Health Group, which also operates more than 30 inpatient treatment programs throughout the country.

“We assess patients for the proper level of care. If we are not able to provide them with the level of care appropriate for their needs we utilize other agencies throughout the Ohio Valley and

throughout CRC Health Group as a referral base to meet those needs,” Clark said He said the CRC is committed to providing patients with the latest in science-based treatment in the most cost-effective, patientspecific manner possible.

The Wheeling Treatment Center offers outpatient programs that are abstinence-based and utilize pharmacological support for many forms of addiction.

Clark said the center’s primary focus has been opiate addiction, and he and his staff have helped patients through a combination of counseling and medication, including Methadone, Subutex, Suboxone and Vivitrol.

When used under the supervision of a physician, these medications block drug cravings and withdrawal symptoms without making the user feel “high,” said Clark.

Patients at the Wheeling Treatment Center work with a team of doctors, nurses and addiction counselors to identity ongoing life issues, address those issues and gradually reduce their dose.

Clark said Suboxone/Subutex has been found to be effective with individuals with briefer histories of drug addiction and has been used as part of the center’s

Transitions program, in which patients found to be stable and free of illicit drug use are prescribed medication while continuing to undergo weekly one-to-one counseling and also may participate in up to 22 hours of group counseling if they chose.

Clark said, “These medications aren’t for everyone but have been found to give those who have struggled with abstinence based approaches a fighting chance.”

He said, “Counseling is a major component of the center’s treatment because it addresses the psychological component of addiction.”

“Through counseling offered at our facility, our counselors challenge each patient to identify and address unhealthy thought patterns that lead to and support their addictive lifestyle,” Clark said.

He said the center’s services are in high demand, “We currently have two physicians that perform intakes four days a week and a waitlist of normally one to two weeks. Other facilities may have a waiting period of a month to six weeks,” he said.

For information about the Wheeling Treatment Center, call (304) 547-9197.

Decompression Therapy & Massage Therapy

Same Day Appointments • Available For New Patients • Walk-ins Welcome

• Hand Adjusting • Headaches • LBP • Neck Pain • TMJ • Leg Pain • Shoulder Pain • Sports Injuries • Pinched Nerves • All Extremities. • Disc Injury 2199 Suite C&D Sunset Blvd, Steubenville, OH 43952 We Accept MasterCard/Visa •OH/WV Comp • Major Medical • Auto Accidents • On-Site Job Injuries Most Insurance Plans Cover Chiropractic

Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2015

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Nghi Dao, associate professor in Business, Engineering and Information Technology at Eastern Gateway Community College, discusses forensic techniques at a recent Cool Careers in Cybersecurity workshop for middle school and high school girls enrolled in Steubenville City Schools.

EGCC Continued from Page 1D

deliver in all those areas,” she said. “We’ve been able to attract a diverse student population — from young people just out of high school trying college for the first time to older workers looking to gain an edge in the workplace or complete coursework that they began earlier in their lives but were unable to complete. Our focus is to help all of them succeed and stay in college, so we’re constantly analyzing the job market and assessing employer needs to ensure we’re offering the right mix of programs and training so we graduate a work force that can meet their needs well into the future.”

Programs like Eastern Gateway’s Horizon Grant, which covers the first two years of a student’s tuition if they enroll immediately after finishing high school, reside in Jefferson County and achieve a cumulative gradepoint average of 2.5 or better, and the college’s Upper Ohio Valley Grant Program, a tuition grant for high school or joint vocational school graduates in Jefferson County who have a 2.5 percent grade-point average, help make getting that education affordable.

“Not only are our tuition grant programs a big money-saver for families, but students who choose to earn their two-year degree or certificate here at Eastern Gateway and then transfer their credits to a four-year institution find the transition much easier,” Meeks said.

The college’s expansion into the Mahoning

Valley has been hugely successful, putting a quality education within reach of a population in Columbiana, Mahoning and Trumbull counties that, until now, had been largely underserved.

The opportunities will be underscored later this year with the opening of a new precision machining and welding training center in downtown Youngstown. Meeks said the training center, which will drive work force development through job training and advanced skill attainment, is being funded by a $2.5 million grant for precision machining, a $1 million grant for welding and revenue sources from the Mahoning Valley.

“It’s all about working together to create opportunities for people to excel,” Meeks said. “We’re very excited to be developing the program in partnership with the Mahoning Valley Manufacturing Center and Youngstown State University. It’s a perfect example of how very different groups can come together and make good things happen in a community.

We see it as a core value at Eastern Gateway, one we try to instill in our students as well.

It’s through the commitment and generosity of the people of Jefferson County and the Mahoning Valley that we’ve been able to help countless students achieve their dreams, and I think it’s important that, in return, we encourage our students to give back to a community that’s helped make them and the college a success.”

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Gables Care Center earns state awards Gables Care Center has announced it achieved high satisfaction rates and received a quality award from the state of Ohio from the 2014 Family Satisfaction survey conducted by the Ohio Department of Aging. These surveys of families of actual patients present a clear picture of the quality services actually delivered in Ohio’s skilled nursing facilities. The ratings are based on two key questions: “Overall, do you like this facility?” and “Would you recommend this facility to a family member or friend?” Gables scored more than 98 percent on both questions and 91.2 percent overall, exceeding state averages. Gables is an 86-bed skilled nursing facility that specializes in long- and short-term rehabilitation services. Gables is at 351 Lahm Drive in Hopedale.

For information, go to www.gablescarecenter.com.

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McDonnell Chiropractic: Offering exceptional, affordable care in a comfortable environment

STEUBENVILLE — McDonnell Chiropractic opened its doors in May 2011 and was co-founded

by Dr. Gregory M. McDonnell and Jodi L. Ferguson.

McDonnell is originally from Madison, Wis. He graduated from Northwestern Health Sciences University in Minnesota in 2006 with a doctorate of chiropractic. During his last year of school, he interned

Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2015

with a chiropractic neurologist who sparked his interest in the human brain, and especially in childhood developmental disabilities. McDonnell studied under the worldrenowned Carrick Institute for graduate studies where he furthered his education in the specialty field of functional neurology.

After graduating, McDonnell worked at two chiropractic clinics

in Minnesota. He also worked as an independent doctor treating children suffering from autism and ADHD. In June 2010, McDonnell moved to Steubenville. McDonnell and his family are active in the community and are enjoying all that the area has to offer.

Ferguson is a lifelong resident of the Ohio Valley. Among her many accomplishments, she is

most proud of her loving and supportive family.

Ferguson is an active member of the community, having served on numerous boards and events, and has worked managing chiropractic offices since 1992.

“My passion for the profession, and meeting a great doctor like Dr. McDonnell, led to us opening up this practice.

This has been a longtime dream of mine, and

now it’s a reality,” said Ferguson.

In August 2013, McDonnell and Ferguson welcomed Dr. Keith Zrinyi as an associate doctor of chiropractic to the office. Zrinyi is originally from Steubenville.

He earned his bachelor’s degree in biology at Ohio State University in Columbus. He went on to complete his chiropractic education at Life University in Marietta, Ga., where he graduated magna cum laude. He practiced as an associate in Pittsburgh for a year prior to joining McDonnell Chiropractic.

McDonnell Chiropractic offers safe, effective, hands-on care. They treat neck and lower back injuries, pinched nerves, sciatica, disk injuries, headaches and shoulder and arm pain, numbness in the hands and arms and many other conditions. McDonnell Chiropractic also treats those individuals suffering from the effects of auto accidents and whiplash, on the job injuries and sports injuries just to name a few. Most insurance plans cover chiropractic and workers’ compensation and Medicare also are covered.

“Our mission is to

help families and individuals of all ages by offering exceptional, affordable, chiropractic care to as many people as possible in a comfortable, caring and friendly environment. Our goal is to inspire and educate our patients to become active participants in their own well-being and in helping others to find chiropractic care,” said Ferguson.

McDonnell Chiropractic, along with treating the spine, takes a holistic approach to improving quality of life. We offer wellness to everyone, including newborns and children, pregnant mothers and seniors.

“Truly vibrant health doesn’t come in pill form – it comes from positive lifestyle choices,” stated McDonnell. “We believe that everyone needs to take responsibility for their health.”

McDonnell Chiropractic is located at Suite E, 2315 Sunset Blvd., Steubenville, OH 43952. They can be reached by calling (740) 314-5812. The office is open from 8 a.m. to noon and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays; from 8 a.m. to noon and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays and Fridays; and from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturdays.

Premier Technical Services offers honest, quality computer repairs

Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2015

WEIRTON — Too often people who have paid to have their computers repaired walk away not sure what they have paid for or even that they weren’t cheated, said Patrick Joyce, owner of Premier Technical Services.

The computer technicians at PTS provide honest, quality service and help customers to understand even the most complex computer problems, he said.

“We would rather our customers understand what we have done and why than rush them out the door, wondering what they have just paid for,” said Joyce.

He added customers will find PTS’ service to be significantly faster, less expensive and of higher quality than that offered at many large chains.

“PTS also is locally owned and operated, so all repairs and support are performed here rather than at a remote office or outsourced on the other side of the world,” added Joyce, whose office is at 326 Penco Road.

A graduate of Steubenville Catholic Central High School and Eastern Gateway Community College, Joyce has lived in Weirton for 11 years. He and his staff have a combined total of more than 25 years of experience in computer repair.

Joyce said PTS can handle any type of computer repair, including personal computers and Macs, laptops and desktops.

He said each computer brought to PTS undergoes an analysis of all systems to determine the source of the problem. After that, the customer is

contacted and advised the best course of action.

“Economy and honesty are a vital part of this process. PTS will never recommend unnecessary services or upgrades, the repair of a system after it has passed its useful life, or replacing a computer if it is not absolutely necessary,” Joyce said.

He said turnaround, from start to finish, varies but is usually two or three days. Unfortunately, not all systems can be repaired, but PTS frequently can retrieve a customer’s valuable data, Joyce said.

Because it’s not always convenient or practical to bring a computer to PTS, particularly for businesses, PTS can come to them, and priority service is available for emergency situations.

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Joyce said PTS also offers refurbished systems, which are fully tested and upgraded as needed, with clean software installed. Such systems offer an affordable and highquality alternative to purchasing new equipment, he said.

“We often see failed repairs performed by well-meaning friends or family or part-time technicians looking to make a little money on the side. In our opinion, there’s no substitute for experience and knowledge. We rarely encounter a problem we haven’t seen, often on a daily basis,” he said.

For information about PTS, visit its website at www.premiertechservice.com, e-mail them at mail@premiertechservice.com or call (304) 723-5652.

Schrickel Health and Wellness: Offering best care for musculoskeletal problems Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2015

WINTERSVILLE — Schrickel Chiropractic Health and Wellness was founded in 1964 by Dr. Jack Schrickel and moved to its present location at 1562 Cadiz Road in 1988.

Dr. Jack retired in 1997, and the office is now managed and operated by his son, Dr. Thad Schrickel.

The practice has gone through many changes over the years in an effort to provide the best care for musculoskeletal problems in the area.

Schrickel Health and Wellness has two chiropractors — Drs. Thad Schrickel and Brian Wilson, who offer their patients the latest technology when adjusting their parents.

They also offer spinal decompression therapy, which has been proven to be 86 percent effective in the treatment of herniated discs.

Jonathan Mihellis, a licensed physical therapist, joined the team in 2009.

Jonathan has helped patients through strengthening and stabilizing their condition and is a certified active release technique professional.

Also, Schrickel offers massage therapy five days a week.

The health provider’s massage therapy department offers relaxation, hot

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stone massage and reflexology. With Schrickel’s team approach toward patient care, patients get the best of what chiropractic, physical therapy and mas-

sage therapy can offer.

At Schrickel Health and Wellness the goal is to determine what is best for the patient. We evaluate each person and

determine which care is best. Those who know they need help but aren’t sure which type of care they should have should turn to Schrickel. The office

is at 1562 Cadiz Road Wintersville, OH 43953.

To reach the practice, call (740)-2646235.

The fax number is (740)-264-9395.