Provena Life Connections News

Visual Arts Progamming: Encaustic Painting Workshop at the Gretchen Charlto...

Provena Health — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 12:00:00 CST

The Gretchen Charlton Art Gallery invites the community to attend our first Visual Arts Programming event of 2012: the Encaustic Painting Workshop on Thursday, February 23 from 6:30 - 8 p.m.

Local artist and Kankakee Community College art professor Chelise Kinzinger will host the workshop and teach artists of all levels and media how to enjoy the limitless possibilities encaustic has to offer. Supplies will be included, and the cost is $15/person for gallery members; $20/person for non members.

Greek artists began painting with encaustic as early at the 5^th Century B.C., and in the last ten years, the media’s popularity has grown. Today, several paint companies are milling ready-made encaustic paint in a multitude of colors.

The reservation deadline is Friday, February 3. Please call (815) 939-4506 to secure your spot. Visual arts programming events at the

Provena Health — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 12:00:00 CST

"Simplify wound care through HIT: Tools to empower nurses and improve outcomes"
By: Debra Kurtz
Published: January 2012 in Long-Term Living

Download the full article or read it online at http://www.ltlmagazine.com/magazine-issue/january-2012

(Provena Heritage Village in Kankakee, IL and Provena Villa Franciscan in Joliet, IL mentioned)

New Leadership at Provena Villa Franciscan

Provena Health — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 12:00:00 CST

Melissa Adams has been promoted to Administrator of Provena Villa Franciscan in Joliet, IL effective January 16, 2012. In her new role, Adams will direct and coordinate the day-to-day operations at Provena Villa Franciscan, a ministry of Provena Life Connections that provides rehabilitation (physical, occupational, and speech therapy), skilled nursing and intermediate care, Alzheimer’s and related dementia care, respite care and comfort care.&nb

From Student to Teacher: Provena Fortin Villa Learning Center's New Teacher...

Provena Health — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 12:00:00 CST

Provena Fortin Villa Learning Center in Kankakaee, Ill., recently welcomed Sarah Schmidt as the new pre-kindergarten teacher and curriculum coordinator.

Ms. Schmidt comes to the center with a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education from Governor’s State University and previous education experience at Montessori Lincoln Cultural Center School, Gertrude B. Nielsen School, the Kankakee Park District and more.

Sarah is no stranger to Provena Fortin Villa Learning Center. While completing her undergraduate coursework, she worked at the center. “While I worked at the ce

Annual Juried Photography Exhibit at the Gretchen Charlton Art Gallery

Provena Health — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 12:00:00 CST

Join the Gretchen Charlton Art Gallery for our 12th Annual Juried Photography Exhibit this January. This exhibit features all genres of two-dimensional and is open to local and regional artists.

Important exhibit dates:

Call for entries: January 1 - January 8, 2012
Opening reception: January 26, 2012
Exhibit runs: January 26 - February 26
Pick-up dates: February 27 - March 4

Learn more about the 12th Annual Juried Photography Exhibit by downloading the brochure today! RSVP for the opening recep

Provena Home Care Agencies Named to HomeCare Elite for Sixth Year in a Row

Provena Health — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 12:00:00 CST

For the sixth consecutive year, select Provena Home Care agencies have been recognized as among the HomeCare Elite™, a compilation of the most successful home health agencies in the United States. This annual review identifies the top 25 percent of agencies, ranked by a three-part analysis of performance measures including quality of care, quality improvement and financial performance. The Provena home care agencies that achieved the HomeCare Elite award in 2011 included agencies in Bourbonnais, Elgin, Champaign and Gurnee.

“It is increasingly challenging to manage the cost/quality equation. The 2011 HomeCare Elite winners demonstrate a commitment to pro

Provena Health Again Recognized as a Top Technology Innovator

Provena Health — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 12:00:00 CST

The Provena Health Information Services team was recognized as a Top Innovator by InformationWeek 500 at a ceremony held on September 13, 2011. Pictured left to right are John Romeo, System Manager, Enterprise Network and John Lynch, Chief Information Officer.

For the second year in a row, Provena Health has been named to the InformationWeek 500, a prestigious annual listing of the nation’s most innovative users of business technology. The health system is recognized for its innovative work to design, build and efficiently migrate data system

Local Stockcar Driver Brings Excitement to Provena Our Lady of Victory Pati...

Provena Health — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 12:00:00 CST

On Monday, July 11, 2011, patients, residents and staff of Provena Our Lady of Victory, a rehabilitation and skilled nursing community in Bourbonnais, Ill., hosted a special guest: Jeff Riley, local stockcar driver, whose car features the Provena Our Lady of Victory name this racing season.

Sharon Riley, Jeff’s mother and a volunteer on the Provena Our Lady of Victory golf outing committee, asked her son if he would be willing to list a coveted advertising spot on his car as a silent auction item at the May 20 event, which featured the racecar theme, “Driving Fore.” Riley agreed, and the outing attendee who ended up winning the bid generously asked for Provena Our Lady of Victory to be featured.

Because it would be difficult for many of the patients and residents at the rehabilitation and skilled nursing community to attend one of the races held at t

Local Stockcar Driver Brings Excitement to Provena Our Lady of Victory Pati...

Provena Health — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 12:00:00 CST

Because it would be difficult for many of the patients and residents at the rehabilitation and skilled nursing community to attend one of the races held at t

Provena Health and Resurrection Health Care Reach Definitive Agreement to M...

Provena Health — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 12:00:00 CST

New System is Largest Catholic Provider in Illinois and One of the Largest Integrated Health Systems in the State

In a decision that creates a new patient, resident and family centered health system and establishes the single largest Catholic health provider in Illinois, Provena Health and Resurrection Health Care have reached a definitive agreement to merge the two organizations. The merger decision comes after several months of exploratory talks between the Sponsoring Congregations and Boards of both Provena and Resurrection, as well as formal due diligence.

"Together we see a bolder vision of healthcare," explained Sandra Bruce, FACHE, President and CEO of Resurrection Health Care. "One that excels at the patient, resident and family experience. One that provides high quality and value across the continuum, in true partnership with our physicians and employees. And above all, one that delivers care with compassion, dignity and respect at every stage of life."

Having filed a Certificate of Need application with the Illinois Health Facilities Services Revie

Provena Home Care to Host 50-Year Anniversary Celebration for Champaign Cou...

Provena Health — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 12:00:00 CST

On Tuesday, June 14, the Champaign County Committee on Aging invites the public to join us in a celebration commemorating the 50-year anniversary of this valued community resource. Please join the celebration held at the Provena Home Care offices, located at 1501 Interstate Drive, Suite C, Champaign, Ill. Sen. Mike Frerichs, D-Ill., and Rep. Naomi Jakobsson, D-Urbana., will be present at the event to speak on issues that older adults in Champaign County and across Illinois are currently facing.

Formed in 1961 as part of the Welfare Committee of the United Community Council, the purpose of the Champaign County Committee on Aging was to be the planning and coordinating body of social welfare services for seniors. Recently, the committee has worked to train 911 First Responders on social service resources for seniors, which resulted in the production of a training DVD and manual that is part of their training, as well as education provided to the broader community.

Provena Health Announces System R.I.S.E. Winners

Provena Health — Wed, 25 May 2011 12:00:00 CST

Provena Health 2010 System R.I.S.E. Winners (seated left to right) Roy Mall of Champaign, Jessica Schuler of Aurora, Dr. Robert Foody of Sugar Grove and Emma Limpin of Mokena are photographed with (standing left to right) Guy Wiebking, Provena Health President and CEO, and representatives from the Provena Health Member Body, Sister Evelyn Varboncoeur, sscm; Sister Margaret Mary Hinz, RSM and Sister Linda Hatton, sscm after a special R.I.S.E. winner celebration held on May 23^rd.

Every day, employees and physicians across the Provena Health system are guided by their mission to build communities of healing and hope by compassionately responding to human need in the

Provena Health Remembers Sr. Rita Meagher, RSM

Provena Health — Thu, 19 May 2011 12:00:00 CST

Provena Health Remembers Sr. Rita Meagher, RSM
Former CEO of Provena Mercy Medical Center, Aurora
February 11, 1923 to May 14, 2011

Sister Rita Meagher, a member of the West Midwest Community of the Sisters of Mercy for 67 years, died peacefully at Provena McAuley Manor in Aurora on Saturday May 14. She was born in Chicago and attended Mercy High School. Sr. Rita received a bachelor’s degree in nursing from St. Xavier University in 1953, a master's degree in hospital administration from St. Louis University in 1959 and an honorary PhD from Aurora University in 1983.

Sister served in Davenport Iowa and then as Administrator at Misericordia in Chicago from 1954-1963. From 1963 -1967 she served as Director of Development at Mercy Hospital in Chicago, IL. A very charismatic leader she spent the next 23 years of her Ministry in Aurora, IL. She was the Chief Executive Officer at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital (predecessor to PMMC) and oversaw the building of the new g

Support Provena Villa Franciscan in our Annual Flower Sale

Provena Health — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 12:00:00 CST

Provena Villa Franciscan in Joliet, Ill., invites you to support us in our annual plant and flat sale fundraiser! The funds raised through this initiative will be used to purchase new outdoor furniture for our patients, residents and their visitors!

The plant and flat sale is also a practical opportunity for you to support our ministry, because chances are, you were going to purchase flowers for your home anyways! Now, you can get high-quality flowers or vegetable plants from Woldhuis Farms Sunrise Greenhouse, Inc. and know that you're supporting a good cause, too.

This year, you have two great options to purchase. You can buy the exact plants you want (access the listing of flats available by downloading it here!). Plant or flat delivery orders must be placed by May 2 and will be available for pick-up at Provena Villa Franciscan on May 11 and 12.

Or, new this year is the

Earth Day Celebration at Morning Star Village

Provena Health — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 12:00:00 CST

On Friday, April 22, 2011 Veolia Environmental Services will be at Morning Star Village to plant 3 trees in honor of Earth Day. Veolia has handled the waste management for Morning Star Village since it opened in July of 2009 and contacted us as their chosen community partner for this year's Earth Day Project.

Earth Day, which was founded by Gaylord Nelson, a former US Senator from Wisconsin said Earth Day was first celebrated on April 22, 1970.This marks the anniversary of what many consider to be the birth of the modern environmental movement, which has paved the way for The Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act and the Endangered Species Act which are all groundbreakin

Agency on Aging Re-Appoints Karen Condon to Advisory Council

Provena Health — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 12:00:00 CST

On Friday, April 8, 2011, the Northeastern Illinois Area Agency on Aging re-appointed Karen Condon Medicaid Collection Specialist at Provena Life Connections in Frankfort, Ill., to the agency's Advisory Council as a Will County representative. Previously completing an unexpired term, Karen will now begin a full three-year term. Karen also serves on the Board's Livable Communities and Senior Lifestyle Expo Committees.

The Area Agency on Aging is a not-for-profit agency that develops and promotes a comprehensive network of services for individuals 60 years of age and older in the following counties: DuPage, Grundy, Kane, Kendall, Kankakee, Lake, McHenry and Wil

"Driving Fore" Provena Our Lady of Victory - the 26th Annual Golf Outing

Provena Health — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 12:00:00 CST

On Friday, May 20, 2011, Provena Our Lady of Victory will host its 26^th annual golf outing at the Kankakee Country Club under the theme, "Driving Fore."

In addition to 18 holes of golf played in a schamble style, the day's events will include a "beat the pro", hole in one (at stake is a brand-new car!) and putting green contest run by Sr. Marie Mason. The social/networking event from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. will include heavy hors d'oeuvres, a martini bar and silent auction featuring a variety of items. Sponsors of the ev

As Seen in the Kankakee Daily Journal, "Kids Inspire Through Art"

Provena Health — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 12:00:00 CST

"Kids Inspire Through Art"
Exhibition Showcases Youth Work
Written by: Nicole Leonhardt
Appeared in: Kankakee Daily Journal, 3/28/2011

When organizers hung artwork for the 11th annual Youth Art Exhibit in Kankakee, they were doing more than displaying art - they were inspiring.

"Anytime a kid sees their work on a wall it inspires them; it rewards their creativity," said Kevin Luthardt, a children's book Provena Life Connections nursing home - Provena Sacred Heart Home - was named by U.S. News and World Report as one of the best nursing homes in the country in the publication's annual "Best Nursing Homes in America". The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) evaluates facilities in three key areas: health inspections, nurse staffing and quality of care.

"We are ecstatic that Provena Sacred Heart Home has achieved this honorable distinction," said Connie March, President & CEO, Provena Life Connections. "This achievement was made possible due to our staff's commitment of living out our mission of building communities of healing and hope by compassionately responding to human need in the spirit of Jesus Christ each and every day."

Gretchen Charlton Art Gallery Receives Illinois Arts Council Grant

Provena Health — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 12:00:00 CST

The Gretchen Charlton Art Gallery is proud to announce that they are the recipients of a 2011 grant from the Illinois Arts Council (IAC). The IAC operating grant will help support all gallery programs.

The labor-intensive grant application began way back in April 2010 when the Gretchen Charlton Art Gallery submitted its proposed 2011 budget al

Provena Health Hosts 9th Annual Ethics Day

Provena Health — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 12:00:00 CST

(Pictured left to right starting at top) Provena Leaders Rev. William Grogan, System Director of Ethics; Tom Nehring, System Senior Vice President, Mission Services; Dr. Bob Permut, System Senior Vice President, Chief Medical Officer; Bishop Joseph Siegal, D.D., Administrator, Diocese of Joliet; Guy Wiebking, President and CEO; Margaret Gavigan, System Senior Vice President, Chief Clinical Officer; Drs. Amy Martin and Erika Laethem, Resurrection Health Care; and Drs. Teresa Woodruf and Laurie Zoloth, Northwestern University.

Provena Health hosted its ninth annual Ethics Day, “Enhancing Women’s Healthcare Decisions and Practice” on Tuesday, March 22nd at Provena Saint Joseph Medical C

Provena Cor Mariae Center Resident Recipient of National "Yes, You Can!" Aw...

Provena Health — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 12:00:00 CST

In 2007, just two weeks before Louise Gustafson’s late husband was scheduled to receive an award in honor of his years of service as a teacher and headmaster of a school in Tanzania, Africa, and days before Louise and her family were set to depart for the momentous occasion, tragedy struck. Ms. Gustafson was in a car accident that, unfortunately, left her unable to make the grueling, 35-hour trip.

Fast forward to February 2010 – three years after the rest of her family made the trip and two years since her husband’s death – Louise shared with her oldest son, Brian, that her biggest regret in life was that she wasn’t able to make the trip three years prior to see the school that she and her husband helped build during their time in Tanzania as missionaries in the early 1960s.

Upon hearing his mother express her regret, Brian knew that he had to at least try to make his mother’s dream a reality. “My mother isn’t someone who has lived her life with regrets,” said Brian, “So when she shared that she wished she could have made the trip back in 2007, I knew we

"We Were Determined to Make It" As Seen in the Aurora Beacon News

Provena Health — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 12:00:00 CST

They said it would never last.

At least that’s what they tell me. I wasn’t around 72 years ago when Dorothy Frame and Bob Fowler got married.

In fact, no one was around. The two teenagers, only 18 and 19 at the time, ran off to Indiana and got hitched without telling a soul that February day back in 1939.

And they didn’t tell anyone about the marriage afterward. He went back to Peoria, where he was working for Caterpillar; she went back to live with her mother in Danville and continue working at Western Union.

No surprise here: A couple months later, when they decided to break the news, both mothers were shocked, angry — and said the marriage wouldn’t last.

But it did. Which is pretty cool, especially when you take into account their tragic childhoods.

In the end, it was those early struggles that drew the two together — and kept them together. Not only were they determined to make their marriage last, Dorothy and Bob Fowl

Provena Health and Resurrection Health Care Sign Letter of Intent to Explor...

Provena Health — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 12:00:00 CST

With a goal of expanding patient access to high quality Catholic health care in Illinois, Provena Health and Resurrection Health Care have signed a non-binding Letter of Intent to explore merging the two healthcare systems. In joining together, the two systems would create the single largest Catholic healthcare network in the State, spanning 12 hospitals, 28 long-term care and senior residential facilities, more than 50 primary and specialty care clinics and six home health agencies. A combined Provena Health and Resurrection Health Care would also represent one of the State's largest health systems, with locations throughout Chicago, the suburbs of Des Plaines, Evanston, Aurora, Elgin, Joliet and Kankakee, and Rockford, Urbana, Danville, and Avilla, Indiana, providing services for patients and residents across the continuum through nearly 100 sites of care.

Resurrection's and Provena's Boards and Sponsoring Congregations have agreed to continue exploratory talks and due diligence regarding the potential benefits and terms of a merger.

As Seen in the Fort Wayne Daily News, "Serving God Secret to reaching 105 y...

Provena Health — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 12:00:00 CST

Written by: Matt Getts
First published: 1/18/2011

AVILLA - Her key to longevity sounds simple enough.

"Live for God," she said. "Be good to everybody. Serve God. Always have a good word to say to people."

Ollie Roberts takes each day for what it is - a gift from God. She believes in giving something in return.

In Ollie Roberts' life, there has been a lot of giving and receiving.

Monday, Roberts was recognized by family, friends and staff at Provena Sacred Heart Home with a huge birthday cake honoring her 105th birthday.

To meet Roberts is to like her. The twinkle is still in her eye. Her smile remains contagious. Her hands are steady, her mind is sharp. Wrinkles? There are a few, but she could pass for 30 if not 40 years younger.

She has slowed some. For the long trip across the other end of the building, she used a wh