22nd Annual Lights of Love Tree Lighting Ceremony

Music

It's the most wonderful time of the year

With the kids jingle belling and everyone telling you be a good cheer

It's the most wonderful time of the year

It's the happiest season of all

All right, we're here live at Aspirus Riverview Hospital

This is Melissa K with WFHR 19 or 1320 AM, 97-5 FM

I am here at Aspirus Riverview for Lights of Love

This is such a fun event and we are excited to be here

We've got people pulling in to join us here at the parking lot

And I've got with me Lisa Skiba, hi Lisa

Hi, I'm so happy the stations with us tonight

We're excited to be here

Let's tell us which parking lot our listeners can come and join us

We're in the front of the hospital, the main parking lot, parking lot number one

Number one, number one, and then we're going to be set up facing the expressway

So you should see us as you pull in standing at the radio station and preparing for everyone to join us

Yeah, and we've got cookies out here, right? I see baskets, those must be cookies

So if you're brave and you want to venture out for a cookie, please do so

So Lisa, tell us a little bit about what you do here at the hospital

So I am the Vice President of Ancillary Services

That means I help work, support the teams in some of our areas

Image in Woon Center, we also work with the therapy department, the laboratory, facilities, environmental services, and food nutrition

So yay, Ancillary Services

That's a lot

You just listed off a whole lot of things that I honestly didn't even know were at the hospital

That seemed like you know logically that you need those things

Yes, they're all very important departments

Lots of COGs to move the wheels to take care of our patients and our community

I've been here 29 years, so that's why I have a lot of hats I help get the teams I get to work with

Oh wow, I'm very impressed, thank you

Thank you for doing that for our area and for this hospital

So let's delve into some of those a little deeper or do you want to go into the history here of lights?

Let's talk about lights of love

Okay, so tell us a little bit about the history of this

I know this is at least our third year doing this with you

It's my first, so I'm excited to be here

So when did this all begin?

So this program started in 2001, so we're very excited to keep the tradition going

It started by our Riverview Auxiliary group, there were community members who wanted to help the community

They helped different projects, they had fundraisers

And this was started by one member who spread it out to the group

And they wanted to raise money specifically for the Cancer Center and patient care at the hospital here

So we've been very excited that we've been able to continue the tradition and invite WFHR to be part of it these last couple of years

So and it's branched out since then as far as what these funds go towards

Because it's more than just cancer now, right?

Correct, so we work now with the Aspirus Riverview Foundation

The funds are channeled through that group to help any community needs, benefiting the greatest health and wellness needs we need in the community

And that's really based on community health assessment

So we work also with the county and other agencies to help determine what this community needs to address wellness and health

And that's one of those things that I've seen go out like there's a survey that people can take at

Is it healthy people would county and then they can they could take that survey and let us know what the needs are in the community

Absolutely, so if you ever are encountered with that option to take a survey

This is how your voice can be heard and what you think your community needs to promote health and wellness in this community

And those are anonymous as well, right?

Absolutely, absolutely. This is just gathered by the agencies

And then you think about all the entities that we talked about, all the cogs in the wheel that have to work at a hospital

It's the same thing in the community

How can all these agencies come together and not work against each other or even duplicate their efforts

But how can we join together to multiply our efforts?

And really we are trying to address things like mental health, behavioral health, substance abuse, active communities

Keeping people in the wellness mode and then cancer care, all of that is important

And all of those things we definitely have been trying to promote and talk about more

Because some of those have been tabbed who subjects over the years

Like we just don't talk about mental health

I mean now this is 20 years ago we didn't but now I mean it's a much more important topic

Because it helps people know they're not alone, they're not the only ones dealing with these things

And there is a community here to help them

Absolutely, this is my community I grew up here

Left for a while but came back and started working here at the hospital

And that is a big change in the generation

It's just so exciting I think to see generations improve on those type of communications, on those subjects that

Certainly myself as a teenager would have never thought about talking about

So I personally think that's very helpful and great for people to expand that and be willing to talk about those things

Wonderful, well we are going to take a little quick break here and hear from some of our wonderful community sponsors

And we will be back at least so we may need to speak with you some more

But come on down, we're here in the west parking lot or what, west right?

Parking that one, parking lot number one

And come down here and join us, we got a PA setup

You can stay warm in your cars and listen to us on the radio

This is Melissa K with WFHR, locally grown radio

Hello and welcome back to WFHR here at Lights of Love

We're excited to be here, I've got Lisa Skibba with me

And we are here to talk about Lights of Love, we've heard a little bit about the history

But I believe you have more to tell us about that Lisa

Well what we'd like to share is what we do with these funds that we raise

So Lights of Love is a program where you, as a community member, family, loved one, can donate some money based on either you want to honor someone in your life

Or you want to remember that somebody has passed on

We also have one of our sponsors, Richie Felner, Lucusan Funeralome, who are always honor all the people, families they have helped in the last year

And they make a donation based on those individuals they're listening to our program

So all these family members are, and loved ones are being remembered

With that donation, then that goes to the Spirits Review Foundation

We use those funds again to address the community and wellness needs of the community

And we've talked a little bit about those wellness needs and that has to do with mental and behavioral health, cancer

Basically support of our community and directly helping the things that we need to support in our community based on what we're hearing feedback from people in the community

Correct, so all the health care agencies as well as Wood County Health Department, Public Health Department, other social services type agencies

All come together into a community health assessment, they can help us identify areas where multiple agencies across the community can assist

Our foundation that is one group that can help sponsor some of these programs

So some of the examples of some of the programs that we have helped through the slides of the fundraiser include

We created a soft interview room at the Wisconsin Rapids Police Department

Okay, that sounds interesting, yeah, tell me what you mean by a soft interview room

So if you've watched police procedural type shows, you might like CSI or NCIS

So a lot of those offices seem very sterile

And it's not exactly an environment that helps the individual feel comfortable speaking and explaining what happened

So what we're trying to do is promote something that's called trauma informed care

Okay, and that is an evidence-based practice where individuals coming in reporting any type of assault

They often want to have a space that's more welcoming to do that

So a soft interview room is considered integral to that trauma informed care

Because they're a victim here in that we think of interview rooms or thinking somebody who robbed a bank or a criminal of some sort that did something wrong

They're not the perpetrator, so therefore they want to create an environment where they can feel welcome speaking

So that space should be comfortable, should be very stark

Individuals should feel physically and emotionally safe to speak

And so that can really have a significant impact on the interview process

So that's one example of some of the Aspirus Riverview Foundation work where these fundraising opportunities can help promote

Okay, and that is something that I don't think we think about until you're in that situation

You don't realize, well, this room's not very welcoming

I don't know that I feel comfortable talking to this person across from me that I don't know

Whereas having a comfortable space to feel like, you know, I'm not the bad person here

Or I didn't do anything wrong and I can help and I can share

That's one of the examples that these funds go to and you have some more for us

Sure, another opportunity we had was create a safe space at Washington Elementary 4th grade school

To help students stay in their seats, remain engaged in their lessons

And deescalate if they find themselves needing to focus again and be able to learn again

Now 4th grade was a long time ago for me

And perhaps for many of our listeners, but I remember that that was a rather difficult thing to do

To stay still when you're an active 4th grader and you just want to get up and run around

But it's important to be able to stay engaged in your lessons

So explain to me what that looks like

I think a difference also is in this day and age compared to when you and I were in 4th grade

You know, we just had a very probably rigid expectation of what a classroom should look like

You know, how students were expected to behave for instance

And we certainly know now that every student operates differently, they learn differently

And we want every student to be successful so we've got to create the best space for that student

And this allows a little more flexibility

This allows that particular student to have that space to find what's right for them working with their teacher

Yeah, and what's comfortable for them

And as we learn more about the learning process, we know that each person learns individually

Like we all have our own learning method

I do better sometimes reading things or sometimes I do better with a lecture and taking notes

And then reviewing those notes, I mean now I'm speaking as a having a former college student

But as a kid, you need different approaches for different kids

So this flexible seating option that this space allows gives kids control of that environment

And letting them select the best fits for their needs each day

Because each day might be different

And it really creates a safe space where they can also teacher can use sensory tools to help them self-regulate

That's also another concept that wasn't something we thought about when we were in school

But where they can self-regulate because they know they know the things that help them be successful

And they can have a space to be successful there

And that's really helpful for the teacher too because we definitely know that student-to-teacher ratios have gone up

We have a shortage of teachers and help in classrooms so students being able to self-regulate

Is going to only help that classroom stay going and keep forward motion and learning happening

Which is of course the point of that

Schools can be very stressful

So when kids are trying to learn they have to manage again their emotions or behaviors

And this new seating option and tools help them again to self-regulate throughout the day

For the moment what they need which makes learning safe and enjoyable for the whole classroom

That's wonderful

And that's just two examples of what these funds are going to help

We're touching on some of those as opposed to maybe some of the more touchier things that people have gone through

Losing someone, fighting cancer, these other things that also go that have touched all of us

And that we deal with often

Well, I think we're going to take another break here, Lisa

And hopefully we've got a few more of our interviewees showing up soon

And this is Melissa Kay, we are at Lights of Love here at Riverview Aspiris

Please come down and join us, you can sit in your cars and stay warm here at Sound the Radio or through the PA

And we do have, oh look at all those cookies

There is a massive amount of cookies here people, you definitely want to come down and grab one

The lovely ladies will help you make your selection

Because I don't know how you're going to choose, there's so many

So this is Melissa Kay, we are down here at Aspiris Riverview Hospital with WFA chart

97-5 FM, 13-20 AM, locally grown radio

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

Everywhere you go

They're at Aspiris Riverview Hospital for the Lights of Love Celebration

And we're just, sorry, I had a moment to get back because I was chatting with Nancy and Nancy from the Ancillary

That they're the volunteers for Lights of Love

And one of the founders of this I believe, Nancy Sorenson and Nancy Meyers

Thank you both for being here, they had to come up and get a cookie

And these cookies are giant, it's like a meal

So if you're hungry or you want a good treat

And come on down and get a cookie, we are thankful to Solaris for donating those cookies

And sponsoring this Lights of Love event, which is such a great event for our community

And we're just having fun down here, everybody's pulling into the parking lot

So you should come down and join us, we're waiting for a few more of our interviewees

And they are not quite here yet, so we're going to go through a few of the community events we have coming up

There is a community blood drive, two community blood drive scheduled here in December

That also help out Spiris and help out our community immensely

And those are scheduled for Monday, December 18th, from 2 to 7 p.m.

Of course, these are at the former East Junior High School Music Room, Room 111

And that is at 311 Lincoln Street in Wisconsin Rapids

Of course, appointments are encouraged, but walk-ins are always welcome

And you can call 866-566-5900 to schedule an appointment there

That's the blood center of North Central, Wisconsin

And they are the primary blood donor, a supplier of blood, two Spiris Riverview Hospital

And then the next event is on Tuesday, December 19th, so they're right back to back

If you can't make it on Monday, you can come down on Tuesday

That's actually my mom's birthday

So I will be trying to make it down one of those days to donate blood

Because it is such an important need in all communities

But especially this time of year around the holidays

So that Tuesday date, December 19th, is from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

If you can get down and help out by donating blood, you can be a hero and help support your community

And the wonderful work that our hospitals and our communities do here

And that blood does, they are the main supplier for our Spiris here

We've got a couple other events coming up, of course, the craft show at Nikusa

Is this weekend on Saturday, December 2nd

They have over 30 vendors and crafters scheduled to be at the Port Edwards Community Center

Oh, Township of Port Edwards Community Center

1766 Highway G, they are going to be open from 9 to 3

And that is this Saturday, December 2nd

Of course, this is the perfect time of year to go see those vendors

If you need to get some holiday shopping in, maybe a little early Christmas shopping

Although, I don't know if this is early, I heard the biggest sale days of the year were this Friday

Of course, Black Friday is a big shopping day

And then also Cyber Monday

And hopefully you hit up a few of our small businesses for a small business Saturday

And got those passports stamped from the Chamber of Commerce

And got those turned in, I know that they are doing that drawing

I want to say on December 4th, I believe that's when that's happening

And if you need another thing to do this weekend

There is heritage holidays is going to be taking place at a point bus

Where the citizens are celebrating the holidays there

That's this Saturday from 1 to 5

You can enjoy holiday traditions and decorations of the past

And they're also going to have some foods of this historic period that you can sample

It's $3 for adults and just $2 for students

And hello, I'm being approached here by gentleman, how are you this evening?

Very well, I'm Lon Radke, I'm a greeter at the Brewer's Hospital here

And I just thought I'd come out and check out the facilities and check out the lighting

We have cookies here and for the folks, you can stay in your cars

And we'll come up and give you the cookies

Oh wait, you do cookie deliveries?

You darn right, we will, yep, you sure will

And I just wanted an opportunity to ask that, you know, if people are out in the community

And they'd like to volunteer at a Spirors

Please contact Carrie, we're always looking for volunteers

You know, it's very good to be a part of the community

We have like four-hour shifts, some elderly people

And as younger, come and volunteer and it's just a part of being community here at a Spirors

Well, that's not so bad, a four-hour shift

So tell me what you do in the volunteer segment here

Well, the volunteers, what we'll do is a lot of different departments like surgery or heart and vascular

What we'll do is they'll ask for somebody to push the wheelchair for a person

Or escort them to certain departments here at the hospital

I suppose it can be a little confusing of going from one area to another

And if you need a little assistance to find it, you guys are the people to go to

Yeah, definitely, like I said, you know, we have multiple buildings here

Because we've added on throughout the years

So we have the ER and one section of the hospital

And then we have the clinic over in the other section

So sometimes it's going to be confusing for people when they come

So we'd like to escort them and make sure that they find their way

Well, and that's a long ways to push a wheelchair if you don't know where you're going

And you've got to stop and ask for directions

Yes, definitely

And sometimes in the colder weather too, you know

As you get older, your bones get a little, you get slow down

Oh, that's very true

And we're a little chilled out here tonight

But you know, it's not that bad, I was surprised

Yeah, definitely, you know, I came out here, I don't have my stocking cap on

But I should, it's cold and flu season

But no, it's not that bad, it's actually pretty nice out

It's a good night to be out

And it's a great time to come out and check out the lighting

And a fun event and those cookies do look good

Yes, definitely

And you know, it's such a great event with this lighting of the trees

It's more of a memorial, a lot of people that give the money

Unfortunately lost loved ones

And they want to give back to the community

And they donate money to provide these trees and the lightings

And as they pass through here on the expressway

They have a chance to see the trees

And you know, so nobody wants to be alone during the holidays

So it gives them a little sense of community

And maybe remembering your loved ones at this time

Yeah, a visual representation of the good that they are doing by making this donation

And putting back into the community

Yes, definitely, that's what we're all about here at Aspires

And community is number one

Well, thank you for coming up and talking to me, is it Lon?

Yes, it is, yeah

Let me again just quickly sort for our listeners

How they can get in touch with to help out if they want to volunteer

Well, you can give Carrie a call

She's our volunteer coordinator or Katie

Just call the review of Aspires number, the main line, and they'll get you to them

Wonderful, well thank you for chatting with me

And this gentleman does cookie deliveries

Do you know all the kinds of cookies over there?

Well, I know a few

I know we have Reese's Pieces peanut butter cookies

And I think there's a few other delicious ones

I'm sure there's chocolate chip

No doubt, and they look delicious

They are definitely going to be the dessert on the, or the icing on the cake tonight

Does it cookie on the cookie on the cake?

Is that a thing?

Well, cookie on the cutter or whatever you want you want to say it

But yes

There you go, that's smarter

Thank you for talking to me, Lon

Oh, this is a fun event, you guys need to come down

The parking lot is filling up, we've got more people arriving

So come on down here, we're in parking lot number one

I do believe they want you to enter from the east side of the parking lot

We are down here right by the riverview expressway

You can see us set up

Over right next to the trees here

The actual trees that are going to be lit up

Are down a little bit further

And we will move over there

Well, the people will move over there when we light up the trees at the end of the ceremony

And we do want to mention that the riche and, and Felder funeral home, riche funeral home

Is a sponsor of this event here tonight of lights of love

And they honoring their tagline is honoring lives and celebrating memories

They are one of the sponsors here

And they make a donation in honor of all of the families that they've assisted this last year

Throughout the year to honor them and in their memory

To add another light to the tree

And as I said before, we have Solaris who donated the delicious cookies

And I'm going to go snag one of during the next break here because they do look really yummy

And if you don't want to get out of your car, just open your window and flag lawn down

And he'll come bring you one because they do look good

And then of course we are also sponsors of this event

And we'd love for you to come on up and say hi

And to join us here at the Spiris Riverview Lights of Love

We're going to also talk now about, let's see

We covered the Holy Heritage Holy Days

Oh, the 7th annual Christmas tree walk is also beginning this weekend

It's starting on December 2nd

And running the 2nd, 3rd and 4th from noon to 4

And that's the Southwood County Historical Museum

Located on 543rd Street, South here in Wisconsin Rapids

This is a free event and it's open to all ages

I believe they have multiple levels of trees and decorations

Set up that you can go and wander through in the warmth

And see their annual Christmas tree walk

It's going to also run on December 8th from 5 to 8

And then on December 9th and 10th from noon to 4 again

It's running for 2 weekends

And you can catch this at the Southwood County Historical Museum

Also this weekend is the Wisconsin Rapids Community Choir

Their holiday concert is celebrate the season

And that is at 4 p.m. on Saturday

So after you catch the tree walk you can go down to this wonderful holiday concert

At first congregational church

311 Second Street South here in Wisconsin Rapids

And enjoy the sounds of the season, the songs of the season

With these dedicated corollars

Who have worked hard for this holiday concert for you

And then we also have the...

Oh, of course the winter market is happening on Saturdays now

They are in full swing

This is now in the basement of the Maravian Church

I believe this is the second year that they're in the basement

With their holiday winter mart or not holiday

Well, it may be holiday-ish with the vendors there

With their wares

And you can catch them in the basement of the Maravian Church

They are located at 310 First Avenue South

The market runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

And they do have a Facebook page and also their website to go

And you can see what vendors are going to be there

Or if you want to sign up to be a vendor you can also do that

It's in the basement but they do have an elevator

So you can head down the elevator so it's accessible to everyone

And that is every Saturday this winter from 9 to 1 p.m.

And then we also have...

Let's see, this is just telling me more about the winter market

It's...

Oh, and they, yes, fresh and locally produced food

That is up in the winter time at the Maravian Church

And it does run weekly

It's open to the public, of course

That we wouldn't be telling you about it if it wasn't

And you can get find baked goods, microgreens, spices, apple cider, tamales, eggs, handcraft items, and more

You know, we have such wonderful helpers here tonight

Thank you Frank, right?

Thank you Frank

He is down here directing traffic

He's helping with the lights

I've also got some street lights here so we're doing all right

But come on down here to Lights of Love

We're having a good time

We're going to have the kids out here soon to sing to you

Our program starts at 5.30

Where we move on down to the...

We'll head down to the trees when we do the lighting

But we've got a full program that's starting at 5.30

But come and join us now

Because you can get some delicious cookies

We've got volunteers here

If you want one brought to your vehicle

We've got parking right here in front of where we're set up

So you can come down and join us with the fun that we're having

There's a little bit of dancing going on too

But you know, whatever it takes to stay warm

We've got to do what we can

And so we are going to take another break here for a little bit

But come on down to Lights of Love at Respirus Riverview Hospital

We're in parking lot number one

This is Melissa K with WFHR

A local road radio

Hello this is Melissa K with WFHR 97-5FM 13-20 AM

I am here at a Spirus Riverview Lights of Love

The parking lot is slowly filling up

We've got people arriving

We've got cookies out here so you need to come up and grab a cookie for sure

Because there's so many to choose from

I bet you if you stick your arm out in flag

Somebody will come and ask you what you want as an order

Yep, Lisa is giving me the thumbs up

So if you don't want to venture out of your car

She will happily bring you some choices of cookies

We're having fun down here tonight talking about lights of love

And this wonderful event that does so much for our community

And now I'm excited to have with me Paige Jacken

She is the sixth grade teacher at Rams

And she was in charge of a fun essay contest on giving in the community

Hi Paige

Hi how are you doing tonight

Oh I'm doing good you know I was surprised

I thought I'd be a lot colder than I am

But it's not too bad out here if you're dressed properly

Yeah definitely

Just make sure you have some extra gloves and some scarves and hats

So when you come on down

Yes it's very helpful those layers

You know we live in Wisconsin

And it's an important thing to have layers for sure

So tell me about this contest

Yeah so this is a contest that we open up to all of the sixth grade students

And they all have the opportunity to write about what giving in the community means to them

So we all take some time we brainstorm

We do a lot of fun activities just to get those thoughts flowing

About how they can write and share what really it means to them to give to others

And just for those of us who don't see sixth graders every day remind us the age range here

Yes so the sixth graders are 11 and 12 year olds

Okay and how many sixth grade classes are there at Rams?

We actually have them split so there's four English teachers

And all of the kids are split up between us four English teachers for their English language arts classes

Okay so how many years have you been teaching Paige because I have to say

You strike me as a young young woman

Yes this is my fourth year teaching

Wow so what got you interested in teaching?

I've always I remember growing up just playing with my sisters and we would always play school

So it just kind of naturally went from there

I have a lot of strong teachers that are in my family that I had to look up to

And it just was kind of a natural progression for me to become a teacher as well

And is Rams your first school that you taught at?

Yes I graduated in 2019 and from the University of Wisconsin O'Clar

And then I started my first year teaching the fall of 2020 at Rams

Oh wonderful and I'm so glad that you're here with us

Tell us a little bit more here I've got how many years do you know how many years the sixth graders have been participating in this event?

This is the third year that the sixth graders from Rams are able to participate in this contest

And then the contest you said you give them the option so this is an optional thing that they want to participate

So what we actually do is we have it be an assignment so that all of the kids get to participate

And then once they have their essays written then they can let me know if they would like me to submit their essays

So then it's kind of a choice there and if some of them maybe are a little too nervous we encourage them

All in front of the class and the classmates help encourage them as well to submit their writing

That's wonderful because then it's as an assignment because that's a good assignment

Learning about what giving is in a community and a great thing for 11 and 12 year olds to experience

But then to give them the option of if they want to submit it or not that's wonderful

And then the so this contest in helping them how long do they have to work on this?

So usually we take about one or two class periods and we do a lot of the brainstorming different activities

Just talking about what giving means and all of that and then they have about a week of time to write it

And while they're writing it we're doing other things as well but they have a week to write it, polish it, edit it, and then make it ready

So then they can share in front of the class and then go on to submit it for the giving writing assignment

Wonderful and then when they have that process that they're going along with

Do you help them give them pointers on the polishing or are there any peer reviews that they do throughout the class?

Yeah definitely so in sixth grade they definitely work a lot in partners and small groups

And we go through all of the different steps of editing process just so they can start getting their feet wet on how that all works and how it works in the middle school setting

Wonderful and just jump back here a second what was sixth grade what you wanted to teach when you graduated?

When I graduated I'm trying to think I did student teaching in early elementary and in sixth grade

And I really loved both of them and it just so happened that a job position opened up in sixth grade and I love it

And that's where I'll be for the foreseeable future

So it's always good to love what you do it makes it less of a job and more of a like excitement to go to work every day

How many students do you have?

I have about 75 students and it's always a great time. Six graders are amazing and we have a lot of fun with all the learning that we do

Wonderful and is it you said you're an English teacher so at sixth grade and sorry I went to I did not go to public schools as a kid

I attended a one room school house when I was in grade school so I had one teacher for every subject

But is sixth grade when they split and they have multiple teachers?

Yeah so at Rams they come from all of the different elementary schools in the area and then sixth grade is the first year that they are with all of the sixth graders in the district and they switch from class to class throughout the day

Is that a big transition for them do they do you think that that's just or is it just part of the stepping stones as you progress through school?

Yeah it's definitely part of the stepping stones it's new for them to come but Rams is a great place and the kids love it and they love coming to school

So it's really cool to see those fifth graders become sixth graders and see that regression all that's so great

Well I definitely am appreciative tell us a little bit because give us a sneak preview of who we have coming to join us later

Yeah so we have four of the students that were chosen from Rams we have Micah Ada Vivian and Mason and they all did a really great job

Each one of their writing pieces is a little bit different of a format some are stories some are essays and it's just really cool to see all the hard work that they put into this

And then when they you said that you give them the option to submit their essay how is that process then how do they get chosen?

So then that goes to the board and the committee for the love lights and then out of all of the essays that we give them they go through and then they pick their top four

Wonderful and that's a great learning experience for the students as well to have that excitement of submitting something and then to be chosen

So really looking forward to speaking with them later are all four of them coming tonight yes all four of them will be here

Oh wonderful well thank you for joining me page thank you

Oh we're having so much fun down here at lights of love at a Spirors Riverview hospital

You can join us here in the east or the parking lot number one I keep wanting to say east parking lot

But join us in parking lot number one where we are hanging out we got people in their cars listening in radios

We're there nice and warm we have a whole large selection of cookies that were donated by Salaris and we're very appreciative of them

For donating those they also made a donation to the lights of love foundation

And they are committed to making central Wisconsin a great place to live work and do business

Well it is a little bit chilly the wind has died down so it's actually not too bad out here I'm getting thumbs up from people out there listening

We've got people eating cookies we're having a good time so come down and join us here at a Spirors Riverview hospital in parking lot number one

I'm Melissa K with WFHR locally grown radio

Hello this is Melissa K with WFHR 975 FM 1320 AM I am here at a Spirors Riverview hospital for the lights of love ceremony

We've got people pouring in we've got people walking around getting cookies and the cookies look amazing

So make sure you come on up and get them there's multiple boxes and kinds to choose from and I even see some in reserve

So we're not going to run out anytime soon

I have a new guest here with me now this is Amber hi Amber hi everyone

Amber Holmes correct yes and you are the care coordinator here at a Spirors Riverview hospital

Explain to me what that is

So I would help with any discharge planning that you're yourself or your love one would have at the time you get discharged

So whether that's home health rehab somewhere I help navigate that that next steps for for everyone

So this is after you've had a procedure or after you've had a surgery or something along those lines

It could be after any hospital stay it could be if you're in the ER needing anything it could be sometimes we get needs from the clinic

We just are your support team when you have any discharge obstacles that you need to navigate through

So you're not alone in that process that's wonderful so if you have follow up questions or something isn't feeling quite right

Or you you have another appointment that you need to go afterwards

Will we help just delegate who would be doing that and setting up those needs for you sometimes it is just an overload of information

When you are here at the hospital for any reason and so it's just having that person to help be that go in between to help be your advocate in that sense

Okay so a support system for you as you're navigating this whatever you had done and what what needs to happen afterwards

Yeah in connecting you to community resources or programs that would be a benefit to you or directing you to the aging and disability resource center

When we know that we will anticipate needs ahead of maybe what you're thinking in the moment just to help set you up for success in the future

Because as you said when you're going through something like that there's a lot of information thrown at you all at once

And some of it you don't necessarily understand and if you don't have anybody there with you to help take notes or I know I was that for my mom when she was going through care at the hospital

And to have that other ear there and know you're not alone that's wonderful

Yeah even insurance there's a lot to just know what your insurance covers and that can be hard on its own so we will help with that understanding

Now there you just said the golden words we will help you with understanding insurance coverage that's amazing because that can be such a trial to navigate on your own

So tell me this is you said your first year here with lights of love?

Yes it is I've been a part of this hospital for a very long time but my first time at the event

Wonderful and you said that you're one of the care coordinators is there a whole team of you?

Yes I cannot do this alone so I have a wonderful team that helps me and across our region so we are working together to support you

Whether you're here or at another asparagus hospital within our region so we have a really great team that helps

Absolutely yeah that comes together and can support you I know that there is it I want to say 17 locations but I could be wrong how many

maybe that maybe that's counting clinics and hospitals but I know that we have quite an extensive asparagus system here in the state

So for my case management I we our region services five I believe five different locations that we work through but of course we support the clinics and all those other

extra you know areas of need as needed wonderful you know I'm really excited about them the amount of people that we have here tonight

There is such a crowd gathering thank you for speaking with me tonight Lisa thank you

And we will hear from you again later because you are part of the program that's starting at by 30 correct

I am thank you thank you for talking with me Lisa oh we're having a good time Amber Amber I'm sorry I'm getting confused

I got Lisa here and I got Amber Amber I'm so sorry it's Amber you know she is so sweet she just answers to whatever but that was Amber Holmes

And she is the care coordinator here at asparagus review and as she said if you have any questions she is more than happy to

Help you navigate what you've got after your care that you've received here or you have questions so we're grateful to speak with her

We're doing we're having fun on here people are gathering out here in front of they're coming up for cookies so make sure you come up and grab a cookie

And we're excited soon we're going to have the choir here to sing for us and we've got our our young six graders to share their essays that they wrote

With their from page Jack Jacken the sixth grade to one of the sixth grade teachers in that essay contest on giving in the community as she said there were four different

Teachers that participated in that in the essay contest for the sixth graders we've got the Cindy Bates and Janet

At Elkin are the choir directors for grow school

We got the third through the fifth graders are going to be here to sing for us and we will be starting our program here soon

We're going to take one more quick break before we head to that and then we'll be starting our program at 530 is that correct Lisa?

Yes, that is correct so we are here at asparagus review hospital for lights of love. I'm Alyssa K with WFHR locally grown radio

Slay Bell's ring, are you listening in the lane?

Hi, this is Melissa K with WFHR. We're here at asparagus review with lights of love. I'm going to do a quick interview here with Janet Electna. She's one of the choir directors for the lovely bunch of students

We have here waiting to sing for us. Hi Janet. Hi. So tell us just briefly here what what's going to happen when these kids sing?

Well, you're in for a treat. This is the Grove School Choir and it's a mixture of third, fourth and fifth graders that stay after school to learn the songs and get ready to perform around the community and they're really excited to be here this year.

Oh, I bet. So this is an after school thing. This is even a little takes a little more dedication to be in this group. It does. It does and they were thrilled, excited and most of all when they heard they were going to be on the radio

That was that was just fantastic for them. Oh, wonderful. And I know that your Cindy over there is passing out instruments. We've got kids are dressed up and costume. So if you're not here, you want to be here to hear this. What are they going to sing for us tonight?

They are going to sing up on the house tap and they're going to sing the chip monks song and then we wish you a merry Christmas. Oh, wonderful. That's why I'm impressed. That's a good number of songs. What instruments are they playing?

They have wood blocks and something called a slapstick and some jingle bells, of course. And some jingle bells. Wonderful. Well, I'm going to send you on over there to get ready with the kids. I'm going to talk with Brian quick and then we're going to start with the kids singing. Hi, Brian. How are you doing?

I'm very good. How are you? Oh, I'm doing good. You know, I'm warmer than I thought I would be. So this is a good thing. So it's Brian Keith. Did I get it right?

You did. Yes. And tell us who you are. I'm the president here at a Spirors River View Hospital in clinics. Oh, it's very nice to meet you, sir. So I'm going to hand the microphone over to you and let you get going with the program here.

Sounds good. Thank you very much. Thank you very much. And I have a few written words, but I'll thank you with the light. That's what I need.

So good evening, everyone. And welcome, of course, to the 2023 Spirors Riverview Foundation lights of love, tree lighting ceremony.

As we just discussed, I'm Brian Keith, the president here at a Spirors Riverview. And it is my, my honor, obviously, to open the ceremony tonight.

Now, I will tell you this is only my second time at this ceremony. But throughout my career, I have experienced many ceremonies like this. And I know I just know how special these ceremonies are to everyone.

And we do have the Riverview Hospital auxiliary to thank for establishing this tradition over 20 years ago, a tradition that is now championed by all of us, this entire community.

And that's to me what makes this ceremony that much more unique.

First, let us recall that we are gathered here to remember and honor those who have had an impact on our lives and on our community.

The lights are a symbol of this remembrance and a symbol of how our loved ones are alive within us and within future generations.

When we take these moments to keep that memory and that spirit alive, you know, when I began my leadership at a Spirors Riverview Hospital, I was quickly impressed by the sense of community I felt amongst the team of dedicated caregivers.

You know what's interesting is it didn't stop there. I felt that same sense of community wherever I went, I noticed it in coffee shops, I noticed it at restaurants at the grocery store at the gas station.

I mean, literally everywhere I went, we are so fortunate to have the Spirors Riverview Foundation to proudly carry on the lights of love ceremony.

And we're equally fortunate to be surrounded by the communities we serve, communities like the one I just talked about that truly know what it means to be a community, but also be in community with each other.

Because it is the support from all of you, the community partnerships and the foundation that we can make a difference in the lives of those facing health challenges.

Our community partnerships and last year's proceeds from this event directly support local community based programs focused on substance abuse, substance use, behavioral health, food systems and cancer needs.

Because of you, the lights of love tree will shine brightly throughout the holiday season. Our loved ones, those who came before us, who established this strong sense of community, will live in our memories.

These lights serve as a reminder to honor them by living our lives based on the example they set for us.

I now invite you to join me in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Thank you.

Thank you, Brian. Let's give it up for Brian. Thank you for joining us today and giving the opening.

So now we're going to hear from the students. We're going to head over this way. I'm going to just bring another microphone with me here. I'll give this to you Janet and it's a little so grab.

Okay, you pull and I'll hold that. All right. We're going to set up here to hear the students. They are the third through the fifth graders from Grove School.

And we're going to hear them sing. We've got a number of selections here and I'm just going to get a little bit closer and we're going to let you take it away.

Wonderful job. Yes, give it up for them. All right. Great job. All right. And now we have another song.

We've got a lot of fun for toys and time for cheer. We've been good, but we can't last.

Hurry Christmas, hurry fast. Want to play in the loops and loops. We have won the hula hoop. We can hardly stand away.

Christmas Christmas time is here. Time for toys and time for cheer. We've been good, but we can't last.

Hurry Christmas, hurry fast. Want to play in the loops and loops. We have won the hula hoop. We can hardly stand away.

Please Christmas, don't be late. Oh, nice job. Wonderful. All right. Thank you so much. You guys did a wonderful job. Let's give them another round of applause.