On behalf of the JH Walker Foundation, Lindsay and Justin Walker recently donated sleep sacks and car seats to MyMichigan Medical Centers in Midland, Alma, Clare and Tawas ensuring that infants and children leaving the hospital can travel safely.
At the far right is Denise O’Keefe, executive director, MyMichigan Health Foundation. To the left of her is Justin Walker, and next to Justin is Lindsay Walker. They are pictured with team members of MyMichigan Health Foundation and MyMichigan Medical Centers Midland and Alma.
MyMichigan Health
In December, McLaren Central Michigan recognized labor and delivery nurse Angela VanBuren, RN (second from left), with a Daisy Award, part of a nationwide program to honor outstanding nurses.
McLaren Health Care
Dow Credit Union is returning more than $18 million this year through its annual Member Giveback program.
Courtesy of Dow Credit Union
Jerry Ritzert is the new Chief Financial Officer of Isabella Bank Corporation.
Courtesy of Isabella Bank
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Dave Clark
The JH Walker Foundation recently continued its annual holiday tradition of donating sleep sacks and car seats to MyMichigan Health. This donation is part of the Walker family’s ongoing dedication to support child safety and enrichment and will benefit MyMichigan Medical Centers in Midland, Alma, Clare, Tawas and Standish.
The JH Walker Foundation was established to honor the memory of James Henry (Jimmy) Walker, who tragically passed away in an automobile accident 10 years ago when he was just 4 months old. Those interested in more information on the JH Walker Foundation may visit www.jhwalkerfoundation.org or www.facebook.com/JHWalkerFoundation.
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The donation helps ensure that the tiniest patients leave the hospital with essential resources to sleep safely and travel securely.
“This initiative reflects the heart of our mission,” said Lindsay Walker, executive director, JH Walker Foundation. “Every baby deserves a safe start, and we are honored to partner with our health care providers to help families and their little ones.”
Sleep sacks provide a safe alternative to loose blankets, reducing the risk of sleep-related injuries, while properly fitted car seats help protect infants during travel. Together, these items play a critical role in keeping babies safe and free from preventable harm during their earliest and most vulnerable days.
For many families, access to these essential safety items can be a challenge. By providing sleep sacks and car seats, the JH Walker Foundation helps remove barriers and promotes best practices for infant safety.
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“This generous holiday donation helps give parents peace of mind and supports our shared goal of protecting children from injury. The JH Walker Foundation’s ongoing commitment to infant safety makes a meaningful difference for families at a time when it matters most,” said Denise O’Keefe, executive director, MyMichigan Health Foundation.
McLaren Central Michigan honors VanBuren with DAISY Award as outstanding nurse
McLaren Central Michigan has again recognized a deserving nurse with a DAISY Award, a nationwide program to honor outstanding nurses.
Labor and delivery nurse Angela VanBuren, RN, is the hospital’s latest recipient.
“The DAISY Award is a meaningful reminder of the courage, compassion, and dedication nurses bring to their patients each and every day,” said Robert David, McLaren Central Michigan President and CEO. “It is our privilege to honor Angela for her exceptional actions, and to recognize all nurses who answer the call to serve through this profession.”
Winners receive a hand-carved Healer’s Touch Sculpture, a bouquet of daisies, a commemorative pin, and cinnamon rolls for their department.
VanBuren was recognized by a first-time mother she provided care for:
“Angela is the absolute best nurse I have ever had. She assisted with the delivery of my baby through the last 8 hours of my 19.5 hours of labor. She was the primary nurse throughout my stay. She held me for some of my worst contractions. She helped me talk through the fear of getting an epidural and held me in a comforting hug while they inserted the epidural.
“She was unbelievably kind and made sure I had everything I needed and also provided support to my husband as well. My husband and I struggle with feeling like an inconvenience, and she made us feel safe and comfortable asking questions. She was so unbelievably friendly and kind. She felt like a part of our family by the time we left the hospital.
“I truly believe she went above and beyond what her job required and made a very traumatic experience actually feel OK. She also was fantastic with my baby after delivery and showed us numerous times how to swaddle her as we were still unsure. I cannot express how much I appreciated Angela’s care during my stay.”
Dow Credit Union returning more than $18M through Member Giveback
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Dow Credit Union is returning more than $18 million this year through its annual Member Giveback program.
Beginning in January, qualifying members will see their Giveback deposited directly into their accounts—real dollars returned for everyday saving, borrowing, and spending with the credit union.
“This is our annual way of saying thank you,” said Michael Goad, President and CEO of Dow Credit Union. “Your loyalty and engagement as members are what make our work meaningful. Because you choose to bank with us, we’re able to return real value through meaningful rewards—putting it right back in your hands and helping support your financial goals.”
This year’s distribution marks Dow Credit Union’s 45th consecutive year of giving back, continuing a long-standing tradition of sharing financial success directly with the member-owners it serves. Since 1980, the credit union has returned more than $331.6 million to members, a distinction shared by only a small number of credit unions nationwide.
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Members earn funds back by choosing reward- or rebate-eligible products. This year, the program boasts a 30% return of the additional interest paid to members with eligible deposits, 30% of the interest paid on eligible loans, and a 0.125% rebate based on net Visa debit card usage.
Isabella Bank names Ritzert as Chief Financial Officer
Isabella Bank Corporation has announced that Gerald J. Ritzert, CPA, has been appointed Chief Financial Officer, effective January 5.
“We are pleased to add Jerry to our leadership team,” said Jerome Schwind, President and Chief Executive Officer of Isabella Bank Corporation. “His deep banking expertise and track record of improving financial performance and supporting strategic growth will be a strong asset as we continue to build Isabella Bank’s market position.”
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Ritzert offers more than 30 years of accounting and finance experience, including senior leadership roles in the banking industry. His background includes asset-liability management, capital planning, investment portfolio strategy, and financial reporting. Over the course of his career, he has led initiatives focused on profitability, risk management, and operational efficiency.
Ritzert holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration—Accounting from Robert Morris College in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and is a Certified Public Accountant. He has also served on several boards and committees, including the Greater Beloit Economic Development Council and the Financial Managers Society.
Ritzert and his wife, Laure, will relocate from Roscoe, Illinois, to Mount Pleasant. Natives of Pittsburgh, they look forward to becoming an active part of the Isabella Bank community.
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