Lowell Kruse bows out from Heartland with a hug and a smile for Fiona Hummer Friday evening with his wife, Leslie, by his side.
It was a hoedown in a parking lot at Heartland Regional Medical Center on Friday, as the hospital celebrated 25 years, as well as the retirement of its 25-year CEO.
With local band VandelSnook belting out country tunes and a horse-drawn carriage offering rides, Heartland staff and other community members gathered beneath a large white tent to wish Lowell Kruse the best as he prepares to leave the hospital. The evening also included barbecue, games such as a beanbag toss (officially called the cow-pie fly), as well as plenty of hay bales.
"Lowell grew up on a farm, so we decided to go with a 'Happy Trails' theme," said Salli Strain of Hands of Hope Hospice.
Although the focus of the event - complete with a bus set up as a recording studio for video goodbyes and a post-dinner presentation - clearly was Mr. Kruse, he was quick to turn the attention back to Heartland.
"We're celebrating 25 years of Heartland, really," he said. "And I've been hearing all night how proud people have been to work for Heartland. When you have people with that kind of pride, you can't ask for anything more."
There also were people in attendance representing years of dedication that come close to rivaling Mr. Kruse's, including a group of gift-shop volunteers.
"We all think a lot of Lowell," said volunteer Virginia Chandler. Comparing her 19 years of service to his 25, she added with a laugh, "but he's getting paid for it, and I'm not."
It seemed, though, that in the eyes of those who made speeches in his honor, he's been worth every cent.
"Looking around here, looking at the facility and at all these friends who have gathered, you should feel very proud," David Jones, process leader for Heartland's support services, said to Mr. Kruse. " : There are many of us here who wish you the best, because : you have given the best."
Mr. Kruse also will be honored at a dinner tonight at Heartland. Earlier this month, the hospital's board began interviewing the finalists in its search for a new CEO.
Erin Wisdom can be reached
at ewisdom@npgco.com.
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goobentrot says...
I think the public would like to know just who the people are that make up Heartland's board of directors. The fact that Heartland is the areas largest and only local health care facility. Non profit supposedly aren't you curious who these people are?
June 27, 2009 at 4:33 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
lithoguy says...
The Board of Directors is listed on their website.
http://www.heartland-health.com/body....
June 27, 2009 at 8:53 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
goobentrot says...
Thank you lithoguy for helping me see the light. There appears to be two boards. The Heartland foundation board consisting of 26 members and the Heartland Regional Medical Center board consisting of 10 members. Aside from the physicians I don't know most of these people or what their qualifications are for the job they are doing. I think the News Press could really fill in some blanks here.
June 27, 2009 at 10:54 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
238er says...
gooben, there are 4 boards, CHP, HRMC, HHS & Foundation. I know most board members. Many are business leaders in our community. To be an active knowledgeable member of our community means to know who the leaders of our businesses are.
June 27, 2009 at 12:03 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Firefly28 says...
MichaelH
Wow, your bee sting dilema sounds horrible. You probably could have gone to the emergency room and had a bit longer of a wait time. I have to wonder though, if you are that allergic to bee stings, why don't you have a bee sting kit for emergencies? I must say that I have always had very positive experiences at Urgent Care, and I would encourage anyone who needs immediate medical care to utilize their services. I know it is so much more convenient than going to the emergency room or waiting till the next week to get in to see my primary care physician. I have gone to Urgent Care several times, and the staff is always friendly and helpful. I may have to wait in a room for a little bit when I go there, but I also know that it is the most prompt service I can get in this area. I suppose next time you could go to a Kansas City hospital and sit in the emergency room for 2-3 hours before you even get seen. Would that be more convenient for you? One other thing, so many people out there want to bash Heartland for this and that, but the same people you have these bitter feelings about may be the same people to save your life someday, the same way that they save hundreds of other peoples lives EVERY SINGLE DAY OF THE YEAR! I SAY WAY TO GO HEARTLAND!
June 27, 2009 at 4:48 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
AdAstra says...
@MichaelH
You forgot to mention that this was AFTER you were seen by a provider. Next time peek out and say something, nobody is perfect.
June 27, 2009 at 4:54 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Firefly28 says...
MichaelH
I am just curious, how long was your wait when you were literally forgotten about? I can't say that I have ever been at Urgent Care for any longer than an hour, and I have probably been there 5 times in the last year. That is from the time I walk in the door, get seen & treated, and walk back out the door. I think that is pretty quick!
June 27, 2009 at 5 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )