SRMC Lab award

SALEM – Salem Regional Medical Center’s (SRMC) Laboratory recently earned national recognition for quality and safety by once again achieving its accreditation from the College of American Pathologists (CAP), with no deficiencies.

“Our Laboratory participates in the CAP accreditation program to ensure that we are meeting the highest standards in patient care,” explained Anita A. Hackstedde, M.D., SRMC President/CEO. “Achieving this accreditation is a tremendous accomplishment that reaffirms our Medical Center’s commitment to providing safe, high-quality laboratory services for our patients and their caregivers.”

“SRMC’s Laboratory was awarded this prestigious accreditation following an extensive on-site inspection of our records and quality control procedures for the preceding two years,” said David Nash, M.D., Medical Director of the Lab and Chairman of the Dept. of Pathology. “CAP inspectors also examined the Lab’s equipment and facilities, safety program and records, staff qualifications and overall management.”

The accreditation runs through 2027.

Widely considered the “gold standard” in laboratory quality assurance, the CAP Laboratory Accreditation Program is recognized by the U.S. government as being equal to or more stringent than the government’s own inspection program.

By renewing its accreditation, SRMC’s Laboratory remains among a distinguished group of more than 8,000 CAP-accredited facilities worldwide that have met the highest standards of excellence.

Fine art show, sale

COLUMBIANA — A showcase of local talent awaits those who will be attending the inaugural Idabelle Firestone Fine Art Show and Sale Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Harvey S. Firestone Park Recreational Park. Various forms of art will be on display for viewing and purchase, such as original drawings,oil paintings, sculptures and other forms of fine art as the artists present their creative visions.

The line-up of artists for this first-ever show come from not only Columbiana, but also Boardman, Poland, North Lima, Canfield, Youngstown, Salem, Leetonia, Enon Valley, and Warren. They include featured artist Nancy Hawkins, plus artists Shari Fry, Beth Basista, Elizabeth Ford, Noreen Yazvac, Jean Nye, Tina McCoy, Lynne Rosati, Grant Menough, Susan Blake, Becky Hawkins, Linda Steele, Anita Weinstock, Gene Brown, Sophie Lynch, Michael McKeehan and Glenda Gano.

Admission and parking is free to the public and visitors may enter at the main pool entrance of the park, leave their vehicle in the main lot and proceed up to the Idabelle Firestone Gathering Place and Garden, built to honor her status as a musical composer, lover of art and creator of artistic gardens in her day. Volunteers and directional signage to the outdoor hilltop amphitheater will assist those attending to the artists’ tables where they wlll be creating their art among the beautiful late Summer blossoms and bushes.

To volunteer as an attendant at the show, call Shari Fry, committee chair, at 330-503-1412.

More information on the artists and the special features of the event can be found on Facebook at Art in Her Heart — The Idabelle Firestone Fine Art Show.

Return to school

SEBRING — Sebring’s McKinley Jr./Sr. High School students won’t have a typical first day of school on Thursday. Roll calls, seating charts, and locker assignments will be replaced with conversation bingo, snacks and a movie, and break-out group activities and games.

The concept of the”Back to School” experience flips the script on the traditional “first day of school.” McKinley Principal Brian Clark explained, “We want to truly welcome students back to school. In doing so, our deeply invested staff created an experience for them to ease back into the school routine with enrichment activities that will open the lines of communication with their peers and with our teachers. Our priority is to engage our students from day one of the school year in a way that is meaningful to them and starts our year off on a positive note.”

This year’s theme will be “Own Your Glitch-Make it Gold;” a nod to the movie “Wreck It Ralph” which students will watch on day one of the “Back to School” experience. The movie’s themes of friendship, overcoming adversity, being a positive influence, self reflection, and teamwork will anchor the two-day event.

Students won’t be in a traditional classroom setting the first day of school and will have abbreviated classes the second day of school. This will allow for enrichment activities, reflection discussions, and academic and team building games such as wheelbarrow and sack races, STEM building challenges and academic races.

The two-day experience will conclude on Friday with a visit from The Sunshine Bus. Students will tour the bus to select comfort items, personal hygiene supplies, and snacks. The day will also feature an “Escape Room” activity and focused presentations on health and wellness.

Craft BeerFest

COLUMBIANA – Sip, shop, dine and dance the night away during the Columbiana Craft BeerFest from 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20, at Town Center in Firestone Farms.

Hosted by volunteers to raise funds for projects in historic Harvey S. Firestone Recreational Park, this year’s beneficiary is Columbiana Project Playground. Columbiana Craft BeerFest supports area businesses as well as the following participating vendors: Barking Squirrel Farms, Due Sorelle Food Imports, Feathered Threads Boutique, Fused With Grace, McKim’s Honeyvine Winery, Our Farm Skin Care, Tena’s Treasures as well as Tommy’s Jerky & Smokies.

In addition to 10 tasting tickets and a 16 ounce master crafter tasting glass, guests also enjoy access to Auntie Anne’s pretzel truck, Mary’s Pizza and Smoke Worx as well as music by Broken Reins and Madame Marlowe.

To enter, guests may be age 21 or older.

The cost is $30 per ticket in advance, $40 at the gate.

Columbiana Project Playground is 501c3 nonprofit organization committed to replacing the existing Funland children’s playground in Columbiana’s Harvey S. Firestone Recreational Park with a new, dynamic, fun, safe and fully accessible playground for all, which will serve generations of children in the broader community and beyond. Learn more about the organization at playatfirestone.com.