WhiteStone Wellness Center announces that Karen LaForce, a nationally certified massage therapist, recently completed CranioSacral Therapy Level 2 training from the Upledger Institute. She is now eligible for technique certification from the Upledger Institute.

The craniosacral system consists of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. CranioSacral Therapy is a gentle method of detection and correction within this system that encourages natural healing mechanisms to dissipate negative effects of stress on the central nervous system.

¢ Douglas County Visiting Nurses and Hospice Care announces that Judy Bellome, chief executive officer, and Kim Lowry, marketing and development manager, have been appointed by the Douglas County Commission to serve on the Jayhawk Area Agency on Aging Tri-County Advisory Council.

Jayhawk Area Agency on Aging Inc.’s mission is to advocate on aging issues, build community partnerships and implement programs within Shawnee, Jefferson and Douglas counties to help seniors live independent and dignified lives.

Bellome will serve until Sept. 30. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from the University of St. Mary’s in Leavenworth and a master’s degree in nursing from Iona College in New York. Lowry will serve until Sept. 30, 2008. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in business management from Friends University in Wichita.

¢ Mike McCarthy, a 1987 graduate of Baker University, has been named head football coach of the Green Bay Packers. McCarthy was a former team captain and two-year letterman and tight end at Baker. McCarthy earned a master’s degree and assisted with the football team at Fort Hays State University. He coached for the Kansas City Chiefs and was offensive coordinator for New Orleans and San Francisco.

¢ Jacki Ibbetson, a physical therapist with Lawrence Therapy Services and Baldwin Therapy Services, attended a continuing education course “Current Concepts of the Treatment and Rehabilitation of the Athlete” at Kansas University Medical Center. The course focused on helping injured athletes return to play. She also attended a course “Current Concepts for Knee and Shoulder Rehabilitation” in Omaha, Neb. The course focused on efficient evaluation techniques and current exercise technology for the knee and shoulder.

¢ M & T Capra Cattle Co., Overbrook, is a new member of the American Angus Assn., which is the largest beef cattle registry association.

¢ Tami Clark has joined Headquarters Counseling Center as volunteer coordinator. Clark is a 2000 graduate of Kansas University’s School of Social Welfare. She was director of the Community Drop-in Center for four years.

¢ Cheryl Wonnell, of Creative Advertising Inc., attended the Promotional Products Association International show in Las Vegas. She completed the class requirements for her Master Advertising Specialist degree. The degree requires 100 hours of classes in addition to the 70 hours she had completed to receive her Certified Advertising Specialist degree in 1994. She will take the MAS examination to receive her degree.

Honors and awards

Peoples Bank had its fourth annual Peoples Promise Awards on Feb. 4 at the Camelot Ballroom in Overland Park. The ceremony recognized excellence in performance and service within Peoples Bank throughout 2005.

A special presentation “Above and Beyond,” was made to celebrate the grand opening of Peoples Bank in Red River, N.M.

Area award recipients were Melaina Walker, Ottawa, Consumer Lender of the Year; Matt Blecha, Stilwell, External Banker of the Year; Davin Schuler, Lawrence, Professional Services Producer of the Year; CEO’s Return on Quality “ROQ” Award, Lawrence branch; and Stakeholders Market of the Year, Lawrence branch.

Peoples Bank has 14 locations across northeast Kansas and northern New Mexico.

¢ Robbin Loomas took top awards at the Kansas Professional Photographers Assn. winter seminar Jan. 28-29 at the Lawrence Holidome. Loomas took first and second place in the illustrative category and her print “Strong City” had the highest overall score. Robbin is the owner of Sterling Image Photography in Lawrence.

¢ Baker University President Daniel Lambert, who will retire at the end of the 2005-06 academic year after leading Baker for 19 years, will receive the Business Person of the Year Award from the Baldwin City Chamber of Commerce.

The chamber also will honor Linda Ballinger as the Community Service Award winner. She is president of the Baldwin City Community Theater and on the board of directors of the Lumberyard Arts Center Project, where she is co-chairwoman of the management committee.

Lambert and Ballinger will be recognized at the Baldwin City Chamber of Commerce annual awards dinner at 6 p.m. March 10 at the Lodge, 502 Ames St.

Coming events

The Twilight Chapter of American Business Women’s Assn. will meet at 6 p.m. Monday at the American Legion, 3408 W. Sixth St. To make reservations, call Connie Torneden at (913) 723-3576.

¢ Sigma Theta Tau Internation-al, a regional chapter of the Honor Society of Nursing, is offering a continuing education opportunity for nurses on March 2. “Strength-Based Leadership: From Vision to Action” will be presented by Daniel Pesut, past president of the society.

For more information or to register, call Linda King at (785) 354-5115 or e-mail Lking@sftnet.org.