• Verizon Wireless has donated $2,000 to The Willow Domestic Violence Center in Lawrence as part of the company’s national HopeLine program, which is dedicated to assisting communities, local shelters and agencies in ending domestic violence. HopeLine from Verizon turns no-longer-used wireless phones into support for victims and survivors of domestic violence. Proceeds from the HopeLine program are used to provide wireless phones and airtime to victims of domestic violence and cash grants to local shelters and nonprofit organizations that focus on domestic violence prevention.

• Kief’s Audio/Video’s music department manager Steve Wilson was a featured guest on Steve Kraske’s Dec. 17 “Up to Date” program on Kansas City’s public radio affiliate (KCUR-FM, 89.3). Several of Wilson’s selections and commentaries were included in an hourlong program devoted to the Best Pop and Indie Music of 2010 (kcur.org/UTDarchive.html).

• Libby Schmanke, board certified art therapist, has been elected by other credentialed art therapists nationwide to a director position on the Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB). Schmanke’s elected position follows her current appointed position on the board.

• Lawrence Parks and Recreation Department held its annual Holiday Luncheon and Teamwork Recognition on Dec. 17. During the luncheon, the Tom Wilkerson Teamwork Awards were also presented. The awards, established in 1999, have three categories: I and II are for an individual or group of employees who exemplify teamwork in both full-time and part-time capacities; III is given to an outside agency or city department, individual or group who has assisted the department in obtaining success.

Receiving teamwork awards for Category I (full-time employees) were: Paul Baumchen, Rodney Croucher, Brent Hill, Lenny Irey, Lee Ice and Jamie Reed.

Receiving teamwork awards for Category II (part-time employees) were: Fran Hopkins, Carolyn McGruder and Beverly Mumford.

Receiving teamwork awards for Category III (other groups or individuals) were: Black & Veatch, Westar Energy, Fred DeVictor, David Ambler and Tom Sheely.

• The Kansas Foundation for Medical Care Inc. has appointed Kenneth C. Mishler of Lawrence as its new president and chief executive officer. Mishler will succeed Larry W. Pitman, who will retire Jan. 31, after more than 33 years of service to KFMC. Mishler, who has 25 years of experience in health care, will assume his new role effective Feb. 1.