Alexander Stidmon, son of Kimberly and Michael Stidmon of Sartell, is among 21 sophomores who have been accepted into the bachelor of science in nursing program at Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa. They were formally inducted into the program during a ceremony on Oct. 16.
Alicia Groth of Sartell was recently named to the summer dean’s list at the College of St. Scholastica, Duluth. She is majoring in nursing.
Students must attain a minimum grade-point average of 3.75 to qualify for the honor.
Debra E. Ritter was recently promoted to senior accountant at Conway, Deuth and Schmiesing, PLLP (CDS) in Sartell. She joined CDS, (formerly the Michael A. Johnson Ltd. firm) in 1977. Ritter graduated from St. Cloud Vocational School (now St. Cloud Technical College) in St. Cloud, with an associate of accounting degree. In 2013, she received her certified payroll professional certification from the American Payroll Association. She focuses on payroll, bookkeeping, tax preparation and year-end financial statements. Ritter currently serves as a board member of the housing unit Meadows Condominiums. She is an active volunteer at Paramount Theatre in St. Cloud and resides in Waite Park.
SCFCU closes branches to update a floor wing at Place of Hope
St. Cloud Federal Credit Union closed its branches on Oct. 12 for its first ever “Community Day” designed to make a difference in the community. The credit union asked its members for ideas in how they could leverage more than 50 employees’ volunteer time on that day. A member of the credit union, Pastor Carol Jean responded that her organization, Place of Hope, had a need. Her building which provides food and shelter for people experiencing homelessness needed a redesign.
“When we heard Place of Hope needed to update its second-floor wing for women and children, we knew it would be a great match for our Community Day,” stated Jed A. Meyer, president and CEO of St. Cloud Federal Credit Union. “Our Community Day was established as part of our organization’s commitment to making a meaningful difference in our community. As a not-for-profit cooperative, we feel part of our responsibility is to give back and helping a great organization like Place of Hope was a great fit.”
Place of Hope believes in rebuilding, repairing and restoring lives for people experiencing homelessness by providing food and shelter. They believe individuals have a right to food, shelter and dignity in living as a basic human need. Painting the facilities is a demonstration of their commitment to provide a warm and inviting environment. In addition to painting all the rooms for women and children, the sea of nearly 50 employees also painted gathering spaces, bathrooms and hallways. Staff at Place of Hope commented the credit union team was able to accomplish in one day what took them 10 months to accomplish the year before. St. Cloud Federal Credit Union also donated $500 and brought in lunch that day for the community.
Place of Hope provides 7,000 meals per month with more than 100 people per night sleeping in the facilities. They continue to look for volunteers to help sustain the organization. People looking to help can contact 320-203-7881 or visit their web site for more information at www.placeofhopeministries.org.
St. Cloud Federal Credit Union was extremely proud to kick off its first ever Community Day. They were also pleased that other credit unions across the state participated in a day of giving on Oct. 12. Around the state, nearly 1,000 credit-union employees dedicated more than 6,200 total volunteer hours scattering kindness in their communities. Participating credit unions estimate the collective reach through efforts on that day impacted more than 18,000 people – an active demonstration of the industry’s philosophy of “People Helping People.”
Nicholas Colatrella, OD, FAAO, recently attended Academy 2015 New Orleans from Oct. 7-10. Academy 2015 New Orleans was the 94th annual meeting of the American Academy of Optometry and the theme of the meeting was Today’s Research, Tomorrow’s Practice®. Highlights of the meeting included nearly 250 hours of continuing education courses, scientific presentations and an exhibit hall with more than 150 booths. More than 7,400 optometrists, vision care professionals, vision scientists and optometry students from around the world attended this prestigious meeting.
At this year’s meeting, Dr. Colatrella was awarded Diplomate status in the Anterior Segment Section of the American Academy of Optometry. Approximately 7 percent of Fellows of the American Academy of Optometry have achieved the distinction of being a Diplomate.
Professionals who become Fellows of the Academy must complete a rigorous candidacy process. Candidates submit extensive written work and must also pass an oral examination. A panel of leading optometrists and vision scientists must approve both the written work and oral examination. Less than 10 percent of practicing optometrists are Fellows of the Academy. Fellows of the American Academy of Optometry constantly strive for the highest professional standards. The American Academy of Optometry annual meetings are recognized as presenting the latest in research and information on patient and vision care.
