When Sterling Village began its search for members of the board of directors, the goal was finding people with a variety of experiences and talents. That goal has been met, said Karen Smith, administrator at the long-term-care residence.

            The first board meeting was in February but the full seven-member board met for the first time recently. Officers elected are President Steve Seidl, Vice President Monte Ball and Secretary/Treasurer Sherry Jones.

            “The quality of this board is outstanding,” Smith said. “We have seven community members who are intelligent and insightful, representing varied backgrounds.

            “Because they understand the needs at Sterling Village and are tuned in to the community as a whole, their insights will help us continue to provide high-quality care. We are honored to have these volunteers serve for the benefit of our elders and the community.”

            Board President Steve Seidl, Hutchinson, is no stranger to Sterling Village. For almost 20 years, he was director of Environmental Services there. He now works part-time at the First United Methodist Church in Hutchinson.

            Seidl also is personally acquainted with Sterling Village. His parents were residents there before they passed.

            “My dad lived here for 2-and-a-half years when he could no longer stay at home and be safe,” Seidl recalled. “As a family, we knew this was where he should be. He wanted to be here and he knew everyone.

            “I feel honored to serve on the board because I want to help Sterling Village continue to be a great place to live when someone can no longer be at home,” he added.

            Sterling Village has had a 5-star rating for the past few years, demonstrating its reputation at the state level as “an outstanding residence,” Seidl said, noting this is the highest ranking possible.

            “This is the result of quality care and a very well-maintained building,” the board president commented. “The staff here is great and the building makes you feel right at home. It has been updated and is always clean.

“You can see right away how staff members care for the elders; they are always smiling when you meet them in the hallways.”

            Seidl said his goal as a board member is to be “a positive influence and encourage residents of Sterling and the surrounding area to support Sterling Village so that it remains a vital part of Rice County. It is so important to provide a home-like atmosphere where people can live with neighbors instead of strangers.”

            Amy Foster, Sterling, senior pastor of Sterling First United Methodist Church, views her position on the board as a “great way to be an advocate for those in need of care. It is our responsibility, calling and privilege to care for one another.

            “The staff members I have met are very caring and compassionate,” Foster continued. “I truly believe they want the very best for elders and their families.”

            Other board members and their professions are: Monte Ball of Sterling, Human Resources director at Jacam Chemicals; Lorene Bethel of Alden, retired registered nurse at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center; Judy Hodgson of rural Little River, chief nursing officer at Rice County District Hospital; Cliff Moore of Sterling, director of the Emergency Medical Services program at Hutchinson Community College; and Sherry Jones of Sterling, crop specialist at Farm Bureau Insurance.