In this series, award-winning author, Franciscan Father Michael H. Crosby makes a strong case for moving from dominative ways of relating to building trust and collaboration, which leads to greater love and compassion in the world. These dynamics are applicable at all levels: personal, organizational and within families as well as in the workplace. Sessions include viewing of the DVD and group discussions.

The program is to be offered on Tuesdays from Feb. 28 to April 3, from 6-7:30 p.m. in the St. Francis Spirituality Center in Tiffin. The cost is $35, which includes all materials. For groups of six or more, the cost is $30 per person.

Registration by Feb. 17 is requested by contacting Jenifer at 419-443-1485 or peace@franciscanretreats.org.

Tiffin Franciscan Sister Jackie Doepker, community minister, looks forward to welcoming old and new friends to the sisters’ Mardi Gras event Feb. 18. (Photo courtesy of Tiffin Franciscan Sisters)

The event is to include live entertainment, dancing with the “stars” of Tiffin, traditional Cajun cuisine and drink, a live auction and mystery guests. Revelers will enjoy roasted Cajun potatoes, beignets, crab cakes, pralines, Cajun meatballs, Cajun deviled eggs, chicken, fresh fruit and King Cake. Hurricanes, wine and beer will also be served.

The event is to be held at the Elizabeth Schaefer Apartments auditorium, 190 St. Francis Ave., from 6:30-10 p.m.

Corporate sponsors include Linda S. Ritzler, CPA; Hempy Water Conditioning Inc.; Clouse Electric, Ltd.; Old Fort Banking Company; Jeffrey Jewelry; Quick Tab II; Viewpoint Graphics, Inc.; BJ Pallet; K.S. Wikoff; Lesher Printers; Diversified Graphics, Inc.; and Tiffin Scenic Studios.

Tickets are $30 each or two for $50 if purchased in advance.

Tickets are available by calling 419-447-0435 or may be purchased in Tiffin at St. Francis Convent; St. Francis Spirituality Center; Law Offices of Lange, Devine and Claus; Law Offices of Dell Burtis and Anspach; Office of Linda Ritzler, CPA; Knights of Columbus or Tiffin Ace Hardware.

Landon Gaige Swartz, the first baby born in 2012 at Mercy Tiffin Hospital, is with his parents, Samantha and Justin Swartz of Upper Sandusky. (Photo courtesy of Mercy Tiffin Hospital)

As Mercy Tiffin’s first baby of the year, Landon and his parents, Justin and Samantha Swartz of Upper Sandusky, were the recipients of a teddy bear from the Mercy Tiffin Gift Shop and a child’s Amish handcrafted oak rocker.

Landon has an older sister, Lilian, 20 months, who was also born at Mercy Tiffin Hospital. The Swartzes chose to return to Mercy Tiffin because they had a wonderful experience at the family birthing center there when Lilian was born.

“The nurses at Mercy Tiffin are extremely helpful,” says Mr. Swartz. “Everything is wonderful.”

“This is going to be a lot of fun,” says Tiffin Franciscan Sister Shirley Shafranek, educator at the FELC. “We’re going to explore our solar system and the universe with telescopes and through a lot of activities, including games.”

Participants are asked to bring sleeping bags or blankets and are to sleep at the FELC, which is on the St. Francis Community campus at 200 St. Francis Ave., Tiffin.

For more information or to register, call 419-448-7485.

Mrs. Balliet was nominated by Heather Iannello, manager of the hospital’s HELP program.

Marie Balliet, second from left, was honored by Mercy Tiffin Hospital with the Managerial Excellence Award. With her, from left, are Sheila Sauter, regional director of patient access for Mercy Health Partners; Heather Iannello, manager of the hospital’s HELP program and Dale Thornton, president and CEO of Mercy Tiffin Hospital. (Photo courtesy of Mercy Tiffin Hospital)

“Marie strives daily to make a difference for her employees, patients, hospital staff and anyone she comes into contact with,” says Ms. Iannello. “Her drive and motivation is an example for all to follow.”

Mrs. Balliet is the manager of patient access at Mercy Tiffin. She started her career at the hospital more than 16 years ago as an admitting clerk, switchboard operator and cashier. In 2000, Ms. Balliet became the supervisor of registration and in 2006 she became manager of the patient access department. In addition, she leads the employee engagement team and is a member of the patient safety committee.

“Marie is an excellent example of what customer service should look like,” says Sheila Sauter, regional director of patient access for Mercy Health Partners. “Marie will go out of her way to assist our patients and our staff.”

In addition to her dedication to Mercy Tiffin, Mrs. Balliet and her staff visit a local soup kitchen to serve meals each year.

“Marie is a self starter, who loves a challenge and has excellent analytical abilities,” says Ms. Sauter. “She is always upbeat and positive. It is a privilege to work with Marie and I truly enjoy her bubbly personality and caring attitude.”

Mrs. Balliet lives in Sycamore with her husband Kyle and her son Cole.

Hospital managers are nominated by their peers based on their ability to make a difference both inside Mercy Tiffin Hospital and in the community. Other criteria include accountability as a leader, growth in their profession, being a high achiever, displaying enthusiasm and serving as a role model for others to emulate.

Managers nominated in 2011 include David Gardner, pharmacy manager and Laura Gaietto, emergency care center and intensive care unit manager.

Past recipients of the award include Sue Bigelow, manager of imaging services; Travis Grasley, manager of cardiopulmonary services; David Recker, manager of plant operations; Teri Henry, manager of the Mercy medical surgical unit; and Bernie Steinmetz, manager of development, donor relations and volunteers.