Good morning and welcome to Tuesday! Here are some news items and events as you go through the week: 

Greene Place coordinator wins award

Mark Ballard, the life enrichment coordinator at Greene Place in Seward, was surprised with a Mission Vision Values award from Enlivant on Jan. 11. Enlivant is the company that owns Greene Place. David Thurlow, vice president of operations at Enlivant, said out of thousands of employees, only three are recognized with the Mission Vision Values award because they show compassion and excellence. “You have really stood out,” Thurlow told Ballard. “You show that every day.” Pictured are, from left: Kelsi Leininger, care services manager; Mark Ballard, life enrichment coordinator at Greene Place; Charlotte Runcie, executive director at Greene Place and Ashley Standley, community relations manager at Greene Place. 

Friedrichs to be honored at Fourth of July celebration 

Dr. Laurie Friedrich, longtime educator, and the Rev. Dr. Brian Friedrich, president of Concordia University, are the Nebraskan’s Friend Awardees for July 4 and have been named July 4 Parade Grand Marshals by the 2019 Seward Fourth of July Celebration Committee.

The Seward Fourth of July Celebration will honor the 125th anniversary of Concordia University in Seward. The slogan for the 2019 celebration is “Education-America’s Foundation.” Read more in the Jan. 16 issue of the SCI. 

Happening this week: 

A buddy check for military veterans will be held at Bottle Rocket Brewery tonight from 7 to 9 p.m. Buddy check is an effort by local volunteers to prevent suicide by giving veterans a chance to talk with others who have served over pizza. 

Seward Memorial Library is offering a digital photography class today from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Bring your camera and any lenses you may have.

The Seward Senior Center will hold its monthly potato bake on Thursday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.