Jen Melton has joined the Epworth Village family as a psychotherapist.  Melton graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Human relations from Doane College in 2003.  During that time she worked as a Wraparound Care Coordinator for "at risk" families with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. 
Melton graduated with a Masters of Arts in Counseling from Doane College in 2007 and completed internships at Geneva YRTC, Munroe Meyer Institute at Crete Medical Center, Mourning Hope in Lincoln and BryanLGH Medical Center West on the child and adolescent psychiatric unit.  Along with working full time at Epworth Village, Melton is also a part-time therapist at BryanLGH and co-facilitates men's domestic violence groups. 
"Through my professional experiences I have seen first hand how family involvement is often the key to making progress in a child's treatment," said Melton.  "I really like the family-centered approach that Epworth Village has to offer and I am excited to be a part of the treatment team.  My goal as a therapist is to help children and families find the tools, resources and support they need to create workable treatment solutions in a positive and safe environment."
Melton lives in Lincoln and enjoys spending time with her chocolate lab, partner Tom as well as family and friends.  She enjoys living a healthy lifestyle, is a vegetarian and likes to run, hike and go kayaking.  

York County Fair in the spotlight
Don't miss the York County Fair edition which if I remember right, should have showed up in your paper today.  From what I've seen, the Fair schedule is packed full of great and fun activities. There's a little bit of everything for everyone. Don't miss it. I know that we have the grandkids coming this week and I've got a feeling that we won't get away with not riding the rides and getting a little cotton candy.  I just hope I'm up to the task.


Noah wouldn't make it today
I received the following this week in an email and it really hits home for a lot of people.  Since I was a little short of time this week on the Business Beat side I'm going to include this and see what you think.
In the year 2008, the Lord came unto Noah, who was now living in the United States, and said: "Once again, the earth has become wicked and over-populated, and I see the end of all flesh before me. Build another Ark and save 2 of every living thing along with a few good humans."
He gave Noah the blueprints, saying: "You have 6 months to build the Ark before I will start the unending rain for 40 days and 40 nights." Six months later, the Lord looked down and saw Noah weeping in his yard - but no Ark.
"Noah!" He roared, "I'm about to start the rain! Where is the Ark?"  "Forgive me, Lord," begged Noah, "'but things have changed. I needed a building permit and I've been arguing with the inspector about the need for a sprinkler system.  My neighbors claim that I've violated the neighborhood zoning laws by building the Ark in my yard and exceeding the height limitations.
We had to go to the Development Appeal Board for a decision. Then the Department of Transportation demanded a bond be posted for the future costs of moving power lines and other overhead obstructions, to clear the passage for the Ark 's move to the sea. I told them that the sea would be coming to us, but they would hear nothing of it.
Getting the wood was another problem. There's a ban on cutting local trees in order to save the spotted owl. I tried to convince the environmentalists that I needed the wood to save the owls - But no go! When I started gathering the animals, an animal rights group sued me. They insisted that I was confining wild animals against their will. They argued the accommodations were too restrictive, and it was cruel and inhumane to put so many animals in a confined space.
Then the EPA ruled that I couldn't build the Ark until they'd conducted an environmental impact study on your proposed flood. I'm still trying to resolve a complaint with the Human Rights Commission on how many minorities I'm supposed to hire for my building crew. Immigration and Naturalization are checking the green-card status of most of the people who want to work.
The trades unions say I can't use my sons. They insist I have to hire only Union workers with Ark-building experience. To make matters worse, the IRS seized all my assets, claiming I'm trying to leave the country illegally with endangered species.
So, forgive me, Lord, but it would take at least 10 years for me to finish this Ark."
Suddenly the skies cleared, the sun began to shine, and a rainbow stretched across the sky. Noah looked up in wonder and asked, "You mean you're not going to destroy the world?
"No," said the Lord.  "Looks like the government beat me to it."

Thought for the week
All growth involves saying good-bye to some things and saying hello to new possibilities.

If you have some Business Beat news or tips to direct my way, call 362-5180 and leave a message or drop an email to news@yorknewstimes.com with the words "business beat" in the subject line.  You can also mail the item to Business Beat, c/o York News-Times, P.O. Box 279, York, NE 68467.  Dave Sjuts photo courtesy of Abbott Studio.