It is unique, it is heartfelt and it is earned.
The Christmas Tie is another wonderful staple that brings to light all that is endearing and special about Rock Valley Physical Therapy.
“When Rock Valley people gather, and they always gather as a family, they look forward to many things, and this is one of them,’’ Rock Valley Physical Therapy founder Steve Layer said of the company’s Christmas Tie, annually awarded to a Rock Valley family member picked by the previous year’s recipient. The goal is to recognize someone who exemplifies all that Rock Valley Physical Therapy stands for.
This year’s recipient exemplifies all of the aforementioned traits and more.
And more. And more. And more.
Recently, Shari Huber, PT, DPT, the 2021 Christmas Tie recipient, awarded the tie to Wendy Bloomhuff, PT, DPT, OCS, CSMT, TPS, Regional Manager, at Rock Valley’s annual Christmas gathering held at the gorgeous Rock Island, Ill.-based Stern Center.
“I have been blessed to be “brought up” around so many amazing people in the Rock Valley family, many of whom have worn the tie before me,’’ Bloomhuff said. “Receiving the tie this year felt like the melding of so many great memories, emotions and relationships. Some of these relationships were born years ago, while others are fairly new, but strong all the same. And receiving this honor from Shari, whom I love and respect deeply, was definitely humbling.”
She’s an amazing person, and an even more amazing friend,’’ Bloomhuff added. “I am excited to carry on the Rock Valley Christmas tie tradition, and so very thankful for my Rock Valley family.’’
For Layer, the tie is a simple reflection of Rock Valley’s commitment to those it serves and the relationships formed with patients and among co-workers.
“The Christmas Tie means something,’’ he said, noting the tie was gifted to him by Verna Trevor, a dear and caring patient from Moline, Ill., where Rock Valley first set down roots nearly four decades ago. Trevor was so taken with Layer’s care and compassion, that she surprised him one day — during the holiday season — with a red, Christmas-themed tie.
Layer said he wore the tie for a couple of years and received a bevy of compliments from staff and patients alike.
“It really seemed like it wasn’t Christmas until I showed up wearing the tie,’’ Layer said with a chuckle. “People loved it. And you couldn’t just wear it once.’’
Soon after, Layer, one of life’s gracious and caring souls, decided he would pass along the tie to the Rock Valley staffer that best exemplified the values and standards of Rock Valley in and away from company clinics. Greg Blaske, PT, OCS, FAAOMPT, was the first recipient.
“It’s just another one of those “things’’ that makes us different,’’ added Layer.. “It’s really special to me. This year’s recipient will do it proud.’’
Yes she will.
By: Johnny Marx, Storyteller