The Powell Valley Hospital District Board swore in five members — two returners and three newcomers — at its December meeting while saying goodbye to a longtime board member.

Deb Kleinfeldt chaired a final meeting and then received presents, cake and words of praise.

“You’re special and we’re going to miss you,” board member R.J. Kost said.

Kleinfeldt served four terms on the board and before that was a longtime RN at the hospital.

“It’s been an honor and a privilege,” she said. “I was here a long time as a nurse, it was great, and it was even better on the board. I am very proud of this facility and the people who work here.”

Kleinfeldt said it was time to spend more time on family and have more chances to sit in the bleachers and watch her grandchildren play.

Kost, a former school administrator, made Kleinfeldt a napkin holder with wood from the old gym floor. The napkins, of course, were from the hospital.

New members

Meanwhile, new hospital board members Joni Bennett, Scott McKenzie and Michelle Hill were sworn in, as well as Kost, who won another term, and Christopher Cox, who will get to finish out the final two years of the position he took over a year ago.