SE*ED: A Pictorial History of Grinnell

A new pictorial history of Grinnell called “Images of America: Grinnell” will be the subject of Grinnell Regional Medical Center’s Senior Education Program on Monday, Oct. 5. 

The authors, Lynn Cavanagh and Mary Schuchmann, will discuss what they learned about Grinnell in putting together the book, which was published in July by Arcadia Publishing Company.

The book contains 209 vintage photographs, starting with the founding of the town and continuing through the 1990s. The photos came from Drake Community Library, Grinnell College Archives, and the Grinnell Historical Museum, as well as through the generosity of local individuals and families.

The program will focus on some of Cavanagh’s and Schuchmann’s favorite photos.  Signed copies of the book will be available for purchase.

This program is free and open to the public. It will be held at 10 a.m. in the Drake Community Library, with refreshments beginning at 9:30 a.m.

Parking is available at the Drake Community Library, along Park Street, on Fifth Avenue, and in the First Presbyterian Church parking lot. Seniors needing transportation may call GRMC Communications and Development at 641-236-2593 by the Thursday before the program.

If you are a person with a disability who requires special assistance, please call 641-236-2593. For more information about upcoming speakers, please check GRMC’s website at www.grmc.us.

Ed Hatcher Featured in AHA's Trustee Magazine

Each issue of the American Hospital Association Trustee magazine has several feature articles. The summer issue of AHA Trustee, featured a profile featuring of Ed Hatcher, who is on the board of directors at Grinnell Regional Medical Center.

“It’s always a pleasure to be recognized in a positive way, but it is more about GRMC than me,” Hatcher says. “I’m hoping to promote the community we serve and the GRMC service area.”

In the profile, Hatcher addresses the need for continuous learning and education for hospital trustees. This is important, he says, to enable effective communication with the community and to know what changes are occurring in healthcare. Hatcher adds that having ongoing trustee educations gives board members like him the ability to think critically about ways to better help GRMC.

The profile also speaks of concerns at rural hospitals like GRMC. Hatcher currently serves on its Committee on Governance and Committee on Research. His participation on these committees gives GRMC a national platform to tackle rural hospital challenges.

“Being on two committees for the American Hospital Association adds value to GRMC. I am able to share the positives and negatives of a rural hospital in Iowa, then bring the feedback from people located all over the nation for the benefit of GRMC,” Hatcher says. “Knowledge augments what GRMC can do for the communities we serve.”

“That thirst for knowledge is one of Ed’s real hallmarks,” says Todd C. Linden, president and CEO of GRMC.

Hatcher’s personal goals for GRMC mirror GRMC’s own mission and values statements. He finds strength in GRMC’s governance system and aligns his goals with the board’s goals.

“The board has great people serving on it. I am proud to be a part of it. My purpose is to do what I can to further the endeavors of GRMC,” Hatcher says.

Dance the Night Away at the GRMC Blue Jean Ball

Throw on your blue jeans and prepare to dance the night away at the third Grinnell Regional Medical Center Blue Jean Ball. The event will be Saturday, Oct. 17, from 7:30 p.m. to midnight in the Harris Center at Grinnell College.

Advance tickets are $25 per person; $45 for two. Tickets can be purchased at The Glass Gift Box inside GRMC up to the date of the event. You may also call The Glass Gift Box at 641-236-2522. Tickets at the door will cost $30 each.

The evening will feature a silent auction with more than 60 items. Silent auction items include artwork by local artists, a Night in the Museum party, Newton Speedway race ticket package, gourmet dinner at the Ricker House, monthly pizza and wine, quilts, plus gift baskets and gift certificates from local businesses.

Live auction items include a week-long stay at a condominium in Estes Park, Colo., a day of sailing on Lake Red Rock, and a trip for two to the Phoenician Resort in Scottsdale, Ariz. for 5 nights/6 days stay with airfare. To see the full list of auction items, go to www.grmc.us.

A raffle will also be held for the chance to win an Apple iWatch and a 50/50 drawing. Raffle tickets are one ticket for $1 or six tickets for $5. Tickets will be sold before the event in The Glass Gift Box, October 12-16, and the evening of the ball.

Grinnell College will be on fall break from October 16-26, so plenty of parking will be available on the college campus for the Blue Jean Ball guests. Spaces outside the Harris Center will be reserved for guests with mobility limitations. The parking lots by the dormitories and across from the Charles Benson Bear ’39 Recreation and Athletic Center will also be available for Blue Jean Ball guest parking. 

The Dweebs, a popular regional band from Wisconsin, are making their return trip to Grinnell and the Blue Jean Ball. They were a huge hit in both 2011 and 2013 with their range of cover tunes from the ‘70s to today. All proceeds from the event will go directly to support GRMC’s efforts through the Moving at the Speed of Life comprehensive campaign to renovate and update the GRMC emergency department.

Sponsors for the Blue Jean Ball include: Couture Sponsor – Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Company. Headline Sponsors – Grinnell College, Oakland Acres Golf Club. Boot Cut Sponsors – Bernie Lowe & Associates, Inc., Claude W. Ahrens Charitable Trust, The Claude W. and Dolly Ahrens Foundation, Grandma’s House Pet Resort - Wendy Kadner, and Dr. Nicholas and Stacy Kuiper. Stonewashed Sponsors – ASI Signage Innovations, Casey’s General Store, Great Western Bank, and Vander Linden Construction, Inc. Dark Blue Sponsors –Bikes to You, Denise Lamphier and Charlie Clements, Drs. Michelle and Samuel Rebelsky, Family Medicine, First State Bank, Foot and Ankle of Iowa –Dr. Matthew and Leslie McKnight, Grinnell Family Care, Lincoln Savings Bank, Rev. Dr. Kevin and Mary Emge, Ron and Sally Lang, University of Iowa Community Credit Union, and Wes Finch Auto Plaza.

A team of volunteers and GRMC staff have partnered with GRMC’s office of Communications and Development to plan this event. They include Nancy Agnew, Rachel Bly, Jennifer Collins, Kris Gilman, Matt Karjalahti, Rachael Kinnick, Heidi Knobloch, Stacy Kuiper, Sharon Lahn, Sally Lang, Ben Latimer, Teresa McCall, and Dodi Reilly.

For more information about tickets, call Heidi Ramaeker Pearson at 641-236-2961 or email hpearson@grmc.us. 

2015-2016 Seasonal Influenza Prevention

Grinnell Regional Public Health will again offer public vaccination clinics at locations throughout the county for the seasonal influenza vaccine.

The upcoming season's flu vaccine will protect against the influenza viruses that research indicates will be most common during the season. This includes an influenza A (H1N1) virus, an influenza A (H3N2) virus, and two influenza B viruses.

“GRMC has received the majority of vaccine and no shortages or delays are anticipated,” says Patty Hinrichs, director of Grinnell Regional Public Health. “We strongly encourage everyone who can have the vaccine to receive this dose of prevention. Though it is not possible to predict how and when the influenza season will unfold, you can protect yourself by having a vaccination and following good healthy habits to stop the spread of germs. Equally important, you help prevent the spread of influenza to individuals who could become severely ill from the virus but can’t receive the vaccine.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the timing of flu is very unpredictable and can vary from season to season. Flu activity most commonly peaks in the United States in January or February. However, seasonal flu activity can begin as early as October and continue to occur as late as May. More information is available at www.flu.gov.

CDC recommends that people get vaccinated against flu soon after vaccine becomes available. The vaccine takes about two weeks after administration for antibodies to develop in the body and provide protection against the flu.

The high-dose for individuals over 65 will be available again.

Schedule of Public Health Influenza Vaccination Sites

Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2 to 5:30 p.m., GARC, 1500 Penrose

Thursday, Oct. 1, 10 to 11:30 a.m., Mayflower Home-Carmen Center        

Monday, Oct. 12, 3:30 to 6 p.m., BGM School       

Tuesday, Oct. 13, 10 to 11 a.m., Seeland Park-Social Center                  

Wednesday, Oct. 14, 3:30 to 6 p.m., Grinnell High School

Monday, Oct. 19, 3:30 to 6 p.m., Montezuma School

Monday, Oct. 26, 3:30 to 6 p.m., Grinnell Middle School

Tuesday, Oct. 27, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., Brookside South

By appointment only at Grinnell Regional Public Health:

Monday, Nov. 2, 9 to 11 a.m.,

Thursday, Nov. 12, 2 to 4 p.m.

Monday, Nov. 16, 9 to11 a.m.

“Grinnell Regional Public Health has shifted to electronic medical records and will be entering data into the system during the influenza vaccine clinics. This will allow individuals who have been seen at GRMC as a patient to have an electronic record of their vaccination,” Hinrichs says.

CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccine for everyone 6 months of age and older as the first and most important step in protecting against this serious disease. While there are many different flu viruses, the seasonal influenza vaccine is designed to protect against the top four influenza viruses that research indicates will cause the most illness during the flu season.

Children aged 6 months through 8 years who need two doses of vaccine should receive the first dose as soon as possible to allow time to get the second dose before the start of flu season. The two doses should be given at least 4 weeks apart.

Prevention Tips

In addition to receiving a vaccination, you can take everyday preventive steps.

1.      Clean your hands with soap and water and alcohol-based cleaner if water is not available.

2.      Avoid close contact. When you are sick, keep your distance from others.

3.      Stay home when you are sick

4.      Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing

5.      Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth

6.      Practice other good health habits like clean and disinfect surfaces frequently, get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.  

For more information, talk to your primary care provider or call Grinnell Regional Public Health at 641-236-2385.

SE*ED: Sleeping for Good Health

The mystery and magic of a good night sleep will be discussed at the September 28 Grinnell Regional Medical Center Senior Education Program. All are invited to hear Melisa Coaker, MD, Mercy Sleep Center, discuss The Science of a Good Night Sleep.

Coaker sees patient at GRMC in the visiting specialty clinic as well as provides oversight to the GRMC Sleep Lab, operated by Mercy Sleep Lab. Her SE*ED program will focus on why you need a good night sleep, factors affecting your sleep, sleep disorders, and misconceptions about sleep.

Her slide show will also address common sleep disorders like insomnia, sleep apnea, insufficient sleep, and restless legs syndrome. She will send participants home with sleep hygiene tips to improve their sleep quality.

This program is free and open to the public. It will be held at 10 a.m. in the Drake Community Library, with refreshments beginning at 9:30 a.m.

Parking is available at the Drake Community Library, along Park Street, on Fifth Avenue, and in the First Presbyterian Church parking lot. Seniors needing transportation may call GRMC Communications and Development at 641-236-2593 by the Thursday before the program.

If you are a person with a disability who requires special assistance, please call 641-236-2593. For more information about upcoming speakers, please check GRMC’s website at www.grmc.us.

SE*Ed: The Art of Twisting Balloons

Participants at Grinnell Regional Medical Center’s upcoming Senior Education program will have the opportunity to learn about the history of twisting balloons as well as try their hand at making a balloon toy.

Self-taught balloon artist Charlie Clements will give a presentation on “Inflated Ideas: The Art of Twisting Balloons.” Clements became interested in balloon art after being taught how to make a simple balloon sword at a small fundraiser several years ago.

“I was fascinated by the transformation from a long balloon to a recognizable toy sword. Later, we bought a small balloon making kit at a toy store for my son to play with. It came with a book that showed how to make a few simple figures. We goofed around with that and got reasonably good at making the easy ones,” Clements says. Since then he has expanded his abilities with other books and You Tube videos. He volunteers regularly in the elementary schools and often makes animals and figures for children that achieve various academic goals. He has also performed at GRMC, Drake Community Library, Grinnell College, Relay for Life, and Grinnell’s annual elementary school carnival.

“There’s something magical about handing something you’ve just made to another person, especially a child, and seeing their face light up,” Clements says.

During his presentation, Clements will describe what is needed to become a practicing balloon artist. He will offer some information about the history of balloon art, tell you where you can get supplies, probably tell some bad jokes to annoy his wife, and, of course, demonstrate how to make several balloon sculptures. There will be audience participation, too. His goal is to have everyone in attendance make their own balloon sword.

Clements warns that many balloons will be harmed during the presentation. “If you are allergic to latex or loud noises, this may not be for you,” he says.

This program is free and open to the public. It will be held in the Drake Community Library with refreshments beginning at 9:30 a.m.

Looking ahead on the schedule, SEED will welcome Melisa Coaker, MD, sleep specialist, who will give a presentation about sleep medicine on Monday, Sept. 28.

Parking is available at the Drake Community Library, along Park Street, on Fifth Avenue, and in the First Presbyterian Church parking lot. Seniors needing transportation may call GRMC Communications and Development, 641-236-2593, by Thursday before the program.

If you are a person with a disability who requires special assistance, please call 641-236-2593. For more information about upcoming speakers please check GRMC’s website at www.grmc.us or call 641-236-2593

SE*ED: Program to Look at the Past and Future of Eye Care

Kara Collings, OD, will present the History of Eye Care and Evolution of Cataract Surgery, at the Monday, Sept. 14, Grinnell Regional Medical Center Senior Education Program.

The history of eye care dates back to the 13th century when spectacles first appeared.  Collings, an optometrist at Jensen Optometrists, will talk about the evolution of optometry and its progression from the days of using glass and globes filled with water to read text to our modern day spectacles. 

Collings will also discuss the progression of cataract surgery from ancient to modern times and will engage the audience with a real cataract surgery video.  She plans to touch on the future of optometry and eyeglasses as well as how cataract surgery is quickly evolving and where eye surgery is headed.

This program is free and open to the public. It will be held at 10 a.m. in the Drake Community Library, with refreshments beginning at 9:30 a.m.

Parking is available at the Drake Community Library, along Park Street, on Fifth Avenue, and in the First Presbyterian Church parking lot. Seniors needing transportation may call GRMC Communications and Development at 641-236-2593 by the Thursday before the program.

If you are a person with a disability who requires special assistance, please call 641-236-2593. For more information about upcoming speakers, please check GRMC’s website at www.grmc.us.