Two Grinnell Organizations Receive Bequest from Wheeler Estate

Grinnell Regional Medical Center and the Grinnell United Methodist Church Foundation have been named beneficiaries of the estate of the late Gail and Margaret Wheeler.

The Wheelers were “quiet saints among us,” says Len Eberhart, church pastor. The Wheelers were married on March 17, 1936, in Malcom, Iowa. Before moving to Grinnell in 1979, they operated a grain and livestock farm southwest of Malcom. Gail Wheeler died in 1992 and Margaret Wheeler died in 2009.

The medical center and the church each received almost $367,000 from the couple’s estate. “The hospital and the church were very important to them. This is the way they always wanted things to be handled,” says the Wheeler’s niece, Mary Bair of Grinnell.

The church foundation plans to place a portion of the Wheelers’ estate into its endowment and another portion will be used for a parsonage replacement fund. Members of the congregation will also enjoy having one of the stained glass windows in the sanctuary restored with funds from the estate. The window to be replaced is directly behind the organ that Margaret Wheeler played during the early Sunday service at the church for years.

“Margaret will be looking down and will be pleased. Her light will shine through the window,” Bair says.

“Margaret and Gail are a blessing to a larger family of which they were a part,” Eberhart says. “We are thrilled to be able to perpetuate their generous spirits through this bequest.”

At the medical center, a portion of the Wheeler estate will be directed to the hospital’s endowment fund. In addition, the GRMC Board of Directors has designated that $200,000 of the estate be used to help improve MRI services at the medical center. GRMC plans to obtain a new MRI and house it inside the medical center to replace its current mobile unit. To do so, an area inside the medical center needs to be remodeled to accommodate the unit, the operations system, and the foundation. The renovation project will cost about $300,000. In addition to the Wheeler bequest, medical center leaders will seek additional support from the community to complete the project. The room with the new MRI will be named the Gail and Margaret Wheeler MRI Suite, in honor of the couple.

Bair says that decision makes “good sense.” Her uncle used GRMC’s services, including its MRI services, for health problems he had many times before his death in 1992.

“GRMC as we know it has delivered healthcare to this community for almost half a century,” says Todd Reding, chair of GRMC’s Foundation Board. “The Wheelers’ gift will help provide area residents with quality diagnostic healthcare close to home for many more years to come. We are honored that they chose to share a significant portion of their estate with us.”

GRMC Auxiliary Announce Scholarship Recipients

The Grinnell Regional Medical Center Auxiliary introduced the 10 $1,000 scholarship winners at the annual membership spring luncheon on April 21. The GRMC auxiliary provides scholarships to new high school graduates as well as adults returning to advanced education in a healthcare field. Recipients come from Brooklyn, Chelsea, Grinnell, LeGrand, New Sharon, Montezuma, South English, and Sully.

“The GRMC Auxiliary is committed to supporting healthcare work force and employees at GRMC advancing their degrees,” says Linda Eichhorn, the auxiliary scholarship committee chair. “Our goal is to support the advancement of healthcare careers and those who have a passion to care for others in a healthcare setting. I think we had another excellent year of candidates.”

The 2010 GRMC Auxiliary Scholarship recipients are:

Brittaney Baker, Grinnell. She is currently a student at Des Moines Area Community College and completing pharmacy tech clinicals at GRMC. She is taking courses for a career in pharmacy/medical laboratory technologist. Her parents are Ray and Lori Baker.

Kristy Brown, Montezuma. She is presently employed at GRMC and is a student at Indian Hills Community College in Ottumwa. She is working toward her associate nursing degree.

Toshia Creps, Grinnell. Creps will graduate from Grinnell High School in May. She has been accepted into the licensed practical nurse program at Marshalltown Community College. She is the daughter of Richard and Denise Creps.

Terra Figland, Brooklyn. She is currently enrolled in the physicians assistant program at Des Moines University, and is a graduate of Mt. Mercy College in Cedar Rapids.

Tilly Schmidt, South English. Schmidt is in her second year at Mt. Mercy College where she is studying nursing. She is the daughter of Richard Schmidt.

Alicia Thede, LeGrand. She will graduate from East Marshall in May, and will attend Mercy College of Health Sciences in Des Moines to study nursing. She is the daughter of Robert and Tamara Thede.

Tessa Van DeWalle, Chelsea. She will graduate from South Tama in May. She has been accepted into the nursing program at Mt. Mercy College. Her parents are Rick and Jodi Van DeWalle.

Callie Van Genderen, New Sharon. Van Genderen will graduate from North Mahaska High School in May, and will study nursing at Coe College in Cedar Rapids. Wray is the daughter of Chris and Sara Wray.

Bailey Zegers, Sully. She is a 2009 graduate of Lynnville-Sully and is currently a nursing student at Mt. Mercy College. She is the daughter of Brad Zegers and Denise Williams.

Congratulations to these 2010 scholarship winners. For more information about the GRMC Auxiliary and scholarship program, call 641-236-2588.

Yoga Class Offered through GRMC

Get Up & Go Yoga is currently being offered at Grinnell Regional Medical Center’s Fly High Fitness Studio, 808 Commercial St. Starting your day with yoga will help you to feel vibrant, energized, and centered. Classes meet Tuesdays and Thursdays 5:45 to 6:45 a.m.

Increased flexibility and strength, improved posture, and improved concentration are just some of the benefits achieved through yoga. Whether you are new to yoga or a seasoned veteran, this class will help you reach your goals.

Certified instructor, Jackie Hutchinson says participants “will leave feeling blissful and aren’t always sure how that feeling got there at 6 in the morning. After a while they come to yoga for the way their days, their view of circumstances, and their life is changing as they tune in, tap in, and turn on to their own body’s wisdom.”

Other classes offered at Fly High Fitness Studio include Spinning, kickboxing, Zumba, and toning. To view a class schedule visit the GRMC website, www.grmc.us. For information on the latest fitness options, trends, and services, call the GRMC Wellness Services department at 641-236-2999.

GRMC Auxiliary to Host Spring Luncheon

The Grinnell Regional Medical Center Auxiliary invites the public to its annual spring luncheon, scheduled for Wednesday, April 21. The gathering will begin at noon in the Buckley Dining Hall, Mayflower Homes, in Grinnell.

“The Auxiliary’s spring luncheon brings together our members to celebrate spring and all the wonderful activities of our organization,” explains Maralee Kruse, GRMC Auxiliary spring luncheon committee chair. “We’ll recognize the 2010 scholarship recipients as well as our milestone anniversary service awards to volunteers.”

Door prizes will be given away. The menu features a chicken salad, roll, fruit, dessert, and drink. Tickets, $8, are available at the GRMC Glass Gift Box. For more information, call 641-236-2588.

Hancher Auditorium Brings Performance to Grinnell

Grinnell and Grinnell Regional Medical Center proudly welcome Robert and Rebecca Bluestone in their Woven Harmony performance to Grinnell. This three-day artist in residency program features performances at GRMC, Grinnell Newburg High School, Grinnell College, and two performances for community audiences. The events are part of the “Iowa Arts and Healthcare Project—A Journey through Iowa,” a collaborative effort of The University of Iowa’s Hancher Auditorium, Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, and College of Public Health. Grinnell businesses and individuals are also partnering to make the project possible.

All residents are invited to this inspirational production by the Bluestones. Robert’s music, images of Rebecca’s woven tapestries, and beautiful images of their New Mexico home and studio set the landscape for a powerful performance on connecting art, creativity, health, and healing.

“Grinnell and GRMC were selected for this art residency program with the Bluestones because of their leadership in optimal healing initiatives and healthcare for the whole body,” explains Charles Swanson, executive director of Hancher Auditorium.

“The Bluestones have worked in hospitals and healthcare settings across the country giving audiences their message of hope in difficult times. Robert and Rebecca share a profound story and inspiration of how they faced Rebecca’s ovarian cancer. Creativity and the arts helped the couple through this difficult time. They gained strength and the desire to share their talents to help others.”

Todd Linden, GRMC CEO and president, “We’re honored and thrilled to have such brilliant performers come to Grinnell and share their talents. Robert and Rebecca articulate their personal message to the wide spectrum of guests, from cancer survivors, to high school students, to corporate CEOs. The universal message is using creativity and art to face the future, whether that’s a life-threatening condition like cancer or a life-altering condition such as unemployment, job pressures, or an uncertain future in a new job market. The Bluestones have the unique ability to connect with all. We’re excited to bring their message in Grinnell.”

The art residency program includes:

Thursday, April 29

“Caring for the Caretaker”

For GRMC Employees, Physicians and Volunteers

10 a.m. to noon – GRMC Tomasek Conference Center



“Creativity is the Currency of the 21st Century”

Open to all businesses and their workforce

4:30 to 5:30 p.m. – Grinnell College, Roberts Theater

Any business or individual may receive tickets for this program by calling 641-236-2593.



Friday, April 30

“Creativity is a 21st Century Skill”

For Grinnell Newburg High School art and music students

10:15 to 11 a.m. – Grinnell High School



“Creativity is a 21st Century Skill”

For Grinnell College students

5 p.m. – Grinnell College



Saturday, May 1

“A Celebration of Community: Getting Back to Life”

Finale performance

Open to the community.

6:30 to 8 p.m. – Grinnell Community Center, Voertman Theater, 927 4th Ave.



All events are free, thanks to our local sponsors. Grinnell Regional Medical Center Art Fund; Todd Linden; Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Company; Fine Arts Council – Grinnell High School; Grinnell College; Iowa Telecom; and Mayflower Community.

The Bluestones will present in six communities during their “Journey through Iowa.” Those communities include: Spencer – April 19, 20, and 21; Algona – April 22, 23, and 24; Des Moines – April 26, 27, and 28; Grinnell – April 29, 30, and May 1; Davenport – May 3, 4, and 5; and Iowa City – May 8.

For more information call 641-236-2593.

Living After the Death of a Loved One

Grinnell Regional Medical Center will offer a five-week support group designed for all who have lost a loved one and face the grief after a death.

“This group will explore some of the challenges of loss and sadness and the process of grieving,” says Connee Harnden, LMSW, GRMC bereavement counselor. “This program explores techniques for coping with life after someone dear to the heart is gone. Our class is open to anyone in the community, not just hospice patients. In a confidential setting, we will share our pain and loss with our group. This will be a time to support others as you seek to find comfort for yourself.”

Gatherings will be held on Mondays, beginning April 12 to May 10, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. in the Mini-conference room at GRMC, 210 4th Ave., Grinnell.

This group will be facilitated by Harnden, social worker at GRMC and bereavement counselor with Grinnell Regional Hospice. There is no fee to participate, but interested persons must pre-register by calling Grinnell Regional Hospice at 641-236-2418.

Orthopedic Care Expands at GRMC

Grinnell Regional Medical Center and Iowa Ortho announce the latest addition in orthopedic care. D. Scott Peery, PA-C, began seeing patients in February to complement the services of Daniel Vande Lune, MD, orthopedic surgeon.

Peery joins the Iowa Ortho team in Grinnell providing comprehensive orthopedic care including joint replacement, sports and work related injuries, sprains, fractures, pediatric orthopedics, conditions and injuries of the hand, wrist, shoulder, back, neck, hip, knee, foot and ankle.

Peery and Vande Lune work as a team in surgery and with all follow-up care for procedures and therapy. Peery’s scope of practice includes assistance with on-call care for the emergency department in traumas. Peery may be the first orthopedic provider to see the patient in the emergency department to create a plan of care.

“Scott has already been actively assisting with Grinnell orthopedic patients. It has been most beneficial and he is readily available,” says John Bambara, MD, GRMC Emergency Department medical director. “This relationship has bridged a gap in orthopedic care to our patients. Many patients have commented on how nice it is to get this care locally and so quickly. His availability and interactions with the ED patients has been outstanding so far. His services are a great addition for our facility and the patients in our area.”

Peery earned a master’s degree in physician assistant studies from Des Moines University and his bachelor of sciences degree in athletic training from the University of West Alabama. He worked for two years after earning his BS degree as the outreach coordinator/athletic trainer for a physical therapy clinic in Utah. He then joined Peru State College in Peru, Neb., as a head athletic trainer. Peery also served as athletic trainer at Jennie Edmundson hospital for two years before going to Des Moines University.

“Athletic training was absolutely wonderful. I am so passionate about it,” Peery says. “I love working with student athletes but wanted the opportunity to work with patients of all ages.”

Peery decided to pursue a career path that also allowed flexibility and great time for family life. He and his wife wanted a community that was work and family friendly and Grinnell was the perfect fit.

“Grinnell has the feel of big city life and small town values. Grinnell has a lot of family friendly activities as well as a standard of life that we were looking for in a community,” Peery says.

For more than 53 years, Iowa Orthopaedic Center, P.C., has been providing comprehensive orthopedic care. The physicians are fellowship trained and board certified in their fields, assuring patients that they will be receiving care from the highest qualified physicians and surgeons. The primary office is located in downtown Des Moines with additional practice locations in Pella, Clive, and Ankeny.

If you have concerns on an orthopedic condition, discuss with your primary care physician. Referrals are scheduled through primary care physicians.