There are many steps you can take to prepare for a potential severe storm and tornado in our community. Follow a few of these steps from the American Red Cross and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and make yourself aware and informed.

First: Make an emergency kit for your home. This would include flashlight with fresh batteries, a battery operated radio (can be in the house also),  non-perishable food items, first aide items, a gallon of water, family emergency contact information,  and emergency blanket for a few examples.

Second: Have a plan. The best shelter from a tornado is in a room or hallway with no windows on the lowest level of your house.  For thunderstorms, postpone outdoor activities planned, if you can hear thunder you are close enough for a lightning strike. If storm is severe, take the same measures as a tornado. The National Weather service recommends staying indoors for at least 30 minutes following the last clap of thunder heard. If you are outside during a thunderstorm, avoid higher ground, water, tall trees, metal objects, and picnic shelters, dugouts or sheds are not advised!

Third: Stay informed. Listen to the radio for updates and know each alarm siren in your community and what it stands for. If you are hearing impaired and can’t hear a siren, check your radio when you see severe weather approaching to be sure. The tornado warning sirens make a long, continuous, loud sound and sound for three minutes followed by seven minutes of silence. A warning indicates a tornado has been sighted by ground observers or has appeared on radar within Poweshiek Country. Please note: sirens are tested at 9:00 a.m. each Thursday during the tornado season, usually April through November. A severe thunderstorm watch means severe thunderstorms are possible and in the near watch area. A severe thunderstorm warning means severe weather has been reported by spotters and indicated on radar. Warnings include imminent danger to life and property.

Fourth: Beat the odds. Every year people die because they either ignore a emergency warning or don’t hear one despite an advanced warning. By following these steps, it reduces your chance of being caught in a severe storm with no idea how to act. Most importantly, share this information with your friends and family.

If you would like more information, see safety committee member, June Watkins in the office.

St. Francis Manor has hosted several community events in the newly remodeled social center in addition to daily campus activities

The Foundation’s initial goal was to oversee a much-needed update to the entire St. Francis Manor facility. Ground was broken on December 23, 2010, for the $4.5 million project. Today, St. Francis Manor is happy to announce the building renovation is 80% complete. The project is financed by the USDA Rural Development with a $1 million community facilities direct loan and $50,000 community facilities grant to assist with the project. Over $350,000 has been raised through community support.

Completed areas of the facility include the remodeled social center, a new state-of-the-art kitchen, resident dining facilities, and administrative and nurses’ offices.  Work continues on the south lobby and activity area, the physical therapy area, hallways and room renovations.

Over 300 daily meals are served on campus, in addition to regularly scheduled banquets for St. Francis Manor and Seeland Park residents and their families and other community events. The dietary department is collaborating with Corporate Chef Steve Tiezzi from Martin Brothers Distributing to develop an enhanced and new a la carte menu for residents.

State-of-the-art kitchen facilities at St. Francis Manor

“Features of the new kitchen include a walk-in cooler and freezer, automated beverage dispenser, slow roast and hold oven, proof and bake pastry oven, expanded grilling capabilities, mobile heat carts, hot and cold buffet line with griddle, and expanded food preparations,” says Culinary Director Don Schrack.

Special events and daily meals are already being served in the social center.  Special event meals have included a Thanksgiving dinner buffet and a prime rib dinner buffet in February.  Over 285 people enjoyed the recent Easter brunch buffet on campus. “The new kitchen, dining room and administrative wing are beautiful.  The kitchen is certainly a spacious state-of-the-art facility and any chef would likely welcome and appreciate all it has to offer for food preparation and service. The areas patronized by our residents, guests, and staff members provide feelings of comfort and class. We are fortunate that so many friends and community members have recognized the importance of providing first-class facilities to serve our residents and contributed to our building project,” said Barb Baker, chairperson of the St. Francis Manor Foundation who attended the prime rib dinner.

Many local groups and organizations utilize the social center for special events.  The abundant space for meeting and entertaining allows St. Francis Manor to provide for the needs of families, residents, staff and the community.

Staff, residents and families are all excited to see the daily changes happening inside St. Francis.

“We have been working on the particulars of the nursing stations. Bushong Construction has been working on the hallway into the facility from the social center with all the wall coverings, railings, and flooring,” says Dianna Hoye, Administrator, RN. “One of our board members, Marlene Toney, and I have selected furnishings throughout the social center, and now we are working on finishing touches for the new offices and dining areas. I could go on and on!”

“We have completed two major areas in this construction project and are now remodeling the south lobby area which will be the new activities lounge and the individual hallways,” says Greg Long with Bushong Construction of Montezuma. “We want to thank everyone at St. Francis Manor for their patience and assistance during this construction project. We know it’s not easy dealing with the noise, dust and dirt from the construction process, but we know the facility will look great when the construction is completed.”

Juanita and Jackie Davis enjoy the new dining area completed in November 2011

Completion of all major areas is slated for the end of this year. Renovation of all resident rooms will then take place based on occupancy.

“In order to imagine where we are going, we have to remember where we have been. So many people have affected this campus in a positive light, and we hope their legacy is carried on through this building project.  Upon completion, we plan to celebrate with an open house for the public to view the completed facilities. We can’t thank enough our project coordinators, staff and our generous donors,” says Dion Schrack, Executive Administrator.

In December 2010 we broke ground for the St. Francis Manor renovation and remodeling project.  As we celebrated this new year, we announced another milestone – 75 percent completion!

Evidence of giving is truly all around us.  In November, residents enjoyed the newly remodeled dining rooms for the first time; the social center has been renovated with access to our new commercial-sized kitchen; and Administration has now moved to the East Wing featuring new conference rooms and offices.

At St. Francis Manor we strive for excellence. Making a continued effort to keep up with new technology and advances in care is one of the reasons we are the highest-rated skilled health care facility in Poweshiek County. That is why we have started a whirlpool fund through St. Francis Manor Foundation. With our ongoing renovations to our facilities, we plan to install four new whirlpool bathing systems, one on each wing.

“The whirlpools will be a benefit to the residents; our goal is to improve the quality of care,” says Dianna Hoye, Administrator, RN. “And having more available whirlpool units gives frequent access to all residents.”

Donations to this cause have already been made by the Brownell Family Foundation, the Claude W. Ahrens Charitable Trust, Ramsey-Weeks, Wes and Marilyn Finch, and Mary Russell totaling almost $45,000.

All donations to St. Francis Manor Foundation are tax deductible. Contact us at 641-236-7592 if you have any questions about St. Francis Manor Foundation and our current efforts towards the campus renovation and remodel.

Please download our brochure HERE for more information and to learn about the whirlpool’s long-term benefits.

Kristen Jennings leads Seeland Park fitness class

Exercise – Daily exercise will help keep your heart healthy.The American Heart Association recommends at least 30 minutes of aerobic activity per day. Choose to participate in an exercise class, bicycling, dancing, walking or swimming to get the heart pumping and improve heart health.

Monitor body weight – Extra weight can be very hard on the heart. To maintain a healthy weight be conscious of portions or the amount of food you are taking in.  For example, a meal should consist of no more than 2-3 ounces of meat and ½ cup of pasta.  Dietary fiber is also a very important component to a heart healthy diet.  Foods that are high in fiber are vegetables, fruits, nuts, and whole grains.  A diet high in fiber will help to prevent inflammation in the arteries and also fill you up!

Relax - Work on avoiding excess stress by using relaxation techniques.  One way to relax the body is by taking deep breaths periodically during the day.  There are other ways to lower stress levels such as meditation, yoga, or through prayer.  Any of these can be effective in lowering your stress level.

Signs & Symptoms – Study the symptoms of a heart attack so you can act quickly if they happen to you. Some of the symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, jaw pain, neck pain and sudden weakness or lightheadedness. If you feel these symptoms, immediately call for an ambulance.

KNOWLEDGE MAKES THE HEART GROW STRONGER!

Please participate in The American Heart Association’s Wear Red Day on Friday, February 3rd. We are asking Seeland Park residents to also wear their RED to our heart-healthy fitness classes on the 5th at 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. See you there!

by: Kristin Jennings, Fitness Specialist

Winter to many retirees means warm weather – our friends Frosty and Joan Mitchell are now joining the ‘snow birds’ in Florida year round as they announced their move from Grinnell. They did not leave without saying goodbye andfurther impacting our community. Please read their story in this issue.

Dion

Make a stop at the doc. Be sure the doctor is aware that you want to start an exercise program, and ask if there are any concerns that you need to be aware of.

Keep your chin up! Set realistic, short and long term goals on how to attain a healthier lifestyle.

Progress reports. Be aware of how you are feeling during the workout, the amount of energy you have during the day and any changes in your sleeping patterns. All of these can be positively affected when implementing exercise into your daily routine.

Put your best foot forward. Be sure you have proper footwear before starting a new program. If your shoes aren’t suitable for exercise you run a higher risk of injury.

Eat breakfast EVERY DAY!

Take the stairs. It’s a great, low impact exercise that burns calories quickly.

Add it to the list! Exercise should be a part of your daily routine, write it down just like any other appointment or task, and then make it happen!

Strength training is a MUST! By building muscle you are boosting your metabolism, even if it’s only once a week, you will see the benefits.

Let your brain keep up with your fork. Take at least twenty minutes to complete your meal. That is how long it takes the brain to recognize the stomach is full, and it prevents overeating.

Get the max effect! While exercising with cardio equipment, avoid leaning heavily on the handrails, it decreases the amount of calories burned during a workout.

Spice it up! While preparing a healthy,low-fat and low-calorie meal use a lot of spices and seasonings to enhance the flavor of the meals; leaving you feeling satisfied.

Make a dash to the department store! Take advantage of busy parking lots during the holiday season, park far away and get some extra steps in. But bundle up in case it is chilly out.

Take ten! When lacking the time or motivation to complete your normal exercise routine, commit to ten minutes. Ten minutes is much better than ZERO minutes!

Cut the caffeine! Too much caffeine can decrease the burning of stored fats.

Tackle your total body when working out! Cardiovascular exercises, core, upper and lower body strength training, flexibility, and balance are all essential to a balanced fitness routine.

Water is King! The body needs a minimum of 64 ounces of water daily to keep you properly hydrated.

No matter what, keep your tummy tight! Whether you are walking, lifting weights, or doing jumping jacks, keep your abs pulled in.

It’s fun to be fit! Choose exercises that you enjoy, you will be more likely to stick with your program if you like what you are doing.

If you plan to booze, don’t plan to lose! Alcoholic beverages are loaded with calories, try to limit your intake if you want to lower your jean size.

Pick up the pace! When you are walking, bend your elbows, this will make your arms swing faster and in return increase leg speed.

Make a plate of art! When selecting foods at a holiday party, pick foods that are bright in color, and small in portion. Rather than eating one large slice of pie and a plate of meatballs, try to sample bite size portions of several food offerings.

Keep it interesting with intervals! While walking for exercise, include brisk walking segments, followed by a slower pace to use different energy systems.

Get fit with a friend! Commit to an exercise program with a friend, this way you can hold each other accountable to complete the program each day.

Pack a snack! During the holidays people are always on the go, bring a healthy snack along to keep you from being tempted by the mall food courts and fast food restaurants.

… And one extra tip…

Do your best! Don’t worry if you can’t do it all, pick the things you can do and make goals for yourself! Have a Happy Holiday and a Blessed New Year!

Dion Schrack with Frosty and Joan Mitchell

Former long time Grinnell residents, Joan and Frosty Mitchell, made their exit from Grinnell by providing the entrance to the remodeled and enlarged St. Francis Manor Health Care Center. The $10,000 gift is a thank you to the area citizens as the Mitchells begin their permanent residence in Stuart, Florida.

The Mitchells purchased radio station KGRN in 1959 and moved from Des Moines to Grinnell with their three small daughters, Mianne, Debra and Dorea in 1960. KGRN became the home office of Mitchell Broadcasting Company, which grew into several Midwestern AM and FM radio stations and ownership of the Iowa Hawkeye Sports Network.

The Mitchells have a long history of health care involvement in Grinnell. Frosty was instrumental in the merging of St. Francis Hospital and Community Hospitals into the building of Grinnell General Hospital.

In the late 1960’s, St. Francis Hospital was located on the present St. Francis Manor site and Community Hospital was on the site of what is now Grinnell Regional Medical Center.

After this merger of hospitals, Frosty was chairman of the fund raising drive to build Grinnell General Hospital.  After the drive’s success and Grinnell General Hospital was constructed, he served as Chairman of the Board, and the new facility was opened, and the St. Francis property was transformed into a nursing home facility.

The Mitchells and their daughters funded “The Mitchell Meditation Room” in the most recent expansion of Grinnell Regional Medical Center. The room known as the “Grace Place” serves the hospital patients, employees and visitors as a chapel.

Joan was an early member of the St. Francis Manor board serving for 10 years from October 1983 to October 1993 and during that time was President from 1991 to 1993. It was during these years that the board of directors worked with Executive Administrator Dion Schrack to develop the Seeland Park retirement community.

In describing her service at St. Francis, Joan Mitchell said, “Of all the state-wide and local boards and commissions that I have been privileged to serve on, St. Francis Manor touched my heart the most. Those early years of financial and facility struggles were difficult, but we were working with a young, energetic and determined executive administrator [Dion Schrack] and the other outstanding individuals on the board who made our growth possible, to today looking at the expansion and state of the art facility, that soon will be the envy of the nursing home industry in Iowa. I am grateful and blessed to have been a small part.”

When asked for a comment on their gift, Frosty Mitchell said, “I was always so proud of Joan’s participation at St. Francis. Grinnell has been good to us and our family. It was a great place to be in business and to raise and educate our children, and call home for over fifty years. This gift is another gesture of our belief in helping financially with healthcare, education and churches while in Grinnell. As we leave our legacy, it is best stated in the words that will be in the new entry way of St. Francis Manor: ‘Through these doors, pass the world’s greatest people… Grinnellians and their friends.”

Activity Directors Courtney Michalek and Jessie Schaffner lead the Veterans Day Program with prayers, poetry and explained the history behind Veterans Day and how it began. While taking a moment of silence to remember our Veterans  that have passed, “Taps” played and Corporal Justin Goodrich presented a flag to Mim Peters. Bob Peters, her husband who passed away this year, was a WWII Veteran. Playing music from each branch of the military, those with loved ones lost and those alive who served stood for the branch they served. The program concluded with the singing of the National Anthem and God Bless America.

Many Seeland Park members and families of St. Francis Manor residents brought in war memorabilia for attendees to view. Special thanks to the activities department for coordinating this event and to those who made and served a variety of tasty food.

Staff and residents alike enjoy the camaraderie of finding a costume for Halloween day – even some residents can’t pass up the opportunity for a good costume. Probably most creative costumes were the trio of Katchup, Mustard and Chips – Courtney Michalek, Julie Underhill and Jessie Schaffner.

Click here to view photos.

Holly Freese is an LPN at St. Francis Manor. Originally from Colo, Iowa, she now lives in Kellogg, Iowa. Holly’s duties as a floor nurse include passing medication, doing treatments, charting and assessing residents.

The employee star is nominated quarterly by St. Francis Manor Staff. It is to be a person who exhibits quality, care and exemplary work. A committee reviewed and chose the most qualified candidate which was Holly for third quarter. Prize is one full day off work with pay!

Winner of first quarter was Cassie VanDee, LPN and second quarter was John McCulley.

Read the whole story in our November 4th Newsletter HERE.