St. Francis Manor

An estimated 25,000 extra people hit the streets of Grinnell for RAGBRAI on July 28. Months of preparation by over 20 committees boasted the biggest party Grinnell has ever seen. Seeland Park residents and St. Francis Staff also volunteered. Check out our August 3rd E-Newsletter for photos and more! Click HERE to Read Newsletter.

What a perfect day for Holiday celebrations!  We caught our friend Dennis Snook of KGRN driving on behalf of Heritage Park in the parade this year. Going right down Penrose (and our campus!) many came to see the local floats and vehicles at 5PM. A amazing 4th of July firework display followed at dusk at Ahrens Park. Click HERE to read newsletter.

Dennis Snook

Thank you to all who attended the 2011 Steak Fry on July 1st. With the Social Center underconstruction we really appreciateeveryone’s flexibility with seating in the10-plex.If all goes as planned, the Social Centershould be up and running sometime in August.

Everyone is Steak Fry ready!

A big thank you to all who helped with the Seeland Park Summer Open House. We’ve now slated 12 house closings for this summer so far. It’s a wonderful time to be looking for retirement options for either yourself or your family members. It’s a buyers market! View photos HERE

Guest and Volunteers at Seeland Park Open House

Seeland Park in Grinnell announces their Summer Open House on Sunday, June 12, from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. The open house is available to anyone who may be looking into retirement living either for themselves or for family and friends.

Seeland Park sits on a 27-acre campus and has 135 apartments, duplexes and single family homes built to suit any individual needs.

The open house will feature 11 different houses ranging from a 772 sq. foot, one bedroom apartment adjacent to St. Francis Manor to a 1,750 sq. foot, two bedroom duplex with open living spaces.  The prices are in every budget, from $68,000 to $139,900. Those attending are invited to start their tour at any of the houses which will be clearly marked.

Each home has its own unique flair whether it is a sun room, a view overlooking farmland, stackable washer/dryer, wood flooring, office area, patio area, ceramic tile flooring, large dining room for entertaining or a gas fireplace.

After touring, those in attendance are invited to come to the 10-Plex located on Orchard Drive just east of the main entrance of St. Francis Manor for refreshments. Those attending the open house may enter a drawing for raffle prizes.

Seeland Park is a community within a community. With monthly activities, events and volunteer opportunities and even a community garden, the people at Seeland Park truly do enjoy active, carefree living.

Questions? Call us at 641-236-6134

As building work on the St. Francis Manor renovation and remodel continues, St. Francis Manor Foundation is happy to announce it has reached $315,000 in donor support. From that figure, over $65,000 of the money is support from other local foundations and a charitable trust.

The Claude W. & Dolly Ahrens Foundation, Kintzinger Family Foundation, Claude W. Ahrens Charitable Trust, Brownell Family Foundation, The Merlin and Verna Family Foundation, and the Lincoln Savings Bank Foundation have all contributed to The St. Francis Manor Foundation building fund.

“The generosity provided by these area foundations is greatly appreciated. We believe that this renovation project not only benefits the patrons of St. Francis Manor, but the entire community. The gifts given by charitable foundations recognize the need for support to maintain quality, viable care and services to local residents,” notes Barb Baker, St. Francis Manor Foundation chairperson.

We spoke with several of these foundations’ and trust’s representatives.

Claude W. & Dolly Ahrens Foundation offered a matching challenge of $25,000 in mid-November 2010 that was matched quickly within the month. Gift money is designated for the new conference room. Established in 1993, the foundation’s purpose is to provide improved and enhanced quality of life for present and future generations with interest in areas of park and recreation, education and health. In addition to its donation, Claude W. & Dolly Ahrens Foundation provides administrative services for the St. Francis Manor Foundation capital campaign and financially supports other Grinnell foundations and the Greater Poweshiek Community Foundation.

“Every organization is different, but it makes perfect sense to leverage other resources in the community to help move a worthy project along,” said Julie Gosselink, President & CEO of the Claude W. and Dolly Ahrens Foundation, on supporting local foundations.  “As the saying goes, “Two heads are always better than one.”  By leading with a challenge gift, it brings along awareness to the project and the attention for others to do their part as well.”

The Kintzinger Family Foundation donated $20,000. Jewel Kintzinger is a founding member of the Jeld-Wen Corporation founded in 1960, its name formed from the first initials of Jewel’s mother, father, brother and herself and a shortened version of their surname, Wendt. Jewel has lived and worked in Grinnell since 1969. “I have fond memories of Grinnell, raising my kids and being involved in business with my husband.”

The Brownell Family Foundation donated $10,000. Frank Brownell is representative of his family foundation and second generation to the world’s largest mail-order, web-based company that sells tools and supplies to gunsmiths worldwide. Montezuma based, the Brownell Family Foundation has a heart for local causes, giving to the Montezuma library, a local church, Montezuma High School, and Relay for Life, to name a few.

“I believe in supporting local projects. I like the people and small town atmosphere, the camaraderie you get in a small town and the quality of employees,” said Frank. “St. Francis Manor renovation fits a particular level of need in the county and area and it is run well. I definitely want to see it succeed.”

As fundraising began in 2010, the Claude W. Ahrens Charitable Trust gave $10,000 which will go toward the purchase of four needed whirlpools. Started by Claude W. Ahrens, The Claude W. Ahrens Charitable Trust’s founding principles stood for enhancement of quality of life for individuals in central Iowa and more specifically, Grinnell.

“The St. Francis Manor Foundation’s capital campaign certainly meets the criteria as the new facilities will enhance quality of life for many elderly residents and their families, and that is what I am most excited for,” said Susan Witt, Trustee of The Claude W. Ahrens Charitable Trust.

The Merlin and Verna Manatt Family Foundation has been a long-time supporter; a photo of Merlin and Junie Manatt even hangs on the wall across from the Administrator’s office at St. Francis Manor.

The Lincoln Savings Bank Foundation’s number one goal is to see their efforts result in improved communities. They give primarily to community development, youth and education, arts and culture, and health and human services in the communities where you find Lincoln Savings Bank. Over the last two years, they have donated $2,000, some of which is specifically for audio visual needs in the Social Center.

“Today, more than ever, we are seeing the value of the interplay of “community” and “bank.”  For Lincoln Savings Bank, being involved in the communities we have the pleasure of serving isn’t a tagline, it’s truly the passion that drives us,” says James Thielen, JD, First Vice President & Senior Trust Officer of Lincoln Savings Bank Foundation.

“We are overwhelmed by the support,” says Dion Schrack, executive administrator of St. Francis Manor. “Grinnell is a small town but that does not mean we have small vision. By evidence of these local foundations, they are leaders and making a great impact on many people. They want to see things like our renovation project succeed. ”

Individuals interested in making a contribution to the building project are asked to make their gift payable to the St. Francis Manor Foundation, noting on the check that the gift is for the “Building Fund.” Gifts are deductible to the fullest extent allowable by law.  Checks or pledges may be dropped off at St. Francis Manor, or mailed to the St. Francis Manor Foundation, Post Office Box 455, Grinnell IA 50112-0455.

We often ask people to share their news for this newsletter. This particular issue is full of fun stories from both staff and residents. As you read, please be sure to share this newsletter with those you think would enjoy and maybe think of sharing something yourself!

Please enjoy our May 19th E-Newsletter with features on our Therapy Team, National Nursing Home Week and more! Click HERE to read newsletter.

Building renovation and remodel continues. Things are looking  different!  View them HERE

Dear Friends,

This issue is dedicated to updating you on St. Francis Manor Foundation news. As this year’s Foundation board chair, I am happy to announce the other executive board members for 2011-2012. They are:

• Vice Chair – Glenyce Conway
• Secretary – Tom Lacina
• Treasurer – Wes Finch

We are so excited that the building project is now underway. We encourage you to think seriously about giving to the building fund; we need your support more than ever and appreciate your consideration. If you would like to discuss which naming opportunities are still available or even the project in general, feel free to contact Dion, me, or any of the other board members with your questions. We are here to help.

Please enjoy this issue of St. Francis Manor Foundation News! CLICK HERE

Barb Baker

National Nursing Home Week (NNHW) spotlights nursing home residents and staff and encourages all to celebrate those that make a positive difference in their lives every day. A supportive and caring environment, such as a nursing home, provides enrichment for residents and families to continue growing, learning and teaching through various ways. The week also provides an opportunity to honor all those who contribute to our nation’s nursing homes – residents, family members, employees and volunteers.

This Year’s Theme: Fulfilling the Promise

Would you like to volunteer this week? Contact Activities Director, Courtney Cummings at ccummings.sfm@gmail.com or call 236-7592.

Monday the 9th - 

• 9:30 – Make Promising signs to decorate Nursing Home
• 2:00 – Make Homemade Donuts

Tuesday the 10th - 

• 10:00 – Ahren’s Day Care Kids here to sing!
• 2:00 – BINGO!

Wednesday the 11th - 

• 9:30 – Hide the Heart game with residents & staff
• 2:00 – Pet Parade: Bring your pet to share with residents!

Thursday the 12th - 

• 9:30 – Exercises 
• 2:00 – Ice Cream Social

Friday the 13th - 

• 9:30 – Bible Study
• 2:00 – Popcorn/M&Ms

Ironically, we feature a story regarding donation through individual or Roth IRAs on tax day! This way of giving can greatly benefit you whether it’s donating your minimum distribution or a larger amount. Please consider St. Francis Manor Foundation as you decide where to give.

As we are nearing Easter, we hope you will join your loved one at St. Francis Manor for our Annual Easter Egg hunt on April 23rd at 10 a.m. in the South Dining Room. Children young and old will truly enjoy (and I hear there are over 200 eggs to find!).

Many thanks,

Dion

View Full Newsletter HERE

Spring is in full swing. Enjoy this issue with spotlight on Seeland Park Resident Lyle Muckler, 2011 Home Show photos and photos of Therapy Department Tim Stahl’s new baby girl Klara. View Newsletter HERE

This is your inside source on what’s happening at St. Francis Manor and Seeland Park – Events on campus, Foundation updates, Volunteer opportunities, Photos, Viewfinder and so much more. Please share with others you think may benefit by reading our e-newsletter! In this issue: New Kitchen, New Chef!; Art Box Grinnell Feature, and Board Member Spotlight.

View Newsletter HERE

Are You Too Old to Exercise?
By: Susie Jorth, RN, Director of Community Services of St. Francis

The easy answer is no one is too old to begin an exercise regimen! Your level of exercise intensity and duration may not be what it was 30 years ago, but your body will still benefit from regular exercise. Before you begin an exercise program, please consult your physician and receive his/her approval for you to begin.

Read the rest of this article and our newsletter HERE.