Manchester Iowa News

Home Grown Wood Enhances the RFH Facility
Posted 23 January 2012
The announcement of the Regional Family Health building project in Manchester brought to the table several committees to begin making plans for a structure that would create an environment and a way to practice medicine that would provide the highest quality of care and enhance our patient’s experience.  Those groups dealt with a focus on practice, information technology, administration and a facility theme. The Theme Focus Group established the interior theme taking into consideration the signage, design, décor and ambiance. The group included Regional Family Health staff: R. Ried Boom, MD; Scot Christiansen, MD; Jane Hartnett, MD; Ann Wilson, ARNP; Jill Buschmann, ARNP; Bryan Hunger, MHA; and Susan Gudenkauf, RN, BSN.

From their involvement in the selection of wood and utilizing an interior design consultant for some ideas and recommendations, the Theme Focus Group made the final decisions for the Regional Family Health building.  “The basic process involved began by determining what we wanted the end result to be,” said Bryan Hunger, MHA, Chief Clinic Operations Officer. “Our goal was a calm, soothing, comforting and healing environment.  In addition, we wanted to keep our small town clinic feel, so we were excited about incorporating wood that came from northeast Iowa and more specifically our service area in the design of the clinic.”
 
Dr. Scot Christiansen’s position on this focus group led to a contribution that none had envisioned. His love for nature, his appreciation for the beauty of wood, and his generosity contributed to the natural look that became Regional Family Health.

“When I learned of the building plans, I asked Dr. Butikofer if he would consider using my rough-sawn, air-dried wood for trim, and indicated I’d be happy to donate it for the cause,” said Dr. Christiansen. “I am very appreciative that Dr. Butikofer and the Focus Group were willing to use my wood. I encouraged the use of boards that have knots and other defects that you don’t often see in commercially available wood.  These defects can make the wood harder to process and use, but also add to the character and beauty in my opinion.” 

The wood came from trees on the Christiansen’s 160 acre farm north of Edgewood, which they purchased in 1994. “We came to the area in the first place because of the beautiful scenery, the nice people, the nice hospital and medical staff,” stated Christiansen. “I am happy we found a nice place in the country to live.” 

Having long enjoyed the outdoors and nature, Christiansen admits he did not know a lot about or give much attention to the trees on his property initially.  Jim Kerns and others with experience and the knowledge of trees encouraged the management of the woods to improve the quality and quantity of high value hardwoods, as well as to improve their value to wildlife.  Tree identification and the promotion of desirable tree growth were quickly followed by a desire to cut his own lumber. After years of longing for a saw mill, he purchased his own in 2003.  The small portable band mill, with the 23 hp engine arrived in 49 boxes in the mail (assembly required).  Since then, cutting up lumber has become his most enjoyable hobby. 

Any tree can make beautiful lumber – not just Cherry, Walnut, and Oak.  Only trees that are dead, dying, damaged or getting in the way of better trees are targeted by Dr. Christiansen.  Leaving dead trees standing is important for the habitat of ants, bugs, birds, mushrooms, etc.  Red Elm, Black Ash, Maple, Walnut, and Cherry were used in the Regional Family Health clinic building.   Those more familiar with wood will recognize the uniqueness of each Team as Team I chose Cherry, Team II chose Black Ask, and Team III chose Red Elm for trim in their work area and patient rooms.  The atrium was designed by the architect to bring out the beauty of combining various woods and tones.

The Regional Family Health office building in Edgewood also features wood from the Christiansen farm. Wood from Cherry, Walnut, White Ash, Red Elm, White Elm and Maple trees on the farm was cut and planed by Dr. Christiansen, kiln dried and processed for use in the trim.

According to Dr. Lon Butikofer, Chief Executive Officer, “Utilizing the wood from Dr. Christiansen, we now have exactly what we had envisioned: a medical home nestled in a Northeast Iowa countryside environment.”

Delaware County Fair Wins Two Awards at International Convention
Posted 11 January 2012
The Delaware County Fair eared two awards at the annual meeting of Fairs and Expositions at Las Vegas in November.  The awards were given in two categories, agriculture and communications.  First place was earned for the Fair’s going green project designed to teach consumers the environmental benefits of using bio-diesel.  The Fair placed large green footprints throughout the fairgrounds with facts about the soy based product.  Additionally the Fair used only soy diesel in their track equipment and implements used on the grounds.

The second award was received for the Fair’s marketing efforts.  First place was received in the category of special promotional effort.  The Delaware County Fair used promotional yard signs to promote the dates of the Fair.  These signs, designed by Manchester Signs, were placed in yards to surprise the homeowner with free tickets for the Fair.  After receiving the sign in their yard, the homeowner was asked to move the portable sign and surprise their friends and family with free tickets to the Fair too.  This promotion was considered a unique, grassroots approach to marketing the Fair by the staff of the International Association of Fairs and Expositions based in Springfield, MO.  The yard sign idea was created by Jeannie Domeyer, manager of the Fair in Manchester.

The awards were presented to Domeyer in November where more than 2500 fair managers and board members met at the convention for Fairs from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Mexico, Australia and Korea.  The Fair’s awards were given in the division of Fairs with attendance less than 100,000.  The 2012 edition of the Delaware County Fair is July 9-15.



Delaware County Fair Announces Montgomery Gentry As Country Concert for 2012 Fair
Posted 2 December 2011
One of country music’s all time great duos is headed to Manchester to headline the Thursday Night, Country show at the 2012 Delaware County Fair.  Jeannie Domeyer, Manager of the Fair, made the announcement that headlining the concert with their down to earth stylings and working man’s music is Montgomery Gentry.

Two boys from Kentucky, Eddie Montgomery and Troy Gentry served notice to the music world as they busted on to the national scene in 1999 with their first hit single, “Hillbilly Shoes”.  They followed this song with the release of 13 additional top 10 songs with five songs climbing the charts all the way to number 1.  Their blue collar approach to their music hits a chord with many Americans and their mission is to create songs that people will be able to touch and say, “Yeah man, that song is a little bit about me.”  The duo just recently released their newest collection, aptly titled Rebels On The Run.  The first single to be release from this album, “Where I Come From” is climbing the charts.  Domeyer said, “Their new album is the traditional Montgomery Gentry sound.  It’s filled with songs that allow you to relate with the artist.  Songs people can associate with.”

Montgomery Gentry has won a host of CMA awards including Vocal Duo of the year and most recently the humanitarian award in 2010 for their service to many charitable organizations. 

Seating for the Montgomery Gentry concert will include track seating at $35 or the new all inclusive courtyard seating.  A fresh idea for the 2012 Fair, this seating option includes a general admission bleacher seat for the show, snacks, beverages, wait staff and an area for dancing. Domeyer says, “The new seating option is aimed at giving people an 'all inclusive' option for attending the concert.  Our fair prides itself on our "pay one price and participate in everything inside the fair" philosophy, courtyard seating takes this to the next level allowing the fairgoer to buy  tickets, come to the fair, go into the courtyard and have a relaxing time without have to run to get a drink, fight the crowd for a snack or really leave the area for anything.  We have a strong desire to give our fairgoer a fuss-free experience that is relaxing and enjoyable.  We think this seating option does just that!”

Tickets for Montgomery Gentry will go on sale at 9:00 AM December 17, in time for Christmas.  Tickets will be available at the Fair office, by calling 563.927.6449 or at www.delawarecofair.com.

Exploring GPS in 4-H
Posted 8 November 2011
Members of the Delaware County 4-H Shooting Sports Club recently learned more about navigation with hand-held GPS (Global Position System) units with the help of certified 4-H SESS instructor Randy Mack (above left). GPS is an aerospace technology that uses satellites and ground equipment to determine position anywhere on Earth. 4-H’ers used the technology Sunday, Oct. 16, during their Shooting Sports meeting to navigate around the Manchester Fish Hatchery. Interested in learning more about GPS or wish you could participate in youth archery, wildlife and air rifle activities? The 4-H Shooting Sports club is now accepting new members. The next meeting will be Sunday, Nov. 20. Contact the Delaware County ISU Extension and Outreach office at 563-927-4201 for more information.

Updates and New Displays at Heartland Acres
Posted 7 November 2011
Visitors to Heartland Acres campus have the opportunity to view several new displays in the growing and changing museum. Continuing to keep a fresh look and bring in additional displays is always a priority for the staff and supporters of Heartland Acres commented Craig Johnson, Executive Director of Heartland Acres.  

Recently arrived from the State Historical Society archives in Des Moines are two rarely seen items.  A Thiemann tractor produced and built between 1936 and 1944 in Albert City, Iowa as well a 1919 Milburn Electric car.  The car was owned and driven by Mrs. Arletta Clarke, wife of former Iowa Governor George W. Clarke. Governor Clarke served in from 1901 – 1909 as a member of the Iowa House or representatives and served as speaker from 1904 - 1909. He also served as Lieutenant Governor from 1909 – 1913 then was elected Governor in 1912 and again in 1914.  The 1919 Milburn Electric could go 40 miles on a single charge.  

Also arrived is a 1937 Case CCS (stands for Case Cane Special) High Crop tractor.  This tractor is on loan from Doug DeShaw from Hopkinton, Iowa.  It is one of 65 built and is now one of 15 known survivors.  Doug owns several other Case tractors and spends much of his spare time repairing and showing antique tractors.

Heartland Acres newest display was created by Leanne Harrison and features historical information and artifacts recounting the life of Charlie Williams, builder and promoter of the once famous horse racing track in Independence in the early 1890’s. What is also part of this display is a story of the businessman and industrialist Jerome Increase Case who founded and built the J.I. Case Corporation.  Through research by Harrison she found that Jerome Increase Case owned race horses.  One of his horses named, Jay Eye See (a play on JI Case’s name) raced at the Independence track.  

Many more stories and displays about our agricultural heritage can be seen at Heartland Acres Agribition Center.   

For more information about Heartland Acres please visitwww.heartlandacresusa.com or call (319) 332.0123 or see Heartland Acres on Face book.

Upper Iowa University, NICC, and City of Manchester Open Manchester Regional Education Partnership
Posted 24 October 2011
Upper Iowa University, Northeast Iowa Community College, and the City of Manchester officially opened the Manchester Regional Education Partnership Center Thursday night, October 20, at  1200½  W. Main St. in Manchester.  A collaborative effort of UIU, NICC and the city, the MREP offers post-secondary education in the greater Delaware County region.

Area residents, business owners, city officials and representatives of the two colleges crowded into the center in the Dupaco building for the ribbon-cutting ceremonies and to learn more about the educational offerings at the center.  Officials spoke about the importance of education for non-traditional students, with more jobs requiring education beyond a high school diploma, and a challenging national economy that is transitioning out of a serious recession. City officials noted that offering educational opportunities in Manchester is part of the city’s strategic plan to position Manchester as a location for families, community and opportunities.

“After many years of discussion and planning, the time has come to celebrate the opening of the Manchester Regional Education Partnership that will serve the great Delaware County Area. This is a unique partnership with the City of Manchester, UIU, and NICC and multiple community members who have a vested interested from the ‘Good to Great’ committee,” said NICC President Dr. Wee. “We are pleased to be a partner and are excited about the future of this center.”

UIU President Alan G. Walker noted that he appreciates the important role of community colleges and training programs in the higher education of adult students, adding that he earned his first degree at a community college before continuing his studies and launching a career in higher education. “This type of educational opportunity is extremely important for adult learners, and the Manchester partnership is a truly unique way to offer these kinds of programs,” Walker said. “Upper Iowa is proud to be part of this partnership, which is the first of its kind for our University, and we look forward to its success.”

The Manchester Regional Education Partnership (MREP) is a collaboration of entities with the same vision – making quality education accessible to the greater Manchester area. MREP provides services such as on-line credit courses for high school students and adult learners, non-credit training programs for local citizens and the business community. MREP also offers adult basic education, English for Speakers of Other Languages, and GED classes as well as distance education programs offering undergraduate and graduate degrees. The facility has a state-of-the-art computer lab and a classroom for business training and credit classes. MREP’s focus will be helping students achieve their educational goals and working with local businesses to expand, retain and grow.

For information about the Manchester Regional Education Partnership, contact MREP Coordinator Debra Kintzle at 563-822-1016 or kintzled@uiu.edu.

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