Manchester Iowa News

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Billboards Promote Manchester on Highway 13 and 20
Posted 18 April 2012
The Retail Committee of the Manchester Area Chamber of Commerce is in the process of having 2 promote Manchester bill board displays installed.  The idea was originally suggested by Betty Kruse,  from Betty’s Bread Basket Tea Room, with the goal of attracting some attention and bringing some people and business into town.   

Those of us who call Manchester home know that we have a nice community, but we need to reach out to others – maybe those that haven’t been to Manchester for a while or those who have never been to Manchester and invite them to come see what we have to offer. .
 
Even though we have a nice community, we know that we are slowly losing population, that the number of school age children has decreased and that the average age of our labor force is increasing.  The bill boards may be a small step, but combined with many other small steps it’s a way to try to keep Manchester a healthy vibrant community.
 
The bill board at Central City is already in place and the one near Dyersville will go up the week of April 22. The bill boards are being paid for with contributions from 13 local merchants and a grant from Manchester’s Community Promotion Board.

RMC Auxiliary Donations Benefit Emergency Department & BHWC/Cardiac Rehab
Posted 5 April 2012
Dave Staner, EMT-PS (CCP), EMS Coordinator, and Heather Ries, MSN, RN-BC, Emergency Services Manager, expressed their appreciation to the Auxiliary Executive Committee while demonstrating the Stryker Bariatric Cot at the Auxiliary’s March meeting. Staner and Ries emphasized the benefits, both to the patient and the Emergency Medical Services personnel, using the cot for safe/comfortable transport of the bariatric patient. The Auxiliary donated funds to RMC in the amount of $7,535 for the purchase of the cot for the Emergency Department.

Jane Dzaboff, RN, MS, Clinical Specialist, and Jeff McCormick, ATC, BHWC Trainer, thanked the Auxiliary for their donation and demonstrated the PreCor Treadmill purchased for Cardiac Rehab patients and Bob Holtz Wellness Center members. Built for the fitness industry, the treadmill features additional shock absorption providing greater comfort for runners on the tread. The Auxiliary raised $6,095 for the purchase of the treadmill.

Members of the Auxiliary Executive Committee include Kay Hovey, President; Joanne Kramer, Vice President; Linda Kerper, Secretary; Michele Tiemens, Treasurer; Marilyn Wenger, Past President; Vera Goedken, Historian; Kay Deahl, Membership; Barb Ogden, Tree of Lights; and Kathy Waterman, Gift Shop. The Auxiliary fundraising efforts include the Gift Shop which is open Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM, annual book fairs, Masquerade Jewelry Sales, spring and fall luncheons, and more. For more information about the Auxiliary or volunteer opportunities, contact Marcia Burkle at 563-927-7491.

Farmers’ Market Seeks Vendors
Posted 13 February 2012
Manchester’s Farmers’ Market is seeking vendors for the 2012 season. Do you have a green thumb and enjoy growing fruits and vegetables? Do you like to bake bread or other tasty goodies? Do you enjoy making handcrafted items and wish you could offer them for sale? The Manchester Farmers’ Market might be just the outlet for your talents this year. Now is a great time to think about becoming a vendor. Need more information? Contact the Delaware County ISU Extension and Outreach office at 563-927-4201 for more information.

Creedence Clearwater Revisited VIP Concert for 2012 Delaware County Fair
Posted 6 February 2012
A classic band with dozens of hits to their name is headed for Manchester to headline the VIP concert for the 2012 Delaware County Fair. Jeannie Domeyer, Manager of the Fair made the announcement of the VIP concert last Friday night at Manchester’s winter edition of the First Friday @ Five. Headlining the traditional Friday night VIP concert with their legendary American rock is Creedence Clearwater Revisited.

CCR, headlined by Stu Cook and Doug Clifford “Cosmo”, original CCR band members, bring back the meaning of the music as they originally played it. Having toured North America, South America, Central America, New Zealand, Australia, Europe and Asia, knocking out audiences with astounding concerts jam packed with songs that are still a staple of radio and movie soundtracks, Creedence Clearwater Revisited has come a long way.  “In the beginning Cosmo and I decided that if we could find the musicians that could capture the sound and recreate what the music was about, we’d do it,” recalls Stu.

Creedence Clearwater Revival had over 10 hits on Billboard’s top ten list including 5 #2 hits. No other bands have had more than that except for Elvis Presley and Madonna. Stu and Cosmo and their band Creedence Clearwater Revisited add a new chapter to their legacy with vibrant and exhilarating energy and pure American spirit. As the Hollywood Reporter’s music critic John Lappen wrote about a Creedence Clearwater Revisited concert in Los Angeles, “Their set was an amazing list of hit after hit that was done serious justice by the players involved.”

Seating for the VIP concert will include track seating at $60 which all you care to eat and drink with a full meal, beverages, wait staff and an area for dancing. Domeyer says, “This is our eleventh VIP concert, even the rain last year couldn’t stop the fun that happens during the concert atmosphere of VIP night at the Delaware County Fair!”

Tickets go on sale for this show on March 10th at 9:00 a.m. Tickets will be available at the Fair office, by calling 563.927-6449 or here.

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 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.

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