Wallace House Cools Off Runners and Walkers
The Wallace House in Des Moines was one of three water stations for the Sherman Hill Association's inagural One Hill of a Run 5K Run/Walk on August 21. More than 100 runners and walkers grabbed a cup of water from WCI volunteers to combat the high heat and humidity. Some drank thirstily while others splashed faces or dumped water over their heads. The race was a fundraiser for the Sherman Hill Neighborhood Association, of which The Wallace Centers of Iowa is a member.

Dozens of Quilts Featured in the Country Life Center Gardens
In a blaze of summer color, quilts and flowers came together at the Henry A. Wallace Country Life Center on Tuesday evening. Nearly 100 admirers from as far away as Lenox strolled the grounds, examining the handiwork of local quilters and gardeners. “There is no better place to be tonight than right here!” exclaimed Sharon Mensing of Greenfield. A pleasant breeze cooled off the warm temperatures and kept any annoying insects at bay.

About 20 handmade quilts were interspersed among each of the Center’s seven flower gardens. In addition, another dozen more fragile quilts were displayed in the newly finished upstairs meeting room inside the Gathering Barn. Featured quilters included Donna Purdy and Linda Van Eaton, both of Fontanelle; Joyce Lemon of Orient; Deb Hillard of Winterset; Barb Spencer and Pat Cain, both of Creston, and Deb Irving of Redfield. None of the quilts had previously appeared at last year’s event.

In addition, attendees enjoyed live acoustic music from Low Plains Drifters from West Des Moines and tasted several varieties of Iowa wine. Nearly 60 participants dined on a summer evening menu of chicken with mango salsa, cucumber quiche, or pulled pork sliders. The Center’s gift shop, which features local artists, attracted many browsers and buyers.

Rural Health Care and Farm Policy Conversation
The Wallace Centers of Iowa partnered with the Center of Rural Affairs and the Iowa Farmers Union to host an issue-centered conversation on Tuesday, June 22. Diane Weiland, President & CEO of The Wallace Centers of Iowa welcomed about 20 rural residents and introduced staff from the three organizations. Virginia Wolking, Rural Policy Program Organizer from the Center for Rural Affairs, reviewed the recent healthcare law, outlining the immediate benefits and benefits that will take affect in 2014. She asked for feedback from those in the audience and encouraged the group to stay involved in the issue. Brian Depew, Vice President of the Center for Rural Affairs, guided the discussion about the 2012 Farm Bill. Comments from the audience touched on several issues including farm subsidies, land stewardship, point of origin labeling, internet access, ownership of seed DNA, and rural entreprenuership.

Gator-on-Loan delivered to CLC
Staff and volunteers of The Wallace Centers of Iowa Country Life Center took delivery recently of a new John Deere 620 utility gator on a one-year loan from Barker Implement, headquartered in Lenox, IA. Seth Robinson (pictured at far right) of Barker Implement delivered a John Deere gator to the Country Life Center as a one-year loan agreement with The Wallace Centers of Iowa. On hand to accept the gift were (left to right) President and CEO Diane Weiland, Garden Manager Jayne Livingston, and Board Chair Willard Olesen.

The loan is part of a John Deere corporate program that enables local equipment dealers to assist non-profits. Barker Implement also committed an annual cash gift to The Wallace Centers.

“Barker Implement has a long history of supporting the communities they serve,” said Willard Olesen, Board Chair of The Wallace Centers of Iowa. “Their contributions will help us to more efficiently produce our locally-grown fruits and vegetables and expand our community program efforts. We are extremely grateful for these gifts.”

The gator will be very useful at the Country Life Center, a 40-acre attraction that includes four acres of produce gardens, ten acres of restored Iowa prairie, and five outdoor sculptures along a three-quarter mile walking trail. The site attracts nearly 10,000 annual visitors from all 50 states and three countries.

New Spring Styles Featured at CLC
More than 40 women oohed and aahed while pre-viewing the new spring and summer fashions during the Spring Review Style Show and Dinner on April 30 at the Country Life Center. Chris Van Gelder of Van Gelder's Clothing in Creston, IA presented more than 20 different ensembles for men and women during the program. Area models put together outfits and accessories for all kinds of dressy and casual spring and summer occasions. The volunteer models from the community included Lois Fredrick, Mary Jensen, Shae Jensen, Becky Mason, Jeanne Piel, Jake Streitmatter, Jennifer Streitmatter, and Jenice Wallace. Our thanks to all who modeled and attended!

Noted Specialist Introduces
Dr. Robert Bender, a leading expert in the research and treatment of Alzheimer's and dementia, introduced the “10 Pillars of Healthy Aging” at two Dialogue Dinners in March. Using humor and stories from his experience, Dr. Bender gave hope and encouragement to the audience of medical professionals, caregivers of Alzheimer’s patients, and concerned family members. He stressed that the most critical key to remaining healthy as we age is socialization and recommends that everyone have an intimate group of three to eight close friends or family members “who accept us unconditionally.” The other nine pillars include physical exercise, stress management, using talents for self and others, avoiding accidents, having a good health care team, resting one day each week, training the brain with new activities, maximizing spiritual life, and a healthy diet.

The audience asked a variety of questions relating to the diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer’s and dementia and many spoke individually with Dr. Bender at the end of the program. After the program, participant Dustie Burton of Care Initiatives Hospice in Greenfield remarked, “This was an extremely educational program. I wanted to learn more, and this was a fun way of learning.” Greenfield resident Dr. Keith Schweitzer commented, “This is the best program I’ve been to in a long time.”

Dr. Bender is founder and medical director of The Johnny and Romie Orr Center for Healthy Aging and Memory Loss in West Des Moines. He has conducted several research projects on brain aging, brain wellness and Alzheimer's disease.