CAPITAL CAMPAIGN FOR SENIOR CARE FACILITY REACHES GOAL

Over $3 million raised philanthropically

Citizens of Orange City, Alton, Granville, Hospers and neighboring communities stepped up to the plate for their seniors, pledging a total of $3,050,000 toward the new Orange City Area Health System Senior Care Facility that will be built on the north edge of Orange City. The “Fulfilling the Promise” capital campaign completes the necessary funding for the senior care facility/campus, slated to be open in the fall of 2013. Community members as well as health system employees contributed to exceeding the goal of $3 million in philanthropic support, with over $200,000 pledged by the health system’s 500 employees.

“I have had few professional experiences as rewarding as this Capital Campaign,” reports Dan McCarty, Orange City Area Health System COO and chair of the campaign. “The support we received from our OCAHS employees and the area residents was both humbling and motivational. With the support of a great steering committee and the Good Lord we were able to achieve a nearly miraculous accomplishment. Many thanks to all.”

The new senior care facility, which will be a replacement for Orange City’s two existing nursing homes and will feature a “village” atmosphere, all private rooms, and many “livable” amenities, has a total price tag of $18.5 million. Funding is in place and consists of the $3 million in capital campaign pledges, $6 million borrowed from three local banks, nearly $1 million from the cities of Orange City and Alton, and $8.5 million from Orange City Area Health System operating reserves.

The capital campaign was chaired by McCarty along with Orange City Area Health System CEO Marty Guthmiller and Vogel Paint Corporation President & CEO Drew Vogel. The steering committee includes Tom Kiernan, Jim Plagge, Doug Schuller, Paul Van Engelenhoven, Leroy Van Kekerix, Julie Henrich, Steve Christensen, Dave and Sandy Harmelink, and Mary Kepp. Honorary chairs are John and Ann Den Hartog, Dr. Ed and Lynne Grossmann, and Frank and Lois Vogel.

“From personal experience, I can say that this new senior care facility will make a great completion to the health system campus and services,” said Frank Vogel. “We are now going to have a facility that will measure up to the outstanding quality of the nursing home staff and caregivers.”

Guthmiller says, “I would certainly add my gratitude to those who contributed to this campaign, as well as to the Campaign Committee for their leadership. We are eager to get started.”

The new senior care facility is in the construction administration phase, with expected groundbreaking and construction commencing in April this year.

Vogel added, “I want to thank Dan and Marty for their leadership in this campaign, and for all the OCAHS staff and people of the community who helped make this happen.”

Orange City Home Health & Hospice is offering a Grief Support Group five consecutive Thursday afternoons from March 1st-29th from 12:30 to 2:30pm in the lower level conference room of the health system’s downtown campus at 400 Central Avenue NW in Orange City. Bereavement support groups offer a safe place and supportive environment for those who are grieving a recent death, to talk about their feelings of loss. The five-week program provides directed group support within an educational format.. There is no cost to attend the Grief Support Group, but donations are accepted and appreciated. Pre-registration is required. Call Orange City Home Health & Hospice at 712-737-5279.

Marty Guthmiller has been selected for the Iowa Volunteer Hall of Fame for his outstanding contribution of volunteer service to the community. Guthmiller will be recognized by Iowa Governor Terry Branstad at ceremonies in Des Moines on February 21.

The Iowa Volunteer Hall of Fame was established in 1989 by the Governor’s Office for Volunteerism to honor extraordinary Iowans who have freely given their precious time and talent in countless ways to benefit others. Coordination of this program shifted to the Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service in 2002.

According to the Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service, being inducted into the Iowa Volunteer Hall of Fame is the most prestigious state-level honor volunteers can receive; the people selected are those who have forever changed their community, the state, the nation, or the world with their volunteer service and action.

Guthmiller’s volunteer work has included leadership in planning and overseeing the Phoenix Project, which involves the design and development, fundraising, and construction of the Hawkeye Center and the new Prairie Winds Event Center. In addition, in his role as Vice Chair of the Orange City Development Corporation, Guthmiller has been instrumental in attracting new business, including recruiting Pioneer Seed Corporation to locate and build a research center in Orange City.

“Through Marty’s leadership, the citizens of Orange City regained confidence and pride in the future of the community,” reports Orange City Mayor Les Douma. “His role on the Phoenix Project Task Force and the Development Corporation has been a visionary one, and his leadership helped secure the support needed for key initiatives in this community.”

Douma adds, “Marty’s problem-solving has forever changed the community of Orange City. His vision, inspiration, and tireless volunteer work have helped propel Orange City forward as a true ‘destination community’ in Northwest Iowa.”

Guthmiller is a native of Orange City. After working elsewhere, he returned to the community 17 years ago to serve as CEO of Orange City Area Health System. In addition to the Phoenix Project and the Development Corp., Guthmiller’s board leadership has included Community Health Partners, Northwest Iowa Dialysis Center, Orange City Area Health Foundation, Orange City Area Daycare Center, Northwestern College Board of Trustees, and the Iowa Hospital Education and Research Foundation.

Orange City Area Health System is hosting a free event titled “There’s More than Meets the Eye” the evening of Monday, February 13 at The Barn at Blue Mountain located at 814 Lincoln Place SE in Orange City. Dr. Brent Nykamp, general surgeon, will discuss the VNUS procedure for varicose veins at 6:45pm, and attendees can sign up for free screenings to be held at a later date. Dr. Kelly Gallego, plastic surgeon, will do a presentation on “The ABCs of reconstructive and cosmetic breast surgery” at 7:45pm. Doors open at 6:15. The event is free to the public. Light refreshments compliments of Orange City Area Health System will be served, and a glass of wine compliments of Tri-State Specialists will be available. Pre-registration is required by February 9 by calling the health system education department at 737-5260 or online at ocHealthSystem.org/educational-programs.

Aurora Lynn was the first baby to arrive in 2012 at Orange City Area Health System. Mom Cassandra Derr of LeMars welcomed her baby girl at 7:01pm on January 4, weighing 9lbs 13oz and measuring 21.5 inches. Aurora and her family received lots of goodies from area businesses, and warm wishes from the health system as its New Year Baby.

Orange City Area Health System welcomed 193 babies in 2011. Top baby names for last year in the health system included, for boys: Cooper; for girls (tied): Addisyn/Addison, Bryn/Brynn, and Lily/Lilly.

The following Orange City businesses welcomed Aurora with special gifts:

• Centrum Foto
• Curves®
• Don’s Food Center
• Dove Christian Books & Gifts
• Fareway
• Hands Around the World
• Holland House Interiors
• Jubon Juweelen
• Orange City Area Health System Gift Garden
• Severson Hearing
• Windmill Park Jewelers

The Auxiliary of Orange City Area Health System is hosting a Usborne Book Sale Fundraiser on Thursday, January 26, from 8am to 5pm in the front lobby of the health system’s main campus at 1000 Lincoln Circle SE in Orange City. Over 1,300 bright, colorful, fun titles covering activities, puzzles, and a wide range of subjects for children of all ages will be for sale, with proceeds directly benefitting health system patients and families.