Springhurst Health

Tracy Scott, Executive Director of Springhurst Health Campus told Kiwanians about the current status and challenges of long term care facilities,  10,000 Baby Boomers turn 65 every day creating a growing demand for Long term health care facilities,   The government in an attempt to control the financial strains of this demand on Medicare is increasing the use  of programs that promote Healthy aging such as wellness checks and the Healthy 365 imitative.    Medicare has also placed restrictions on Hospital treatment, length and type of stays in a Long term care facility and promotes home healthcare,
Facilities such as Springhurst face problems with labor shortages and compliance with new government initiatives.  Springhurst has several programs for supporting their employees as they obtain more skills and education,  They also promote employee retention through incentives.  For additonal information on Springhurst see trilogyhs.com/browse-locations/item/springhurst-health-campus.

Greenfield Senior Center

Kim Voorhis, Senior Center Coordinator, told Kiwanis about the various activities available through the Greenfield Senior Center.  The Center is located in the Patricia Elmore Center at 280 North Apple Street in Riley Park, is dedicated to the interests and needs of our older citizens. It is a community facility in which older adults can meet to fulfill many social, recreational and educational needs.

The Senior Center offers a wide range of regularly scheduled programs and classes which include, but not limited to, cards, crafts, movies, guest speakers, travelogues and a variety of local and extended trips. Special events such as holiday parties, celebrations, picnics, entertainment and other outings are offered throughout the year.  A monthly newsletter is published and can be picked up at the Center or mailed for a small charge.

The Senior Center is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. A hot lunch is served daily at 11:30 a.m. through "Meals on Wheels".  Meal reservations are required and may be made by calling (317) 477-4345. Transportation to and from the Center is available on a daily basis for those who live within the city limits. 

Ronald McDonald House

Kelly Thien, Chief Advancement Officer at Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Indiana, talked about the House and it's operations at the Kiwanis Club on Tuesday. 

The House is located near the Riley Children's Hospital on Limestone Street.  The House is 55,000 square feet and was build 35 years ago.  Their mission is to provide a supportive “home-away-from-home” for families of children receiving medical care at Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health and other area hospitals, and we champion programs that improve the health, education and well-being of children.   98% of the parents are "Riley parents.  The House has a capacity for 58 families and is usually near capacity with no vacancies.  The average stay for a family is 17 days but month long stays are not uncommon and some stays of a year or longer have occurred.

Families receive welcome bags which include necessities of daily life, activity books, and other items that might not b remembered when leaving home for the emergency hospitalization of a child.  The family will also receive breakfast and dinner at the House with lunch available  at the Riley facility.  Snacks and a pantry are available for other food,  On leaving the family receives a Home bag that includes the first meal at home. 

Families are asked to contribute $15 per night but are not refused if they can't afford it, The actual cost of a daily stay is closer to $100.  The House is able to finance this through corporate and private donations, extensive fundraising, and use of over 300 volunteers. 

Click Ronald McDonald House for more information 

Christmas activities successful

Phil Hayes reported that poinsettia sales this Christmas grossed $4,195 and a net of $1,767.05.  Tom Billings reported that picture sales at the Santa House grossed over $1,500 and a net of $1,087.  Kiwanis uses the proceeds of all it's fundraising to support Riley Children's Hospital and other local charities.

Greenfield Branding

Kiwanian and City Councilman  Dan Riley

Kiwanian and Greenfield City Councilman, Dan Riley, discussed the Greenfield branding project process and goals. The goal of the Greenfield branding initiative should focus on the recruitment and long term retention of resident and businesses.   It is hoped that a significant percentage of the workforce that commutes to Greenfield to work would be persuaded to make their home here because of our quality of life.

Greenfield has affordable housing, excellent schools, excellent healthcare facilities and I70 provides easy access to attractions in Indianapolis.  Hancock Regional Hospital, Ninestar, and Greenfield-Central Community Schools are providing the funding and leadership along with a steering committee of community leaders.  Matchbook Creative LLC has been selected to complete the tasks of creating the brand and common website.  

P.A.W.S. Nancy Rubino

Nancy Rubino, Founder and Executive Director of P.A.W/S/

Nancy Rubino told Kiwanis about the Partners for Animal Welfare Society (PAWS).  Their mission is

to promote animal welfare in Hancock County through humane education and pet population control by:

• Developing and providing humane education programs that teach kindness to and respect for all living things.
• Helping animals housed in animal care shelters by promoting shelter adoptions and by providing improvements to shelter facilities, training for shelter staff and volunteers.
• Promoting shelter and community based pet sterilization programs  

 P.A.W.S. provides animal services that include Homless Animal Aid for abandoned or resuced animals, a low cost spay neuter clinic, and an elder assistance program.  

For further information go to http://www.pawshancock.org, call (317) 318-9483 or  email pawshancock@aol.com.