Washington Chamber of Commerce
Main Street Washington
WEDG
City of Washington
WASHINGTON, IA – Our 2023-2024 Leadership Washington class experienced a variety of health and wellness related offerings in town on Wednesday, Dec 13th. They started the day at the UP Home, where the dining staff provided a delicious breakfast. The class learned about many of the various health conditions that can affect the eyes by Dr. Megan Hangartner of Modern Eye Care. Following her presentation, they toured the UP home with Erin Drahota, Executive Director and participated in a short yoga workout with Amy Kleese, Director of Relations.
They traveled to the brand new JET Physical Therapy clinic from there, where owner Eric Turner and Brandi Hemsley gave a brief tour and updated the group on all the services JET offers. Along with physical therapy, they staff athletic trainers who work with local athletes and complete sports and DOT physicals, and a newly hired health coach.
The group then moved on to the Wellness Park and YMCA. Nick Pacha, the Parks and Rec Director with the City of Washington, filled them in on the status of the various parks in town, including continued development of the Wellness Park. It was a beautiful day for the class to go out to the Wellness Park to see all the progress. Membership director Zulma Lievanos gave the group a tour of the YMCA facility, while Director of Health and Wellness Kyla Wilkening introduced the class to the “rage cage” and what an interval workout class looks like.
Next it was time for lunch, courtesy of the Washington County Hospital and Clinics. CEO Todd Patterson gave the class an update on the new services and providers expected to start soon. The class then had the honor of receiving a full hospital tour led by Todd along with Greta Clemons and Emme Keith, with more access than ever before! Last but not least was a short presentation by Jamie Schneider with Grace C Mae Advocacy Center. It’s definitely a “hidden gem” in Washington, and a great resource for anyone struggling with mental health.
The class then moved across the street to the Halcyon House. They served the class a wonderful charcuterie snack before leading tours around the facility. Sales director Alisha Davis led the group on a tour of the facility, with Becky Patterson graciously allowing everyone to tour her lovely apartment home. Perhaps the most fun of the day was had when the wellness employees led the group in learning a line dance to “Jingle Bell Rock”, complete with reindeer antler headbands and funny glasses donned!
Last, but certainly not least, was a tour of Hospice of Washington County’s wonderful facility led by Katrina Altenhofen, Executive Director. The highlight of the tour was 3 memorial Christmas trees. They were previously housed at the library, but with the new facility there is room to have them on site.
