Late this afternoon, I traveled to the south side of Des Moines for a heart lifting event.
You may have heard that the YWCA in downtown Des Moines closed its doors in February, which meant that several women - including some mothers with small children - were going to lose their housing and be put out on the streets.
Thankfully, though, some very concerned citizens joined forces and worked tirelessly to give these women the housing they needed and deserved.
EJ Giovanetti and John Mauro, Polk County Supervisors, helped spearhead the efforts. Thanks to contributions from the Polk County Housing Trust, Prairie Meadows, the Polk County Board of Supervisors, United Way, Conlin Housing, and many others, funds were secured that helped purchase an old apartment complex and turn it into transitional housing for women in need.
One group that has been really active was the Des Moines Radio Group - especially Maxwell and Pam from KIOA. They led a fundraiser which raised over $50,000 for this project.
And I am really proud that our administration was able to help turn the project into a reality. Through the I-JOBS program, nearly $200,000 will be used to make final improvements at the facility, and give the women a good place to call home. And through Iowa Prison Industries, we were able to supply thousands of dollars in furniture.
After saying a few words, we took a quick tour, and I can tell you, it is really nice. In a very short amount of time this group has done a great job in getting everything put together and ensuring these women never have to spend a night out on the street.
It was a great event. It really was inspiring to see what was able to be accomplished in a short amount of time. It just reminds you that when people work together, we truly can achieve anything.
Until next time,
Patty
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Harlan - Petersen Family Wellness Center
Our tour today ended with a stop at Myrtue Medical Center in Harlan to talk about an exciting new project in their community.
When people think of I-JOBS, they normally think of roads, bridges, and vertical infrastructure. What people don't realize is the impact that I-JOBS is having on our quality of life. But that is exactly what I-JOBS is doing in Shelby County.
Through the I-JOBS and Community Attractions and Tourism Programs, Harlan received more than $1.1 million to build a new wellness and aquatic center. The Petersen Family Wellness Center will be a bright, inviting facility that will help encourage people to work out. And the aquatic center will feature slides, spas, and a lazy river that will not only be entertaining for families, but also make exercise fun.
This center will give this great western Iowa community a new tool in its fight to combat illness and promote better living.
As a former nurse, promoting wellness is one of my top priorities, so, I was excited to see that I-JOBS is helping to make our state healthier.
But I am not the only one excited by this project. The community is excited about the possibilities of this new center.
During our visit today, the hospital - which will run the center - gave us a presentation on the project. Let me tell you, Harlan gets it. They understand the importance of wellness and how that impacts the community. They are trying to make their hospital not a place focused on illness, but a place that promotes wellness. And thanks in part to I-JOBS, they are doing just that.
So, it was great to see this project, and I hope I can come back this summer when they get it all done.
Well, we are now on our way back to Des Moines. This trip was more than likely our last trip for the legislative session. Next week, I am off to Washington, D.C. for a few days at the National Lt. Governors Association Annual Meeting. And then we are going to be in budget negotiations as we quickly come up on the legislature's 80 day deadline.
We will be back on the road as soon as the final bills are passed.
But don't think that means I won't be blogging. I have had a lot of fun sharing the story of Iowa, and I plan on keeping that up - whether I'm on the road or in the Capitol.
So, until next time,
Patty
When people think of I-JOBS, they normally think of roads, bridges, and vertical infrastructure. What people don't realize is the impact that I-JOBS is having on our quality of life. But that is exactly what I-JOBS is doing in Shelby County.
Through the I-JOBS and Community Attractions and Tourism Programs, Harlan received more than $1.1 million to build a new wellness and aquatic center. The Petersen Family Wellness Center will be a bright, inviting facility that will help encourage people to work out. And the aquatic center will feature slides, spas, and a lazy river that will not only be entertaining for families, but also make exercise fun.
This center will give this great western Iowa community a new tool in its fight to combat illness and promote better living.
As a former nurse, promoting wellness is one of my top priorities, so, I was excited to see that I-JOBS is helping to make our state healthier.
But I am not the only one excited by this project. The community is excited about the possibilities of this new center.
During our visit today, the hospital - which will run the center - gave us a presentation on the project. Let me tell you, Harlan gets it. They understand the importance of wellness and how that impacts the community. They are trying to make their hospital not a place focused on illness, but a place that promotes wellness. And thanks in part to I-JOBS, they are doing just that.
So, it was great to see this project, and I hope I can come back this summer when they get it all done.
Well, we are now on our way back to Des Moines. This trip was more than likely our last trip for the legislative session. Next week, I am off to Washington, D.C. for a few days at the National Lt. Governors Association Annual Meeting. And then we are going to be in budget negotiations as we quickly come up on the legislature's 80 day deadline.
We will be back on the road as soon as the final bills are passed.
But don't think that means I won't be blogging. I have had a lot of fun sharing the story of Iowa, and I plan on keeping that up - whether I'm on the road or in the Capitol.
So, until next time,
Patty
Council Bluffs
We are back on the road after a great night in Council Bluffs. We spent the night at the Ameristar Casino, which is one of my favorite places stay in the state. Back when my husband John used to do a lot of business in Omaha, I would come over often, and this was our hotel. It really became our home away from home. So, it was fun to come back over here and get a good dinner at the buffet and a good night's sleep.
This morning, we started with a visit to another of the state-funded preschools. There really is no better way to begin a day.
I visited three rooms, and in each one, they presented me cards thanking me for coming.
In the first one, I got to read one of my favorite children's books - Dr. Seuss' "There's a Wocket in my Pocket." The kids were so cute, and very engaged in the story.
In the last two classes, it was activity time, so I saw the children learning by doing. In one class, a very eager little boy took it upon himself to be a tourguide, and took me to every one of his classmates to introduce me. And one little girl had to show me a picture of her new puppy.
I am always impressed by these little ones. They clearly are so much more prepared to enter kindergarten than my kids were at their age. They are eager learners, and I know they will do great in school.
But its not just the kids that are eager. The teachers and the community are really behind the program. In fact, this year, the Council Bluffs School District was able to add new classrooms thanks to support from the Iowa West Foundation. This just shows that its not just educators and politicians who recognize the value of this program. Rather, Iowans as a whole are starting to see the impact this program is having our kids, our communities, and our state.
Well, we are heading back towards Des Moines. But there is one more stop to make in Harlan.
Until next time,
Patty
This morning, we started with a visit to another of the state-funded preschools. There really is no better way to begin a day.
I visited three rooms, and in each one, they presented me cards thanking me for coming.
In the first one, I got to read one of my favorite children's books - Dr. Seuss' "There's a Wocket in my Pocket." The kids were so cute, and very engaged in the story.
In the last two classes, it was activity time, so I saw the children learning by doing. In one class, a very eager little boy took it upon himself to be a tourguide, and took me to every one of his classmates to introduce me. And one little girl had to show me a picture of her new puppy.
I am always impressed by these little ones. They clearly are so much more prepared to enter kindergarten than my kids were at their age. They are eager learners, and I know they will do great in school.
But its not just the kids that are eager. The teachers and the community are really behind the program. In fact, this year, the Council Bluffs School District was able to add new classrooms thanks to support from the Iowa West Foundation. This just shows that its not just educators and politicians who recognize the value of this program. Rather, Iowans as a whole are starting to see the impact this program is having our kids, our communities, and our state.
Well, we are heading back towards Des Moines. But there is one more stop to make in Harlan.
Until next time,
Patty
Monday, March 8, 2010
Onawa - West Monona Schools
The car rolled into Onawa for an event that is a bit different than what we have been doing.
As Lt. Governor, one of my key priority areas has been promoting wellness - especially in our kids. Years of poor diets and a lack of nutritional education has caused real problems for our children. For example, type 2 diabetes, which I had learned was only found in adults is now showing up in kids. And this generation of kids is the first in our nation's history that are predicted to have a shorter life span than their parents. We cannot allow this to continue, and that is why I have worked hard to help address these challenges.
One way we are doing so is through a program called the Lt. Governor's Challenge. This is a free, national program that I launched here in Iowa last summer. It challenges people to stay active and eat better.
Starting this fall, we decided to expand the program to our schools. We had ten schools across the state participate. One that has really embraced this program is West Monona Schools.
Their PE teacher, Dale Pash, got some of his kids involved in October, and liked the program so much that this January, he expanded the program to all of the Middle School. And let me tell you, they are doing great.
While I was there, I got to see the kids working out. They were running, jumping, and staying active. That is exactly what we wanted this program to do. You can tell these kids are having fun, and in the process learning valuable skills that will keep them healthy for years to come.
I want to congratulate Coach Pash and the students at West Monona. They are doing a great job, and I am so proud of the work they are doing.
This program is open to kids or adults, and if you would like to learn more, visit www.ltgovernorschallenge.us.
Well, we are now heading to Council Bluffs for the night. We start at it again tomorrow with two more stops before heading back to Des Moines.
Until next time,
Patty
As Lt. Governor, one of my key priority areas has been promoting wellness - especially in our kids. Years of poor diets and a lack of nutritional education has caused real problems for our children. For example, type 2 diabetes, which I had learned was only found in adults is now showing up in kids. And this generation of kids is the first in our nation's history that are predicted to have a shorter life span than their parents. We cannot allow this to continue, and that is why I have worked hard to help address these challenges.
One way we are doing so is through a program called the Lt. Governor's Challenge. This is a free, national program that I launched here in Iowa last summer. It challenges people to stay active and eat better.
Starting this fall, we decided to expand the program to our schools. We had ten schools across the state participate. One that has really embraced this program is West Monona Schools.
Their PE teacher, Dale Pash, got some of his kids involved in October, and liked the program so much that this January, he expanded the program to all of the Middle School. And let me tell you, they are doing great.
While I was there, I got to see the kids working out. They were running, jumping, and staying active. That is exactly what we wanted this program to do. You can tell these kids are having fun, and in the process learning valuable skills that will keep them healthy for years to come.
I want to congratulate Coach Pash and the students at West Monona. They are doing a great job, and I am so proud of the work they are doing.
This program is open to kids or adults, and if you would like to learn more, visit www.ltgovernorschallenge.us.
Well, we are now heading to Council Bluffs for the night. We start at it again tomorrow with two more stops before heading back to Des Moines.
Until next time,
Patty
Sioux City - Milwaukee Railroad Historic Shops
Our second stop today brought us to Sioux City to talk about a new project that is happening thanks to I-JOBS.
The success of many Iowa communities 100 years ago depended upon the railroad, and Sioux City is no exception. This web of steel and wood connected towns on the prairie to points all across the country. And given Sioux City's place as an agricultural leader, much of our states cattle, hogs, and commodities that traveled by rail passed through the community.
Railroads built Iowa into what it is today, however, many of those railroads have passed into history, and left in their wake many relics.
In Sioux City, when the Milwaukee Road closed its operations, they left behind rail service shops. And over the years, those shops have fallen into disrepair, becoming a blight on the community.
However, that is all about to change. The City and County are working with the Siouxland Historic Railroad Association to restore the old Milwaukee Shops , and to help shed a little light on this piece of Iowa history.
But what is really unique about this project is that they are working with local schools to help show the importance of engineering to building a railroad. Building railroads was a very scientific process, and the project will become a laboratory where students young and old can learn all it takes to build a railroad.
This project is being made possible thanks to I-JOBS, and a $266,000 grant from the I-JOBS Community Attractions and Tourism Program. These dollars are already being put to good use. Just in the design phase, the jobs of 3 architects were retained thanks to this project, and in the end, they expect more than 30 people to be employed in the construction and restoration.
And they are moving fast. They expect to be cutting the ribbon by the end of the summer, and I hope to be there to celebrate the opening of this new attraction.
Well, we are on our way to the next stop in Onawa.
Until next time,
Patty
The success of many Iowa communities 100 years ago depended upon the railroad, and Sioux City is no exception. This web of steel and wood connected towns on the prairie to points all across the country. And given Sioux City's place as an agricultural leader, much of our states cattle, hogs, and commodities that traveled by rail passed through the community.
Railroads built Iowa into what it is today, however, many of those railroads have passed into history, and left in their wake many relics.
In Sioux City, when the Milwaukee Road closed its operations, they left behind rail service shops. And over the years, those shops have fallen into disrepair, becoming a blight on the community.
However, that is all about to change. The City and County are working with the Siouxland Historic Railroad Association to restore the old Milwaukee Shops , and to help shed a little light on this piece of Iowa history.
But what is really unique about this project is that they are working with local schools to help show the importance of engineering to building a railroad. Building railroads was a very scientific process, and the project will become a laboratory where students young and old can learn all it takes to build a railroad.
This project is being made possible thanks to I-JOBS, and a $266,000 grant from the I-JOBS Community Attractions and Tourism Program. These dollars are already being put to good use. Just in the design phase, the jobs of 3 architects were retained thanks to this project, and in the end, they expect more than 30 people to be employed in the construction and restoration.
And they are moving fast. They expect to be cutting the ribbon by the end of the summer, and I hope to be there to celebrate the opening of this new attraction.
Well, we are on our way to the next stop in Onawa.
Until next time,
Patty
Merrill - Plymouth Oil
Well, its Monday, which means another day on the road. Last night, we piled in the car (and I mean that literally since the cars get small when you have three people and luggage) and drove to Le Mars.
After a good night's rest, we made the quick drive south to Merrill, where we visited Plymouth Oil Company.
I am familiar with Plymouth Oil. As Secretary of Agriculture, my focus was on supporting our farmers by finding new uses for our crops, which also helped grow our economy and create jobs for Iowans. Here in Merrill, Plymouth Oil and Plymouth Energy are doing exactly that. In 2006, Plymouth Energy joined the locally-grown bio-refining businesses that are helping to fuel the world by building an ethanol plant.
And now, right next door Plymouth Oil is helping to feed the world. They are in the process of constructing a new facility that will make food-grade corn oil. They are close to bringing this facility on-line, and soon hope to be shipping their product around the globe.
Our administration worked with Plymouth to make this expansion possible. Through the High Quality Job Creation program, we have helped create 23 good jobs here in Merrill.
I was glad to come and see this plant and the work they are doing.
When finished, Plymouth will be one of the first plants in the world to produce both ethanol and corn oil. This is the type of work that not only adds value to our crops and helps our farmers, but creates good-paying jobs for Iowans, and grows our economy.
Well, the car is moving south. Next stop - Sioux City.
Until next time,
Patty
After a good night's rest, we made the quick drive south to Merrill, where we visited Plymouth Oil Company.
I am familiar with Plymouth Oil. As Secretary of Agriculture, my focus was on supporting our farmers by finding new uses for our crops, which also helped grow our economy and create jobs for Iowans. Here in Merrill, Plymouth Oil and Plymouth Energy are doing exactly that. In 2006, Plymouth Energy joined the locally-grown bio-refining businesses that are helping to fuel the world by building an ethanol plant.
And now, right next door Plymouth Oil is helping to feed the world. They are in the process of constructing a new facility that will make food-grade corn oil. They are close to bringing this facility on-line, and soon hope to be shipping their product around the globe.
Our administration worked with Plymouth to make this expansion possible. Through the High Quality Job Creation program, we have helped create 23 good jobs here in Merrill.
I was glad to come and see this plant and the work they are doing.
When finished, Plymouth will be one of the first plants in the world to produce both ethanol and corn oil. This is the type of work that not only adds value to our crops and helps our farmers, but creates good-paying jobs for Iowans, and grows our economy.
Well, the car is moving south. Next stop - Sioux City.
Until next time,
Patty
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Lt. Governor Judge in Western Iowa Next Week
LT. GOVERNOR JUDGE BRINGS ‘MOVING IOWA FORWARD’ TOUR TO WESTERN IOWA NEXT WEEK
DES MOINES – Lt. Governor Patty Judge will travel through western Iowa next week as part of the Culver/Judge Administration’s “Moving Iowa Forward” tour. The Lt. Governor will visit Merrill, Sioux City, Onawa and Missouri Valley on Monday, and Council Bluffs and Harlan on Tuesday. During the tour, she will discuss the need for further investments in job creation and education.
Below are details of the Lt. Governor’s tour.
MONDAY, MARCH 8, 2010
WHAT: Lt. Governor Judge will talk about the need for further investments in job creation and economic development when the “Moving Iowa Forward” tour comes to Merrill.
WHERE: Plymouth Oil Company
Administration Building
22058 K42
Merrill, IA 51038
WHEN: 9:45 a.m.
WHAT: Lt. Governor Judge will highlight infrastructure investment and job creation when the “Moving Iowa Forward” tour comes to Sioux City. The Lt. Governor will be highlighting the efforts to restore the Milwaukee Railroad Shops Historic District, which received more than $266,000 in I-JOBS funds.
WHERE: Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center
4500 Sioux River Rd.
Sioux City, IA
WHEN: 11:15 a.m.
WHAT: Lt. Governor Judge will visit West Monona Middle School to thank the students for participating in the Lt. Governor’s Wellness Challenge. The school began the program last fall, and this semester, all students in the middle and high schools are participating.
WHERE: West Monona Middle School
1314 15th St
Onawa, IA
WHEN: 2:15 p.m.
TUESDAY, MARCH 9, 2010
WHAT: Lt. Governor Judge will talk about the need for further investment in early childhood education when the “Moving Iowa Forward” tour comes to Council Bluffs.
WHERE: Location To Be Announced
Council Bluffs, IA
WHEN: 9:30 a.m.
WHAT: Lt. Governor Judge will highlight infrastructure investment and job creation when the “Moving Iowa Forward” tour comes to Harlan. The Lt. Governor will be highlighting the new Shelby County Wellness Center, which received $675,000 from the Culver/Judge I-JOBS Program.
WHERE: Myrtue Medical Center, Auble Conference Room
1213 Garfield Avenue
Harlan, IA
WHEN: 11:15 a.m.
.
###
DES MOINES – Lt. Governor Patty Judge will travel through western Iowa next week as part of the Culver/Judge Administration’s “Moving Iowa Forward” tour. The Lt. Governor will visit Merrill, Sioux City, Onawa and Missouri Valley on Monday, and Council Bluffs and Harlan on Tuesday. During the tour, she will discuss the need for further investments in job creation and education.
Below are details of the Lt. Governor’s tour.
MONDAY, MARCH 8, 2010
WHAT: Lt. Governor Judge will talk about the need for further investments in job creation and economic development when the “Moving Iowa Forward” tour comes to Merrill.
WHERE: Plymouth Oil Company
Administration Building
22058 K42
Merrill, IA 51038
WHEN: 9:45 a.m.
WHAT: Lt. Governor Judge will highlight infrastructure investment and job creation when the “Moving Iowa Forward” tour comes to Sioux City. The Lt. Governor will be highlighting the efforts to restore the Milwaukee Railroad Shops Historic District, which received more than $266,000 in I-JOBS funds.
WHERE: Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center
4500 Sioux River Rd.
Sioux City, IA
WHEN: 11:15 a.m.
WHAT: Lt. Governor Judge will visit West Monona Middle School to thank the students for participating in the Lt. Governor’s Wellness Challenge. The school began the program last fall, and this semester, all students in the middle and high schools are participating.
WHERE: West Monona Middle School
1314 15th St
Onawa, IA
WHEN: 2:15 p.m.
TUESDAY, MARCH 9, 2010
WHAT: Lt. Governor Judge will talk about the need for further investment in early childhood education when the “Moving Iowa Forward” tour comes to Council Bluffs.
WHERE: Location To Be Announced
Council Bluffs, IA
WHEN: 9:30 a.m.
WHAT: Lt. Governor Judge will highlight infrastructure investment and job creation when the “Moving Iowa Forward” tour comes to Harlan. The Lt. Governor will be highlighting the new Shelby County Wellness Center, which received $675,000 from the Culver/Judge I-JOBS Program.
WHERE: Myrtue Medical Center, Auble Conference Room
1213 Garfield Avenue
Harlan, IA
WHEN: 11:15 a.m.
.
###
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