Local vet named to Veterinary Practitioners Association Board

Dr. Grant Jacobson, veterinarian and owner of The Hometown Veterinarian of Marshalltown, Iowa, has been elected to the Independent Veterinary Practitioners Association Board of Directors for 2019.

The IVPA is a national veterinary trade association that was formed in 2017 with the goal of promoting the value of independently, locally owned and operated veterinary practices.

Like Jacobson, the association believes that independent, locally-owned veterinary practices are best able to build enduring relationships with animals and their owners because they can individualize veterinary care based on animal health needs. Thus, they can deliver high value veterinary care and manage their practices to help owners best manage the cost of animal ownership.

Jacobson is truly honored to be part of an organization that fits so closely with how he believes, “veterinary medicine was supposed to be.”

He advocates that veterinary practice owners and associates are faced with new challenges as the presence of large corporate-owned practices expands. He hopes to see future veterinary graduates continue to have opportunity to be more than just a number in a faceless corporate structure. He looks forward to playing an active role in helping to direct the organization as it moves forward.

MLA educator earns certification in STEM and as BizInnovator

Nicole Critchfield, an educator at Marshalltown Learning Academy, has become a BizInnovator and STEM Innovator certified teacher. Critchfield is the career development and STEM coordinator at MLA.

She has successfully completed the STEM Innovator professional development program through the Jacobson Institute for Youth Entrepreneurship and may now offer to high school juniors and seniors the opportunity to pursue University of Iowa college credit.

BizInnovator is an online entrepreneurship curriculum for high school teachers and students. It enables educators to teach the entrepreneurial mindset — encouraging creativity, innovation, critical-thinking and problem-solving through high school business courses. These skills prepare students for success in their chosen careers.

Marshalltown Learning Academy is the high school for at-risk students in the Marshalltown Community School District.

Marshalltown Community School District is a state leader in dual credit offerings for students. In the 2018-19 school year alone, Marshalltown High School students are expected to earn a total of 3,946 college credits through a partnership with Marshalltown Community College. These classes are tuition-free for students.

Gov. Reynolds appointed to American Workforce Policy Advisory Board

DES MOINES — Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross and Advisor to the President Ivanka Trump announced that Gov. Kim Reynolds has been appointed to the American Workforce Policy Advisory Board. Established under Executive Order 13845, this Board will work directly with the National Council for the American Worker, leveraging the knowledge of its members to develop and implement a strategy to revamp the American workforce to better meet the challenges of the 21st century.

“Our state has one of the most innovative workforce efforts in the country with the Future Ready Iowa initiative. It’s an honor to share our strategy in hopes it can help the nation replicate our state’s success,” Reynolds said. “I’m looking forward to representing Iowans on this important board, collaborating with top leaders and bringing back other best practices to help build our talent pipeline.”

The Advisory Board, co-chaired by Ross and Trump, brings together members from diverse backgrounds including the private sector, educational institutions and state and local governments. The members will provide varied perspectives on workforce issues facing communities and businesses across the country, while raising awareness of multiple pathways for American workers to obtain family-sustaining careers. The members’ terms last until July 2020.

Glenwood Place ranked 9th in the nation Live 2 B Healthy community

Live 2 B Healthy announced Dec. 1, 2018, a nationwide contest to find the Most Fit Live 2 B Healthy Community in the Nation. Live 2 B Healthy conducts senior fitness classes in 100s of senior living communities across the United States. This contest allowed them to honor the community with the highest level of participation in their classes during the month of January 2019.

Glenwood Place was honored to place in the top 15 Most Fit Communities in the Nation. Out of 70 total communities participating, Glenwood Place placed ninth overall, with a First Place award for Most Outside Visitors at 17. Glenwood Place total participation for the month of January was 154, exceeding their average of 95, which increased their class participation by 62.7 percent.

“This is a huge accomplishment for our community and really puts us on the map for resident and outside community participation. The comradery our residents have established during this contest is going to carry them through the rest of the year,” Community Relations Coordinator Brooke Davis said. “Developing a regular fitness route is an essential part of living a well-rounded senior lifestyle, and Glenwood Place is happy to be able to offer these services to our residents six days per week.”

Live 2 B Healthy Senior Fitness is a leader in the Health and Wellness field specializing in on-site customized group fitness classes led by Certified Personal Trainers for seniors. They conduct these classes in communities where seniors live and congregate including: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Skilled Care, Skilled Nursing, Independent Living, Senior Centers and Churches throughout the United States.

All the fitness and Live 2 B Healthy classes held at Glenwood Place are free and open to the public. Live 2 B Healthy is held at 9:45 a.m. every Tuesday and Thursday. A Memory Care focused Live 2 B Healthy class is also held at 10:30 a.m. every Tuesday and Thursday. Everyone who attends the class can look forward to improving strength, balance and flexibility while boosting mood and lowering stress.

For information on Live 2 B Healthy, contact Davis at Glenwood Place, 641-752-8410.

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