Author Connie Goes to Conference

On Friday, June 14th, budding Grinnell author, Connie Osborn, spent an enjoyable day at the annual conference of the Iowa Chapter of the American Parkinson’s Disease Association. The event was held at the Lutheran Church of Hope in West Des Moines and featured information sessions along with vendor’s tables.

As pictured above with son Rick Osborn, Connie had a table to promote her new book, “Jon and Nana Connie Get the Wiggles.” Written to help children understand the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, Connie was assisted with the writing/proofing, illustration, and visual construction by a number of Grinnell supporters: Karla Cornish, Judy Hunter, Betty Moffett, Yusuf Demirci, and Alesia Lacina. Total Choice Printing did the production and binding. The book was funded by the Grinnell Community Education Council and the Grinnell Area Arts Council.

For a retired school teacher (high school science), the experience was exhilarating as book buyers asked for Connie’s autograph. Challenged by the effects of Parkinson’s disease, Connie has been appreciative of the many people who have supported her on this journey.

Table posters for the event were produced by members of the Grinnell College CNA internship class just concluding in The Mayflower Community, Connie’s home. Mayflower staff accompanying Connie to the conference were Chery Nelson, Activities Director; Holly Thomas, RN; Jeremy Innis, CNA/RA; and Christine Anderson, CNA.

— Bob Mann, Sales & Marketing Director