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Scott Gruhn works the cider press at fall harvest celebration

Mayflower Presses and Gets Cider

On Thursday, October 21st, The Mayflower Community celebrated the fall harvest with a dinner and homemade cider. The events started with an old-fashioned pressing of the apples to make the cider on the Buckley Courtyard veranda. In the words of Foodservices Director, Scott Gruhn, “The cider press in use was owned and operated by Warren

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Katie Iverson, Administrative Assistant for Business Operations

Two New Staff in Mayflower’s Business Office

The following additions have been made to staff of the business office (Pearson building) of The Mayflower Community. Joni Schmidt is the new Receptionist. A rural Brooklyn, Iowa native, Joni now lives in Malcom, Iowa. She says, “I am very happy to be here at Mayflower. Everyone has been so nice. The residents are amazing!”

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Saturday Bingo in H.C. with Shauna Butauski

Saturday Afternoon Entertainment at Mayflower

So, what do you do on a Saturday afternoon in Mayflower’s Health Center when the University of Iowa is playing football on T.V.? Well, of course, you play Bingo! With many residents watching the game, that means more prizes for the players. And, if you have an inkling about the upset by Purdue in process,

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Shawna Calloway, RN, BSN, Director of PCPH administers booster to JoAnn Britton

Vaccinations Get a Boost at Mayflower

On Friday, October 15th, 131 independent living residents in Grinnell’s The Mayflower Community received Pfizer COVID-19 booster shots. The administration of the clinic was performed by Poweshiek County Public Health (PCPH) under the direction of Director of Shawna Calloway, BSN, RN. In February 2021, PCPH administered two rounds of the initial Pfizer shots to 198

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Beebe residents gather in the lounge for cookies and tea

“Mad Hatters” Tea Party at Mayflower

On Friday, October 8th, the Community Life and Wellness staff at The Mayflower Community hosted a “Mad Hatter’s Tea Party.” The specially-brewed tea and scrumptious molasses cookies were prepared by Mayflower’s Foodservices department, let by Jacob Staroska, Supervisor. Lovely China teacups were borrowed from Scott Gruhn’s fine collection. The movie, “Alice in Wonderland,” followed at

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Darlene Larson introduces Thor the cat to Nadine Brouwer

Furry Pet Provides Comfort at Mayflower

On Wednesday, October 6th, Mayflower Community CNA, Darlene Larson brought her kitten Thor to visit the Health Center Residents. Thor was rescued outside the Health Center a few months ago when, during a rainstorm, Darlene heard his cries. The tiny kitten was hiding in the peony bushes. Darlene guessed that he was only a few

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Mayflowe residents receive flu vaccination

Getting Ahead of the Flu at Mayflower

During the week of September 25th, the Mayflower Community has made arrangements to get most of its 400+ residents and staff vaccinated for the flu.  This includes the high-dose regimen for people over 65 years of age. To date, all eligible Health Center and Beebe Assisted Living residents have received the flu vaccine.  Mandatory for

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Mayflower residents listen to Dennis Perry sing

Dennis Perry Plays Outside for Mayflower

On Thursday, September 30th, country music singer and guitarist, Dennis Perry played two gigs in The Mayflower Community—one in the Beebe Circle and one in the Health Center Courtyard. The event is sponsored by Mayflower’ Community Life department. A Marshalltown area native, Dennis took residents on a musical stroll down memory lane while playing guitar

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Harry Bolton catches a catfish

Gone Fishing at Mayflower

Harry Bolton spent the September 25th-26th weekend with his daughter Mary Bolton at her farmstead in rural Columbus Junction. While there, he had the opportunity to fish her pond with the results shown in the accompanying photo. Harry lives in The Mayflower Community’s Health Center. The opportunity to enjoy the outside AND do some fishing

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Stephanie Crawford, Norma Veldboom and Nadine Brouwer exercising together

Exercising Is Always Important at Mayflower

Stephanie Crawford, RN, PTA is The Mayflower Community Restorative Nurse and Health Center Coordinator. She periodically leads exercise sessions for residents to keep minds fresh and muscles strong and loose. See accompanying photos. A recent article in McKnights.com excerpted a poll of older Americans conducted by the University of Michigan in which a majority said

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