July 9, 2024 by Decorah Leader

Sunﬂower Child Development

community need

Sunflower Child Development has been serving Winneshiek County for more than four decades, and they now have a new home. Families were officially welcomed to the spacious, new multi-million dollar center Monday, June 10. The area’s largest area for infants, toddlers, preschoolers and after-schoolers, Sunflower boasts modern classrooms, playgrounds and specialized facilities. (Photo by Samantha Ludeking)

By Stephanie Fromm Executive Director of Winneshiek County Development and Tourism

The Sunﬂower Child Development and Discovery Center, an exciting addition to Winneshiek County’s community services has recently opened part of its facility. After years of project planning, fundraising and ﬁnally construction, the childcare portion of the facility opened its doors on Monday, June 10. The milestone marks the accomplishment of a project that not only addresses the critical need for more childcare slots in the area but also promises to enrich the lives of young children through public access to the innovative indoor play areas in the Discovery Center.

Meeting a critical need

Access to childcare, a priority issue initially adopted by Win-

neshiek County Development and Tourism more than ﬁve years ago, was noted as one of the most pressing challenges facing families in Winneshiek County. With the completion of this project phase, the Sunﬂower Child Development and Discovery Center is helping to alleviate this issue by adding much-needed childcare slots in its beautiful state-of-the-art facility. This multi-million dollar initiative taken on and supported by dozens of organizations in the county, not only supports working families but also contributes to the overall well-being and development of children.

“What I like about the

and all

is that there is more

Sloan, 10

“I like to sit in our new chairs.” Eleanor, 3

The purposefully designed building provides a clean, reliable and safe environment for children in the community and features a fully-operational kitchen and 13 cozy classrooms divided by age and named after woodland creatures such as ducklings, chipmunks, otters, owls, foxes and wolves.

Sunflower is excited to share the building space with the local HeadStart pre-school program. Sunﬂower will also offer summer care and before/after school care for school-age children (ages 5-12). This facility

will provide care to more than 200 children, ages 0-12 years old. Through successful fundraising and grant writing efforts, the facility offers amenities that include an indoor gym space, a learning kitchen, which is sized for students, and beautiful outdoor play spaces. The facility made energy-efﬁcient decisions when building, and has included a 210kW solar array, 60kW SolarEdge battery system, 22kW Standby Generac Generator, SolarFlower Array and a Daily Educational Solar Production and Monitor Display System that will help visually educate children and visiting families about the positive impact this setup has on both the nonproﬁt’s operating budget and the environment.

Returning “home” to its roots

The opening of the Sunﬂower Child Development and Discovery Center marks a poignant moment for the organization, as it returns to one of its orig-

facility. Pictured (l-r): Stephanie Fromm, Hannah Tulgren, Maddie Putnam and Merlene Brown. (submitted)

inal locations within the city of Decorah due to a four-acre land donation from WinnMed. This

Smartflower blooms at Sunflower

Solar technology at new Child Development & Discovery Center a first in Iowa

By Zach Jensen

As the new Sunflower Child Development & Discovery Center blooms, an extra bit of solar technology is blossoming with it.

Perry Novak Electric General Manager Brent Freilinger said that, thanks to a special grant, the newly-built structure - locally known as “Sun

flower” - is the site of Iowa’s first “Smartflower” solar array; a multi-panel solar assembly fixed to one “stem,” which opens every morning, tracks the sun’s movement throughout the day and closes at night.

“The Smartflower will be a

daily interest of children and their families seeing the process of opening, following the sun’s movement and closing at the end of the day,” said Sunflower Executive Director Holly Benda. “This may even inspire questions and curiosity, which are vital parts of learning.”

Freilinger said that with the combined power of the Smartflower and the solar panels on the facility’s roof, Sunflower has 210 kilowatts worth of solar power, which will help offset the majority of the facility’s power consumption.

“Sunflower was awarded a grant to help offset some of that cost, and that grant had a

resiliency factor, because there are batteries and a generator interconnected with the solar,” Freilinger said. “That way, if the facility loses power, a small portion of the building would still have power.”

“The solar energy captured will be stored for emergency use in the case of power failure,” Benda added. “This will allow our center to utilize vital parts of the building to continue providing care in such events.”

John Nielsen, Perry Novak Electric, said the Smartflower is the latest development in the industry which really began growing over a decade ago.

“The solar industry started growing 12 years ago, and it’s been growing ever since,” Nielsen said. “At one point this year, we had three crews installing solar. We’ve put in more than 500 systems in the last 12 years.”

Freilinger added that nonprofits like Sunflower are eligible for a federal tax credit as an incentive to have solar power installed in their facilities.

“With the tax credit, grants and the cost savings, going solar just makes sense,” he said.

The general manager said state officials are also excited about the project, because Sunflower’s Smartflower is the first of its kind to be installed in Iowa.

“The location of the Smartflower is cool, because it’s right outside the Discovery Center,” Freilinger said. “When the Dis-

We were

Pictured in front of the new Solarflower at Sunflower Child Development & Discovery Center is Perry Novak Electric General Manager Brent Freilinger, Sunflower’s Daiton Johnson, Amy Winter, Sunflower Executive Director Holly Benda and Winneshiek County Development and Tourism Director Stephanie Fromm. (Photo by Zach Jensen)

symbolic return signifies not only a physical expansion but also a reaffirmation of commitment to the community, where Sunflower’s journey began by establishing roots in familiar surroundings. Sunflower aims to build on existing relationships and continue its legacy of providing exceptional childcare services.

Innovative indoor play

areas

The public indoor play area is scheduled to open this fall. Sunflower will introduce stateof-the-art indoor play areas designed to stimulate creativity, learning and physical activity among children.

Highlights include a dynamic water table, where young ones can explore the principles of buoyancy, hydrology and air dynamics in a safe and engaging environment. Addi-

tionally, other components will fill the space, including a large wall-mounted Light Bright and giant Etch-A-Sketch, a netted climbing structure and rock-climbing wall, and other various features including Duplo Lego building block tables and a turf-surfaced toddler play area. These spaces will challenge children to develop their large motor skills, coordination and creative thinking while having fun.

A fully equipped gymnasium will also offer ample space for active play and structured physical activities. Each area is crafted to encourage exploration and social interaction, promoting holistic growth and development.

Teamwork makes the dream work

From dream to reality, the journey of the Sunflower Child

Development and Discovery Center has been a testament to the power of teamwork and dedication. Early on, a united effort in fundraising laid the foundation for success, spearheaded

“I love the cozy cube to read books in and the long slide on the playground” Aria, 4

by the collaborative leadership of Lora Friest, Larry Grimstad, John R. Schroeher, Mary Ann Thurmer, Dan Thurmer, Merlene Brown, Rita Friest, Barbara Wilkerson, Harlan Satrom, Mike Harman and Stephanie Fromm.

The Sunflower Construction Committee then took the helm, guiding the project through every phase with meticulous attention. Weekly meetings buzzed with activity, punctuated by countless phone calls and decisions on facility layout, building materials and more. Special recognition goes to the core team comprising Merlene Brown, John Schroeher, Jim Bower and Stephanie Fromm, whose dedication and expertise were instrumental in bringing the project to fruition.

Amidst challenges, the Sunflower Board of Directors stood steadfast, navigating uncharted waters with resilience and foresight. Members, including John Schroeher, Carson Eggland, Carolyn Dahlen, Mellissa Bills, Merlene Brown, Brent Freilinger and Stephanie Fromm, deserve applause for their unwavering commitment. Equally commendable are Sunflower’s administrative team, including Holly Benda, Daiton Johnson and Amy Winter, and veteran staff who remained dedicated throughout, providing invaluable insights and guidance that proved pivotal to the project’s success.

As the Sunflower Child Development and Discovery Center opens its doors, the community celebrates not just a new facility, but a testament to what can be achieved through collaboration, perseverance and

Sunflower continued on page 5

“Playing in the kitchen is my favorite and dressing up as a construction worker.”

George, 3

to a large green space for school age kids.

musical mushroom pictured above is part of the “Otter” playground for two-yearolds. (Photos by Roz Weis)

A mother’s room is available for mothers to come in during the day to nurse or parents who want to have contact with their infant during the day. The room is outfitted with all the necessities for mothers and infants.

When added to the solar array on the new facility’s roof (pictured), Sunflower’s “Solarflower” will help pay for the majority of childcare facility’s power once the solar system is paid off.

(Photo by Perry Novak Electric Senior Solar Tech Phillip DeMoss)

Sunﬂower receives grant from Trees Forever

Sunﬂower Child Development and Discovery Center recently announced a $2,000 grant award it received from Trees Forever’s Power, of Trees Grant and Black Hills Energy, for the planting of new trees at its new facility in Decorah.

According to a report from Winneshiek County Development and Tourism, the grant

will support the enhancement of the outdoor playgrounds and overall site.

“Through this funding, Sunﬂower aims to create a warm and inviting outdoor space that encourages learning, curiosity and connection with nature for children, tourists and families throughout the Decorah community,” the WCDT report said.

Sunﬂower

a community legacy and our community is so grateful for all the special donors that contributed time and money towards the project over the years.

Future

continued from front

Lighting up the block Visitors can’t miss the mesmerizing new light ﬁxture greeting visitors at the entrance. This year, a generous donor sparked a brilliant idea: Collaborating with the construction committee to craft an artistic masterpiece from Ball Mason Jars. Thanks to the creative efforts of Hannah Tulgren, Maddie Putnam, Merlene Brown and Stephanie Fromm, approximately 1,800 of these jars now adorn the ceiling, casting a breathtaking glow that’s become a centerpiece of admiration.

As the center prepared to open its doors, anticipation was high among families and community members alike. The Sunﬂower Child Development and Discovery Center promises to be a hub of learning, play and community engagement, catering to the needs of children and families in the Winneshiek County area and beyond. With its innovative indoor play areas and expanded childcare options, the center is certain to make a signiﬁcant impact on the local community, nurturing the next generation of thinkers, dreamers and leaders.

For more information about Sunﬂower Child Development and Discovery Center, visit SunﬂowerChildCare.org. For more information about Trees Forever grants with Black Hill Energy, visit treesforever.org/ power-of-trees.

“We are incredibly grateful to Trees Forever and Black Hills Energy for their support towards the project,” said Holly Benda, Executive Director at Sunﬂower Child Development and Discovery Center. “This grant will enable us to plant a diverse range of trees that will not only beautify our surroundings but also provide invaluable educational opportunities for the children and families we serve.”

Sunﬂower Child Development and Discovery Center is

ABOVE- A multi purpose room is used for large in-person staff trainings. The room is on the discover side of the building with visual access to the discovery area and is available to the public for rent for birthday parties and meetings.

LEFT- Sunflower boasts modern classrooms outfitted to meet the needs of each specific age group. (Photos by Roz Weis)

Please

Summer Reading Programs at Robey Memorial Library

Robey Memorial Library’s

“Read, Renew, Repeat” Summer Reading Program 2024 kicked off July 1 and runs through Wednesday, July 31.

Kids infant-6th grade (completed)

• 4-Week Reading Challenge: Register at the front desk, pick up or print from the website a reading log that features reading and activity challenges. Earn prizes and books by completing the tasks assigned to the squares.

• Make and Take Crafts: Held every Wednesday in July. Stop by between 1:30-3:30 p.m. to make a craft to take home.

Projects include: July 10 Butterﬂy House; July 17; 3D Insect Mobile July 24; Wire Whisk Dragonﬂy and July 31: Tissue

Paper Painting.

• Grab and Go Activity Bags: Features fun, challenging projects to create at home. Available on the second Wednesday of each month while supplies last.

• Summer Explorers Series continues in July and August on bi-weekly Wednesdays at 10:30-11:30 a.m. The series features: July 3 marbled shaving cream art, July 17; salt painting, July 31; Iowa PBS Steam Stations with Education Specialist Stacie Steveson and Aug. 14 to be determined.

• Story Walk at the Allamakee County Fair: RML will be hosting a story walk July 17-21 featuring the hilarious children’s book “Interrupting Chicken” by David Ezra Stein. Families and children are encouraged to read the book by walking from page to page as they stroll the fairgrounds. The starting point of the story walk is at the pavilion entrance, each

stop will direct readers to the next; the story ends at the fair ofﬁce.

• Passport to Reading: Book club for kids grades four through six grades. Passport to Reading meets from 10:30-11:30 a.m., Thursday, July 11 and Aug. 8 to discuss a book read, participate in fun book-related activities and enjoy snacks. Register at the Kids Summer Programs link at www.waukon.lib.ia.us or contact RML at 563-568-4424.

Teens 7th-12th grades

(completed)

• Reading Challenge: Register at the front desk, pick up or print from the website a Reading Challenge Brochure. Earn prizes and books by completing reading minutes and literary quests. Earn entries to prize drawings for a Waukon Bucks or book package.

• Teen Summer Book Club: July’s book selection is “Undefeated” by Steve Sheinkin.

Join in from 10:30-11:30 a.m., Wednesday, July 10, for snacks and discussion. August’s book club meets on from 10:30-11:30 a.m., Wednesday, Aug. 7, for snacks and discussion of “The Rosewood Hunt” by Mackenzie Reed.

• Classic Book Club for Teens: This club will read and discuss classic titles “The Grapes of Wrath” by John Steinbeck and “Treasure Island” by Robert Louis Stevenson. Classic Book Club meets at 5:30 p.m., on July 8 and Aug. 12. Register for Teen Summer Book Club and/or Classic Book Club for Teens at the Teen Summer Program link at www.waukon.lib.ia.us or contact RML at 563-568-4424. First ﬁve registrants receive the book to keep; copies are available at RML.

Adults

Adults who participate in the 2024 Adult Reading Challenge through July will be entered into a drawing for a special prize. Read a title from one of 12 reading categories: animal-themed; based on a true story; classic; from your childhood or youth; nature-themed; reader’s choice; recycled (from a garage sale, second-hand store, friend, etc.); science; teaches you something; tragedy; travel-themed; and weather-related. Complete an entry at www.waukon.lib.ia.us or at RML. The Adult Reading Challenge continues through Dec. 31.

Summer Matinee

the

• Adult Thursday Night Book Club: Attendees will discuss a title from a garage sale, second-hand sale, friend, etc., at 6 p.m., Thursday, July 18

• Live & Learn: In Case of Emergency-Allamakee County Emergency Coordinator Corey Snitker will present a program on being prepared for an emergency, evacuation or a disaster, at 5:30 p.m., Thursday, July 29

Fine Forgiveness

Those who participate in a reading challenges, children/ teens who register for the Summer Reading Challenge in July, or adults who read at least one book for the 2024 Adult Reading Challenge in July can have overdue ﬁnes forgiven. Be sure to remind the library staff of your participation. Fine Forgiveness does not include lost or damaged items on your library account.

National Night Out to be held Aug.

6

The Decorah Police Department, Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Ofﬁce and Helping Services for Youth and Families will host National Night Out from 5-7 p.m., Aug. 6, at Phelps Park in Decorah. National Night Out is a family-friendly, community-building event which promotes positive relationships within the community. The event will include music, food and games.

Quilter’s Therapy gives 121 quilts to Veterans

Quilter’s Therapy in Mabel, Minnesota, gave nine quilts to local veterans on Sunday, June 23, at the Canton Town Hall in Canton, Minnesota. Veterans who received quilts include, (front row l-r): Doug Marin, Duaine “Snooky” Johnson, Gary Turner and Roger McCabe. (Back row): Cael Wilder, Dave Terbeest, Gerald Johnson, Donald “Butch” Helgeson and Nick Prestby. The quilting group has given away 121 quilts to local veterans since March 2015. (submitted)

90th birthday celebration

98th birthday card shower

Happy

Milestones Harmony’s annual 4th of July celebration

The annual 4th of July celebration was held in Harmony, Minnesota July 3-6. Always a highlight of the celebration, the Grand Parade was held at 3 p.m. on Thursday, July 4.

Below: Harmony 4th of July Celebration ﬁrst-timers Kari, Violet and Nick Marquardt.

Right: Fashionable pup Millie all dolled up for Harmony’s Grand Parade, accompanied by her buddy, Parker.

Below right: A vintage Harmony Fire Truck decked out for the 4th of July events. (Photos by Kathy Simpson)

grade on up. This program has a focus to “lay the foundation for lifelong health and ﬁtness, athletics and enjoying exercise.”

“Our Youth Strength and Agility Program is designed to empower kids with the physical, mental and emotional skills they need to thrive. Through a dynamic blend of age-appropriate exercises, including plyometrics, strength training, mobility drills and more, we ignite their passion for ﬁtness and foster qualities like trust, self-accountability and conﬁdence,” she said. “Unlike traditional programs, our approach is tailored to help kids not just get faster and stronger but develop the inner strength to overcome life’s challenges and develop a love for exercise.”

Since its opening at the beginning of May, the Cunning-

hams said the community has strongly supported their new venture.

“The response has been fantastic, and I truly believe we’re just scratching the surface of what’s possible,” said Jordan.

“Looking ahead, I see our options are unlimited.”

Jordan says she envisions eventually expanding the gym to offer more personalized one-one-one sessions, as well as adding a nutritional and supplement option.

“The key is balancing our current responsibilities with a clear, strategic vision for the future,” she said. “I’m conﬁdent that with

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our expertise and commitment to excellence, we can make this gym a true force to be reckoned with in our community.

“Watching others grow and thrive is addictive, and we can’t wait to be a part of pushing the people of Waukon to new heights. This is more than just a business venture - it’s a chance to give back to the place that has shaped us and ensure the next generation has the same experience.”

222 Trained is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For more information, visit 222trained.com.

Registration for cooking class now open

The Winneshiek County Extension and Outreach is hosting “Stay Independent: Cooking for One or Two” from 5-6 p.m., Aug. 7, at the Fort Atkinson Community Center.

“The foods you choose have lasting health impacts so it’s

important you make every bite count,” said Jill Weber, food and health specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach. “There are four key areas for older adults to focus on: healthy dietary patterns, special nutrient considerations, factors supporting healthy

eating and physical activity.”

The session will offer practical, useful and budget-friendly tips focused on households cooking for one or two. To register or for more information, contact Allie McIntyre at 563-382-2949.