Clarinda Regional Health Center hosts ribbon cutting celebration for new Wellness Roots Garden
CLARINDA, IOWA –
May 21, 2025 – Iowa Kid’s Garden Day - Clarinda Regional Health Center (CRHC) proudly celebrated the official ribbon cutting of the Wellness Roots Garden, a new inclusive outdoor space designed to support health, education, and community engagement.
Located on the CRHC campus, the Wellness Roots Garden is the new home of the Sprouts All Star Program and features fully accessible community garden beds with elements specifically designed to support individuals with sensory needs. The garden reflects CRHC’s mission of Advancing Exceptional Care by promoting wellness and inclusivity across all ages and abilities.
One of the key features of the garden is the Community Garden Space, where individuals and families can
sign up to use a garden bed at no cost. It’s a wonderful opportunity for community members to grow their own vegetables, flowers, or herbs, while connecting with others in a supportive and welcoming environment. Those interested can learn more and sign up online by visiting www.clarindahealth. com. "This space is more than a garden—it’s a symbol of what happens when a few crazy ideas, a need and commitment to our goal comes together to create something meaningful," said Chuck Nordyke, CEO of Clarinda Regional Health Center. "We are incredibly proud to offer a place where everyone can grow, connect, and thrive."
CRHC extends heartfelt thanks to its Maintenance Team—Scott Warrick, Bryon Peterson, Alex Chambers, Ron Holmstrom,
Jake Chambers, and Dillon Chambers—for their tireless dedication to building the garden from the ground up.
Special thanks also go to the Wellness Roots Garden Committee, including Emily Furst, Scott Warrick, Amy Roop, Melissa Baier, Dave Fast, Brittney Hill and Emily Bontrager, whose leadership and vision guided the project to completion.
CRHC gratefully acknowledges the generosity and support of Fareway Meat and Grocery and 3D Construction, whose contributions helped bring the garden to life. The event was further enriched by the efforts of the Iowa Kid’s Garden Day Committee— Emily Bontrager, Emily Furst, Bethany Muller, Libby Ehlers, and Brittney Hill— who organized a joyful and engaging celebration.
Additional thanks go to Iowa State University
By LIZ SKILLERN
The Page County Post
As Micheal Pritchett graduates from Shenandoah High School, he reflects on a journey marked by proactive choices, leadership, and a commitment to both academics and community.
Pritchett has been a Shenandoah student since pre-K, opting for in-person learning throughout his academic career. "I feel like it’s better to learn knowledge in a classroom," he said,
Extension and Andrew Hoppman from the Lied Public Library for their participation, and to Elaine Farewell and the Clarinda Chamber of Commerce for officiating the ribbon cutting.
This is the first garden of its kind at CRHC, with hopes of future expansion. For more information about the garden or to reserve a community garden bed, please visit www.clarindahealth.com.
About Clarinda Regional Health Center: Clarinda Regional Health Center (CRHC) is a Critical Access Hospital dedicated to Advancing Exceptional Care in rural Iowa. CRHC offers comprehensive healthcare services and wellness initiatives that foster a healthier, more connected community.
See MICHEAL, Page 4
Micheal Pritchett
Victoria Hernandez
Rock ’n Roll music, new archive displays at Shenandoah Everly Brothers Heritage Day
Shenandoah Chamber & Industry Media Release
Shenandoah annually observes Everly Brothers Family Heritage Day commemorating Everly Brothers Family History.
This year ,on Thursday June 19, the celebration features Everly Brothers music and other hits from the 1950s and 60s by Richie Lee & the Fabulous 50’s Band. Also unveiled will be newly acquired displays of family artifacts from their youthful years in Shenandoah.
Those attending the Everly Brothers Heritage Day events and those visiting the Everly Brothers Childhood Home will be guided by new Iowa Department of Transportation directional signs on Highway 59, going up this spring.
Several of the Everly historical items will be displayed at the Depot Restaurant, Everly Brothers Childhood Home, and Greater Shenandoah Historical Museum at 800 W Sheridan Avenue.
Items offered by the
acquired by the Shenandoah Everly Brothers Foundation include childhood toys, scrapbooks, paintings, a 1940’s childhood scrapbook, their Mother Margaret’s cowboy costume from their time on Shenandoah radio stations, song writing notes, song copywrite certificates, Shenandoah school items, and more.
Enjoy the free outdoor concert at 6 p.m. at Depot Restaurant 101 Railroad St. under the big yellow striped tent. Since the age of 7, Richie Lee, a Des Moines native, has been winning awards for his nostalgic 50’s and 60’s style of rock music.
He learned to play the drums at age 11 and the guitar at age 12. He has performed at every major rock n roll venue in Iowa and traveled the U.S. to play with the Drifters and perform in Elvis tributes. In 2007 he was inducted into the Iowa Rock n Roll Music Association and in 2010 received the IRRMA Spirit Award. has played at the Winter Dance Party at the Surf Ballroom. His music features many from the early rock era including the Everly Brothers and Buddy Holly. He has been on a mission since his youth to bring back the 50's, 60's sound for kids
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to hear and keep rock ‘n roll alive. Everly Brothers Family t-shirts will be available for $20 at the concert or at Shenandoah Chamber & Industry Association anytime, 619 W Sheridan
“I’d say my high school experience was definitely an experience,” she said with a laugh. “I had fun talking with others in open discussions.
I wasn’t the biggest fan of math or English — mostly because I tell people I speak gibberish. But I loved classes that encouraged conversation.”
Two teachers stood out in shaping her path: Ms. Lauritsen and Mr. Harris.
“Ms. Lauritsen never discouraged anyone — she pushed us to figure things out for ourselves, which was scary at first but so valuable,” Hernandez said.
“And Mr. Harris, he always gave both sides of every
issue, especially politics. He never pushed his own views — he just wanted us to be open-minded. That really stuck with me.”
Though she stepped away from sports early in high school, Hernandez explored a range of interests, from playing flute in band to joining speech and debate. She also worked throughout her teen years, starting at Fareway at age 14 and currently waitressing at The Ice House. She says working in customer service has given her a real-world education. “Everyone should work retail at least once,” she joked.
But her decision to join the military came from something deeper—a desire to challenge herself and pursue a path few others do.
to his future career extends beyond the classroom.
“Only one percent of Americans join the military,” she said. “I’m first-generation, technically, and I love the idea of doing something that pushes me to be better.”
Hernandez enlisted in the Army National Guard, inspired by the guidance of her recruiter, who she credits with making her feel seen and supported throughout the process. She’ll ship out June 2 for six months of basic training and AIT (Advanced Individual Training), where she’ll train as a 92 Alpha — an Automated Logistics Specialist.
“I’m kind of stubborn,” she admitted. “Once I start something, I don’t quit. I think I get that from my grandpa. He’s my role model — he’s always worked hard,
even through tough times. And my sister, she’s only 21, but she already has her own place, her own car. She’s done it all herself. She’ll be the one flying out to visit me when I’m away.”
Hernandez has already been preparing through the Guard’s Recruit Sustainment Program (RSP), which mimics the intensity of basic training with drills, physical training, and even drill sergeant-led exercises. “They really get you ready. They scream at you the minute you get off the bus,” she said, smiling. “It’s intense, but it’s part of the experience.”
She’s excited to travel, meet new people, and step into adulthood. “I’m most excited about getting out into the world,” she said. “I want
to see everything and meet everyone. But I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous. I’m going to miss my freedom and my friends. But they’ve gotta break you down to build you back up.”
After her initial training, Hernandez plans to stay involved with the National Guard through monthly drills in Red Oak while possibly returning to work with Shore Motor Co., where she interned during high school. She hopes to get her own place and start building a life for herself.
When asked what she hopes her classmates and teachers remember about her, Hernandez said, “That I was full of life — and blunt,” she added with a laugh. “I wasn’t afraid to speak up. If someone was distracting the
class, I’d turn around and say, ‘Hey, can you wait until later so we can focus?’ I just want people to remember I cared.”
And her advice for younger students considering the military? “Do it. It pushes you to be your best. You’ll see sides of yourself you didn’t know existed, and you’ll have opportunities that most people never get.”
One last thing her classmates won’t forget? Her tattoos. “I’m usually cold, so I wear long sleeves. But when I take them off, people always do a double-take,” she said with a grin. “I love it.”
Victoria Hernandez might be “fun-sized,” as she puts it, but she’s got a giant heart, fierce determination, and a future that’s just beginning.
emphasizing the importance of personal connections and direct instruction.
During his high school years, Pritchett explored a variety of interests – a year in the Chess Club as a freshman and time on the bowling team, where he honed his teamwork and communication skills.
He also played in the school band, an experience that reinforced the importance of collaboration and discipline.
However, it is his focus on business and accounting that has truly set him apart.
Pritchett began taking Iowa Western Community College courses while in high school, including Principles of Accounting, which he says gave him valuable insights into his chosen field.
"Once I had the option for college classes, I definitely planned on the more business and accounting side," he said. "I feel like it will definitely branch out more."
Pritchett’s commitment
Since his junior year, he has been gaining real-world experience through a CTE internship at Northwest Bank in downtown Shenandoah.
Initially nervous about applying, he credits bank employees Adam Wright and Pat Hodges for welcoming him into the program.
"It was definitely a great choice to apply," he said, noting that the experience has sharpened his professional skills, including customer service, punctuality, and public interaction. "The skills I’ve learned will go into my field of study perfectly."
After graduation, Pritchett plans to attend Northwest Missouri State University, where he will major in accounting and minor in business, with the goal of becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). He says his time at the bank has given him a valuable perspective on the financial world.
"The bank showed me more of the internal side of things," he explained. "You
get to experience transactions and work with a range of people you’ve never met before. That’s the fun part – dealing with all kinds of different situations."
Pritchett’s proactive approach to his future is a defining trait, according to those who know him. He was the first student to volunteer for the baccalaureate planning committee, a move that impressed faculty members. In addition, he is known for his professionalism and readiness to step up when opportunities arise.
Reflecting on this mindset, Pritchett said, "I feel like being active and busy, rather than lounging around, helps a lot. I like to stay ahead."
As he moves on to the next phase, Pritchett is eager to embrace the challenges of adulthood. "I want to see what life is like as a full-grown adult," he said with a grin, acknowledging the mix of excitement and responsibility that lies ahead.
For those following in his footsteps, his advice is simple but powerful: "Always study
for exams or tests, especially for your college classes.
Never procrastinate – always get it done early before you’re too late on the assignment."
As he crosses the stage
on graduation day, Pritchett hopes to be remembered as someone who was always ready to help. "If you ever need anything, you know I could help," he said.
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Classified specifications:
The Page County Post will run your classified word ad.
Just email your wording to phil@pagecountypost.com.
If your ad is 10 words or less, it will run for FREE.
For ads that are 11-20 words, the price will be $5.
For ads that are 21-30 words, the price will be $10, 31-40 is $15, and so on.
What can you advertise?
Pretty much anything.
In recent years, the classified page has gone the way of the covered wagon, but I say we bring it back.
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With a strong work ethic, clear goals, and a supportive community behind him, Pritchett is poised for a bright future in the world of finance and beyond.
FROM PAGE 3
these rock n’ roll pioneers that got their start in Shenandoah. It features a family publicity photo from their radio days at KMA and KFNF. They are dressed in their cowboy attire, the uniform of that time for performances and the live radio stage.
Don and Phil spent their formative years in Shenandoah and learned the value of hard work, performing, and musicianship that was an integral part of their success. Shenandoah was home to Ike and Margret Everly and their boys Don and Phil from 1945 to 1953. They sang and played guitar on live radio for Earl May on KMA and Henry
Field on KFNF. In 1945 the Everly family moved to Shenandoah to accept a job at KMA radio station to perform live. From these humble beginnings in Shenandoah the Everly Brothers rose to world fame. Their father Ike instilled in his sons his love for music. At the ages of 8 and 6, sons Don and Phil began to perform on their parents live on the Shenandoah radio shows. On weekends the family sang together traveling the area as the Everly Family. They stayed in Shenandoah until early high school. The
family moved to Tennessee in 1953 and transitioned into a duo act. After decades of success in 1986 The Everly Brothers were among the first 10 artists inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. That same year they returned to their boyhood home Shenandoah and played to a crowd of 8,500 in a homecoming concert with parade, street dedication, and class reunion.
You can learn more about the Everly’s history by visiting the preserved childhood home to view the documentary movie
shown there and at Greater Shenandoah Historical Museum at 800 W. Sheridan Avenue.
The Mission of Shenandoah Everly Brothers Foundation is to honor and remember the Everly Brothers, preserving their Shenandoah history and keeping their music alive with events and concerts held annually.
Don and Phil also established an Everly Family Scholarship in Shenandoah in 1986 with the proceeds from their Shenandoah Homecoming concert.
Beginning with $25,000
from the Shenandoah concert and several other Iowa performances, it has been helping students in Shenandoah ever since. They wanted to help Shenandoah kids with interest and dreams but need a little financial help to get there. Tens of thousands have been gifted to 6th, 7th, & 8th graders to help with music instrument rental and other music equipment, athletic equipment or fees, vocal and band fees, art or drama camps, private music or vocal lessons, academic tutoring, and more.
Clarinda: 1200 S. 16th Street
Shenandoah: 500 S. Fremont Street | Red Oak:
Street
