ThriveWorks is a quick look at what’s been going on with Thrive Allen County — our work, our projects and programs, and the communities we serve. Here is some of what Thrive has been working on in January 2014:
Navigating The Health Insurance Marketplace
Thrive continues to assist Allen Countians with the process of procuring insurance through the new Health Insurance Marketplace. Thrive’s John Robertson and Georgia Masterson are certified Navigators for the Health Insurance Marketplace, and offer their services, free of charge, to help people apply for and select health insurance policies. Thrive can help with phone, paper and online applications, and can also assist in determining Medicaid eligibility.
Open enrollment continues through March 31st. To schedule an appointment, contact Thrive at 620-365-8128.
Public Meeting In Gas
Thrive Allen County led a community conversation in Gas on January 21st:
THE SESSION started with goal-setting, led by David Toland, Thrive executive director. From the start the school was the focal point. Things mentioned included a senior citizen annex, a place for kids’ activities, new city hall, small grocery or pantry, library, fitness destination, meeting space, daycare, emergency management post, business incubator and even a private school. “You have an opportunity with the building,” Toland said in summation. “You’re fortunate you can decide what to do with all this real estate that you got for just $1. You control your destiny.” Thrive would be an ongoing partner as much or little as Gas wanted, Toland added.
Read more from the Iola Register…
Allen County Economic Development News
In a presentation to Iola Rotary on January 16th, John McRae, president of Iola Industries, “put a conspicuous feather in David Toland’s and Thrive Allen County’s hat”, citing Thrive’s economic development efforts, specifically Thrive’s work in landing Catalyst, which saved 25 Allen County jobs and promises to add 100 more. “David (Toland) and Thrive helped a lot with that and kept the jobs here, rather than having them go to Texas,” where Catalyst is headquartered, McRae said.
McRae also said that lack of good quality housing was a concern, noting that “there are more jobs in Allen County than people,” meaning many workers drive here from out of county, in part because they can’t find suitable housing.
Read more from the Iola Register…
Thrive’s 2014 Goals
In a presentation to “See, Hear Iola”, David Toland, executive director of Thrive Allen County, shared the organization’s goals for the coming year, citing healthy lifestyles, health care and economic development.
On the healthy lifestyles front, Iola will see the installation of wayfinding signage and decorative arches on the Southwind and Prairie Spirit Trails, the installation of sharrows on some city streets, and new bike racks around town. New trails are also being studied, as is a community bike shop. Existing programs such as “The Movement” and the Farmers’ Market will continue to grow.
To improve healthcare, Thrive is recruiting more physicians to the Allen County area, and encouraging the construction of a medical office building near the new hospital, and the expansion of the Community Health Center.
Economically, Toland cited concerns about retail businesses in downtown Iola, and the lack of locations for industrial development. A new initiative is the “Home Again” Campaign, which will attempt to attract new residents by encouraging former residents to return, and recruiting people looking for the the ambiance of small-town life.
Read more from the Iola Register…
Jingle Bell Jog
The 16th annual Jingle Bell Jog took place on January 1st in Iola, with over 75 runners and walkers starting the New Year on an active note. From the starting line at the northwest corner of the downtown square, participants proceeded onto West Street towards the Prairie Spirit Trail. Walkers took the Prairie Spirit Trail north for about a half-mile, then reversed course to complete their 3km route back to the square, while runners headed south on the Southwind Rail Trail, past the railroad trestle, and back for a 5km distance.
The Jingle Bell Jog had originally been scheduled for December 23rd, but was postponed due to icy conditions.
More Headlines…
- Activity increases as Robertson joins Thrive
- County ups economic development
- Layers of Support, ‘Circles’ of Hope
- Food council in the mix
- Health Care Foundation Awards $200,000 to CHC/SEK to Support Iola Clinic
Thrive Allen County works to improve the quality of life in Allen County by focusing on health, wellness, recreation and education conditions and by engaging people and institutions around a common vision for the future.
Many thanks to the Iola Register for allowing Thrive to link to their online articles. Please subscribe today to help support your local newspaper!
