In the know with Osceola Chamber Main Street

Osceola Chamber-Main Street and the Clarke County Development Corporation Annual Dinner Committee have finalized plans for its annual event which traditionally highlights a year’s worth of activities and events.

Tickets are on sale now at the OCMS/CCDC office: $25 for a full meal or $35 for a meal with a Revelton Distilling Co. special cocktail. Dining options are from Timber Ridge Country Market (salmon, side salad, roasted vegetables, dessert) or Iron Horse Neighborhood Grill (chicken Alfredo, side salad, grilled garlic bread, dessert).

Each ticket holder receives a party box of goods from local businesses. The program goes live on Facebook at 7 p.m. March 23, where participants will be entered for ‘door’ prizes. After the March 23, the program link will be available at osceolachamber.com and osceolaclarkedev.com.

With the generous support of several Osceola businesses and individuals, OCMS Director Ashleigh Eckels created a silent auction open now at https://www.32auctions.com/OCMSSilentAuction. The auction ends at midnight March 23.

Auction items include a weekend stay at Lakeside Hotel; high-fired textured stoneware bowl from artist Mary Ellen Kimball; kid’s bicycle from Fareway; two gift baskets from Revelton Distilling Co.; one hour airplane excursion from Mary Ellen Kimball; bookcase and ottoman from Midwest Wholesale; Pelican cooler from Highway Lumber; decorative wall sign from Stoney Oak Realty; tumbler and hat from Mayberry’s; hair Color by Sassy’s Styles; and loaded goody baskets from Osceola Foods, salonRED, Timber Ridge, Homestead of Osceola, and Great Western Bank.

Easter Festivities

Beginning with Hy-Vee’ Bunny Brunch at the firehouse, annual Easter activities return to the square April 3. Following breakfast will be the Easter Story by Chuck DeVos and an egg hunt on the courtyard. Additionally, OCMS business partner, Clarke Publishing, donated one bicycle per age group for a lucky egg hunter to win. Downtown business owners who choose to participate will have a special Easter Egg hidden in their stores. More details to come.

Organization Partner Spotlight: Mosaic of South-Central Iowa

Mosaic is a non-profit organization that supports adults with disabilities, including 52 people in southcentral Iowa. OCMS supports Mosaic by including these individuals in volunteer opportunities and bringing awareness to the organization. Community Relations Manager Kasi Shaw shared insights about the past several months.

Shaw is proud of the way Mosaic Staff is handling the pandemic.

“Although there were many challenges, COVID-19, fortunately, did not hit Mosaic as hard as it could have. Staff were very diligent with safety and health precautions … .”

Additionally, all staff and those supported were offered the vaccine and continue to use precautions.

Shaw said direct support professionals have been the key to success, particularly nurse Bonnie Simmerman.

“She is our LPN and has gone above and beyond to help keep people safe. She works around the clock to make sure everyone has what they need…She is a rock for Mosaic, and we are very thankful for her,” said Shaw.

Before coming to Mosaic, Simmerman worked at Dekko Automotive for 26 years. When it closed in 2009, she enrolled in the Southwestern Community College nursing program and earned her LPN degree. She began at Mosaic in 2011 and when the nursing position opened in 2014, she earned the position.

Simmerman’s job includes scheduling/completing appointments, ordering medications, checking added or discontinued meds on the med programs, and taking meds to the homes. Simmerman ensures quarterly assessments and pharmacy reviews are completed, orders medical supplies and works with the state on yearly drug reviews to confirm the clients’ drug programs are the best for them.

The best part of Simmerman’s day is engaging with the people and she is willing to help in the homes if needed.

“I enjoy working with the clients and seeing them grow. It makes my day to come into a home and the clients want to give me a hug and hear a story,” she said.

Going to camps is a big part of the year for those who choose to go, and Simmerman also helps attendees enroll into camps they would enjoy.

Aside from Mosaic, Simmerman keeps busy with family and hobbies. She is married with two grown children and has a large extended family-she is number seven of 10 siblings. Her pastimes include reading, playing cards, and working in her flower beds.

Shaw said everyone at Mosaic is excited to get out in the community as more as restrictions lift, and they are planning the annual talent show at Thursday Night in the Park, June 24.

Mosaic hosts monthly informational sessions and extends an invitation to the 20-minute virtual session to anyone who wants to learn more about the organization. To learn more email Kasi Shaw at kasi.shaw@mosaicinfo.org

Help fill the Thursdays in the Park

Thursdays in the Park will begin around 5:30 p.m. June 3. Events scheduled to date are:

• June 3 - Meet Your OCMS Businesses

• June 24 - Mosaic Talent Show

Do you have an idea for Thursdays in the Park? First call, first on the calendar! Sign up for the Monday Morning Update and stay ‘In the Know’ by emailing ocms@osceolaia.net or calling 641-342-4200.