While the COVID-19 virus may have altered our steps, it doesn’t understand the spirit of small town and rural residents. We have business closings, people with job losses, and the need to remain somewhat sheltered in our homes. While the care for one another locally has always been good, it has been nothing but enhanced during this time. Some are on the helping end; others need to be helped. This story is but a snapshot of what is happening locally.
Clarion Rotary is one of those helping. Rotary member Belva German said their group is in the process of applying for a $1000 food pantry grant to be given to the local endeavor. The group recently donated its remaining food items from the school’s Backpack program to the Lutheran Church’s outreach.
Clarion’s Marys & Marthas (M & Ms) like many organizations, have not met for the past two months, but money has continued to be given to the group. Treasurer Gretta Bauman said, “We have been excited to use the extra gifts which have been given to us, for purchasing gift cards. In turn, we give them to people who we know have lost their jobs and are working more limited hours.”
Not being able to meet, doesn’t stop many, with the growing abilities of technology. Clarion’s AAUW has been meeting using ZOOM. Member Florine Swanson said, “When we met via ZOOM, two of our members in California were able to join us.”
The Wednesday morning ecumenical Bible study group, which normally meets at the Methodist Church in Clarion, has been meeting for the past month via ZOOM, two dozen strong. Carol Townsend said, “Our meeting like this, is a testament of Christian women coming together regularly for strength and prayer during this difficult time.” Clarion graduate Cathy Cramer ‘ZOOMs’ with six of her 1975 classmates, every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday afternoon, to add to their more open schedules.
Local churches continue to find ways to minister their Sunday morning worship. Church members also are finding many ways to minister outside of Sundays. Lighthouse Church of the Nazarene has had a weekly prayer group at their church for the past 40 years. Now they are doing one-on-one calling both daily and weekly. Pastor Dana Wendel one of those pray-ers, said, “My wife (Meiricca) and I made and delivered Easter baskets to all of the residents of the Southtown Apartments and some English and Spanish speaking people.”
Clarion Church of Christ volunteers normally take home communion to shut-ins weekly. While that has been stopped, those volunteers as well as others, have taken individual names of about 30 people to call their ‘one person’ each week. Irene Keeling is one of those call recipients. On a normal Sunday, Tom and Nancy Erickson pick her up for church. Now they are picking up drive-thru communion, taking it to her senior apartment. “Sometimes they buy me a carryout dinner,” she said. “It is really nice of them.” Members Karen & Gary Hobbie have appreciated calls by church leaders to check on them to see how they are doing. “We have really appreciated that,” said Karen. She said both she and Gary enjoy walking every day and being told ‘hi’ or ‘people waving from their doors or windows as we pass by.’
Chris and Monte Leichsenring took on the task of organizing volunteers to call every member of St. John’s Catholic Church who are over 70 years old to learn if everything is okay and if their needs are being met. As she was completing some of her calls, she looked at their home windows and spotted neighbors from the east and those from the west, raking their lawn. “Because this is going on quite a while, we may want to make another round of calls to them,” she said. United Church of Congregational members Linda & Ted Brigger said they enjoyed a call from their church leadership. “I also know that Jehovah Witnesses here are calling people in our community,” said Linda.
The making of masks continues in strength and numbers. One of the leaders, Monica Staudt, said their numbers have exceeded 1,500 masks (she knows it is much larger than that) from their group called ‘Iowans Fighting COVID-19’. The more they made, the more the word spread. “We were getting requests from Mary Greely, Unity Point, and others,” she said. “We have tried to keep our focus on local health care workers, law enforcement, postal workers.” Not all mask volunteers sew. Shannon Walker has been a ‘runner’. Getting materials where they need to go and delivering finished masks to the right spots. “Always trying to maintain the right social distances,” said Walker.
Individuals have made masks as well. Kathy Deimerly (cutter), Erica and Jan Lindaman (sewers), have made 80 masks for Broadlawns Hospital in Des Moines. “Our daughter, Blaire, works there and they needed them,” said Deimerly. “Now we are working on some for my brother in California and my sister in Texas.” Sue Mechem also has a cranked up sewing machine, giving masks to neighbors, family and friends.
The requests for sewn items continue. Sewing hospital gowns for Iowa Specialty Hospital was a new task. Sue Moss, Jacki Thompson and others have taken on the project. “These are going to the OB department where the risk of spreading germs is less (and Rainbow Cleaners knows the guidelines for care of hospital items),” said Thompson. “We were able to get the cotton material at Eagle Grove’s Ben Franklin for a good price (Holmes Christmas Club paid for the material) and have been able to get about 50 gowns to the hospital.” Headbands are another task for those who sew. Monica Staudt said they have made and are in the process of delivering 90 of the head bands.
Kim Marker with Iowa Specialty Hospital, has participated with lots of others to feature ‘hearts for healthcare’. “People are asked to make any sort of heart design for the windows in their homes or business windows to show our support for healthcare workers.”
Ali Disney, Clarion Chamber of Commerce, appreciates the community support of the “Give the Gift of Clarion” program; both the sponsors and the buyers. This is when local shoppers can purchase $30 in gift certificates for $20. The $10 gap is paid for by a business, family, or individual (31 contributors). “We have done two rounds of the certificates (currently sold out),” she said. “for a total of 554 gift cards. It’s a great program.” And as always, Chamber gift certificates are good. Disney is in and out of the chamber office, working much of her time from home. For the ‘Gift of Clarion’ information or to purchase a chamber certificate, call 1-515-532-2256 to get information or to make an appointment to get together.
Wright County Charitable Foundation (WCCF) is getting into the act by offering, and encouraging donations, to its Wright County Disaster Recovery Fund. According to Duane Asbe with the county foundation, “WCCF is putting $20,000 in seed money into the fund. Money will be used to help businesses and families who are suffering through this crisis. All the details aren’t worked out yet but there will be a committee formed to review how funds are distributed.” Anyone who might like to get money or give money to the disaster fund, or would like more complete information, contact Asbe at 515-532-9315,
Shut-in Sonja Hofmeister appreciates Brothers Market’s home deliveries. According to the store management, groceries are delivered on Thursdays and Fridays. Call-in for groceries must be made the morning before the requested delivery. Sonja also appreciates calls from her (Presbyterian) pastor, Bill Kem.
Ron & Florine Swanson (and many others) appreciate the earlier shopping hours at Brothers Market and Dollar General, designated from 8 – 9 a.m. for senior shoppers and those of higher risk.
The best is sharing by individuals, as we each one thinks of ways we can help one another. Miriam Jensen likes to call a couple of friends at the Meadows just to chat. Monica Staudt enjoys checking in with her loved ones by writing ‘happy mail,’ plus making lots of phone calls. Peg Bunn said she started at the same time the quarantine began, to call two people every day. “I started to call people from my church (Presbyterian),” she said, “but I have moved on to contact others in our community; and some who used to live here but moved away.” She said she and husband Ted like to walk and have decided to pick up trash as they walk. Carla Kem has decided to do one kind thing for someone or group each day. Jayne Hanning says she has young grandchildren who really like to color. “I get the pictures from them,” she said. “Then I write a personal note to accompany each picture and give them to the Clarion Health and Wellness Center for them to distribute to some of the residents who might not be getting much mail and are really shut in.”
Sandy Goebel and her husband Jerry, are doing exactly what they are supposed to be doing: staying home and staying in. “We have health issues,” said Sandy. “We need to just stay here and not be part of the problem. This crisis has made us appreciate more than ever the good things in life: family, friends, and caregivers. Groceries in our cupboards. The simple things.” Three of Goebel family members are ‘on the front lines’ of caring for others. “We remain concerned for them,” Sandy said.
Together we can; together we will!
