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Tom's Iowa Journal

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Monday August 7, 2006

Storm Lake, IA

UNITED COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER

Senator Harkin spoke at the ribbon cutting ceremony of the United Community Health Center in Storm Lake. Harkin has been an ardent supporter of Iowa's 12 federally-funded community health centers, obtaining funds for the facilities' construction, equipment purchases, and dental expansions through his work as top Democrat on the panel that funds health initiatives. In FY 2005, Harkin also secured funds for a statewide Health IT system that will bring cutting edge electronic health records and e-prescribing technology to Iowa's community health centers.

Monday was the kind of day that reminds me why I got into politics. With sunny skies, a light breeze and lots of old friends, I started my morning with 75 other guests at the official grand opening of the United Community Health Center in Storm Lake. It was fitting the ribbon cutting ceremony fell on this particular day, because Monday marked the start of National Community Health Center Week. I was glad I could be there in person to cut the ribbon and help them celebrate their achievement.

Senator Tom Harkin joins Renea Seagren, Executive Director, United Community Health Center in Storm Lake, and dozens of supporters for the ribbon cutting and grand opening of the new facility.Healthcare and wellness have long been a focus of mine in Congress. I have always worked to support Iowa's 12 community health centers because these facilities provide much needed primary care to Iowans who might otherwise go without. United Community Health Center alone is expected to provide care to some 5,000 Iowans from Buena Vista, Sac, Ida, Pocahontas, Cherokee and Clay countries. Of these patients, 45 percent are expected to be uninsured. I think that the United Community Health Center will be a great addition to the community.

STORM LAKE DREDGING PROJECT

Senator Harkin met with city leaders in Storm Lake to get an update on the Storm Lake Dredging project. Harkin is a long-time supporter of dredging efforts at Storm Lake. He has secured over $1.3 million in federal funds for this project over the past four years and is working to secure additional funding for the project this year.

Later Monday morning, I met with city officials and community leaders to learn more about the status of the Storm Lake dredging project. From where we met, you can see the progress being made. It's exciting to see this project - which so many people have worked on - really taking off. I expect that when this project is complete, it will have great economic benefits for the region.

After my meeting, I made a quick stop for a Blizzard at the local Dairy Queen. Ever since I was a kid, Blizzards have definitely been one of my favorite treats.

Varina, IA

VARINA FREEDOM QUILTERS

Next it was off to the town of Varina, to meet with the Varina Freedom Quilters. These quilters - who are all volunteers - work in the basement of Columbkille Catholic Church and they define the word generous.

Tom is putting ties in a quilt that will be given to the 6 yr old duaghter of a 9-11 fallen firefighter

Organized by an energetic and friendly woman named Betty Nielsen, the Freedom Quilters came together in the days after September 11th. Although they did not personally know the victims or the families they left behind, they wanted to use their quilting talents to do something, anything, to help these families during this terrible time.

So in December 2001, the group traveled to New York City to deliver more than 1,500 quilts they had patched together by hand. I worked with the group to secure a venue where they could distribute their quilts. I know the work of Betty and her friends brought a small slice of comfort to many who suffered a tragic loss.

The Freedom Quilters are now making quilts for the families of soldiers who died while fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. During my visit, after a potluck lunch of sandwiches, egg salad and raspberry iced tea, I got a chance to put a few finishing touches on a quilt bound for a young girl whose father was killed in Baghdad.

Visiting with the Varina Freedom Quilters, in Pocahontas County, Senator Tom Harkin chats with one of the groups many volunteers. After a pot luck lunch, Senator Tom Harkin tries his hand at quilting under the watchful eye of Betty Nielsen, right, organizer of the Varina Freedom Quilters. Tom watching and talking with volunteers of the Freedom Quilters Everyone gathers around to watch as Tom puts ties in a Freedom Quilt Tom is putting ties in a quilt that will be given to the 6 yr old duaghter of a 9-11 fallen firefighter Betty Nielsen and Ann Pudenz show Tom how to put ties in a quilt Betty Nielsen shows Tom how to make a quilt One of Tom's staff meembers helps make a Freedom Quilt Two of Tom's staff meembers help make a Freedom Quilt Tom and staff standing with Betty Nielsen and her husband Dennis
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