New “Women’s Wellness Night Out” proves to be a successful venture


Grand prize winner at “Women’s Wellness Night Out”... At the “Women’s Wellness Night Out” held September 11 at the Allamakee County Fairgrounds Pavilion in Waukon, Connie Funte of Waukon was the lucky winner of the ladies’ 14kt rose gold tri-color genuine amethyst & diamond fashion pendant, on an 18” adjustable chain, (retail value $999), compliments of Elliott Jewelers of Waukon. Pictured above, left to right, are prize winner Connie Funte with Miranda Elliott-Jones and Chelsea Rodas, both of Elliott Jewelers, presenting the prize to her. Submitted photo.

The Auxiliary of Veterans Memorial Hospital & Clinics, Elliott Jewelers and Waukon Chamber of Commerce hosted their new “Women’s Wellness Night Out,” Thursday, September 11 at the Allamakee County Fairgrounds Pavilion in Waukon. This event replaced the Women’s Health Day Luncheon, making this the 20th annual women’s event planned by the Auxiliary.

A large crowd of nearly 200 ladies attended, hosting seven different speakers on very educational and useful topics including the following: “Move Well, Live Well,” by Amy Robinson, Rehabilitation Director at Veterans Memorial Hospital and Rachel Berns of 222 Trained; Jill Fleming, Health and Wellness Coach, on how to “Make Peace with Anxiety;” Hannah Kelly, Family Nurse Practitioner; Janet Hunter, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and Angie Taylor, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner introduced themselves and discussed the importance of mental health and what they can do to help; Brandy Strub, Dietitian and Dietary Manager at Veterans Memorial Hospital covered the topic of “Diet and Inflammation”; Barb Shull, Senior Vice President, and Krista Fischer, Senior Vice President/IT Officer, both of Freedom Bank discussed some very eye-opening facts on “Bank Scams, Computer Scams and Phishing;” Cathy Buhl of Edward Jones discussed retirement plans with her talk on “Leave It, Move It, Roll It, Take It: Know Your Employer Retirement Plan Options;” and Jill Fleming took the stage once again to end the night with her humorous and useful advice on “Clutter-LET IT GO!”

A variety of hors d’oeuvres were served compliments of the ladies Auxiliary and Fareway, and a cash bar was hosted by the pavilion staff. Mum plants were donated as door prizes by Pop’s Produce. Over 40 area family service organizations were present as vendors with information and giveaways as well as many hospital staff offering free health and wellness testing.

Connie Funte of Waukon was the lucky winner of the Ladies’ 14kt rose gold tri-color genuine amethyst & diamond fashion pendant, on an 18” adjustable chain, (retail value $999), compliments of Elliott Jewelers of Waukon. Proceeds from this year’s event will be used to purchase a new stove for the Nutrition Department at Veterans Memorial Hospital.