Before you even open the card, you know it’s from Ken Starek. At The Village of Ackley, Ken turns everyday envelopes into mini works of art—often detailed, colorful Iowa barns—complete with barn quilts, familiar “characters,” and his famous “poof theory” about how quickly barns can disappear. It’s mail that makes you smile, and a small way Ken helps the landscapes (and moments) he loves stick around a little longer.

We can learn a lot from our elders if we just sit down and listen to them.  And so, that is exactly what we did and are going to continue to do.  We are going to learn about their life story and share it with others.  This will be part of a weekly series called "This is My Story".  We hope you enjoy.  Today's story comes from Phyllis Schachterle.

Grand JiVanté has renewed its relationship with Ackley Medical Center, a Department of Hansen Family Hospital.   A couple of positive impacts for the residents from day one include an increased presence of Ackley Medical Center providers at Grand JiVanté and the Ackley Medical Center serving as the medical director for Grand JiVanté.