Rotary holds Job Shadow Day

The April 13 meeting was presided over by Tom Boerger. Darrell Losing gave the invocation, Casey Stoudt and Bev Kennison led the music, and Harold Bensch collected numerous Happy Dollars for Rotary projects. Boerger reminded Rotary members about the April 18 brunch.

Student guests at the meeting were Kaitlin Regan, Tacianna Letcher, and Niki Schmitz. All three of these young ladies are juniors at Jamestown High School and are also involved in National Honor Society.

Job Shadow Day is set for May 11. Rotarians interested in having students for a day need to contact President Tom or Dina Laskowski.

Tim Ottmar introduced Rotarian Marty Richman, president of Jamestown Hospital, who in turn introduced Jerry Turner, vice president, with Jones Lang LaSalle. Turner is the project manager for Jamestown Regional Hospital’s new construction. He discussed the progress of the project. It is on schedule, but a bit behind by a few days while awaiting concrete. Wind has also been an issue. People can go to the hospital Web site to view the virtual construction of the new hospital.

Turner reviewed the sections/departments of the hospital and said there would be a drive-through garage in the emergency room area for an ambulance to drive in one direction and out the opposite so there will be no backing up for the ambulance drivers. He said the surgical suites are large and allow more than adequate room for performing necessary surgeries. The dining space will have a space for visitors and staff to enjoy coffee or a meal while visiting loved ones or working. As the dining area faces to the north and east, diners will have a view of the landscape and look back toward the community. The second floor will house obstetrics and medical surgery. The lower level will house the maintenance and supportive services as well as the board room. The Wellness Center will stay at the current Jamestown Hospital location.

Turner said many ideas that went into this project were from staff, physicians and community members. The new hospital will have a pleasant and comforting look, not only in the colors, but in the way the rooms, the reception areas and public spaces are laid out, he said. Concrete is being poured and bricking will be done yet this spring. Steel work is being put up. Turner said a number of local craftsmen are involved. Local includes not only Jamestown, but the Fargo area as well. Mortenson Construction, a large construction firm, built the new Target Center for the Twins baseball program in Minneapolis. Its construction chief is currently in charge of the Jamestown Regional Medical Center and this is his last building project. Currently, two large towers can be seen when driving by the site. These are the elevator shafts; one will be for public use and one will be for staff. At this time, the construction crew on site includes about 50 workers and this will increase as it begins to finish off the exterior and move inside. Turner said he has felt very well received in the community.

Rick Pfeifer is in charge of today’s program, Harvey Huber will lead the music, and Dan Kunzman will be sergeant at arms.

Tags: job shadow, community, clubs, rotary