Johnson Memorial Health Services hosted their fourth annual “Ladies Night Out” event on Thursday, October 25 from 5:30-8:00pm at the Hilltop Bar and Grill. The free event was attended by more than 160 women from surrounding communities with the first 100 attendees receiving a goody bag. All attendees enjoyed the red and white chili, cornbread, vegetable platters, pumpkin dessert, coffee, and apple cider.
Booths from Woodland Centers, Safe Avenues for Care, and the JMHS Clinic provided education for women on mental health, wellness and emergency services for domestic and sexual violence available in the area. Massage Therapist, Nathan Carter provided free chair massages from 5:30-7:00pm and attendees also had the opportunity to play Plinko to win several fun prizes.
At 6:15pm Dr. Ashley Kjos, Executive Director and Psychologist at Woodland Centers and Jill Christie, Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner answered questions from attendees. The two touched on a variety of topics. They stressed the importance of eliminating the stigma surrounding mental health. They noted that many mental health issues are diseases, just like diabetes. You should seek treatment, just like you would for any other health disease.
Tim Eggebraaten provided both the keynote address and entertainment. Renee Rongen, the original presenter, had a family emergency and was unable to be there. However, attendees were not disappointed by Tim Eggebraaten. His keynote address, “Finding Your Beat, the Rhythm of Life,” focused on how with our busy lives it is easy to lose our focus and purpose, causing our rhythm to gets off.
Tim used music and stories from his 28 years in law enforcement to help attendees find their rhythm and harmony in life. A gifted storyteller, he had the audience both laughing and crying. He reminded attendees the importance of remaining positive in life (Norman) and the true value of a handwritten note.
This year JMHS hosted the Ultimate Pajama Party! Attendees were asked to bring a new pair of pajamas size newborn through adult to the event or a cash donation. Over 100 pair of pajamas and almost $500 cash was donated to Safe Avenues for Care. The organization provides advocacy, parenting time services and emergency shelter for victims of domestic and sexual violence.
JMHS would like to thank Hilltop Bar and Grill for all their help with the event and the JMHS Kitchen for preparing the food. A special thank you to the JMHS Foundation Community Relations Committee for putting together a great evening! Committee members include: Melissa Anderson, Sandy Club, Carole Femrite, Pat Kragh, Maggie Madsen, Val Olson, Lindsay Ourada, and Leah Prestholdt.
