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Connections Magazine Spring 2026
A ROADMAP FORWARD
Life at Thalman Square
After a dementia diagnosis, many caregivers find themselves overwhelmed, isolated, and unsure of what comes next. This story follows three families navigating that journey—balancing love with exhaustion—until safety concerns and emotional strain lead them to seek additional support. At Thalman Square, they discover more than care; they find structure, community, and a renewed ability to be spouses instead of full-time caregivers. Through engaging daily routines and strong support networks, the community helps both residents and their loved ones reclaim moments of connection, relief, and purpose.
THE MAN THEY CALL “COACH”
Phil Lebo - Grundy Center Spartans
A beloved figure in Grundy Center, Philip “Coach” Lebo built a decades-long legacy that extended far beyond the field. Known simply as “Coach” to generations of students, he dedicated his life to teaching, mentoring, and shaping young lives through sports and the classroom. While championships and honors marked his career, it’s the lasting relationships and community impact that define him—proof that his greatest achievement was never the scoreboard, but the lives he influenced.
From sweet to savory, these resident recipes highlight the beauty of simple, time-tested cooking. Wilma Frost’s Impossible Coconut Custard Pie delivers effortless magic with its self-forming layers, while Mary Westbrook’s baked fish—inspired by her brother, Captain Jim—brings fresh, coastal flavor to the table with ease. Both recipes prove that great food doesn’t have to be complicated to be memorable.
RESIDENT RECIPES
Featuring Wilma Frost of Jesup and Mary Westbrook of Iowa City
KATHLEEN’S
Community for Life
Kathleen Franck’s story is a powerful example of how preparation, community, and compassionate support can transform a crisis into a comeback. After a sudden health emergency left her incapacitated, the Fortified Life program at Western Home Communities provided seamless, proactive care—from hospital coordination to in-home support—allowing her to recover with dignity and confidence. Surrounded by dedicated staff and caring neighbors, Kathleen not only regained her independence but rediscovered a full, active life, proving that with the right support, aging in place can truly mean thriving.
THE SPIRITUAL HEARTBEAT OF WESTERN HOME
Sustaining Mission Through Spiritual Care
Rooted in more than a century of faith-centered care, Western Home Communities continues its mission through Fresh Wind Ministry—a deeply relational approach to spiritual well-being. Through everyday conversations, prayer, and presence, chaplains, volunteers, and residents create a community where faith grows, purpose endures, and no one walks alone. It’s a reminder that true care goes beyond the physical, nurturing the spirit at every stage of life.
THE RECOVERY COACH
How Thrivera Team Members are Transforming Cancer Survivorship in the Cedar Valley
Thrivera Therapy at Hanson Therapy Center is redefining cancer survivorship by treating recovery as a lifelong journey, not an endpoint. Through specialized oncology rehabilitation and compassionate, whole-person care, patients regain strength, confidence, and a sense of identity after treatment. From early intervention to emotional support—and even services like Salon Iris that restore self-image—this approach ensures survivors don’t just endure cancer, but truly move forward and thrive.
CREATIVE CORNER
Residents Anne Kubik and Joyce Stanley
Creativity takes many forms, but for Anne Kubik and Joyce Stanley, it’s a daily practice rooted in curiosity and joy. Anne fills her days with resin art, handmade cards, and intricate projects that preserve memories, while Joyce quietly brings patterns to life through delicate needlework. Together, their stories highlight how creativity continues to evolve, connect, and bring purpose at every stage of life.
HEART OF THE MATTER
How Everyday Choices Shape a Lifetime of Wellness
Heart health is the foundation of a vibrant, active life, shaped not by sudden changes but by daily habits. Through mindful nutrition—like choosing healthy fats, reducing added sugars and sodium, and embracing whole foods—along with movement, rest, and stress management, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease. Ultimately, caring for the heart isn’t about restriction, but about making intentional choices that support long-term energy, resilience, and well-being.