Colona, IL - A milestone event occurred for Hammond-Henry Hospital out of Geneseo, IL recently.  At 10:00 a.m. on March 17, 2009 a groundbreaking ceremony was held to commemorate the beginning of construction on the new Hammond-Henry Colona Clinic, located at 1604 Cleveland Road in Colona, IL.

Brad Solberg, Hammond-Henry Hospital's CEO, kicked off the event by welcoming all attendees. Other speakers included: Judith Gilbert, City of Colona Economic Development Coordinator; Sue Gray, Hammond-Henry Hospital's Board Chair and Thomas Fennelly, Russell Construction Senior Vice President in charge of construction on the new facility. Other company representatives in attendance for the ceremony included Blackhawk Bank & Trust and the Geneseo School District.

As a 3,500 s.f. medical office building, the new Hammond-Henry Colona Clinic will house several physicians and other building amenities, such as: a vestibule, waiting area, exam rooms, laboratory space, storage rooms and offices.  Construction is set to be fully underway by Monday, March 23, 2009 and will be completed by October 2009.

Hammond-Henry Hospital was established in 1901, utilizing approximately 82 beds and serves nearly 20,000 residents in the Geneseo, IL area.  The new Colona Clinic will allow them to more effectively reach out and serve residents within the hospital district and county by providing quality care and exceptional service.

Russell Construction, located in Davenport, IA, is serving as the Design/Builder and General Contractor on this new Hammond-Henry Hospital project.  Shive-Hattery, located in Moline, IL will serve as the Architect.  The Colona Clinic is the second project that Russell Construction has completed for Hammond-Henry Hospital. In 2004, Russell Construction served as Design/Builder on a 34,000 s.f. addition and renovation to their hospital in Geneseo, IL.  Now, five years later, Russell has once again been selected by Hammond-Henry Hospital because of their focus on building positive long-lasting relationships while delivering a successful and efficient project.

# # #

Alzheimer's is the 7th leading cause of death for people of all ages and 5th leading cause of death for people age 65 and older. One of the most important ways of dealing with the disease is early detection and treatment.  Starting in January, the Alzheimer's Association Greater Iowa Chapter will be hosting Beginning the Conversation programs in Clinton, Muscatine and Scott Counties in Iowa and Henry, Rock Island and Mercer Counties in Illinois.

The Beginning the Conversation program is designed to address the challenges confronting families of those newly diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. Crucial information is presented, from disease progression to programs and services that can support caregiving and maintain quality of life. (Please note, this is for caregivers only; respite funds may be available for those suffering from the disease).

Programs for Scott and Rock Island County will be held the 4th Tuesday of the month from 3-4:30 pm at the Alzheimer's Association office, 736 Federal Street, Ste. 2318, Davenport, IA.

Programs for Clinton County will be held 1st Tuesday of the month in April, July and October from 3-4:30 pm at the Mercy Medical Center, South Campus Boardroom, 638 S. Bluff, Clinton, IA.

Programs for Muscatine County will be held the 2nd Tuesday of the month in March, June, September and December from 3-4:30 pm at Senior Resources, 3rd Floor Meeting Room, 1808 Mulberry Avenue, Muscatine, IA.

Programs for Henry County will be held the 3rd Thursday of the month in February, May, August and November from 3-4:30 pm at Henry Seniors Upstairs Meeting Room, 219 W. 2nd Street, Kewanee, IL

Programs for Mercer County will be held the 4th Thursday of the month in January, April, July and October from 3-4:30 pm at the Mercer County Hospital, Conference Room A, 409 NW 9th Avenue, Aledo, IL.

Persons interested in signing up for the class may call 563-324-1022 or 800-272-3900 or email Jerry Schroeder at Jerry.Schroeder@alz.org.

The Alzheimer's Association, the world leader in Alzheimer research and support, is the first and largest voluntary health organization dedicated to finding prevention methods, treatments and an eventual cure for Alzheimer's. For 25 years, the donor-supported, not-for-profit Alzheimer's Association has provided reliable information and care consultation; created supportive services for families; increased funding for dementia research; and influenced public policy changes.

###

Body and Soul Personal Training is offering you a New Year's Solution to your lose weight, get healthy and get fit resolution.  Join with us as we train to WALK a half marathon.  Body and Soul offers the longest, most comprehensive training program to teach you everything you need to know to cross the finish line with a smile on your face.  You'll get nine months of weekly group walks and instruction, full training schedule, a training log and much more for $130.  Open to both women and men! Orientation is January 22 at 6:00 pm.  Call 563-370-2359 or email bodyandsoulpt@yahoo.com for more details.