Dear Chamber Supporters:
It was a babytastic weekend for Sherri and me both last Sunday, with festivities that revolved around our respective family's kids. Makayla and I went to my cousin’s baby shower, here is a picture with the soon-to-be mother and some of my family. She is expecting in June and with the birth of this baby boy who is yet to be named, he will make my grandma a great-grandma. It’s my understanding that a name has been chosen but is yet to be shared, I made sure to mention that Ryland makes for a good name… The soon to be great-grandma is currently 87 (almost 88) and couldn’t be more excited for her first great-grandbaby, I’m so happy she will be able to be a part of this family milestone. As I mentioned before, Sherri also had a party for her granddaughter Berklee who recently turned 2 (pictures of the birthday girl here). I think the saying is terrific-twos or something like that, I imagine in the eyes of Grandma Sherri and Grandpa Dan she can’t do a thing wrong… And she’s definitely not spoiled by them either!
Legislative Coffee
The day before all the baby parties, the City Commission Chambers hosted a wrap-up Legislative Coffee where Representative Schmoe, Representative Barth, and Senator Tyson all had the opportunity to share how the session went in their opinions (picture here). You’re welcome to watch this Coffee back over by clicking this link that takes you to the City of Ottawa Kansas Facebook page. Quick shoutout to the IT department who helps us with the digital aspect of the event, I’m thankful we can offer this to those who might not be able to attend in person. Some topics that were discussed include Kansas’ advantage or disadvantage compared to our surrounding states. All our legislators voiced areas of improvement, but also mentioned things we can be proud of as Kansans. Medicaid expansion is a regular talking point, with it being brought up again at this wrap-up session as well. We were able to hear our elected official’s frustrations with the foster care system, echoing the feelings of an attendee who asked their opinions on the matter. They also talked about last-minute bills, and how the process of moving bills on at 3 am does not feel like effective governance. If these types of events interest you, I would love to get you connected with our Legislative Action Committee. The role of the committee is to help convene our community with our elected officials and spread awareness of how local government affects us all. These Coffees are one way we move towards accomplishing that goal.
901 S Cherry St.
If you ask Ottawa University staff what one of the biggest challenges that they currently face, I imagine student housing is on that list. Well, some exciting news for OU and local builder/investor Raymond Love took place this week. Raymond, who is the owner of B-Squared Properties, saw the undeveloped land at 901 S Cherry St. and created the vision to house 30 some students (pictures of plot here). With the approval from our City Commission the project won’t just be a vision but eventually a reality. I am always so pleased to see community partners work together to help confront challenges. I look forward to a Ribbon Cutting down the road!
AdventHealth Virtual Care
A new offering through the AdventHealth medical group includes a new practice that just recently launched and allows patients to see a provider from the comfort of their home or workplace. This service is available for new and existing AdventHealth patients in Kansas and Missouri who have acute, non-urgent symptoms. Also known as telemedicine or telehealth, virtual care has some unique benefits compared to traditional in-person visits. Accessibility is a huge advantage as virtual care allows patients to access healthcare services from anywhere, at any time, as long as they have an internet connection. This can be especially beneficial for people who live in rural or remote areas, have limited mobility, or have difficulty traveling to a healthcare facility. As well as convenience, eliminating the need for patients to take time off work, find childcare, or travel to the hospital. Patients can receive medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment from the comfort of their own homes. For information on hours and services, visit www.adventhealth.com/virtual-care. A healthy community is a thriving community, thanks AdventHealth for doing your part to care for us.
Young Professional Gathering
A group of Chamber Young Professionals gathered at the local billiard hall, OnCue, Thursday afternoon after work (pictures here). If you have yet to go into OnCue, you’re missing out. Great prices on drinks and snacks, activities like billiards, darts and cornhole, as well as plenty of comfy seating if you’d rather relax and hang out. Laura and Les do a great job running the establishment, all of those in attendance had a great time together. We have some fun stuff in the pipeline for this group, great time to get involved if you’re looking to meet other young professionals in the community!
Ottawa Recreation Commission
The Goppert building was full of 2nd graders at the beginning of the week for Bike Safety Day. An event where all the local second graders receive bicycle helmets, and twelve lucky kids get to walk away with a new bike! Lots of local partners come together for this event, ORC, OPD, Rotary, Franklin County EMS and American Eagle volunteers help keep everything organized… as much as they can anyways when dozens of 7-8 year olds are involved.
Chamber members of all ages met at the ORC this morning to network and learn more about programs at our recreation commission (pictures here). Amy Carlson who is the organization's newest staff member shared ways they have increased programming for those 50+ with tours and trips. As well as focusing on health-related programming, with mobile mammography in the ORC parking lot and Community Blood Center drives in the east half of the gymnasium. Levi Meyer, Executive Director and Chamber Board person shared some details about the strategic planning the organization is currently undergoing. One way they are discovering what the future of the ORC looks like is by conducting a community survey. This survey will help guide future resources towards new and improved recreation programs and facilities in Ottawa. The plan's effectiveness relies on as many people completing the survey as possible. Levi and his staff ask that we all share with any friends or family in the USD 290 school district in hopes to reach as many citizens as possible, the more voices the better! They currently have over 850 submissions with the goal of surpassing 1k. If you have thoughts about programming or facilities, let Levi and his team know by filling out the survey before the end of next week.
Happy Mother's Day
I’ll be the first to wish all our moms a happy Mother’s Day! I’m a few days early but when I think about it, we should be recognizing our moms every day really. I’m once blessed with a wonderful mother; twice blessed with my mother-in-law. So grateful for all the mothers in my life, give a mom a hug this weekend!
I'll finish with sharing some neat pictures taken here in town about a couple hours or so apart from each other. This was before and after the quick storm that passed through on Tuesday. What crazy colors!
I look forward to seeing you next week,
Ryland Miller
President/CEO
Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce
ryland@ottawakansas.org
785-242-1000
