On the sunny afternoon of Sunday, April 24, Pleasantview Home launched a brighter future for the Kalona facility with speeches by board members and staff before taking ceremonial photos of a variety of stakeholders using “gold” shovels and hard hats south of the entrance to Old Glory.

Delivering speeches on this special day were Jeffrey Schmidt, Executive Director; Dave Hochstetler, Pleasantview Board chair; steering Committee co-chair Nyle Kauffman; and Kalona city Administrator Ryan Schlabaugh. Jay Miller gave the scripture reading and prayer.

Schmidt said that when the staff and board decided to move forward on a multidisciplinary approach two years ago, they evaluated resident needs, ergonomics, workflow regulatory compliance and administration function. The board and steering committee also took into consideration resident and frontline staff input.

Schmidt said the project construction will take about two years to complete.

“But while there will be changes to the physical plant,” he said. “The level of care and ethical expertise will far surpass changes to brick invest and mortar… We will heavily in our staff education and certification to provide services equal to and better than the physical improvements.”

Schmidt also related that, working with medical director, Dr. Scott Eberly, Pleasantview will be looking forward to potentially serving as a teaching site for physicians orienting to and/or specializing in gerontology.

“Our ongoing partnership with Kirkwood nursing students further demonstrates our commitment to education and the advancement of caregivers within the profession,” Schmidt said. “Our strategic partnership will contribute, not only to this project, but may well create additional senior housing and alternative services that will enhance the entire community.”

Dave Hochstetler, a board member for seven years, related that despite many hurdles and delays, the board kept its sight on the day of groundbreaking knowing that God would lead them forward. 

“Pleasantview has a long and successful history of providing for the elderly in our community,” he said. “The current staff has carried that torch well and are providing excellent care through some very challenging times in health and senior care.”

He noted that since the first discussion of building Pleasantview took place in 1955, there have been many planning and work sessions to get to this day.

The first residents moved in in 1958. An additional three floors were added in 1964. A nursing wing was added in 1972. From 1963 to 1990’s, independent living cottages were added. The Friendship Center and Chapel were built.

“Each of these projects were designed to meet the needs of the community and took a lot of planning,” Hochstetler said. “This project was carefully vetted and designed to meet the needs of our present community… The need for need for updated assisted living facilities and care for the memory impaired were targeted as highly critical needs.”

“We have been pleased with both the support for the project’s design as well as the financial contributions that have been made or committed going forward,” he added.

Hochstetler noted that the mission statement names Pleasantview as “a welcoming faith-based community that supports healthy living quality of life” and the board felt the project supports that mission.

Hostettler concluded by thanking the community for their prayers and support as the project moves forward.

Steering committee Co-chair Nyle Kauffman reviewed what the current construction project includes. He noted there are going to be new assisted living section, a rehabilitation area where people recovering from surgery can get help. He also noted the memory care unit and a new chapel will be included. 

“On behalf of the mayor, city council members and the residents of Kalona, we want to thank the staff and board of Pleasantview for their dedication to our community in assisting our residents with their long-term care needs,” said Kalona City Administrator Ryan Schlabaugh. “We are proud of those efforts and the culture that you have created in our community and look forward to your upcoming building project.” 

Schlabaugh also related that his grandfather, Emil, was a contractor and did masonry work on the original Pleasantview building. Emil was present to take part in the symbolic groundbreaking ceremonies.

Several hundred people present for the presentation were invited inside “Old Glory” section to view placards of the various designs and enjoy refreshments.