West Iron County Public Schools

The Iron Area Health Foundation has awarded a grant in the amount of $4,000 to the West Iron County Public Schools "Garden Project".  The "Garden Project" began in 2020 as a cooperative initiative between community members and the school district to raise funds to build a school Greenhouse.  The Greenhouse will be used as a year round educational resource for students in grades K-12.  Multiple academic disciplines at all grade levels will work together on cross curricular lessons and instruction utilizing the Greenhouse.  All funds used for the "Garden Project" were raised through donations, grants and fundraising. 

Pictured at the "Garden Project" grant check presentation are Lyle Smithson Jr., IAHF Director, Martha Rypstra, Garden Project Committee member, Mason Gray, Garden Project Committee member, Kim Nichols, Garden Project Committee member, Jeff Swenski, Garden Project Committee member, Alisa Porier, Garden Project Committee member, Kevin Schmutzler, WIC School Superintendent, Marli Kytta, Garden Project Committee member.  The IAHF is extremely pleased to be able to support the West Iron County Schools "Garden Project" with this grant.  Bids for both the mechanical and electrical work on the project are still open and can be found on the West Iron County Schools website.

Taproot Community Farms

The Iron Area Health Foundation recently awarded a Mini Grant in the amount of $500 to the Taproot Community Farms.  The Taproot Community Farms relocated their cooperative community garden to 25 acres just off Stambaugh Avenue in Iron River.  The community garden is open to anyone with a philosophy of cooperatively growing and harvesting healthy food as a group.  Taproot Community Farm's plans moving forward are to develop a commercial compost site and greenhouse in the near future on the community farm site.  The IAHF is very pleased to support this healthy living initiative in our area with this Mini Grant. 

Pictured at the Mini Grant check presentation are Zach Hautala, IAHF board member, Martha Rypstra, Taproot Farms board President, Brody Ekberg, Taproot Farms board member, Chris Kent IAHF board President and Lyle Smithson Jr, IAHF Director.

Alpha 4th of July “Family Park”

The Iron Area Health Foundation recently awarded a grant in the amount of $2,000 to the Alpha 4th of July "Family Park" outdoor volleyball court.  The new outdoor volleyball court will be part of an outdoor recreational area in Alpha that will provide healthy living recreational opportunities for residents of all ages. 

Pictured at the grant check presentation in Alpha are IAHF board members Kurt Anderson, Chris Kent, Zach Hautala and IAHF Director Lyle Smithson Jr.  Representing the Alpha 4th of July Outdoor Volleyball Court Committee are Elaine Weackler, Shannon Koski, Lori Willman, Chris Davis and Kathy Carlson.  Village of Alpha Board of Trustees Jackie Clancey, Steve Martin and Molly Cameron.  Village of Alpha residents Gene Burge, Karen Martin, Jenny Foster, Kiley Kannich and Lily Vaccaro.  The IAHF is very pleased to support the Alpha Outdoor Volleyball Court project which will provide additional healthy recreational opportunities to the residents of Iron County.

Iron County SAY Soccer Club

The Iron Area Health Foundation recently awarded a Mini Grant in the amount of $320 to the Iron County SAY Soccer Club to purchase 1st aid kits for the teams and for scholarships.  The 1st aid kits will provide medical safety support for the 230 youth players involved in the Iron County SAY Soccer Club program. 

Pictured at the Mini Grant check presentation are youth soccer players from the U-4, U-8 and U-10 teams along with Jeremy Allen, Iron County Soccer Club President, Carly Ekberg, Iron County Soccer Club Board Member, Chris Kent,IAHF Board President, Zach Hautala, IAHF Board Member and Lyle Smithson Jr, IAHF Director.  The IAHF is very pleased to be able to support the Iron County SAY Soccer Club with 1st aid kits and scholarships so that all interested local youth can have the opportunity to participate and be safe.

The Friends of Camp Gibbs

The Iron Area Health Foundation recently awarded a grant in the amount of $1,530 to The Friends of Camp Gibbs to purchase an AED machine for their grounds and facility.  The new AED will provide health and safety support to the more than 600 individuals who use the facility on an annual basis. 

Pictured at the grant check presentation are Lyle Smithson Jr, IAHF Director, Zach Hautala, IAHF Board Member, Greg Scott, Friends of Camp Gibbs, Vice-President, Aaron Risberg, Friends of Camp Gibbs, Secretary/Treasurer, Dan Kallio, Friends of Camp Gibbs, President, Alicia Benson, IAHF Board Member and Glenn Dobson, IAHF Board Member.  The IAHF is very pleased to support The Friends of Camp Gibbs AED machine which will enhance healthy living and health safety support for the residents of Iron County.

Crystal Falls Firefighters

The Iron Area Health Foundation recently awarded a grant in the amount of $2,051 to the Crystal Falls Firefighters for a new AED machine for the fire department rescue truck. 

Pictured at the grant check presentation are Zach Hautala, IAHF Board Member, Denny Mitchell, CF Firefighter, Tom Bucek, CF Fire Department Training Officer, Jessica Perry, IAHF Board Member, Chris Kent, IAHF Board President, Robert Fabbri, CF Firefighter, Kurt Anderson, IAHF Board Member and Lyle Smithson Jr, IAHF Director.  The IAHF is very pleased to support the CF Fire Department with the purchase of the new rescue truck AED machine in their efforts to continually provide safety and health support to the residents of Iron County.

Iron County Search and Rescue

The Iron Area Health Foundation recently awarded a grant in the amount of $2,329 to the Iron County Search and Rescue Team to support the purchase of new ice and water rescue equipment (wheeled stokes basket) that will enable the Search and Rescue Team to continue to provide outstanding life, safety and health support to the residents of Iron County. 

Pictured at the grant check presentation are Alicia Benson, IAHF Board Member, Nicole Purkey, I.C. Search and Rescue Team Secretary, Brad Burke, I.C, Search and Rescue Team 2nd Captain and Chris Kent, IAHF Board President.  The IAHF is very pleased to support the Iron County Search and Rescue Team with equipment to enable them to continue to provide outstanding life and safety services to the residents of Iron County.

Forest Park 7th Grade Overnight Camp

The Iron Area Health Foundation recently awarded a Grant in the amount of $3,300 to the Forest Park 7th grade Overnight Camp at Fortune Lake Lutheran Camp.  The overnight school camp will focus on developing healthy social connections between students.  The focus will center on enhancing social, mental, emotional healthy lifestyles. 

Pictured at the grant check presentation are Lyle Smithson Jr, IAHF Director, Jessica Perry, IAHF Board Member, Johanna Johnson, FP 7th grade teacher, Taylor Story. FP 7th grade teacher and Kurt Anderson, IAHF Board Member.  The IAHF is very pleased to support the Forest Park 7th grade overnight camp which will focus on enhancing healthy student connections and overall healthy living lifestyles.

Above and Beyond

On Saturday February 1, 2025 over 90 individuals were in attendance as the Iron Area Health Foundation held their "Above and Beyond" Recognition Program and Dinner at Young's Recreational Complex.  The program and dinner celebrated and recognized 2 Iron County organizations, 1 individual and 2 Student Leadership groups from the local high schools for going above and beyond expectations to work to enhance health and safety opportunities for the residents of our area and students at our local school districts.  The local organizations recognized were the Iron County Search and Rescue Team and the Taproot Community Farm. 

Tom Bucek was recognized for his individual service to the community and the IAHF Student Leadership Teams from both West Iron County and Forest Park high schools were recognized for their efforts at their respective schools.  The honorees were presented a plaque of recognition and were reminded that their efforts are both noticed and appreciated and that they are definitely making a positive difference in the lives of others.

West End Players

The Iron Area Health Foundation recently awarded a Grant in the amount of $2,500 to the West End Players to purchase new sound equipment and headsets to help sustain and promote the local participation in the Arts for social, physical and emotional health. 

Pictured at the grant check presentation are Zach Hautala, IAHF Board Member, Elliette Thibodeau, Into the Woods cast member, Jason Mattson, Into the Woods Co-Director, Matthew McPherson, Into the Woods cast member, P. Jane Adams, Into the Woods Co-Director, Catharina Rypstra, Into the Woods cast member,Lyle Smithson Jr, IAHF Director.  The IAHF is very pleased to support the West End Players in this very worthwhile healthy living Arts initiative.

Iron Amateur Hockey Association

The Iron Area Health Foundation has awarded a grant in the amount of $1,600 to the Iron Amateur Hockey Association for a new bottle filling station at the Iron County Ice Arena.  The new water filling station will promote hydration and safety for all individuals using the Ice Arena. 

Pictured at the grant check presentation are Zach Hautala, IAHF Board Member, Stephanie Swenski, IAHA Secretary, Jill Sabotta, IAHF Board Member, Tina Brunswick, IAHA Treasurer, Kaycee Johnson, IAHA President, Courtney Franz, IAHA Fundraising Chairperson, Lyle Smithson Jr, IAHF Director.  The IAHF is very pleased to support this very worthwhile healthy living initiative.

Dickinson Iron District Health Department Crystal Falls Office

The Iron Area Health Foundation recently provided an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) to the Dickinson Iron District Health Department Crystal Falls Office.  The AED machine is used to help individuals who are experiencing sudden cardiac arrest.  The Dickinson Iron District Health Department will have an AED machine available at both its Crystal Falls and Iron Mountain offices.  The Iron Area Health Foundation is pleased to help support healthy living initiatives in Iron County.

Pictured with the new AED machine are Tina Edlund, DIDHD Finance Director, Kristina Santilli, DIDHD Office Supervisor, Jessica Perry DIDHD Emergency Preparedness Coordinator, Lyle Smithson Jr, IAHF Director, Darin Deyaert, DIDHD Health Officer, Zach Hautala, IAHF Board Member.

Aspirus Iron River

The Iron Area Health Foundation recently awarded a Mini Grant in the amount of $500 to Aspirus Iron River for the purchase of gas cards for help with medical transportation costs for homeless patients. 

Pictured at the Mini Grant check presentation are Lyle Smithson Jr, IAHF Director, Zach Hautala, IAHF Board Member, Taylor Taylor, Aspirus Iron River Director of Nursing, Scott Kataja, Aspirus Iron River Nursing Manager and Glenn Dobson, IAHF Board Member.  IAHF Mini Grant applications can be found on the IAHF website at www.ironareahealthfoundation.org.  

Iron County Cancer Unit

The Iron Area Health Foundation recently made a donation in the amount of $2,500 to the Iron County Cancer Unit in support of the recent Volleyball "Pink Out" that was held at West Iron County.  The Volleyball "Pink Out" event raised over $7,200 that will be donated to the Iron County Cancer Unit in addition to the Iron Area Health Foundation donation for a total of over $9,700 to support area residents in their fight against cancer.

Pictured at the recent fundraiser donation to the Iron County Cancer Unit are the West Iron County Volleyball players, mothers who organized the event, Dr. Donald Patton, IAHF Board member, Chris Kent, IAHF Board President, Kevin Isaacson, Iron County Cancer Unit Treasurer and Lyle Smithson Jr., IAHF Director

Healthy Living Grant

The Iron Area Health Foundation recently awarded a Healthy Living Grant in the amount of $5,000 to Young's Recreational Complex in Iron County.  The grant dollars will help support Young's "Outdoor Experiences for Better Health" program.  Young's will be purchasing 35 new sets of X-C Skis, boots and poles for both adults and youth.  The X-C Skiing program at Young's will include both recreational skiing and skiing lessons.  Representatives of Young's stated that their goal with the program is to enjoy the outdoors and at the same time enhance the individual's physical and mental health and well-being.  The Iron Area Health Foundation is very pleased to be able to help support the "Outdoor Experiences for Better Health" program and to continue to support programs and initiatives that enhance Healthy Living and Mental Well-Being for residents of Iron County.  

Pictured presenting the check to Young's are Lyle Smithson Jr, IAHF Director, Chris Kent, IAHF Board President, Jill Sabotta,Event Coordinator at Young's, Jason Rivard, General Manager at Young's and Zach Hautala, IAHF Board Member.

Wykon Family Run 5k

The Iron Area Health Foundation recently contributed $365 to support the Wykon Family Fun Run 5k.  The 5K run promotes healthy living opportunities for residents of Iron County and strives to "CAN" hunger in our community.  All Tot-Lot thru 6th grade students who participate in the 5K run will receive a free T-Shirt to wear in celebration of the run's 10th anniversary.  Participants in the run are encouraged to donate a non-perishable food item that will be donated to the local St. Vincent DePaul store.

Pictured are Lyle Smithson, Director of the Iron Area Health Foundation, Jill Sabotta, Iron Area Health Foundation Board member and Denise Maloney, WIC Pre-School Instructor and race coordinator.

Crystal Falls Contemporary Center
Book Club Project

The Iron Area Health Foundation recently awarded a grant in the amount of $2,400 to the Crystal Falls Contemporary Center Book Club project.  The grant dollars will be used to provide books for Book Club members.  Medical data has proven that reading improves an individual's physical and mental well-being.  Through reading and discussing books with other Book Club members the goal is to enhance the Physical and Mental Well-Being of the participants.  This project hopes to encourage our residents of Iron County to read more.

The Iron Area Health Foundation is very pleased to help support the efforts of the Crystal Falls Contemporary Center and their focus on enhancing the Physical and Mental Health of the residents of Iron County.

Pictured for the grant presentation are Chris Davis, Director of the Crystal Falls Contemporary Center and Lyle Smithson, Director of the Iron Area Health Foundation.

Iron County Historical & Museum Society

The Iron Area Health Foundation has awarded a grant in the amount of $1,600 to the Iron County Historical & Museum Society to help purchase a new filtered water bubbler for the museum building.  The present water drinking system is no longer usable and needs to be replaced so that preschool thru senior citizen visitors can properly hydrate when visiting the museum.  The IAHF is very pleased to support this purchase and continue to support healthy living initiatives in Iron County. 

Pictured at the grant check presentation are Alicia Benson, IAHF Board Member, Mary Bjork ICHMS Board Member, Kathlene (KL) Long, ICHMS Director, Sandie Nies, ICHMS Board Member and Lyle Smithson Jr, IAHF Director.

Iron Area Health Foundation Scholarship

The first annual Iron Area Health Foundation Scholarship was recently awarded to West Iron County High School Seniors Callista Bortolameolli, Emma Bofinger and Autumn Smith.  Callista has been accepted at Michigan State University in the Nursing program.  Emma has been accepted at Michigan State University in the Pre-Medical program.  Autumn has been accepted at Bay College with intentions to later transfer to Kirtland College to study Cardiac Sonography. 

The Iron Area Health Foundation congratulates all three students on their successful high school careers and wishes them the best of luck in all of their future endeavors.

Iron River Care Center

The Iron River Care Center recently made a $1,000 donation to the Iron Area Health Foundation as a major sponsor for the Foundation's upcoming Golf Tournament fundraiser.  The golf tournament will be held June 4, 2023 at Young's Recreational Complex.  All proceeds from the golf tournament will go towards the Foundation's continued support of healthy living initiatives for all residents of Iron County.  The Iron Area Health Foundation thanks the Iron River Care Center for their support as a major sponsor. 

Pictured in the check presentation are; Benjamin and Kerry Friedman, Iron River Care Center owners, Jill Sabotta, IAHF Board member and golf tournament coordinator and Lyle Smithson IAHF Director.

West Iron County Schools Athletic Department

The Iron Area Health Foundation recently made a donation of $1,000 in athletic training medical supplies to the West Iron County Schools Athletic Department.

Pictured during the donation of athletic medical supplies are Mike Berutti, West Iron County High School Principal/Athletic Director, Calli Pellizzer, West Iron County student, Elijah Oberlin, West Iron County student, Chris Kent, IAHF board President, Bryon Harper, MS, AT, ATC from Marshfield Medical Center Dickinson UP Rehab, who put together the athletic training medical supplies for the school, Jill Sabotta, IAHF board member, Kevin Schmutzler, West Iron County School District Superintendent, Lyle Smithson, IAHF Director. The Iron Area Health Foundation is pleased to provide this support to the health and well being of West Iron County student athletes.

Iron County Volleyball Pink Out

The second Iron County Volleyball Pink Out was held on Tuesday October 22 at the Forest Park Gymnasium between county rivals Forest Park Lady Trojans and West Iron County Lady Wykons. The Pink Out Volleyball games this month were to help raise funds for the Iron County Cancer Unit and bring awareness about the importance of self care and early detection for Breast Cancer.  The first of the two Iron County Volleyball Pink Out matches was held on October 1 at West Iron County.  Multiple events were held and information tables were set up at the two events recognizing area residents who have been affected by cancer and to raise funds for the cancer unit.  Between the Junior Varsity and Varsity matches on Tuesday night the Iron Area Health Foundation supported the two local Volleyball Pink Out events by presenting a donation of their own to the Iron County Cancer Unit in the amount of $2,500.  Well over $6,500 was raised through the Pink Out events for Cancer and presented to the Iron County Cancer Unit.

Pictured at the Tuesday event are Linda Columbino, President of the Iron County Cancer Unit accepting the check from Alicia Benson IAHF Board Member and Lyle Smithson Jr, Director IAHF. 

Pictured are both the West Iron County and Forest Park volleyball teams with the Pink Out donation to the Iron County Cancer Unit.

Fortune Lake Lutheran Camp

The Iron Area Health Foundation recently awarded a $280 Mini Grant to the Fortune Lake Lutheran Camp to provide Pontoon Boat rides around Fortune Lake to residents of the Iron County Medical Care Facility.  The first of four scheduled Pontoon rides for the residents took place on Monday August 12.  During the ride on Fortune Lake the residents will have an opportunity to enjoy the scenic beauty of the lake as well as have an opportunity to fish from the boat.  The IAHF is very pleased to have this opportunity to collaborate with two other local agencies (Fortune Lake Lutheran Camp and Iron County Medical Care Facility) to provide this healthy living opportunity to the residents of the Medical Care Facility.

Pictured at the check presentation are Kurt Anderson, IAHF Board Member, Zach Hautala, IAHF Board Member, Jessica PerryIAHF Board Member, Charlotte Strom, FLLC Guest Services Coordinator, Jessica Schultz, ICMCF Diversional Therapy Director and Lyle Smithson Jr, Director IAHF.

Iron Area Health Scholarship

The 2nd annual Iron Area Health Foundation Scholarship was recently awarded to Forest Park High School seniors Leah Feldhausen, Tatum Clark and Ella Anderson. 

Each of the three students received a $500 scholarship to further their education at a post secondary school of continuing education.  All three scholarship recipients will be pursuing degrees in fields of study that will enable them to positively influence the social, emotional or physical health of individuals in their future careers.  Leah has been accepted at Ferris State University to study Dental Hygiene.  Tatum has been accepted at Michigan State University to study Elementary Education.  Ella has been accepted to Bay College to study Radiology.  The Iron Area Health Foundation congratulates all three students on their very successful high school careers and wishes them the best of luck in all of their future endeavors.

Sharps & Medication Disposal Program

Aspirus Iron River Hospital and Clinics and the Iron Area Health Foundation (IAHF) have partnered to create a new Sharps and Medication Disposal Program aimed at promoting the safe disposal of unused syringes, needles, and medications in Iron River, Crystal Falls, and surrounding communities. This collaborative initiative provides convenient drop-off points for both sharps and medications, ensuring the safety and well-being of residents across the region.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with the Iron Area Health Foundation to bring this important initiative to our community,” said Taylor Taylor, Director of Nursing for Aspirus Iron River. “The health and safety of our community is our top priority, and this program ensures that individuals have a responsible way to dispose of both sharp objects and medications in safe, accessible locations.”

This program is designed to address the growing need for safe disposal options that protect individuals, families, and the broader community. Properly disposing of syringes, needles, and medications is essential to prevent accidental needle-stick injuries, the transmission of infectious diseases, and environmental contamination.

Pictured: Zach Hautala, IAHF Board Member, Aaron Risbarg, Aspirus Iron River Facility Manager, Rae Kaare, Aspirus Iron River Hospital Administrator, Taylor Taylor, Aspirus Iron River Director of Nursing, Glenn Dobson, IAHF Board Member, Chris Kent, IAHF Board President, Lyle Smithson Jr, Director IAHF.

West Iron County Robotics Booster Club

The Iron Area Health Foundation has awarded a Mini Grant in the amount of $500 to the West Iron County Robotics Booster Club.  The Mini Grant will be used to support healthy and nutritious meals and snacks for the Robotics Team, the AutoMatons as they begin their travel to their qualifying competitions in Escanaba and Sault Ste. Marie and their State Championship tournament in Saginaw.  The AutoMaton Robotics Team has been meeting 5-6 days per week to build their competition ready Robot since the Robotics Kickoff on January 4.

Pictured at the Mini Grant check presentation are Abigail Davis (AutoMaton Team Member), Ray Guzowski (Robotics Booster Club Treasurer), Skylar Joseph (AutoMaton Team Member),Van Hill (AutoMaton Team Coach), Simeon Bear (AutoMaton Team Member), Jeff Davis (AutoMaton Team Assistant Coach), Scott Strom (AutoMaton Team Mentor) and Lyle Smithson Jr (IAHF Director).  The IAHF is very pleased to help support this healthy, educational program for our local youth.

Anti-Bullying | Anti-Illegal Substance Use

The Iron Area Health Foundation Student Leadership Teams from both West Iron County and Forest Park conducted an Anti-Bullying/Anti-Illegal Substance Use banner contest within each high school.  All entries were submitted to the Student Leadership Teams for review at their December meeting.  The four banner contest winners were Abigail Farley, Grace House, Donte White and Lilly Post.  Each of the selected banners have been printed and presented to both the West Iron County and Forest Park High Schools to be displayed within the school.

Pictured above: Francy Economy, Abigail Farley, Grace House and Donte White.

Pictured below: Kallie Westcott, Staff Advisor, Lilly Post and Kaitlin Cvengros.

Young’s Recreational Complex

The Iron Area Health Foundation has awarded a Mini Grant in the amount of $500 to Young's Recreational Complex.  The Mini Grant monies will be used to purchase water weights for aqua aerobics classes that will provide a unique, low-impact exercise option that promotes fitness, wellness and community engagement for Iron County residents of all ages. 

The IAHF is very pleased to provide this Mini Grant to Young's to help enhance healthy living opportunities for all residents of Iron County.  Pictured at the check presentation are Jason Rivard, Young's General Manager, Jason Smedlund, Young's Marketing Director, Chris Kent, IAHF Board President, Jill Sabotta, IAHF Board Member and Lyle Smithson Jr., IAHF Director.

906 Adventure Team - Iron County

The Iron Area Health Foundation recently awarded a Mini Grant in the amount of $500 to the 906 Adventure Team-Iron County to build extra bike stations and purchase additional support materials for their non motorized bike trails in Iron County.  The Iron County Team has grown to 50 biking members (ages 5-17) and 26 volunteers. 

Pictured at the mini grant check presentation are Mason Koch, 906 Adventure Team-Iron County Team Member, Jim Koch, 906 Adventure Team-Iron County Area Team Leader, Chris Kent, IAHF Board President, Lyle Smithson Jr, IAHF Director and Jackson Koch, 906 Adventure Team-Iron County Team Member.  The IAHF is very pleased to support the 906 Adventure Team-Iron Countywith supplies to enable them to provide additional bike stations and safety supplies for this healthy outdoor activity.

Iron Range Firefighters Association

The Iron Area Health Foundation recently awarded a Grant in the amount of $1,418.00 to the the Iron Range Firefighters Association.  The Grant money was used to purchase eight new CPR training manikins. 

Pictured with the new training manikins are Zach Hautala, IAHF board member, Tom Bucek, Crystal Falls Fire Department Training Officer, Mike Goriesky, Iron County Training Coordinator, Elizabeth Fittante, IAHF board member and Lyle Smithson, IAHF Director.  Anyone interested in CPR training should contact their local fire agency for more information.
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906 Adventure Team

The Iron Area Health Foundation recently awarded a grant in the amount of $5,000 to the 906 Adventure Team.  The grant dollars will be used for base camp supplies by the 906 Adventure Team.  The base camp supplies will include first aid kits, Walkie Talkies, back packs, safety equipment and bike stand repair areas. 

The Iron Area Health Foundation is very pleased to help support the efforts of the 906 Adventure Team and their focus on healthy non motorized activities within the greater Iron County area.

Pictured for the donation are Lyle Smithson, IAHF Director, Martha Rypstra, Adventure Team member, Abigail Garcia, Adventure Team member, BenJamin Garcia, Adventure Team member, Peter Garcia, Adventure Team member, Fable Garcia, Adventure Team member, Jezreel Garcia, Adventure Team member, Jonathan Rypstra, Adventure Team member, Thor Rypstra, Adventure Team member and Chris Kent, IAHF board President.

Trojan Power Robotics Team

The Iron Area Health Foundation has awarded a Mini Grant in the amount of $500 to the Forest Park "Trojan Power Robotics" Team.  The Mini Grant will be used to support healthy, nutritious meals and snacks for the Robotics Team as they begin their travel to Robotics Invitational qualifying tournaments and the State of Michigan tournament in Saginaw.  The qualifying invitationals will be held in Escanaba on March 7-9 and Midland on March 27-29.  The Forest Park Robotics team is in their 2nd year of competition and they have a 10 member team for 2025. 

Pictured at the Mini Grant check presentation are Kurt Anderson, IAHF Board Member, Jim Friend, FP Robotics Team Coach, Will Toivenen, FP Robotics Team Assistant Coach, Jacob Bricker, FP Robotics Team Member, Soren Santi, FP Robotics Team Member, Chase Frailing, FP Robotics Team Member, Lyle Smithson Jr, IAHF Director, Connor LaPlante, FP Robotics Team Member, Barb Waara, IAHF Board Member, Kristine Rivard, IAHF Board Member.  Front row Kevon Brunswick, FP Robotics Team Member, Kya Bohto, FP Robotics Team Member and Ally Harper, FP Robotics Team Member.  The IAHF is very pleased to support this healthy, educational opportunity for our local youth.

Iron Area Health Foundation Scholarship

The 2nd annual Iron Area Health Foundation Scholarship in the amount of $500 each was recently awarded to five West Iron County High School Seniors, Caleb Strom, Aubrey Bice, Seanna Stine, April Clark and Haiden Gill. 

The scholarships are awarded to graduating seniors who have been accepted into a program of continuing education in a health related field of study.  Caleb has been accepted at the University of Michigan to study Biology.  Aubrey has been accepted at Central Michigan University to study Biochemistry.  Seanna has been accepted to Northern Michigan University to study Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences.  April has been accepted to Michigan Technological University University to study Pre-Medicine.  Haiden has been accepted to Michigan Technological University to study Biomedical Engineering.  The IAHF congratulates all five students on their very successful high school careers and wishes them the best of luck in all of their future endeavors.

Aspirus Iron River Campus

The Iron Area Health Foundation recently awarded a Mini Grant in the amount of $300 to the Aspirus Iron River Campus Arbor Day Tree Project.  The mini grant will cover the cost of a new tree on the hospital campus.  The new tree will help enhance the beautification of the outdoor campus for healthy relaxation for employees and visitors. 

Pictured at the check presentation are Alicia Benson, IAHF Board Member, Mary Raymond, Aspirus Housekeeping Department. Glenn Dobson, IAHF Board Member, Suzanna Severson, Aspirus Dietitian, Chris Kent, IAHF Board President, Mark Andreski, Aspirus Maintenance Department, Rae Kaare, Aspirus Administrator, John Fritsche, Aspirus Pharmacy Department, Lyle Smithson Jr, IAHF Director, Zach Hautala, IAHF Board Member and Aaron Risberg, Aspirus Facility Manager and Tree Campus Project Chairman.  The Iron Area Health Foundation is very pleased to support this healthy living initiative for the residents of Iron County.

Do It For Daniel

The Iron Area Health Foundation recently sponsored four presentations of Do It For Daniel for students and adults in Iron County.  The presentation addressed anxiety, depression and suicide prevention.  Over 750 people attended the four presentations that were provided for students in grades 6-12 at West Iron County and Forest Park and for the community at Young’s Recreational Complex. 

Pictured is Jeff Olson, Do It For Daniel presenter.

Forest Park Elementary Physical Education | Health Department

The Iron Area Health Foundation recently awarded a grant in the amount of $467 to the Forest Park Elementary Physical Education/Health Department.  The grant money will be used to purchase 18 Hands-Only CPR simulation kits.  The CPR simulation kits will be used annually to educate and train all K-5 elementary students on the proper methods to apply CPR chest compressions.  The instruction on proper use of the simulation kits will be taught by Leah Ryan, FP elementary PE/Health instructor and Ashley Campbell, FP school nurse.  The instruction with CPR Hands-Only simulation kits will be incorporated into the elementary health curriculum.  The simulation instruction at the elementary grades will serve as a lead into the 9th grade CPR certification module of the health curriculum. 

Pictured at the grant check presentation are Kurt Anderson, IAHF board member, Ashley Campbell, FP school nurse, Leah Ryan, FP elementary PE/Health instructor, Jessica Perry, IAHF board member, Kristine Rivard, IAHF board member and Lyle Smithson Jr, IAHF Director.  The IAHF is very pleased to be able to support the Forest Park PE/Health Department with this grant to purchase the Hands-Only CPR simulation kits.

Iron County Housing Commission

The Iron Area Health Foundation recently awarded a grant in the amount of $2,500 to the Iron County Housing Commission.  The grant monies will be used to purchase an AED machine for the Pleasant Valley Apartment Complex.  The Pleasant Valley Apartment Complex is a 43 unit Section 8 rental voucher complex located in Crystal Falls.  The AED machine will be placed in the entrance lobby area of the complex. 

Amasa Hematite Township Fire Department

The Iron Area Health Foundation recently awarded a grant in the amount of $2,500 to the Amasa Hematite Township Fire Department.  The grant will be used to purchase a new AED machine for one of the fire department fire trucks.  The Amasa Hematite Fire Department is made up of 14 trained volunteers from the local area.  The fire department covers the Amasa and Hematite Township areas and also provides support through a mutual aid agreement with the West Iron County, Mastodon Township, Crystal Falls and DNR fire departments. 

Pictured at the grant check presentation are Kristine Rivard, IAHF board member, Lyle Smithson Jr, IAHF Director, Wesley Schumacher, Amasa Hematite Township Volunteer Fire Department Chief and Carlyn Raduechel, Hematite Township Trustee and Grant Coordinator.  The IAHF is extremely pleased to be able to support the Amasa Hematite Township Fire Department's purchase of this life saving equipment with this grant. 

West Iron County School District

The Iron Area Health Foundation has awarded a $500 Mini Grant to the West Iron County School District.  The Mini Grant will be used to provide a healthy, nutritious, well balanced breakfast to all Juniors at school on the mornings of the State of Michigan SAT tests and essays.  The IAHF is very pleased to support this healthy living initiative. 

Picture at the check presentation is Lyle Smithson Jr, IAHF Director, Francy Economy,WIC School District Social Worker, Konnor Bjorkman, WIC School District Test Coordinator, Jill Sabotta, IAHF Board Member, Chris Kent, IAHF Board President, Jodi Fales, WIC School District SSD Coordinator and Mike Berutti, WIC School District High School Principal.

Healthy Living and Well-Being Grant

The Iron Area Health Foundation recently awarded a Healthy Living and Well-Being Grant in the amount of $5,000 to the Medical Care Access and Prescription Assistance Coalition of Dickinson and Iron Counties. The grant dollars will help support the MCAC "Voucher Fund" program.  The Voucher Fund Program through the MCAC provides emergency medication support to any uninsured, under insured, low income, disabled or elderly residents of Dickinson and Iron Counties who can not afford their medication.  The MCAC also provides free unbiased Medicare and Medicaid counselors to help individuals navigate through any medical paperwork.

The Iron Area Health Foundation is very pleased to be able to help support the MCAC "Voucher Fund"program and to continue to support programs and initiatives that enhance Healthy Living and Well-Being for all residents of Iron County.

Pictured at the check presentation are Jessica Perry, IAHF Board Member, Mylynn Trulock, MCAC Executive Director, Elizabeth Fittante, IAHF Board Member and Lyle Smithson Jr, IAHF Director.

Iron Area Health Foundation Scholarship

The first annual Iron Area Health Foundation Scholarship was recently awarded to Forest Park Seniors Kayla Hammerbarg.  Kayla has been accepted to Northern Michigan University in the Pre-Pharmacy program.  The Iron Area Health Foundation congratulates Kayla on her very successful high school career and wishes her the best of luck in all of her future endeavors.

Iron County

The Iron Area Health Foundation recently purchased AED and CPR training materials for Iron County.  Included in the supply purchase were four Prestan Professional AED training units and CPR training face shields. 

Pictured are Elizabeth Fittante, IAHF board member, Chris Kent, IAHF board President, Tom Bucek, Crystal Falls Fire Department Training Officer and Lyle Smithson, IAHF Director.  The Iron Area Health Foundation is very pleased to continue to support healthy living initiatives in Iron County.