Riley helped make Linn County Home succeed

Fifty years ago, as a director or officer of the Linn County Association for Mental Health, and a former recreation volunteer in Washington, D.C., at St. Elizabeth's Hospital, I was interested in creating such a program for residents of Linn County Home - a program for exercise, a change of scenery, not to “kill time” but rather to make it live. There was an ideal spot on the grounds of the county home. But not all county supervisors were approving; it was such a revolutionary idea.

A member of our mental health board suggested I let it be known that our governor would be invited to an opening of a recreation center that would be a first in Iowa. Voila. The Marion Jaycees, local Red Cross, Newcomers Club of Cedar Rapids and so many more gave their services, dollars and equipment, giving birth to the first such program in Iowa and becoming a model.

Again, I thank you, precious volunteers, generous individuals and groups, the late Norman Erbe and that member of our board who got the ball rolling, Tom Riley.

Sarah Simmons

Ellicott City, Md.