MASSAGES RAISE FUNDS FOR STUDENT TRIP

Students in the Massage Therapy program at Iowa Lakes Community College are making area residents happy – and raising funds for an educational trip.

“As part of the education of our students, we have been offering massages to the public on a freewill donation basis,” said Janet Gentle, program instructor. “Our students gain experience while the public has a few peaceful moments to relax in a professional atmosphere.”

Recently, the students have traveled to Hartley and been at the Spencer Area Activity Center for geriatric massage. They offered a ‘Spa Escape’ at the Spencer campus of Iowa Lakes in February, for Valentine’s Day. Chair massages and foot & hand scrubs were given at the ‘Spa Escape.’ This tied in well with their class work where they had recently learned exfoliation treatments.

Others will have the chance to take advantage of these services in the near future. On Thursday, April 3, students will offer another spa night at the Spencer campus.

Those interested in participating are asked to call Janet Gentle at (712) 580-8625 to make an appointment. The activity will take place from 4-8 p.m. that day in the Massage Therapy classroom at Gateway North. Chair massages, reflexology and foot & hand scrubs will be offered on a freewill donation basis.

Participants are asked to plan for about 30 minutes per treatment.

“All funds raised at this event will go toward a trip to Body Worlds in Milwaukee, Wisc., in late April,” Gentle said. “This is a tastefully done display of human bodies showing the muscles, tendons and ligaments in a human being as well as circulatory and nervous system. They also show how organs are affected by disease. It will be very educational for them.”

Massage Therapy is a three semester program at Iowa Lakes. For more information, please visit the Web site at www.iowalakes.edu.