The Ambassador: Spring 2009

Spring 2009 www.annecenter.org

For supporters of the mission and vision of the Anne Carlsen Center

Evacuated due to flood concerns, ACC students make new friends and memories while away from campus Page 10

TLC for Trinity ACC’s Flood Fight Center fends off water with perseverance, community support Page 10

Girl injured in swimming pool accident regaining skills, sparkling personality at ACC Page 4

Marissa finishes putting together a puzzle with Kris Nitschke, a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant with the Anne Carlsen Center.

Stephanie Nelson, one of the Center’s Speech Language Pathologists, and Michael listen to music on a laptop as part of his therapy session.

A C C E VA C U AT I O Floodwaters came close to the Anne Carlsen Center, our home and school, on March 23. So close that Center staff and emergency officials decided we should leave the Center right away. Our temporary homes are Jamestown Hospital, Heritage Centre-Ave Maria, Hi-Acres Manor Nursing Center, and Zebedee Center at St. John’s Academy. Some of us have school at Trinity Lutheran Church.

At all of these places, there is ACC staff

Jaxon holds hands with Alison Kennison, a Jamestown Hospital employee, and Vanessa Buck, an Anne Carlsen Center employee, as they sing songs during a presentation at the hospital.

The addition of tents at some of ACC’s relocation sites, in this case Jamestown Civic Center, helped create a fun, camplike atmosphere for students.

Tieranny, along with ACC staff and Hi-Acres Manor residents, creates Easter cards with foam letters and shapes.

Jonas enjoys a laugh with Carol Aldinger, one of the education Life Skills Assistants working at the Zebedee Center.

Dr. Myra Quanrud, ACC’s Medical Director, gives Pascal a check up after some students were evacuated to Jamestown Hospital on March 23.

N — S P R I N G

2 0 0 9

guiding us, teaching us, and providing the medical and therapy services we rely on.

Out hosts have been really nice, too, making sure we have everything we need to be happy and safe. We miss the Center and are eager to go home but are glad to be making so many new friends and memories. Thank you for thinking about us and praying for us. As you can see, we’ve been pretty busy lately … we won’t let a flood keep us from experiencing life to its fullest!

Jamestown Hospital staff receives a “thank you” banner from ACC students living temporarily at the hospital.

Amber and Jimmy enjoy a walk with Life Skills Assistant Donna Mayer on their Earth Day field trip to Renaissance Recycling.

apartments in Jamestown. We wanted to show the students this possibility is available to them.”

Corby Maddock is also a large part of Ben’s learning process.

“Ben came to the Center looking for more experience,” said Maddock. “So we are working on functional skills for adulthood.”

Those skills include cooking with recipes, communication, scheduling and organization. Each day he tracks his day by highlighting upcoming events and crossing off completed tasks. These are skills that can be used as Ben goes about the business of his adult life.

A

ACC Student Learning Skills, Independence for Adulthood question is asked and suddenly his brow furrows. His eyes seem to be looking inward for a moment, examining his options.

His deep thought breaks with a wide smile, pushing his animated brows above the ridge of his glasses.

And then he speaks.

It is a scene replayed multiple times for Ben Kilzer in his Pieces of Life class. The 19-year-old Anne Carlsen Center (ACC) student is talking about emotions—and what situations bring out those specific feelings —and is having no trouble answering any question directed his way.

He’s comfortable opening up to the group, sharing himself. When Ben first came to the Center, he may not have done it. But as he’s come to be at ease with students and teachers, he is willing to just be Ben. Pieces of Life Rebecca Cordell, the Center’s Community Integration Training Specialist, sees Ben each week in her Pieces of Life class. She says she has seen the changes in Ben. “He talks about goals and is really shining,” said Cordell.

“He’s become comfortable with the setting and sharing his thoughts.”

The class prepares students for life outside the ACC Campus, through topics such as first aid, money management and occupational training.

“We want students to be able to handle things in a healthy way as they learn for success in an independent setting,” explains Cordell. “One week we went to living

2

THE AMBASSADOR

Living at Home Ben grew up like any other farm kid in southwest North Dakota. It’s Cowboy Country in that part of the state and a person makes his or her way through hard work and a determined spirit. Ben’s family’s farm and ranch, nestled near New Leipzig, was no different. That farm helped shape Ben’s personality from the time he was very young.

“He loved to visit with people,” recalls Renee, his mother.

“He had such a great sense of humor,” adds his father, Darrell. “He was real sharp-witted about things.”

Ben’s life changed dramatically about eight years ago, when he was 11 years old. A defect in his heart caused him to stop breathing temporarily, depriving his brain of oxygen. That lack of oxygen affected his motor, memory and learning skills.

Today, Ben uses a wheelchair to get around and, at times, his memory is impaired. But he still likes to laugh and meet new people, and he knows he still has a life full of possibilities in front of him.

“Ben has a keen sense of humor,” says Maddock. “He enjoys a good joke or some sarcasm. When it comes to class, he is always positive and is quick to have a smile on his face. He is a very likeable young man. People really pick that up with him.”

As the youngest child in his family, Ben saw brothers graduate from high school, move away from home, and begin adult lives. Meanwhile, Ben continued to live with family, attending high school and living much as a typical teenager.

But he never forgot how his brothers left home after high school to begin crafting their own lives. He wanted that type of independence for himself. Yet, in high school, independence was something that was, at times, hard to come by.

“We were getting burned out,” admitted Renee. “We were taking him to Bismarck once a week for therapy. That was a 200-mile trip every Friday and the rest of the week we would work with Ben on what the therapist would tell us. I think Ben got tired of it, too. He wanted to be more independent and not have his parents doing therapy with him.”

Moving to ACC Ben’s therapist had suggested the Anne Carlsen Center as one option for the family, and ACC perked the

Kilzers’ interest.

When Darrell and Renee asked family about the Center, they received glowing endorsements. These family members had interned at ACC and spoke highly of the Center’s Campus and the expert staff. Ben attended ACC Week at Camp Grassick that summer, meeting other students and Center staff at the yearly TechnoCamp. The family then met with Center staff and was further pleased.

“We attended a planning meeting and were really impressed,” Renee said. “They were committed to determining what his interests were and taking him into the community. The staff determined all that by working with him. They took the time to figure out who he was.”

Ben started class in the fall, moving to Jamestown and living away from family for the first time. The separation isn’t always easy—Ben is Darrell and Renee’s youngest child. Though the Kilzers are separated by many miles, they remain close. Ben and his parents stay in contact throughout the week by e-mail or telephone calls, and Darrell and Renee visit their son at least once a month.

Each time they visit, the family enjoys their time together by visiting and learning about the new skills Ben is learning. On Sundays the family goes to church and then out to eat.

“We go to Jamestown now—and as we go to Perkins, or any restaurant, or to church—people, that we have no idea who they are, are saying hi to Ben and asking how he’s doing. They like him, and enjoy being around him,” says Darrell. “It is so neat for Ben to be associated with people on that level.”

Future Preparations ACC offers many vocational opportunities for students ages 14 and up. At Jamestown’s West Country Products, Ben has the opportunity to get back to his roots.

“Ben is a country boy and West Country Projects is a good place for him,” said Renee Spitzer, one of the Center’s Community Integration Specialists. “He can use both hands and a lot of the jobs here take using two hands. There is some problem solving, and Ben and I try and have a good time, too.”

Later in the week, Ben is off to Prairie Veterinary Hospital to place syringes into plastic holders and to catch up with some canine friends. He also helps keep the commons area at the Buffalo Mall clean, using an adapted mop that hooks onto his power chair.

“Ben’s jobs have to do with a lot of problem solving where he needs to follow certain steps,” said Spitzer. “It requires a good thinking process and coordination.”

After completing tasks around town, it’s time for Ben to get into one of the Center vans that brought him to the business site. In minutes, he’ll ride off into the sunset with the satisfaction of another job well done.

Message from the CEO Fortitude, Friends Help in Flood Fight The Anne Carlsen Center is—as this issue of The Ambassador goes to print—in the middle of a flood fight and evacuation of our campus.

Students and staff are spread out at relocation sites throughout Jamestown, as walls of clay and sand protect our campus from the rising James River.

While we recognize the importance of the buildings we call home, the spirit of the Anne Carlsen Center resides in our staff, the people we serve, and the many individuals who support our mission. They embody the character and compassion of the Anne Carlsen Center—no matter what challenges we face.

Our students have demonstrated courage, resiliency and patience since our March 23 evacuation. We are so proud of the way they continue to learn, grow and reach new milestones. At our relocation sites throughout Jamestown, they have forged new friendships and created fun memories.

Community members help keep ACC strong, and during this flood fight, their kindness and generosity have been overwhelming. Whether hefting sandbags, donating supplies, or offering safe shelter, our friends and neighbors have shown us their love in so many meaningful ways.

I have marveled at the efforts and energy of ACC staff during this time. Each has demonstrated adaptability, calmness, creativity and cooperation. Many have come in early and left late, to make sure ACC students are comfortable, cared for, and engaged in meaningful activities. Other staff members have waged a brave battle against floodwaters, forsaking sleep to keep our campus safe. I have been deeply touched by this level of commitment.

Our donors have also helped our organization thrive during this flood fight. Because of you, the Anne Carlsen Center has many of the resources needed to support and empower children, young adults and families affected by developmental disabilities. Thank you for your faith in, and generous support of, our life-changing programs and services.

It’s only appropriate that an organization focused on empowering the individual should itself be strengthened and safeguarded by people. Working together, there’s no end to our abilities to transform lives, eliminate obstacles, and face the future with hope.

Sincerely,

Dan Howell Chief Executive Officer

THE AMBASSADOR

3

4

THE AMBASSADOR

T

he streamers were unfurled and the guests assembled, as the final touches were put on plans for a very important party. It was a week before Valentine’s Day, and you could hear the love in the six-note melody of “Happy Birthday to You” as children’s and adults’ voices filled the halls of the Anne Carlsen Center (ACC).

At the center of this celebration was Trinity Dickerson, an ACC student from Bismarck who has captured many hearts since her enrollment in July 2008.

Staff, fellow students, and Trinity’s family helped her mark her 7th birthday with birthday songs, a “Birthday Dance,” present opening, and a variety of delectable treats.

With long, light brown hair tied back in a ponytail, Trinity’s eyes sparkled as she added a dash of sprinkles and a dollop of whip cream to her strawberry-cheesecake dessert. She smiled as, later that day, she tasted the birthday cake that her sister, Angel, had helped bake.

It was a sweet celebration for a little girl in the midst of a brave recovery from a devastating injury.

Summer Tragedy It was the summer of 2008, and Trinity was the picture of good health—full of energy, full of life, and full of love for her family.

The six-year-old enjoyed writing, drawing, dancing, Taekwondo lessons, and playing games with her sister.

She loved cheeseburgers, the color purple, butterflies, kittens and Dr. Seuss books.

“Always smiling, dancing and singing,” is the way her father, Brandon, describes her. “A quick learner … very quick … soaked everything up like a sponge.”

A smart student and an avid reader, Trinity had excelled in Kindergarten and may have been allowed to skip ahead to 2nd grade in the fall. Tests confirmed she was reading at a 3rd grade reading level.

But Trinity’s life took a tragic turn during an outing to a swimming pool with her summer daycare program on June 13. The six-year-old suddenly vanished from sight and was under water for a dangerously long time— between four to seven minutes—before being rescued.

The near drowning caused a severe lack of oxygen to Trinity’s brain, resulting in anoxic brain injury. She was in a coma following the accident and unresponsive to stimuli.

Her first month of recovery was spent in the Intensive Care Unit at St. Alexius Medical Center in Bismarck.

Brandon, who never left his daughter’s side during her time at St. Alexius, began to contemplate how he would care for his daughter when it was time for her to leave the hospital. Overwhelmed and heavy with grief, he knew it would be difficult to meet her specialized needs. Brandon soon learned about the Anne Carlsen Center’s expertise in helping children affected by significant brain injury. The Center applied to be licensed for an additional bed in order to accommodate his daughter.

Trinity smiles while undergoing a chest physiotherapy treatment, which helps keep her lungs healthy.

“If it wasn’t for the Anne Carlsen Center, I literally would have had to stay at home with Trinity and hire a nurse,” says Brandon. “It would have been extremely difficult to care for her and take care of her sister at the same time.”

TLC at ACC Trinity arrived at the Anne Carlsen Center last July by ambulance as an emergency admit. Still in an early stage of the coma, she was—for the most part—unresponsive to staff and endured as many as 12 episodes of thalamic storming a day. During these episodes, her heart would race, and she would clench her hands and perspire heavily.

To help ensure maximum rehabilitation, staff provided Trinity with sensory stimulation during those early weeks of healing. Therapists utilized visual, auditory and tactile items to try to draw a response.

“She responded to auditory items first,” recalls Stephanie Nelson, an ACC speech therapist. “Her dad had told us that she liked Strawberry Shortcake and Star Wars. When we played music from those movies, there was a change in her heart rate. If her eyes were closed, she would sometimes open them.”

While Trinity’s eyes would occasionally open, her muscles remained fiercely clenched—part of the body’s early response to the brain injury. Initially, her arms were bent and her legs were stiff. Later, both her arms and legs became unyieldingly bent, making therapy sessions challenging.

Staff began rocking Trinity in early August for 90 minutes a day. The six-year-old responded well to the gentle movement.

She soon started to turn, stretch and respond to touch.

In the fall, a doctor installed a baclofen pump in her abdomen, and the results were dramatic. The device, the size of a hockey puck, connects to a catheter which delivers medication into the spinal column, helping muscles relax.

With the pump now in place, Trinity’s body became more receptive to a variety of therapeutic exercises. (continued) THE AMBASSADOR

5

“We realized she was reading, and I got goose bumps,” says Nelson.

On November 5, Trinity smiled for the first time since the accident.

“I was so excited—it brought tears to my eyes,” says Stacy Jaeger, a member of the nursing team helping care for Trinity.

With that sweet smile has come a strong desire to succeed.

“She wants to do more. It’s amazing—she has such a spirit about her,” says Tara Roaldson, the ACC physical therapist helping Trinity improve muscle strength, flexibility, endurance, balance and coordination.

“Our hope and our challenge is to get as much active motion and movement back as we can. Trinity is willing to work for it.”

Therapy sessions have focused on skills such as sitting, moving her limbs, gripping and releasing items, holding her head up, using a manual wheelchair, driving (using a head switch) a power wheelchair, and transitioning between lying down and sitting up.

“Based on what kinds of goals we have for her, the window of opportunity is narrow,” says Roaldson. “The therapy to retrain her muscles, as her brain heals, needs to be intense.”

A powerful motivator for the young girl during this process has been her passion for learning. That aptitude for academics would become one of her strongest allies in the fight to regain what she had lost.

Healing Words Trinity’s love for the written word has proved to be a vital asset as she regains cognitive and physical abilities.

Early on, her sister and her former teachers recorded themselves reading many of Trinity’s favorite books. That auditory stimulation, delivered via I-Pod ear buds, helped her as she underwent the early stages of healing.

Nursing and direct care staff also took turns reading to the little girl while rocking her.

When staff wanted to work on strengthening Trinity’s motor skills, they found her love of reading to be extremely helpful. Books were the most effective method of capturing 6

THE AMBASSADOR

Teacher Sharon Olson cheers on Trinity as she counts to 25 on an abacus.

her attention and motivating her to turn her head.

Trinity is, at this stage in her rehabilitation, non-verbal. Language-related difficulties—such as comprehension and mouth movements—are a common effect of brain injuries. But, during therapy sessions, ACC staff discovered Trinity has a level of comprehension they call “miraculous.”

They say she understands much more than she can communicate and, in fact, still has the ability to read.

Tara Roaldson, an ACC physical therapist, spends 60–90 minutes each day helping Trinity improve muscle strength, balance and coordination.

During Trinity’s speech therapy sessions, Nelson often utilizes picture symbols—colorful drawings accompanied by the written word. Using eye-gaze— also known as eye-pointing— Trinity responds to Nelson’s questions. Picture symbols are laminated and placed around the frame of an eyegaze communication board. The board has a window in the middle, so Trinity and her therapist can easily make eye contact. When asked a question about an object (e.g., “Can you find the yellow socks?”), she fixates her eye gaze on the appropriate picture symbol. She then looks back at Nelson to confirm her selection. One day, Nelson tried the same approach with words only. The results were clear— Trinity’s tragic accident had not taken away her keen ability to read.

“It’s important to me because I know how important it is to her,” says Brandon. “She has always enjoyed reading … especially books that are more challenging. She loves to be challenged.”

That strong will has served Trinity well during her rehabilitation.

“It was extremely difficult in the beginning, but the more I see her, the more I am encouraged,” says Brandon.

“When I look in her eyes, I see the daughter I know. There is hope.”

A Class Act There is singing, clapping and finger snapping coming from Sharon Olson’s Early Childhood classroom, as ACC’s youngest students creatively express themselves, while learning about numbers and letters.

It’s time for “Opening”—when the children gather after lunch in a semi-circle on a bright blue carpet and begin an afternoon of learning.

Olson conducts a chorus of “Days of the Week” set to the catchy melody of The Addams Family theme song.

As they sing, Olson points to the corresponding days of the week printed on a poster on an easel.

Trinity’s eyes sparkle as she sees and hears the familiar words.

Because her classroom time doubles as a therapy session, Trinity’s therapists take turns assisting her while Olson leads the class. During counting exercises, Trinity—with the help of a therapist—moves her hand to the abacus. With one finger, she carefully slides the beads along the rods, one at a time, until she reaches the number of the day—25.

The next activity is one of Trinity’s favorites. The “Sticky, Sticky Bubble Gum” song involves lots of movement.

A therapist guides Trinity’s arms and hands as the imaginary bubble gum, according to the lyrics of the song, gets stuck everywhere. Trinity’s everpresent smile grows even larger, as she watches her classmates enjoy the learning exercise.

“Kiss your brain,” says Olson after the song is done. She demonstrates how it’s done by kissing her hand and then touching her head. It’s a favorite way of Olson’s to tell the children “well done.” Judging by the smiles and giggles, the students—most of whom are non-verbal—know their teacher is proud of their accomplishments.

Trinity joined Olson’s class in early January, initially spending two hours each day in the classroom. In April, she had built up enough strength to spend nearly four hours with her classmates.

“Trinity is a very hard worker,” says Olson. “She is very motivated in the classroom and loves interaction.”

Growing Stronger A brain injury from a near drowning causes global damage, meaning the harm is not localized. Instead, the damage is spread throughout the entire brain and affects many of the body’s systems and functions.

One of the greatest medical challenges has been the impact on Trinity’s respiratory system. The young girl now has a tracheostomy—an artificial opening in the wind pipe— to facilitate breathing.

Because she is vulnerable to respiratory infections, she undergoes daily chest physiotherapy sessions, a treatment that removes mucus from her breathing passages.

Speech therapist Stephanie Nelson often uses books to help motivate 7-year-old Trinity during her therapy sessions.

“As she gets stronger, she is beginning to cough on her own,” says Sandy Perkins, Trinity’s rehab nurse at ACC. “Her health is more stable.”

Trinity now wears a Passey-Muir Speaking Valve for up to four hours at a time several times a day. The one-way valve allows air to pass in through the trach, and all exhaled air goes up through the vocal folds and out the mouth. On December 15, ACC staff heard Trinity laugh for the first time. The joyful sound has since often been repeated, and during therapy sessions and classroom time, she occasionally vocalizes using the valve.

A powerful motivator for Trinity in her recovery has been food. Although she is fed mostly through a gastrostomy feeding tube inserted in her stomach, she has been eating small amounts orally over the last few months. Staff gives her “tastes” of food—usually, a few spoonfuls—three times a day.

In February, when she was able to taste her birthday cake, her father was ecstatic.

“I give Trinity pep talks every time I see her,” says Brandon. “When I saw her at Christmas, I told her I wanted her to be able to eat a little something on her birthday. Sure enough, when the day arrived, I got to see her enjoy a few bites of her cake.”

Looking to the Future The extent of the damage done from the near drowning isn’t known. But ACC staff members are working diligently to help restore the little girl’s health, strength and abilities.

Trinity’s occupational therapist, Beth Fugleberg, has been working with the young girl on developing more active range of motion and responding appropriately to objects around her.

At first, Trinity brought all items to her mouth, whether it was a spoon or a hairbrush. In March, she started responding appropriately to each item, bringing—for example—the hairbrush to the side of her head.

“Each brain injury is different,” says Perkins, who coordinates Trinity’s rehabilitation and medical needs. “It’s hard to know what the outcome will be. Considering the seriousness of her injury, she has already made beautiful gains. She has really worked hard.”

The multi-disciplinary team charged with Trinity’s rehabilitation does more than provide expert care. They have gotten to know her cheerful and witty personality, exchanging smiles, and even an occasional joke, with the young student.

“I do like how everyone is involved with the kids,” says Brandon. “Everyone at the Center knows Trinity by name and talks to her. It’s not just a few people who have contact with her.

I like that.”

You often hear a “Hi, Trinity” as the girl with hot pink shoelaces and rosy pink nail polish makes her way around the Center. With each and every day, the happiness and playfulness of her past is shining through.

“She is one special girl,” says Fugleberg. “It’s miraculous what she has accomplished.”

This brave little girl continues to amaze those around her with her strength and will power. With each beautiful smile, she sends a message of happiness, healing and hope.

THE AMBASSADOR

7

C I R C L E

O F

Individuals and businesses which generously support the Anne Carlsen Center belong to our Circle of Friends. Their gifts of love help sustain the life-changing mission and vision of our namesake, Dr. Anne Carlsen.

Since its founding, the Center has had a symbolic and spiritual connection to the butterfly. This beautiful creature represents hope, transformations and new beginnings. It also symbolizes the positive James and Marcia Gums Mrs. Katherine M. Hansen Health Care Insurance Services Pat and Eileen Heider Margaret S. Hellyer Trust Mrs. Isla E. Herdahl Hillerud Construction Inc. MONARCH ($1000+) Roland and Janet Hinrichs Hugo’s, Inc. Mrs. Emmy L. Anderson Hutton Contracting Company Artekta Inc Innovis Health Mildred E. Bakken Estate George Jack Ms. Elaine D. Baron Mr. Donald W. Jensen Harold and Maria Bensch Mr. Charles C. Kennedy Mr. J. K. Benson Roselynn Kennedy Mr. Elmer H. Berg Kinder Morgan Inc. Kent and Margo Bergene Rev. Reuben A. Kruggel Estate Mrs. Marlys A. Bergene Ms. Judy L. Kulla Oford Boe Ladies Individuals Gerald and Elenore Borstad Motorcycle Club Ellantena F. Buchanan Estate Gordon A. Larson Estate Hazel E. Budach Estate Mrs. Margaret B. Larson Buffalo Lounge Leevers Foods, Inc. Albert Carlsen Alan and Marcia Lerberg Dr. Anne H. Carlsen Dr. and Mrs. Donald B. Carlsen Lifetime Eyecare Associates George and Marilyn Loegering James and Beth Carlsen Loyal Order of Moose #822 Cavendish Farms Ms. Roselyn Lueck Robert J. Claus Estate Mrs. Sarah Luithle Marie L. Coe Estate Jeffrey and Lucinda Malm Mr. Wesley B. Collins Ronald and Lynda Mayer Mr. Allen L. Coppin Zona A. McArthur Estate Mr. Greg G. Craychee Marvin and Georgie Mechtel Lloyd E. Dahley Estate Rev. Walter H. Mees Estate Dakota Central Mrs. Dorthea E. Melroe Telecommunications Midland National Individual Cooperative Matching Gift Program Dakota Medical Foundation Rev. and Mrs. Marvin L. Miller Ms. Doris Desautels Rev. Jo Anne Moeller Don Wilhelm, Inc E. A. and Mabel Moline Mrs. Carol Dunker Montana Dakota Utilities DuraTech Industries Int'l Inc. Mrs. Elizabeth Munson Mrs. Gertrude M. Eck Melvin H. Myhre Estate Darcy and Mary Ehmann John and Lucile Nierling Jr. Mr. Elmer Ellwein Don Nierling Trust Mr. Brian Engstrom Dr. Richard D. Nierling Estate Warren and Ruby Ernie Mr. Henry A. Niewoehner Estate Faith Lutheran Church Mr. Alvin C. Nordsven Farmers Union Ins. Noridian & Service Ass’n Carl Norsteby Estate Florence Putterman Nova Fire Protection, Inc. Foundation Novus LLC Muriel Franz Steve and Sharon Fredrickson Eric and Pat Monson Cora M. Odland Estate Robert and Ruth Geske Glenn H. Olson Henry Gieseking Trust Inez B. Olson Estate Goshen Moravian Church Mrs. Viola C. Ost Grant’s Mechanical Inc. Otter Tail Power Company Ms. Mary Gray Hans and Bertha Overland Alan and Cleo Greenwood

8

THE AMBASSADOR

F R I E N D S

changes we see in the remarkable children and young adults in our care. Appropriately, the levels of giving within the Circle of Friends are named after some of the world’s most beautiful butterflies.

Thank you, donors, for supporting the Center’s programs and services, while encouraging individuals with disabilities to grow, learn and reach new heights of independence.

Fred and Leopoldine Pardau Joe and Sandy Paul Dan and Denise Paulson Jerry and Kim Pederson James and Dorothy Powers Kathleen D. Pretty Estate Mr. Kurt D. Rasmussen James and Marilyn Rexin Mr. John S. Rouzie Mr. Ray R. Rylander S K Peightal Engineers, LTD Dale and Arnola Savelkoul Fred and Virginia Scheel Schneidermann Bros.

George E. Serfass Estate Justin and Sara Spickler Nathan and Emily Spickler Richard and Rose Ann Splitter Rose Metal Products, Inc. St. Alexius Medical Center PrimeCare St. Luke Ev. Lutheran Church & SS Mrs. Frieda Steinke Alina Stevenson Estate Mr. Wayne A. Stroup Mrs. Iona M. Tebelius The Jamestown Sun The Struve Foundation Tim Dwyer Sr. Farm Account Edmund E. Toutges Trust Betty J. Tremel Estate Two Rivers Printing Unison Bank Lorraine M. Van Dyke Estate Mr. Darrel C. Van Erem Michael and Linda Watkins William C. Weidner Estate Wells Fargo Bank of ND Western Steel & Plumbing, Inc White Drug Mrs. Mary G. Whiting Gerrit Zaagsma Estate Ms. Arlene D. Ziemer

John and Peggy Brooke John and Evelyn Cave City of Minot Employees Cole Papers Inc. Gerald and Donna Collins Mohr Family – Dacotah Paper Scott and Janet Davis Decorating By Charlie Charlie and Janice Skeel Peter and Sheila Dewey Wm. and Patricia Dowell Cimarron and Renee Drewicke Eddy Funeral Home Employee’s Community Fund of the Boeing Company John and Audrienne Engesather Erik and Kristin Engstrom Mrs. Debra A. Evans Tyler and Kara Falk Mr. Mike Fitzmaurice Mrs. Iila D. Fitzpatrick Arlon and Jeanette Fuchs Mrs. Marilyn F. Galazen Mrs. Evelyn Galt Garrison Community Chest Bryan and Tanya Glass Ainslee S. Grady Estate Mr. Marvin W. Grimm Brian and Janelle Hall Leland and Florence Hans Ardean and Diana Harstad Harvey Lion's Club Mr. Thomas A. Heie Dwaine and Joyce Heinrich Mrs. Vivian Hoghaug Mrs. Frances J. Holden Dr. Robert and Dr. Emma E. Holmes Holy Cross Lutheran Sunday School & Bible School David and Carol Hoplin Daniel and Lori Howell Harvey and Kathleen Huber Mr. Glenn Ista Jamestown El Zagal Clowns Paul and Alice Janke John Snow Incorporated Bryan and Gloria Jones Ms. Catherine E. Jones Lowell and Kathleen Kihle EMPEROR ($500–$999) Thomas and Phyllis Kloster David and Ione Knudsen Elaine Koehmstedt Estate Allegiant Air Tex and Lynn Kraig American Lutheran Church Dan and Pamela Kunzman American Lutheran Church Lakeview Meadows Dustin and Valerie Bakken Basin Electric Power Cooperative Jon and Connie Lillejord Mr. James Lunde Bethany Lutheran Church Maple Creek Farm & Ranch Mr. Donald R. Bohm

Mrs. Sarah A. Mc Kinley Microsoft Mid America Steel, Inc. Mrs. Jenny Moch ND Sewage Pump Lift Station Serv. Co Newman Signs Marvin and LaVonne Nicklay Normanna Lutheran Church Erna Orth Mr. Harvey H. Pedersen Professional Eyecare & Contact Lens Ctr Red River Valley Jim Beam Bottles Mrs. Dorothy A. Refling Thomas and Mary Rohleder Mr. Steven R. Sarafolean Ron and Cindy Schauer Joel and Lynette Schmitz Mr. Adolph E. Shirley Ms. Rosalind M. Silski Mrs. Helen Solberg Ms. Penne Soucy Bill and Kathy Tarno Turtle Lake Community Chest V.F.W. Roy Chandler Post #762 Mr. Robert L. Wagner Robert and Jean Weiss Morris and Shirley Werzel Ms. Neva I. Wiese Paul and Lynette Witthauer Ronald and Marilyn Woitzel Raydon and Betty Workin David and Geraldine Yaggie Mrs. Dorothy L. Zimmerman Zion Lutheran Church Zion WELCA

GATEKEEPER ($250–$499)

4 Bear Casino and Lodge George and Rhonda Aandahl Albert and Luella Ackerman Mr. Harry Ambers Jr. American Legion Post # 38 Bert and Diane Anderson Mr. Dennis L. Anderson J. Thomas and Jeanette Anderson James and Ruth Anderson Bank of America Matching Gifts

Cleo and Claire Berdahl Mrs. Iris Bighley Mr. Dwight F. Bireley Blessed Sacrament Church Bosard, McCutcheon & Rau, Ltd. Mrs. Edna L. Bott Mr. Joseph Braunagel Ms. Bernice Bromberg Paul and Gail Buegler Cellular Communications, Inc. Ms. Mary E. Dace Steven and Linda Dahl Mrs. Ruby M. DeLair Eagle Mountain Golf Club Pastor Bradley P. Edin Kent and Bonnie Eicholtz Eileen Greshik Family Mrs. Janet Erickson Dr. Dale J. Ernster Mrs. Donna L. Espeseth Paul and Lois Estrem F.O.E. Aerie # 2749 Mr. Kenneth D. Fandrey First Community Credit Union Paul and Lois Franz Gate City Bank Mr. and Mrs. Donald Geske Michael and Marie Gillen Goodrich Cargo Systems Alex and Donna Graff George and Debbie Greshik Mr. David Grimsted Grizzly’s Grill n’ Saloon Mike Grondahl Judith Halverson Mr. Philip E. Ham Mr. and Mrs. Harold H. Harms Tim and Melissa Harris Mrs. Lucietta Hashbarger Ms. Borghild Haven Craig and Dawn Headland Mrs. Iris E. Henning Keith and Karen Hess Ms. Twyla J. Hill Mr. Paul Hochhalter Loren and Julie Hoeckle Donald and Lillian Hofmann Monte and Tonia Hoggarth Mrs. Virginia L. Homan Infinity Building Services Bruce and Dea Iserman Michael and Rhonda Ishaug James River Aviation Jamestown Implement Jamestown Livestock Sales Co. Loren and Margie Johnson Robert and Bette Johnson Patrick and Mary Jones Ms. Martha Just David and Karen Kenner Kiwanis-Golden K Club Arnold and Mary Knight Knights of Columbus # 2205 Kopperud Foundation Ms. Patricia Laqua George and Hertha Larsen Mr. and Mrs. Everett C. Lee William and Margaret Leech Doug and Jenny Lettenmaier Liechty Homes, Inc. Longbow Golf Club Norman and Donna Lorentzsen John B. Lyon, Jr. Estate Mr. Clarence J. Martin Mrs. Maxine Mattson Ms. Kim L. Mc Garrah Mrs. Helen McCormack David and Jan Metzig Mr. Brian R. Milne Mr. Dennis R. Murphy

Frank and Kathryn Nakase Mrs. Joyce M. Ness Mr. Arthur H. Nordman Northstar Coffee William and Nancy Ollenburger Odean and Karen Olson Mr. Robert C. Olson Ottawa WELCA Ottmar & Ottmar Ms. Alice L. Overmoe Jack and Kristi Paris Mr. Dave C. Pederson Mrs. Carole L. Peterson Photo-Frame Gallery Darin and Sue Plutowski Presort Plus William and Betty Jane Preuss R. M. Stoudt, Inc David and Laura Rendahl Dr. Theodore and Linda Renna Kevin and Jodi Reuther Total Recon Reynolds United Co-op Fr. Andrew Roehrich Roger and Louise Roth Dr. and Mrs. Scott C. Rowe Arnold and Colette Rudolph Mr. Robert J. Rudolph Erik and Erin Sand Sanders 1907 Craig and Julie Sandstrom Sharon Lutheran Sunday School Mr. Arthur J. Silseth Mrs. Eva O. Skarphol David and Claudette Smette JJ and Maureen Smith Ms. Carmen M. Sorenson Spicer Trucking Co. St. John Lutheran Church Robert and Claudia Stewart David and Carole Tengesdal Ray and Janet Thielman Mrs. Evelyn L. Thomson Mr. Pat Traynor Trinity Lutheran Church & Sunday School Union Lutheran Sunday School & Church United Methodist Church & Sunday School University of Mary Valle Lutheran WELCA Wal-Mart Mr. John M. Walsh Mr. Derril D. Wedell Russell and Michele Well Mr. Tom Wells Mr. Barrett J. Williams Zion Lutheran Church Women Mrs. Irene H. Zopfi

SMALL COPPER ($150–$249)

Alexander Public School # 2 Mrs. Dorothy W. Allen American Legion Auxiliary American Legion Post #37 Mr. Clayton Anderson Monafay Anderson Assumption Abbey B.P.O.E. # 1199 Robert and Donna Badal Ruth L. Badtke

Mr. Brent B. Barnes Dwight and Marilyn Bassingthwaite Mrs. Mary A. Beauclair Mr. Waldemar F. Beck Mrs. Renea Bellquist Ronald and Sandra Bendewald Mrs. Delores B. Benson Beverage Wholesalers, Inc. Ms. Rae Bloom Douglas and Sharon Bonsness Mrs. Margaret Bubach Bully Pulpit Golf Course Mrs. Hilda Burkhardt Cliff and Marla Calheim Carpio Lutheran Church Women Casey Stoudt JAC Mr. John R. Challey Ellard and Mary Chamberlain Cinema Twin & Bison Twin Rev. Ernest W. Collard Conlin’s Furniture Consistory Hope Reformed Church Greta Coppin Family Mark and Rachel Coppin Ms. Kathleen K. Cornell John and Yvonne Cronquist Dahlen Lutheran WELCA Roy and Jan Daschendorf C. William and Patricia Dennert Drug Plastics & Glass Co. Ervin and Frances Dupper Michael and Patricia Dwyer Mr. J. Mark Ebertz, M.D. Oral and Ruth Elhard Sgt. Oscar M. England Jerald and E. Bonnie Erickson Steve and Patti Ernst Neil and Diane Evans Face To Face Wellness & Beauty Dean and Sylvia Fatland First Lutheran Sunday School John and Ruth Gaeuman Mrs. Lorraine E. Gallagher Mrs. Stella T. Gast Gary and June Glass John and Susan Greenwood Bradley and Mary Grim Mrs. Marie B. Groskreutz Lyle and Mary Anne Grove Carter and Pam Gylland Mrs. Phyllis M. Hagquist Ms. Caroline E. Hann Michael and Peggy Hanney Mr. Ivan J. Hansen Ms. Susan K. Harris Kirk and Debbie Heim Mrs. Lucille Helmbrecht Hertz Funeral Homes, Inc. Elaine Hetland Hettinger Lutheran Church Women Charles and Shirley Hill Allen and Mary Hoberg Tom and Margie Holmes Holy Cross Lutheran Church & WELCA Mr. Nathan Hoots Leslie and Gina Horgan Herb and Phyllis Huber Hull Christian Reformed Church & Sunday School Scott and Wyn Hull Immanuel Lutheran WELCA Interstate Engineering, Inc. James River Pest Control & Green Lawns Dr. Maureen K. Jonason

Jim and Mary Jondahl Ms. Joanne R. Jones Mrs. Carol L. Kahn Ryan and Anne Keffeler Kenneth McDougall, D.D.S. Lynn and Jeanette Kieper Kiwanis Club Kiwanis-Golden ‘K’ Mr. Donald O. Koehmstedt Mrs. Cleone Kolbo Gary and Gloria Kramlich Mr. Nathan A. Kreie Dave and Kay Krueger Larry’s Electric Mr. Lloyd Law Randall and Colleen Lebahn Mr. Donald L. Lewis Dan and Mary Liberda Lifestyle Appliance Center Mrs. Evelyn J. Lillo Dr. and Mrs. James C. Lillo Mrs. Lila M. Linderman Lions Club Lloyd's Motors Lucky Mound Church Corby and Marlena Maddock Gary and Linda Mahloch Marketing Network Association Martin United Methodist Sunday School Ms. Luella D. Martin Mr. Robert W. Martinson David and Tamara Mathison Mr. Charles W. Maxine Ms. Barbara Mc Cormick Mrs. June E. Mc Cutcheon Mr. David B. Mc Nair Dr. Maurice R. Mc Neil Mrs. Dorothy E. McCormack Richard and Maria McCoy Medicine Shoppe Meland Lumber & Material Co Metigoshe Lutheran Church & WELCA Ernest and Neva Miessel Larry and Tammie Miller James and Alice Moeller Thomas and Gwen Moller Ron and Gwen Mueller Robert and Mary Muhs Mr. Alden P. Nelson Mrs. Patricia C. Nelson Mrs. Norma Newton Mr. Sigurd R. Olson Magnus and JoAnn Opsal ORRiginals Our Saviors ELCA Rick and Sandie Owens Lori Palmquist Ward and Cathy Parkinson Jon and Gloria Paulson Arlen and Joanne Paulsrud Patrick and Jacqualine Pfeiffer Pierce Roofing and Sheet Metal, Inc. Bradley and Holly Pladson Mr. James W. Prange Mrs. Evelyn Putnam Mrs. Marilyn A. Quanbeck Marvin and Ruth Rapp Marie O. Reichardt Estate Mrs. Melva M. Reid Ms. Irene Reinhardt Mr. Tim Reuer Arnold and Joyce Roorda Mrs. Lillian Rost James and Eileen Rouse Mrs. Doris K. Sandford Lance and Judith Sateren

Robert and Kitty Sather Donald and Marian Savage Lillie A. Scharpen Estate Scherbenske & Son, Inc. Mr. Mark Schields Quintin and Ann Schowalter Clayton and Carolyn Schreiber Mike and Joyce Schulz Scott's Electric LLC Charles Sedlacek John and Mary Shaffer Douglas and Norine Shamberger Peggy Shouse Ms. Elizabeth A. Sigloh Gerald and Susan Simonson Galen and Terri Skarphol Mrs. Madeleine Skogen Mrs. Sendrena V. Snopko Mr. Arnold M. Solberg Spit’n Image Production Studio, Inc. Mrs. Bertha Spitzer Mrs. Renee M. Spitzer St. Catherine Church St. John’s Lutheran Sunday School St. John’s Lutheran Women St. Mark’s Lutheran Church St. Paul Lutheran Church Women St. Paul’s Ev. Lutheran Church Standing Rock Luth WELCA L. Don and Nancy Stanger Ms. Joy Stoerker Rev. Ralph F. Strand Stutsman County Abstract Company Mrs. Sharon I. Sullivan Sysco Mr. Tyler Szarkowski Ms. Sharon R. Todd Mr. Thomas H. Trimble Trinity Bethany WELCA Trinity Free Lutheran WMF Mrs. Mabel F. Tunby Two Rivers Broadcasting/KYNU Albertus and Dorothy Ufkes United Fund of Sioux Township United Lutheran Church & WELCA US Bancorp Foundation Mrs. Mabel S. Usina James and Rae Ann Vandrovec Mrs. Ruth Versdahl Vision Financial Group Mrs. Aletha I. Vossler Walz Pharmacy, Inc. Mr. Jon L. Way, D.D.S. West End Hide, Fur & Metal Co., Inc. West Prairie Ev. Congregation Mrs. Esther L. Westermeyer Wheaton Twp. Community Chest Dr. David I. Williams O.D. Mr. Ralph Wittenberg Witthauer Investments & Insurance Services Mrs. Karen Zajic Linda K. Ziglar Zion Lutheran Church & WELCA Zion Lutheran Womens Missionary League

THE AMBASSADOR

9

Determined Spirit Keeping Center Campus Safe from Floodwaters Record snowfall in December and multiple hearty blasts throughout January and February all but assured a wet spring. Three weeks into March, wet turned to dangerous.

The decision to evacuate students from the Anne Carlsen Center (ACC) was made on March 23.

The threat of overland flooding was becoming more serious, and the safety of the students was the top priority.

“It was an inherently unsafe situation. The soil was saturated and there was a storm moving in,” said Jamestown City Engineer Reed Schwartzkopf.

“No one wanted to wait until the middle of a crisis ... or the middle of a blizzard ... to evacuate the campus.”

In less than five hours, ACC staff and volunteers evacuated 56 students, beds, medical equipment, and basic essentials.

“When we were given the evacuation notice, one of the first things on my mind was—where do we start?” says Troy Duven, the adaptive physical education teacher at the Center. “But the Center had a pretty thorough evacuation plan. We did a good job breaking people into groups.”

While one group of volunteers loaded pickups and trailers with items from within the Center, (continued on page 13)

Leaving Home, Keeping Hope

N

ACC stays calm & creative during evacuation

ikki stirs the batter for a batch of brownies, as one of her classmates, Ben, carefully places dollops of chocolate chip cookie dough on baking sheets. A delicious aroma wafts from the nearby ovens, as ACC students and staff prepare 12-dozen baked treats for some very important people.

It’s April 23—exactly one month after the Anne Carlsen Center evacuated its campus due to the threat of overland flooding. The cookies and brownies, baked with love, are for members of the North Dakota National Guard.

“They’ll be excited,” says Nikki with a smile, when asked how the recipients will respond.

The Guard is in Jamestown to help fight flooding by placing sandbags, operating pumps, directing traffic and patrolling dikes—including the dikes near the Anne Carlsen Center. Their efforts, combined with the contributions of many others, have kept the Anne Carlsen Center—the place Nikki, Ben and so many others call home—free of water.

Making New Friends Beds, linens, medical equipment, orthopedics, games, crafts, favorite stuffed animals, special blankets—just some of the items that accompanied ACC’s 56 students to the four relocation sites in Jamestown on March 23, after emergency officials warned it was unsafe to stay.

Staff also relocated, providing continuity of care and calm, reassuring environments for the students.

The Center’s temporary homes became Jamestown Hospital, Heritage Centre-Ave Maria Village, Hi-Acres Manor and Jamestown Civic Center. These host

10

THE AMBASSADOR

organizations, and many others in the community, immediately made ACC feel welcomed and appreciated.

“Ever since the night we evacuated, people have been asking, ‘What do you need?’” says Deb Suess, an ACC Home Life Services Coordinator. “The community support has been amazing.”

While providing safe shelter, the relocation sites have met additional needs, such as assistance with laundry, meals and recreation. Intangible needs have been met as well, and over the course of the evacuation, many new friendships have been made.

Residents of Hi-Acres Manor, a long term care nursing center, bonded immediately with the five ACC students staying there.

“The residents have commented on how much they love having the children around,” says Marlena Maddock, an ACC teacher. “Some have said our students remind them of their grandchildren.

The laughter has been music to their ears.’”

Twelve ACC students have been residing in apartments at Heritage Centre-Ave Maria, eating dinner side by side the residents and combining their voices recently for a sing-a-long with an accordion player.

Jamestown Hospital has welcomed 19 students with complex medical needs. Nurses, doctors and office workers at the hospital spent part of one morning with the Center’s students, singing songs, doing the “Firecracker Cheer” and receiving a handmade “Thank You” banner from the students.

“It has been really nice to have our neighbors visit,” says Jamestown Hospital CEO Marty Richman. “We’ve enjoyed seeing the activity of staff and students. This whole floor has come to life.”

Twenty ACC students spent the first week and a half of the evacuation at the Jamestown Civic Center, but relocated, along with staff, on April 1 because sandbagging operations for the city of Jamestown were set to begin at the Civic Center on April 2. The students were warmly welcomed to Zebedee Center at St. John’s Academy, a private, Christian elementary school.

“When we heard that the Anne Carlsen Center needed a place to go, it was a simple choice to make,” says Charles Stastny, the principal of St. John’s Academy. “This is a chance for us to be Christ-like to brothers and sisters in need.”

Creative Care Marvelous Monday, Wacky Wednesday and Fun Friday—themes for some of ACC’s school days at Jamestown Hospital. In a conference room-turned classroom, children in wheelchairs engage in a variety of fun activities—one day, for instance, learning about the circus and donning wigs, hats and clown makeup … another day, learning about bluegrass music from a banjo player.

Teachers and direct care staff have infused fun into the school day at all of the relocation sites, while still focusing on objectives such as music, language arts, math, art, science and social studies. Learning supplies, crafts and games were packed into plastic tubs during the evacuation, providing staff with many of the tools needed to structure the school day.

“We are trying to keep up our regular routine,” says Jackie Schlenker, a Life Skills CNA working with ACC students at Jamestown Hospital. “The kids are responding well. They have really enjoyed the bigger class—we have 18 today. During the group activities, they get paired up with kids who aren’t in their normal classroom.”

And it isn’t just students who are adjusting to different peers and surroundings.

“We have two and a half classrooms combined (at Zebedee Center),” says teacher Adrianne Dempsey.

“We’re working with staff we normally don’t work with. It’s been good from a teaching standpoint because we can bounce ideas off each other. That’s led to unique activities for the kids.” (continued)

THE AMBASSADOR

11

(continued from page 11) On March 30—a week after the evacuation—students residing at Hi-Acres Manor and Heritage Centre began spending each school day at Trinity Lutheran Church in Jamestown. The lower level of the church building has provided ample space for classroom learning and adaptive physical education activities.

A second Jamestown church has opened its doors to the Anne Carlsen Center. ACC therapists have been serving nearly 50 outpatient therapy clients at Atonement Lutheran Church. The church also serves as a base of operations for the therapists who travel to each of the relocation sites to provide therapy to students.

“We’re therapy on wheels … packing up our vehicles and going from place to place,” says Connie Lillejord, ACC’s Director of Rehab Services. “We’ve gotten very creative with our therapy programming.”

Meeting the students’ varied medical needs has also required some creativity and cooperation. Registered nurses and licensed practical nurses continue to provide specialized treatments and respiratory care, in addition to administering and monitoring medication.

“It has taken teamwork and open communication,” says Susie Kahler, an ACC nurse. “Communication has been vital.”

A Remarkable Response “These kids are amazing,” says Dr. Myra Quanrud, ACC’s Medical Director. All of the students, she says, even the most medically fragile, have coped well with the transitions, excitement and new surroundings that have been a part of the evacuation.

“They are so resilient,” she adds. “The key has been consistent care and being around people they know so well.”

When students inquire about their classrooms and bedrooms back at the Center, they are relieved to hear the answer.

“They are glad the Center is still okay,” says Kim McGarrah, an ACC Home Life Services Coordinator. They want to make sure their homes are safe.”

12

THE AMBASSADOR

For now, they are enjoying the adventure and camplike atmosphere at the relocation sites. Students and staff at Zebedee Center even nicknamed their temporary home “Camp Flood.” And many of the students recently enjoyed that traditional campfire treat—s’mores.

“We used the microwave instead of a campfire, of course,” says McGarrah. “Their hands were sticky and their faces were gooey, but there were lots of smiles.”

ACC Pastor JoAnne Moeller has brought smiles to many faces by providing spiritual nourishment through prayer and song.

“I ‘float’ from place to place and try to connect personally with kids and staff,” says Pastor JoAnne. “Hopefully this ‘ministry of presence’ is a good reminder to them that God is with us through these days of change and uncertainty.”

Anne Carlsen Center CEO Dan Howell says the ACC family has pulled together to make the best out of challenging times.

“The students have been brave, and they are continuing to learn,” says Howell. “I am also amazed by our staff. They have shown leadership, determination, kindness and creativity.”

With water levels still high, it’s not time yet to return to the Center. But that time will come, and the Anne Carlsen Center will return even stronger than before, blessed by new perspectives, memories and friendships.

(continued from page 10) another group turned its attention to protecting the Center’s buildings. As rain continued to spread overland flooding, ACC staff and volunteers from the community began filling sandbags and erecting barriers around each of the entrances to the Center.

“It is a good thing to do for the community,” said Jamestown College freshman Pi’ikea Kalalau, a native of Maui, Hawaii. “This is a small community where everyone helps out everyone. It reminds me of back home.”

Kalalau was one of more than a hundred studentathletes from Jamestown College who shoveled sand or tied bags while ignoring the pelting rain and muddy conditions.

Removing the Water Pumps were placed throughout Center property to assist culverts with moving the water. ACC staff, city officials and emergency personnel, Burlington Northern Railroad, and volunteers who kept watch over the pumps withstood three surges of water throughout the night.

By March 25 the rain had subsided, and the pumps and culverts were able to keep up with the water flow. Workers began watching the pumps in shifts.

But when snow began falling heavily on March 26, water in the ditches turned to slush and plugged culverts. Winter’s final, powdery blast deposited 14 inches of snow in some areas of Jamestown.

“The cold weather helped us, but at the same time, it gave us different problems to worry about,” says Duven.

The North Dakota National Guard joined the efforts, arriving with more pumps. The Guard focused its energy on the plugged culvert located northwest of the Center near the stockyards.

“The weather presented a major obstacle,” says Rick Owens, the ACC Plant Operations Manager.

“We pumped water in pouring rain, a snow storm and a blizzard.”

Using the pumps—some the size of a small car—the flood-fighting team directed the bulk of the water over a road and into a series of turns, leading it safely around the Center and into the James River. Crews also continued working to open the culvert. It took four days to find the culvert, which had been hidden by debris and ice. Once found, it was steamed open and cleared, giving the flood fight a major boost.

On March 27, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and a private contractor began building a clay levee and a Rapid Deployment Flood Wall between the Center and the nearby James River.

Close Calls For about a week, those waging the flood fight at the Center were given a reprieve. The weather warmed slightly each day, and the ACC pumping crew was able to fortify many of the flood protection measures put in place almost a month prior.

“Just like in the military, you set up your perimeter and then you fortify,” says Owens.

As the Center staff prepared for another round of water, the city of Jamestown was faced with its own issues. Water levels continued to rise in the Jamestown and Pipestem dams, and the James River had begun to swell beyond its borders.

In April the ACC campus was twice significantly threatened by water—the first time coming on Easter weekend.

Warm weather caused an abundance of melting, and the drain near the east parking lot could not keep up.

Water accumulated until it extended past the ditch and into the parking lot. Nine pumps pulled thousands of gallons per second away from the Center, depositing them safely into the James River.

The second close call happened April 16. A member of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers spotted a breach in a clay dike protecting the campus. The weakened section of levee was removed and repacked before river water could infiltrate the fortification and potentially cause serious damage.

As of presstime, no water had entered the buildings on campus. The various flood protection measures, and the people who built and monitored them, had done their jobs well. Staff, students, ACC families and community members were breathing a sigh of relief. The Anne Carlsen Center, with the help of its friends, had demonstrated its strength, determination, and ability to truly make a difference—against all odds.

THE AMBASSADOR

13

Couple Requests Donations to ACC on Wedding Day

W

hen Monica and Sid Sandstrom of Jamestown exchanged their wedding vows in March, they celebrated their commitment to each other in a very memorable … and non-materialistic … way.

The couple decided to forgo the traditional wedding gifts such as plates, linens and crystal. Instead, they asked family and friends to make donations to the couple’s non-profit employers. Monica (Brewer) Sandstrom is on staff at the Anne Carlsen Center (ACC). Her husband, Sid, is employed

by Youth for Christ.

Their unconventional request has touched the hearts of many.

“These two are so special for giving in this way to the Anne Carlsen Center,” says Shelley Nannenga, ACC’s Planned Giving Specialist. “We are so blessed to have Monica as a part of our staff. This really reiterates who our employees are, and the love they have for our students.”

“My first reaction was that it was pretty different,” says Sid. “But that is Monica. Her heart is totally into that.

And when I thought about it, this is how we are as a couple.

Gifts aren’t the number one thing with us.”

Love at First Sight Sid graduated from Jamestown College in May 2008.

When he returned to his hometown of Elma, Wash., for his graduation party, he met Monica—who had been invited there by a mutual friend—for the first time. The two connected instantly.

When Sid went back to Jamestown to work for Youth for Christ, an inter-denominational Christian ministry, he and Monica kept in touch by phone. The relationship continued to blossom, and in October, Monica—who was working as a CNA and physical therapy aid in Hillsboro, Oregon—decided to follow her heart to Jamestown. She began working as a Life Skills Assistant at ACC in November, and in December, Sid asked her to marry him. While discussing plans for their nuptials, the two decided they wanted to make a big difference on their big day.

“We were in Target looking for a DVD player, and Sid had talked about registering,” recalls Monica. “We started talking about all the time and money that could be put towards a better purpose. Sure, it isn’t a bad thing to honor people with gifts at their wedding, but we wanted to better someone else’s life for the greater good.”

The wedding took place on March 21 in Aberdeen, Wash.

Guests had been notified of the couple’s philanthropic plans when wedding invitations were mailed out. A small card was tucked into the envelope with the other ceremony information. The card explained the couple’s wishes, as well as their goals of “living simply so others can simply live.”

Wedding guests responded to the couple’s selfless request in earnest. Some enclosed their donations in wedding cards;

14

THE AMBASSADOR

others visited the Center’s website at www.annecenter.org to make their gift online.

“Some people think it is different, the other half think it is pretty cool,” says Monica.

Caring for Kids While Monica and Sid have helped raise funds for the Anne Carlsen Center and Youth for Christ, they are also helping spread awareness of the important roles of each organization.

Monica Sandstrom, an ACC Home Team Leader, helps 6-year-old Simona count how many days are in the month of February.

“(At the Anne Carlsen Center), I enjoy watching the kids learn and develop new skills,” says Monica. “It’s fun to see the students make so much progress. I appreciate how proactive the staff is in helping each child.”

As an ACC Life Skills Assistant, Monica helps guide children and young adults with a wide range of disabilities.

Her responsibilities include assisting individuals in their everyday tasks, helping students find ways to interact in the community, and teaching social graces and appropriate behaviors. Monica’s supervisors at ACC say she has excelled in her position and quickly become a vital member of the team.

New to the Tree Members of this group have made significant lifetime gifts to support the Anne Carlsen Center.

They are recognized on our Tree of Life—a work of art and focal point at the Center, with leaves, apples, stones and clouds bearing the names of those who have given.

“She is a wonderful worker who cares about kids, teens and young adults,” says Tabitha Fletcher, RN, the River’s Bend Home Coordinator. “She keeps active with them throughout the day. You can tell she loves what she does.”

The Tree of Life recognizes those who have given at least $5,000 in their lifetime to the Center. In 2008, 31 individuals and businesses became part of this tribute.

Because of her skills and dedication, Monica was recently promoted to the position of Home Team Leader.

As the Tree of Life continues to thrive, these donors are helping the remarkable individuals we serve do the same.

“She is one of the primary LSAs now,” says Fletcher. “That is not common for someone who has been here for just a few months. She’ll be a great advocate for the students.”

Meanwhile, Sid is keeping busy with his job at Youth for Christ. His responsibilities include helping provide a safe environment for Jamestown-area youth at “Teen City,” an afterschool drop-in center for grades 6–12 that offers a host of recreational activities.

As the couple starts their life together, they know the values they share have already had a positive impact on the lives of many. They hope to inspire others to give from the heart to help nurture abilities and change young lives forever.

You can donate online using our secure Web site, www.annecenter.org. Or, send your gift of love in the enclosed envelope. For information about planned giving options, complete the request form on the inside of the back cover. Thank you for making a lasting and meaningful difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities.

Those who joined the Tree in 2008 are: Zona A. McArthur Estate Dakota Medical Foundation Melvin H. Myhre Estate Mr. J. K. Benson Mr. Alvin C. Nordsven Cora M. Odland Estate Mr. Wayne A. Stroup Midland National Kathleen D. Pretty Estate Individual Albert Carlsen Matching Gift Program Ms. Roselyn Lueck Rev. Jo Anne Moeller Ellantena F. Buchanan Marvin and Georgie Estate Mechtel Mr. Erwin L. Herdahl Nathan and Emily Florence Putterman Spickler Foundation Tim Dwyer Montana Dakota Utilities Sr. Farm Account Dakota Central Telecommunications Cooperative

Noridian Alina Stevenson Estate Mrs. Elizabeth Munson Jeffrey and Lucinda Malm St. John's Lutheran Sunday School Health Care Insurance Services Mrs. Iris E. Henning Walz Pharmacy, Inc. Ms. Mary Gray Leevers Foods, Inc.

Eva Dwyer James and Dorothy Powers

THE AMBASSADOR

15

Given in Memory of ‌ The Anne Carlsen Center is blessed each year with gifts given in memory of parents, grandparents, friends, mentors, and many others. These memorial gifts help the Center fund services, programs and projects that have a life-changing impact on children and young adults with disabilities.

While these donors are preserving the memory of their loved ones, they are also helping create meaningful and lasting memories for the individuals we serve.

Given By

In Memory Of

Given By

In Memory Of

C. William and Patricia Dennert Romeo and Mary Boucher Ms. Mary Gray Marlin and Lois Ness Bert and Diane Anderson Roger and Connie Anderson Mr. Robert W. Martinson Calvin and Pauline Rosenquist Mrs. Aletha I. Vossler Conrad and Agnes Christianson Ernest and Edith Jelleberg Stephen and Ruth Carnal Mr. Robert W. Martinson Stephen and Berniece Froiland Mr. Dennis R. Murphy Lloyd and Bernice Bakken United Methodist Church & Sunday School Vernon and Charlotte Baenen Mrs. Sherry Mischke Perry and Dorris Baker Mrs. Joy Bakken Karter and Vernis Krogh Mr. Robert W. Martinson Michael and Renae Baltzer Mrs. Florence Footitt C. William and Patricia Dennert Chuck and Lisa Dennert Ms. Carol Wateland Ronald and Sandra Bendewald Ms. Esther Strausburg Harold and Maria Bensch Mrs. Delores B. Benson Mr. J. K. Benson Robert and Dorothy Sommerville Mrs. Dorothy L. Bentley Mrs. Eva Schulte Parnell and Elsie Hovland Mrs. Sandra Franke Joachim and Esther Neckere Alvin W. Berndt Ms. Kay Glynn Mrs. Muriel Christopherson Martin and Rhoda Huber Ms. Kathryn A. Bleecker Theodore and Joanne Blomgren Mrs. Lucille E. Blomquist Mr. Robert W. Martinson Ervin and Beverly Ennis Ms. Valora L. Okland Clifford and Velma Martin Mrs. Lorna J. Boreson Mrs. Helen McCormack Mrs. Helen McCormack Gerald and Elenore Borstad Gerald and Elenore Borstad Howard and Evelyn Bose Ms. Patricia L. Bossert Mr. Robert W. Martinson Mr. Robert W. Martinson Steven and Susan Bovee Mrs. Mary Griffin Mrs. Janene Nordloef Chester and Jean Van Zee Mrs. Donna V. Partlow Mr. and Mrs. Leslie P. Sorenson Mrs. Dolores Landblom Mr. Luxton J. Brooks Mrs. Shirley D. Hintz Wesley and Marlene Tossett Stanley and Lois Witt Mr. Milton L. Aisenbrey Mr. Robert W. Martinson Clifford and Velma Martin

Reuben A. Ackerman Blaine J. Albertson Emma J. Allen Bertha C. Anderson James Anderson Brooks H. Anderson Corynne Anderson Lori A. Anderson LuElla D. Anderson Orville M. Anderson Orville M. Anderson Herbert Anderson Elaine Andrist Lorraine E. Anton Roger Arneson Evelyn Bacon

Mr. E. Bruce Hagen Paul and Gail Buegler Joel and Lynette Schmitz P Simmental Ranch Mr. Ralph Wittenberg S. Eugene and Jan Bundy Mrs. Evelyn Delmore Curtis and Betty Mc Cabe Mr. Robert W. Martinson Craig and Alberta Pankow Mr. Raymond Burkle Mrs. Ruby M. DeLair Raydon and Betty Workin Mrs. Mary Ann C. Matson Mr. William J. Carlisle Mrs. May E. Bredeson Mrs. Loretta M. Brown Eugene and Dixie Desilets Jack and Myrna Jennett Mr. John S. Jensen Mrs. Olivia A. Johnson Soren and Tara Orley Mrs. Ruth M. Peterson Dr. Theodore and Linda Renna Everett and Mary Seim Ms. Barbara A. Vieburg Mrs. Janice M. Carlsen Paul and Elaine Carlson Mrs. Irene E. Carlson Mrs. Dorothy G. Carlstad Mrs. Delfena Ballweber Raydon and Betty Workin Mr. Robert W. Martinson Mrs. Anne Koch Mrs. Lorraine J. Boehler Mrs. Josey Helfrich Ray and Peggy Wicklander Mrs. Ruth Alderman Donald and Annetta Luhning Mrs. Marjorie Christensen Larry and Janet Schaaf Kim and Gail Christianson Mrs. Elda Christman Mr. Robert W. Martinson Mr. William H. Clark Mrs. Evelyn G. Clemens Rev. Ernest W. Collard Mr. Lloyd O. Cook Gerald and Sandra Swafford Ms. Kathleen K. Cornell Cleo and Claire Berdahl C. William and Patricia Dennert Jerome and Barbara Cremers Ms. Mary E. Dace Mr. Merlin H. Dale Mr. John H. Downs Dalin Construction Eugene and Agnes Presti Mr. Everett Debertin Mrs. Thelma L. DeBilt Lewis and Karen Dendy Ms. Doris Desautels Mr. Robert W. Martinson Arthur and Leona Bollinger Mrs. Marilyn Garrelts Ryan and Amber Harris Mr. Robert W. Martinson Alan and Phyllis Campbell Mr. Bert J. Dunn Tim Dwyer Sr. Farm Account Raydon and Betty Workin Everett and Mary Seim Donald and Carol Odenbach Mr. and Mrs. Gene Fischer

Mr. Robert W. Martinson Mrs. Florence E. Oanes Mrs. Florence E. Oanes Mr. Robert W. Martinson Ralph and Carole Taylor Lyle and Sandra Boelter Ms. Carol A. Erbstoesser Mr. James O. Nelson Mrs. Shari S. Jaques Sister Albert Marie Burkhartsmeier James and Carol Erkens Wayne R. Burkle Mrs. June Ernie Betty L. Burns David and Patty Hollinshead Warren Buss Curtis and Betty Mc Cabe Elmer and Nettie Cant Mrs. Helen McCormack Martha Carlisle Mr. Kenneth D. Fandrey Dr. Anne H. Carlsen Mrs. Cordy Farsdale Dr. Anne H. Carlsen Dean and Sylvia Fatland Dr. Anne H. Carlsen Charles and Eileen Erickson Dr. Anne H. Carlsen Mrs. Sophie Loftsgard Dr. Anne H. Carlsen Mrs. Sharon I. Sullivan Dr. Anne H. Carlsen Ms. Rose Gudmundson Dr. Anne H. Carlsen Ms. Jeanette L. Stone Dr. Anne H. Carlsen Robert and Janice Fintel Dr. Anne H. Carlsen Mr. and Mrs. Gene Fischer Dr. Anne H. Carlsen Ms. Jeanette K. Flaagan Dr. Anne H. Carlsen Mrs. Amy C. Nelson Paul Carlsen Marvin and Judy Skogen Clarence Carlson Vera and Frank Fraass Clarence Carlson Harry Carlstad Paul and Lois Franz Milan Caspers Mrs. Lorraine F. Cecil Samuel S. Castello Mrs. Irene Haugaard Clifford E. Caya Joel and Jennifer Fremstad Jason N. Cayko Mrs. Sherry Mischke Melvin Chadwick Mrs. Esther Fuchs Melvin Chadwick Mrs. Marilyn F. Galazen John A. Chesworth Mrs. Sherry Mischke Bernice C. Christ Mrs. Stella T. Gast Alta Christensen Mrs. Stella T. Gast Ole Christensen Raydon and Betty Workin Rosemary J. Christensen Mrs. Ella E. Gebhard Russell Christianson Quintin and Ann Schowalter Marvin Christman Larry and Janet Schaaf Jeannine J. Christy Everett and Mary Seim Loretta Clark Grant and Donna Schmidt Howard Clemens C. William and Patricia Dennert Ruth Collard Mrs. Judy Goettle Marie Cook Lynn and Jeanette Kieper Greta Coppin Ms. Judy L. Kulla Wanda Jean Cornell Dr. and Mrs. Donald M. Larson Marvin Crane Mr. Robert W. Martinson Arlye Crawford Kirk and Carol Cowan Michael Cremers Joel and Karen Nelson Vernon W. Dace Cleo and Claire Berdahl Arlene Dale Mr. Thomas N. Gregg Alma Danielson Richard and Ethel Grieson Forrest F. Davidson Douglas and Jane Grinde Charles Davis Family Gary and Renae Grinde Cora Debertin Barry and Deborah Grotte Wilbert DeBilt Mrs. Agnes R. Stewart Wyatt T. Dendy Mrs. Jane Gross Fred and Joan Desautels Ms. Judith S. Ness Todd C. Dietrich James and Linda Kimball Alice Dockter Richard and Linda Mc Bride Dennis Dodge Mrs. Florence Footitt Dennis Dodge Orien and Nelsie Oas Melvin Doerr Wilbert and Muriel Smith Dorothy Dunn Arlin and Karen Oas Dorothy Dunn Arlin and Karen Oas Tim Dwyer Mrs. Elsie Gunsch Mark A. Eberhart Ernest and Edith Jelleberg Bernice Eggert Brian and Janelle Hall Coralie I. Ehrman Dale and Bev Brunsch Ernest and Amanda Eitzmann William and Lois O’Hara

16

Dillan R. Bader Eric Baenen Alvin C. Bagstad Edward A. Baker Henry C. Bakken Katie D. Bakkum Bryan O. Baldwin Barbara Baltzer Merle F. Bauer Arthur A. Beck Arthur A. Beck Harry Becker Earl L. Beckman William I. Bennett Julia L. Bensch Allan J. Benson Norma S. Benson Mabel E. Benthin Donald E. Bentley Barbara J. Berg Selma D. Berg Byron P. Berge Michael Berkut Darlene S. Berndt Deborah J. Betting Mabel Beuchler Dorothy M. Biggs Mary A. Bleecker Theodore A. Blomgren Sr. Maurice R. Blomquist George D. Boekes Inez L. Boelter Inez L. Boelter Mary J. Bopp Duane L. Boreson Oliver S. Borlaug Sanford Borlaug Bill M. Borstad Charles W. Borstad Carl Bose Robert Bossert Roger B. Bourgois Robert Boutrous Steven C. Bovee Jr. Wilfred and Ruth Bowd Lisa Breding Helen Brend Nina O. Brenna Ruby C. Britton Marvel Brodsho Arthur E. Brooks Alexzine L. Brooks Alexzine L. Brooks Alexzine L. Brooks Edith Broschat Richard L. Brown Grace Bruns

THE AMBASSADOR

Memorials gifted between Oct. 1, 2008 and Dec. 31, 2008:

Oscar G. Bryn Hazel O. Buegler Russell Bueling Myron Buetow Robert R. Bullock Dane A. Bundy Russell H. Burchill Russell H. Burchill Darlene Burchinal

Given By

In Memory Of Marietta Ekberg Charlie Engdahl Victor and Clara Engdahl Austin Engel Kelly M. Engelstad Donald W. Ennis John and Alice Erbstoesser Claire Erickson Ruth H. Erickson Thomas J. Erkens Elmer Ernie Elmer Ernie Howard H. Evans Alta Evans Lurline D. Fandrey Wade Farsdale Jan M. Fatland Rose E. A. Feckler Joel M. Fedje Darcy J. Feickert Virginia Feigum Virginia Feigum Arthur and Marie Fintel Harry and Susie Fischer James O. Flaagan Anna L. Fortune Kylee D. Foster Frank, Duane & Billy Bradley Fraass Marcella Franz Evelyn J. Freadhoff Myrtle Freer Debbie D. Fremstad Violet K. Frethem Edwin Fuchs Paul B. Galazen James Gaspers Harold Gast Warren Gast Myrtle V. Gauslow Arlo A. Gebhard Alvin Geisler Minnie Geisler Leona Gemmill Emma I. George Homer M. Gibson Edith Goettle Victor M. Goetz Joseph A. Gould Rev. John F. and Emma Graepp Kay Graff Georgia Granger Knut and Marie Gravseth Cecilia Green Mary Jane Gregg Sharol A. Grieson Wayne Grinde Wayne Grinde Wayne Grinde Amber Grindeland Richard Gross Anton Gryskiewicz Leona Guderjohn Leona Guderjohn Mitch Guenther Joyce E. Gunderson Joyce E. Gunderson Marvin Gunderson Melvin and Borghild Gunderson Gottlieb Gunsch Clarence Hagen Lona A. Hall Esther Haluska Esther Haluska

Given By

In Memory Of

Given By

In Memory Of

Given By

In Memory Of

Dana and Kathryn Annereau Donald and Elizabeth Shaw Mrs. Evelyn L. Thomson Daris and Mabel Bittner Charles and Shirley Hill Mr. Ivan J. Hansen Ms. Beverly A. Pologar George and Jule Fredrickson Gordon and Georgia Grinaker Larry and Evelyn Hennings Ms. Ina Stadum Mrs. Tena Harms Tim and Melissa Harris Ardean and Diana Harstad Mr. Robert W. Martinson Mr. and Mrs. Ron Dronen Mrs. Lucietta Hashbarger Jerry and Kim Hashbarger Mr and Mrs. Newell Kallestad Ms. Deborah A. Sandford Grant and Donna Schmidt Michael and Amy Steinke Mrs. Carol R. Hasse Mrs. Carol R. Hasse Mrs. Arlene Olson Mrs. Betty A. Whitmore Alvin and Carol Abbott Mrs. Lillian Stromme Lions Club Floyd and Linda Heiser Rodney and Fayne Bell Lowell and Joan Overbo Mrs. Roberta J. Rolle Clifford and Lorene Sateren Mrs. Marian D. Hendrickson Mrs. Marian H. Knutson Mrs. Isla E. Herdahl Mrs. Sherry Mischke Mr. Robert W. Martinson Mrs. Wilma A. Heuer Isaak Bond Investments Inc. Mr. Robert W. Martinson Happy Hair Salon Raymond and Mary Heupel Dr. G.H. Hilts Raydon and Betty Workin Mr. Robert W. Martinson Mr. Robert W. Martinson Mrs. Mavis A. Wold Mr. Richard K. Hofstrand Hollis and Carol Hoiberg Mrs. Amy Holen Mr. Jason Matthews Curtis and Betty Mc Cabe Mrs. Marjorie E. Hoppe Lavonne Horowitz Char Foundation Kermit and Arlys Sorby Ms. Harriet E. Olson Ms. Judy L. Kulla Mrs. Arline C. Hudson John and Judy Hatlewick Richard and Janice Huebner Mrs. Phyllis R. Lura Mrs. Aletha I. Vossler Mr. Robert W. Martinson Lloyd and Gloria Peterson Mr. Robert W. Martinson Oliver and Joyce Anderson Ms. Harriet E. Olson Michael and Amy Steinke Duane and Gail Ilvedson Ms. Karen L. Hunt Wilbert and Muriel Smith Mrs. Irene Haugaard Mrs. Elise T. Jacobson Mr. Dennis L. Anderson Ms. Connie L. Auran Mrs. Lois M. Jensen Wayne and Sandra Aamoth Mrs. Janice F. Dill Richard and Linda Mc Bride Ms. Wanda V. Nissen Mrs. Marilyn F. Nissen Ben and Patricia Johnson

Ruth and Cliff Halvorson Richard Hamilton Joe Hankins Donie Hansen Harry J. Hansen Helen M. Hansen Jack Hansen Henry and Helen Hanson Helen M. Hanson Helen M. Hanson Helen M. Hanson John Harms Katelyn Harris Merlin C. Harstad Paula Hartze Neil Hashbarger Neil Hashbarger Neil Hashbarger Neil Hashbarger Neil Hashbarger Neil Hashbarger Neil Hashbarger Clarence Hasse Clarence Hasse George K. A. Haugland Fred Heck Lois & Marvin M. Heesch Reuben Hegge Anna Y. Heidinger Emelia Heiser Nancy Heising Ruben Helfenstein LeVerne Hellem Evelyn L. Heller Vernon Hendrickson Georgia Hennessey Erwin Herdahl Daniel D. Herr Leonard Hetland Carl Heuer Jimey Hickok Alton W. Hill Leila Hill Emma L. Hillius Flora Elaine Hilts Shirley Hingst Theodore R. Hinkel William H. Hochhalter Oscar and Alma Hoflen Dorothy and Leslie Hofstrand Dana K. Hoiberg Ralph Holen Gerald E. Holen Sarah Holleque Melvin Hoppe Lavonne Horowitz Char Foundation Wesley Horsager Yvonne Hove Karole Hrncir Clair Hudson Gerald G. Huebner Gerald G. Huebner Mary Ellen Huff Dora A. Huncovsky John Hunkele Anna Mae Huss Douglas E. Hvinden Kenneth Ihry Kenneth Ihry Kenneth Ihry Helen and Roy Ilvedson Mel and Ruth Imsdahl LeRoy Isakson Lucille G. Jacobsen Leon Jacobson Helen L. Jacobson Brenda Jasper Philip Jensen Erling C. Jodock Melford Johnson Melford Johnson Melford Johnson Melford Johnson Dean Johnson

George and Jule Fredrickson Harvey and Marlene Skaare Gerald and Donna Collins Mrs. Ruby M. DeLair Mrs. Phyllis M. Johnson Mr. Gene J. Johnson Mrs. Mary L. Johnson Jim and Ellen Redding Leo and Violet Just Ms. Dorla J. Hill Lloyd and Bernice Bakken Keith and La Vonne Emerson Immanuel and Lola Roesler Evan and Marie Moe Ray and Ethel Stangler Raydon and Betty Workin Mrs. Harriet J. Kartes Ms. Doloris M. Keaveny Cinema Twin & Bison Twin Mrs. LaDonna Keller Lou Jean Kelley Piaker & Lyons, P.C. Levene Gouldin & Thompson, LLP Kathryn Bumgardner Vigee Droesch James and Susan Farrell Mr. Charles C. Kennedy Christopher and Elizabeth Keys Dr. Frank and Maria Kirk Martin and Susan Lawson James and Nancy Mangan David and Carol McCarthy Ms. Anne McGinnis Robert and Mary Quinlivan Hon. and Mrs. Charles B. Swartwood Dardenne Tiffany Mrs. Jane F. Trey John and Elaine Webb Mrs. Helen McCormack Robert and Bette Johnson Ms. Ina Stadum Mrs. Marie E. Kirkham Mrs. L. Elvira Lokken Arvid and Elveida Olson Morris and Viola Tangsrud Mrs. Lorraine Kirschenmann Mr. Robert W. Martinson Mrs. Astrid K. Helmle John and Janet Olson Ms. Arlene Priest Mr. John L. Kleven Pizza Ranch of Harvey Mrs. Elizabeth Hatter Mr. Mitchell L. Koch Mrs. Cleone Kolbo Joseph and Eileen Larson Mr. Robert W. Martinson Henry and Bregetta Jorde Anthony and Kathleen England Ms. Esther Strausburg Mrs. Anna Mae Kruse Mrs. Helen A. Andrus Mrs. Dorothy B. Stover Monafay Anderson Robert and Donna Lagein Robert and Bette Johnson Mrs. Phyllis M. Bethke Mrs. Delfena Ballweber Clifford and Velma Martin Ray and Angela Schepp C. William and Patricia Dennert Mrs. Dina L. Laskowski Mrs. Elaine F. Nieland Mrs. Winnifred U. Laumann Robert and Fran Lebrun Mrs. Evelyn Delmore Martin and Rhoda Huber Mrs. Valborg Franek Mrs. Elizabeth Hagen Ms. Susan M. Lender Mr. Bernhard W. Levander Mr. Loren K. Wedin Ms. Lynda L. Faith Mrs. Elaine Koehn Mrs. Evelyn J. Lillo

Doris Jean Johnson Edwin Johnson D. Roger Johnson Mary Ann Johnson Richard Johnson Pollie Johnson Sean A. Johnson Marlene Johnston Larry Just Sgt. Matthew R. Kahler Ella Kalk Arlene G. Kalmbach Noel Kanne Jeanne M. Kapaun Jeanne M. Kapaun Jeanne M. Kapaun Charlie Kartes James P. Keaveny Jr. Loren Keim Leonard Keller David A. Kelley Roselynn Kennedy Roselynn Kennedy Roselynn Kennedy Roselynn Kennedy Roselynn Kennedy Roselynn Kennedy Roselynn Kennedy Roselynn Kennedy Roselynn Kennedy Roselynn Kennedy Roselynn Kennedy Roselynn Kennedy Roselynn Kennedy

Mrs. Marjorie Andre Mrs. Dolores Landblom Byron and Ardyce Ellingson C. William and Patricia Dennert Mrs. Minnie H. Loeschen Gordon and Ida Mae Smith Francis and Margaret Harding Daniel and Peggy Schmidt Mrs. Irene Luoma Mr. Gordon S. Reiten Mr. Ken Maler Ken and Virjean Cramer Leif and Cynthia Peterson Mr. Clarence J. Martin Mr. Clarence J. Martin Mrs. Mary M. Martin Mrs. Mary M. Martin Mr. Robert W. Martinson Mrs. Clara Mattheis Bosard, McCutcheon & Rau, Ltd. Dale and Sherry Bergland Mr. William Mc Millan Dale and Lois Ferebee Mrs. Helen McCormack Mrs. Helen McCormack Mrs. Helen McCormack Mrs. Helen McCormack Mrs. Cynthia Schreiber-Beck Dr. Robert L. Jennings Lawrence and Connie Anderson Mrs. Mavis A. Wold James and Linda Kimball Mr. Robert W. Martinson Mr. Robert W. Martinson Marvin and Georgie Mechtel Dr. and Mrs. Walter B. Eidbo Wade and Sherilyn Mergenthal Larry and Tammie Miller David and Maxine Syhre Durward and Phyllis Otterness Mr. Vernon H. Meyer Dan and Bea Faust Ernest and Neva Miessel Mrs. Anna I. Miller Mrs. Katherine Paschke Mrs. Margaret M. Greshik Gerald and Marian Rasmussen Gerald and Marian Rasmussen Mrs. Alma A. Johnson Donald and Rosella Debele Sylvia Morgan Sylvia Morgan Mrs. Roy P. Morgan Dale and Bev Brunsch Mr. and Mrs. Lynn D. Thompson Mrs. Karen Zajic Mrs. Linette Korman Gerald and Susan Simonson Alan and Linda Wiley Mrs. Viola V. Nell Mr. Alden P. Nelson Mrs. Ruth L. Nelson Mr. Alden P. Nelson Joel and Karen Nelson Mrs. Dolores J. Bullis Mrs. Ruth L. Nelson Mr. Robert W. Martinson Mrs. Aletha I. Vossler D. John and Donna Mikkelson Duane and Gail Ilvedson Duane and Gail Ilvedson Brian and Janelle Hall Mrs. Mary Ellen Kulla Harold and Alvina Schlenker Mrs. Janene Nordloef Mrs. Janene Nordloef Mrs. Helen F. Nordling Joel and Ann Marie Wilson Mrs. Selma C. Oie Mrs. Marian B. Bergan Kenneth and Anne Dalsted Mark and Rena Rustad Kent and Bonnie Eicholtz Donald and Marlys Chell Ms. Harriet Olson Robert and Deanne Frarck

Kenneth Lindsey Louise C. Linnertz Virgil G Liudahl Wilma Lloyd William Loeschen Kermit V. Lohn Lucille and Jerome Lonski Alice H. Lund Fred Luoma Omer R. Mahlum Jewel Maler Sheri Malusky Melvina F. Mandigo Anna Martin Angeline Martin Edward Martin Richard G. Martin Eleanor Marx Oswald Mattheis E. Hugh Mc Cutcheon Aldene Mc Donald Floy Mc Millan Fred McCormack Fred McCormack Adrian McCormack Irene McCormack Val & May McCormack Shirley J. McDaniel Rheanon McDonald Joan L. McDonnell Clayton McLaen Beryl McLean Bernie McMahon Matthew A. Mechtel Matthew A. Mechtel Inez and Russell Melland Vivian Mergenthal Vivian Mergenthal John Mertz Marvel and Herbert Meyer Mary Ellen Meyer Harold D. Michelson Kevin Miessel E. Lyle Miller Steven M. Miller Mary Minerva Jennie Molvik Ragnvald Molvik Gemia L. Monge Amanda A. Moore Caroline Morgan Mike Morgan Gladys Morgan Lydia Morlock Harold Morrison Donna Mosby Helen Mueller Maxine Muller Tayeb Nash Alan W. Nell LaVon Nelson David Nelson David O. Nelson Esther and Joseph Nelson Juneth Nelson Norman Nelson Beulah Nestoss Marlys Neumiller Carrie Nevland D. Kenneth Newcomer Harriet Newcomer Avis Nicholson Jack Nihill Goffried and Regina Nitschke Myron Nordloef Lucas Nordloef JoAnne M. Oakland Eugene Ochsner Roy Oie Lillian Olsen Howard Olson Howard Olson Catherine M. Olson Ernest and Mildred Olson John Olson Harris and Julia Olson (continued)

Roselynn Kennedy Roselynn Kennedy Roselynn Kennedy Roselynn Kennedy Joyce Kerns Kenneth F. Kerzmann Adeline Kirkeide Douglas Kirkham Lila E. Kjelshus Lila E. Kjelshus Lila E. Kjelshus Lucille Klein Dan Klein Ellenor M. Kleppe Ellenor M. Kleppe Ellenor M. Kleppe Andrea Kleven Marlene J. Knaup Ruth A. Knudtson John and Lydia Koch Cameron Kolbo Alice Kooker Myron Koppang Esther T. Krebill Elaine Kreutz Gerald Krueger Rudy Kruse LeRoy Kubasta Elaine Kurowski Doris M. Labish Kiyoko LaMontagne Wallace Landberg Sarita Ann Lanning John Larsen Bonnie K. Larson Ruth Larson Marvel H. Larson William Laskowski Esther Laughlin Robert Laumann Kathy and Mary Lebrun Dennis Leick Amanda L. Leininger George Lemieux George Lemieux Ruth Lender Dagne Levander Bernhard W. Levander George and Dorothy Liebe Bertha Liebers Robert K. Lillo

THE AMBASSADOR

17

Given By

In Memory Of

Given By

In Memory Of

Given By

In Memory Of

(continued from page 17) Mrs. Kathy R. Ashe Conrad and Agnes Christianson Lola Gelling Mr. Robert C. Olson C. William and Patricia Dennert Mr. Robert W. Martinson Arden and Judith Omlid Arden and Judith Omlid Mrs. Lorna J. Boreson Mrs. Dorothy Cook Richard and Shirley Dietrich Ms. Eloise Erickson Glenn and Doris Greenstein Arlan and Fern Haiby Charles and Laverne Hamilton Bart and Irene Hankey Mr. Meryl T. Hansey Mrs. Tena Harms Leo and Violet Just Ms. Judy L. Kulla Mrs. Delores Leinius Orville and Lila Nelson James and Lois Petersen Ms. Marjorie E. Rasmussen Mrs. Hilda Retzer Mrs. Evelyn Reynolds Carl and DeLores Turnquist Mrs. Astrid Ongstad Mr. Orville R. Ose Mrs. Vivian Hoghaug Mr. Lawrence Osman Mrs. Dolores Landblom Durward and Phyllis Otterness Mrs. Lorraine V. Johnson Mrs. Hilda V. Palm Mrs. Hilda V. Palm Dr. and Mrs. Scott C. Rowe Mrs. Katherine Paschke Mrs. Dorothy L. Pederson Bruce and Ellen Pentland Mrs. Ruby M. DeLair LeRoy and Allegra Boeckel Mr. and Mrs. Leslie P. Sorenson Mrs. Evanell Taylor Gary and Mary Ann Engebretson Gary and Phyllis Torske Oliver and Joyce Anderson Mr. LeRoy Anderson St. Mark's Lutheran Church Willmar and Janette Peterson Mrs. M. Virginia Peterson Mrs. Loraine Selinger Mrs. Helen McCormack Milton and Darlene Strand Mrs. Sarah J. Johnson Mrs. Janet S. Wick Mr. Joe H. Pulskamp Mrs. Lucille A. Rotz Mr. Kurt D. Rasmussen Clarence and Fern Rau Herbran and Lorraine Read Herbran and Lorraine Read Charles and Shirley Hill Ms. Joan Y. Redmann Ms. Lucinda Vantine Mrs. Violet Reede Ms. Darlene A. Reeg Wayne and Coleen Rehovsky John and Karen Holien Gerald and Elenore Borstad Don and Charleen Schermerhorn Mr. Tim Reuer Robert and Norma Richardson Grant and Michelle Richardson Ms. Joyce M. Walth Mrs. Evelyn R. Rients Steven and Jennifer Borelli Ronald and Lisa Rigge Lindsay and Kathleen Legner Mrs. Helen McCormack Mrs. Helen McCormack Mrs. Helen McCormack Mrs. Ellen K. Wood Mrs. Mavis A. Wold Mrs. Hilda V. Palm

Helen A. Olson Henry N. Olson Lucille Olson Ruth Olson Kenneth Olson Donald L. Olthoff Edith Omlid Theodore Omlid Loved ones Loved ones Loved ones Loved ones Loved ones Loved ones Loved ones Loved ones Loved ones Loved ones Loved ones Loved ones Loved ones Loved ones Loved ones Loved ones Loved ones Loved ones Loved ones Walter Ongstad Margaret Ann Ose Mr. and Mrs. Herman Osen Berniece Osman Roy M. Ostrom Oscar & Myrtle Otterness Lillian and Robert Paintner Lawrel Palm Rodney Palm David L. Paulson Milo Payette Lloyd Pederson Virginia Pentland Ron Perleberg George and Ida Permann Ardyce Petersen Anna and Otto Peterson June Peterson June Peterson Inga M. Peterson Inga M. Peterson Geleva Peterson Lisa D. Peterson Arvid Peterson Gilman Peterson Verna L. Pfiefle Delbert W. Porter Lester and Annie Porter Marion M. Prior Patricia Pulskamp Severt and Lulu Rask Ruthanna and Fred Rasmussen Freda Rau Kristi Jo Read Lillian and Herbran Read Bruce Reamer Robert E. Redmann Agnes Reed Victor Reede Robert J. Reeg Cheryl Rehovsky Ruth and Walter Reinhardt Jack Reno Frieda E. Rethwisch Leona Reuer Bessie Rhodenbaugh Aaron K. Richardson Irene Richau Tjark Rients David O. Rife Edna A. Rigge Reed A. Risk Raymond Riskedahl Emma Riskedahl Gladyce Riskedahl Laura K. Roe Ralph Roethel Lorna Rondestvedt

William and Betty Richardson Calvin and Pauline Rosenquist Raydon and Betty Workin Mrs. Lucille A. Rotz Mr. Robert J. Rudolph Mrs. Alice F. Johnson Mrs. Hilda Sackmann Mrs. Doris K. Sandford Mrs. Joyce Bjork Robert and Mary Muhs Ms. Marilyn J. Collier Neal and Phyllis Folstad Leslie and Marlys Brewster Harold and Alvina Schlenker Mrs. Rosanne M. Farrell Mrs. Lila S. Schlenker James and Marcia Gums Ms. Judy L. Kulla Mrs. MarJean Schauer Norm and Sue Goehring Mrs. Verna Minges Ms. Elaine D. Baron Jeffrey and Lucinda Malm Herman and Rosalie Schmitz American Legion Aux. #189 Mrs. Mollie Schnell Ms. Tara Cole Mrs. Delfena Ballweber Mrs. Muriel Hoplin Ms. Marcia Hoplin Ms. Harriet E. Olson Mrs. Ruth A. Eichele Ms. Mary Brown Ed and Phyliss Hodgson Jennifer Reid Arnold and Janell Rivinius Orville and Margaret Samuelson Courtney J. Sather Mrs. Myrtle Schulz Joe and Mary Subart Norman and Nyla Tietz David and Maxine Syhre Bert and Diane Anderson Reed and Ruth Danuser Leslie and Carma Branch Mrs. Virginia Schweigert Mrs. Ruby Sedler Mrs. Anne M. Setterholm Richard and Nancy Shermoen Dave and Kay Krueger Mrs. Mary L. Johnson Mrs. Coleen Sivertson Heartland Trust Company Mrs. Gladys M. Slaby Mr. Mark A. Erickstad Harvey and Darlene Kluvers Gerald and Susan Simonson Dan and Bea Faust Jon and Gloria Paulson Mr. Gary O. Sogard Veroljub and Kathryn Chkautovich Anthony and Carol Daus Paul and Nancy Gibson Ms. Betty J. Grbcich Richard and Marianne Schwane Keith and Rebecca Solberg Mrs. Helen McCormack Mrs. Lois B. Florhaug James and Marcia Gums Grant and Donna Schmidt Richard and Rose Ann Splitter Ms. Lucille Starck Richard and Bonnie Vasichek Paul and Clarice Steen Martin and Rhoda Huber Eugene and Marjorie Kraszewski Jim and Ellen Redding Rev. Henry G. Stolz Mrs. Arlene M. Cullen Mrs. Lillian Stromme Orlo and Shirley Sund Bruce and Susan Carlson Charles and Lois Kelly Monafay Anderson Ms. Martha J. Swenson

Diane Rosenau Kevin Rosenquist Myron Rostad George Rotz August and Mary Rudolph Carl and Agnes Rusten Ervin Sackmann George Sandford Allen E. Saunders Dr. Wallace A. Scea Marius & Elsie Scheldrup Monica Schill Martha M. Schlafman Mr. & Mrs. Fred Schlenker Jacob Schlenker Jacob Schlenker Doris V. Schmidt Doris V. Schmidt Emma Schmidt Florence A. Schmidt Leora Schmidt Lydia M. Schmitt Lydia M. Schmitt Mary Schmitz Vy Schmoll Ray Schnell Joe Schroeder Paul Schultz Margaret E. Schultz Margaret E. Schultz Margaret E. Schultz Joseph Schulz Otto Schulz Otto Schulz Otto Schulz Otto Schulz Otto Schulz Otto Schulz Otto Schulz Otto Schulz Otto Schulz Mathilda Schumacher Della and Delton Schwanz Dennis Schwartzwalter Alma and Carl Schwarz Regina and John Schweigert Monroe Sedler Mr. and Mrs. Edward Setterholm Clarence and Margaret Shermoen Richard Shutter Iva Simoneau Lloyd Sivertson Lee Skallerud Thomas L. Slaby Harm P. Smeenk Elsie Sminesvik Marjorie V. Smith Ruth Snow Herman O. Sogard Herman O. Sogard Virginia Sokolich Virginia Sokolich Virginia Sokolich Virginia Sokolich Virginia Sokolich Ruth and Joel Solberg Margaret Sorenson Jeff Spitzer Jeff Spitzer Jeff Spitzer Ed & Margaret Splitter Theodor and Ida Starck Carrie O. Stavig Gregory Steen Paul C. Steidl Herman and Marie Stender Geneva Stevens Amelia Stolz Marian C. Strathe Morris Stromme Olga M. Sund Clarence W. Sundstrom Arnie Swanson Clarence A. Swenson Debbie Swenson

Dr. and Mrs. F. J. Pepper, M.D. Mr. Robert W. Martinson Scott Hoovestol Larry and Janet Schaaf P Simmental Ranch Wilfred and Katherine Ziegler Marvin and Mary Siedschlag Mrs. Evanell Taylor Mrs. Evanell Taylor Gerald and Donna Collins Ms. Dorla J. Hill John and Dorothy Terrill Mrs. Sherry Mischke Mrs. Delfena Ballweber Mrs. Shirley D. Hintz Mrs. Rose E. Thompson Stanley and Phyllis Dolbinski Mrs. Mary Ann Beeks Mr. and Mrs. C.H. Beeks Jr. Ms. Shirley Jensvold Mrs. Lorraine Redenius Mrs. Amie Torgerson Duane and Kaye Natzke Mr. Robert W. Martinson Gerald and Donna Collins Mrs. Ruth Alderman Mr. Robert M. Reiley Mr. Robert W. Martinson Mr. Abner Tufto Mrs. Gloria I. Fuhrer Wally and Myrle Thingelstad Gerald and Susan Simonson John and Erna Vinje Willmar and Janette Peterson Mrs. Lorraine J. Boehler Martin and Rhoda Huber Mr. Oliver J. Wahl Mrs. Mellicent Wald Edward and Elaine Boehm Patrick and Joan Rodican Ms. Rae Bloom Mrs. Nelda B. Waller Mrs. Alice M. Mc Daniel Mr. Gerald Schumacher Mrs. Ruby M. DeLair Lloyd and Verlyn Koch Stanley and Irene Wanzek Stanley and Irene Wanzek Mrs. Claire Engelhardt Mrs. Lorraine Wasem Mr. Jon L. Way, D.D.S. Mr. Derril D. Wedell Robert and Ruth Wedman Robert and Ruth Wedman Mr. Clarence R. Wegenast Mr. Lawrence H. Weigel Mrs. Delfena Ballweber C. William and Patricia Dennert Ms. Betty L. Sorenson Anda Construction Co. Mrs. Gladys Morton Dale and Bev Brunsch Mrs. Irene Koepplin Mr. Robert W. Martinson Mr. Barrett J. Williams Mrs. Eunice A. Williamson Irene Johnson Lee and Clara Ogden Ms. Marilyn L. Winslow Mrs. Phyllis M. Mitzel Mrs. Eunice Wunderlich Gary and Jan Wysocki Martin and Rhoda Huber Raydon and Betty Workin Mrs. Gwen Young Allen and Charleen Zaeske Ben and Amy Gunkelman Mrs. Evelyn Zick Mrs. Evelyn Zick Richard and Linda Mc Bride Mrs. Dorothy L. Zimmerman Mrs. Dorothy L. Zimmerman Oliver and Joyce Anderson Eldon and Clara Jo Conant Max and Devra Zurcher

Rita H. Swigart Thor N. Tangedahl Larry Tanner Lorraine J. Tanona Kenneth P. Taszarek Kenneth P. Taszarek Elaine Taylor Walter Taylor Walter Taylor Stormy I. Taylor Edward J. Tenhulzen Karen J. Terrill Joe Theede Harlan Thielke Sister Rita Thier Rueben Thompson Chrys Thorsen Irma Thurmer Irma Thurmer Irma Thurmer Troy Tomanek Clinton Torgerson Fred Totzke Roy Towne Irma M. Tranum Flora Treitline Tim Tripp June Tudor Mabel and Christ Tufto Angeline Vander Laan Luella Vangsnes George Vettel Edward & Donna B. Vinje Helen R. Volberg Steven L. Vollmer Ellen Wadeson Sarah Wahl Sylvester Wald Mark Wald Sheri L. Walicski John Wallace Glen Waller Robert Walock Lillian Wanner Sandy Wanzek Sandy Wanzek James Wanzek Peter Wanzek Emma Ward William Wasem Helen Way Nancy Wedell Julius Wedman Gordon Wedman Esther Wegenast Alice Weigel Lois K. Weiss Lois M. Wells Carroll Westrom Kathy Whitford Devere D. Wical Marlyn Wick Matthew J. Wiest Jean Willer Lynn K. Williams-Estrada Willard Williamson Kent Wing L. Rose Winn Frank L. Winslow Gertrude Wojcik Vernon Wunderlich Julian and Rowena Wysocki Geraldine Yanish Geraldine Yanish Duane Young Bruce A. Zaeske Jerry Zalumskis Arnold Zick Todd Zick Odell Ziebarth Harold Zimmerman Randal J. Zimmerman Marie E. Zimprich Marie E. Zimprich Evelyn and Christian Zurcher

18

THE AMBASSADOR

2 0 0 8

A C C

A N N U A L

R E P O R T

FINANCIAL BREAKDOWN Property and Household: 4.7%

Expenses Education

Community Services: 2.7%

$2,568,092

Administration

1,399,867

Transportation

84,377

Property & Household Home Life Services Community Services Rehabilitative Therapy

7,232,321

Rehabilitative Therapy: 8.0% Administration: 8.9% Dietary Services: 1.9% Other: .1%

419,754

Dietary Services

294,740

Taxes/Depreciation/Property

728,754 15,745

Taxes/ Depreciation/ Property Insurance: 4.6%

EXPENSES

1,256,976 957,014

Total Expenses

Education: 16.4%

736,471

Public Information

Other Expenses

Transportation: .5%

Public Information: 6.1%

Home Life Services: 46.1%

Tuition: 20.4% Bequests/Trusts: 4.8%

Resident Care: 58.3 %

$15,694,111 Memorials: 0.7%

Operating Revenues Tuition

$3,048,006

Resident Care

8,728,976

Rehabilitative Services

1,398,636

Community Services

193,621

Other

229,044

Revenues Before Deduction Deductions Net Operating Revenues

Memorials Bequests/Trusts Other

(777,100) $12,821,183

$550,909 97,114 713,637 2,401

Interest on Endowment

(1,111,349)

Net Operating Revenue:

$252,712

Net Gain

Rehabilitative Services: 9.3%

REVENUES

$13,598,283

Non-Operating Revenue Contributions

Contributions: 3.7% Other: 1.5% Community Services: 1.3%

$(2,620,217)

Financial Notes Large events in 2008 required significant expenditures for ACC: a major expansion of our Community Services throughout North Dakota, establishing the Grand Forks Community Services office, and a name and logo change for our organization. In addition, while donor contributions were strong, there was a significant drop in 2008 in bequests/trusts revenue—roughly half the projected amount.

PROGRAMS AND SERVICES Education • 9 Month School

Therapeutic Support • Physical Therapy

• 10 Week Extended Summer Program

• Occupational Therapy

• Adaptive Physical Education

• Sensory Motor Integration

• Library Services • Transition Support • Assistive Technology • Behavior Support • Vocational Training Home Life/Residential • Advanced Medical Care • Nursing • Physician

• Speech Therapy • Aquatic Therapy • Dysphasia Treatment • Adaptive Equipment Community Services • In-Home Supports (birth to 21) • Personal & Community Supports (21 & over) • Assessments • Program Coordination

• Dietary

Outreach • Evaluations/Assessments

• Psychological/Behavior Support Services

• Outpatient Therapy

• Recreation

• Employment Support/Training • Professional Development • Consultations • Summer Camp THE AMBASSADOR

19

Dear Friends, As I write this, the Anne Carlsen Center is in the midst of an evacuation of—and flood fight on—our campus. Clay levees, sandbags and Rapid Deployment Flood Walls are protecting our buildings, along with nearly a dozen large pumps. We’ve pumped water under harsh weather conditions, from pouring rain to a blizzard.

As with the weather in North Dakota, many events in life are hard to predict. Who could have foreseen the extent of the spring flooding that has brought destruction and heartache to many parts of North Dakota.

Thankfully, what we can rely on here at the Anne Carlsen Center is the dedication and support of our donors. Richard and Rose Ann Splitter, of Springfield, Mo., inspired us—and many fellow donors—when they established the Heritage Matching Challenge Fund to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of Dr. Anne Carlsen’s recognition as the 1958 Handicapped American of the Year. Dr. Anne formally received this prestigious award on May 7, 1959, in Washington, DC. Donors took just 50 days to break the $50,000 mark. In the end, they gifted $27,130 in donations that were matched up to the Splitters’ Heritage Matching Challenge Fund of $25,000. The Center is extremely grateful to everyone who participated in this challenge.

The Anne Carlsen Center has inherited a legacy of strength and perseverance from our namesake, and we are determined to rise above our present circumstances. Floodwaters will never dampen the quality of the services we provide to children, young adults and their families. We appreciate your faithful support during these challenging times, as we work together to provide expert care and meaningful experiences to individuals of a variety of ages affected by developmental disabilities.

With heartfelt thanks,

Dan Kunzman ACC Foundation Executive Director

Circle of Friends Benefactor Society Members of this group have made provisions for the Anne Carlsen Center in their wills or estate plans.

Some have made the Center a life insurance beneficiary, while others have established a charitable annuity or a trust.

There are 111 individuals and couples who have been inducted into the Circle of Friends Benefactor Society.

Through their thoughtful planned giving, they help the Center provide nurturing care and meaningful experiences to individuals with a wide array of disabilities.

20

THE AMBASSADOR

Mrs. Harriette J. Wagman Phillip and Mildred Hart Ms. Unamae S. Stoyka Steve and Avonne Fagerland Mrs. Viola C. Ost Ms. Anna Moran Rolf and Esther Erickson Mrs. Carol Dunker Robert and Ann Lee Mr. Ray R. Rylander Mr. Norman D. Gust Ms. Arlene D. Ziemer S. Eugene and Jan Bundy Ms. Lana Vorland Dean and Alicia Vorland Mr. Elmer Ellwein Mrs. Constance A. Boler Todd and Jolene Sjostrom Ms. Esther R. Grabanski Ms. Elaine D. Baron Ms. Katherine S. Stauffer Jon and Connie Lillejord Ms. Myrtle I. Oeder Ms. Eunice Kanne Mr. Thomas H. Trimble Mrs. Dorothy B. Stover Mrs. Isla E. Herdahl Martha and Arnold Winter

Mrs. Sarah Luithle Arthur and Grace Dietze Arthur and Grace Dietze Ms. Evangeline M. Quam Calvin and Shirley Rolfson Mr. Arnold Winter Mr. Ernest E. Slagg Jr. Mr. Ernest E. Slagg Jr. Mr. Allen Scott Richard and Rose Ann Splitter Maron and Charlotte Davis Jerry and Jean Ebertz Mrs. Esther M. Crabtree Mrs. Bertina Thorvig James and Joanne Kack Mr. Arthur H. Nordman Tony and Anne-Marie Goh Mrs. Alice C. Nelson Mrs. Susan T. Szepelak Douglas and May Nelson Mrs. Harriet R. Lowe-Berg Emil and Mable Banderet Mr. Phillip Berggren Mrs. Karen Birnbaumer Mrs. Leta A. Bischof Marilyn Brunson Mrs. Elaine Caldis Mr. Angus Campbell

Rev. Delmar D. Dahl Mr. James Duff Mr. and Mrs. Richard Edinger Warren and Ruby Ernie Russell and Clara Fadness Merlin and Doris Flesner Mrs. Clarine M. Fredrickson Ms. Mavis Gaines Mrs. Evelyn Galt Michael and Marie Gillen Mr. Theodore R. Goll Mr. Robert Green Ms. Barbara M. Handelmann Mrs. Eunice Helfenstein Roland and Janet Hinrichs Daniel and Lori Howell Mr. Glenn Ista Ms. Clara E. Iverson Ms. Blanche P. Kelley Mr. Norman L. Kissick Ms. Joy L. Kjellbotn Mrs. Irene Koehn George and Ruth Litke Ms. Pauline Mauser Mrs. Estelle Mc Gillis Mrs. Eldora E. Mc Laughlin Mrs. Dorothy E. McCormack Mrs. Shirley R. Meidinger

Claire and Opal Mueller John and Myrtle Nickelson Mr. Alvin C. Nordsven Mrs. Ruby Patton Mrs. Norman Pederson Mr. J. Brayton Person Mrs. Helen F. Peters Mrs. Marilyn A. Quanbeck Mrs. Hazel M. Rasmussen Mr. Carl W. Reed Mr. and Mrs. Ronald C. Reichert James and Marilyn Rexin Mr. Wendelin Scherr Mrs. Ella M. Schlundt Mr. David R. Schumm Mr. Larry Seeger Mrs. Nettie M. Storhaug Mrs. Ivy M. Streu Mr. Paul Tiede Robert and Gladys Timmerman Mr. Henry M. Wiik Mr. and Mrs. Roy A. Williams Frank and Mary Ellen Wilson Mrs. Stella J. Wingert Alvin and Fern Wutzke Ryan and Diane Zakopyko Mrs. Grace W. Ziegler

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS

Thomas Rohleder Chairperson Fargo, N.D.

At the Anne Carlsen

Tim Flakoll Fargo, N.D. Joel Fremstad Moorhead, Minn.

Harvey Huber Jamestown, N.D. Bruce Iserman Fargo, N.D. Pat McCullough Edina, Minn.

Robert Montgomery, M.D. Fargo, N.D.

Eric Monson Fargo, N.D. Sue Offutt, Ph.D. Grafton, N.D.

Center, we believe

Janet Seaworth Bismarck, N.D.

deserves to experience

Pat Traynor Fargo, N.D.

lived to its fullest

Reesa Webb Denver, Colo.

our Community

Robert Weiss Shorewood, Minn.

wholehearted support

every individual the richness of life, potential. We thank Partners for their of this mission.

Myra Quanrud, M.D. Ex Officio Jamestown, N.D.

Eight Jamestownarea businesses have partnered with us to

SENIOR MANAGEMENT Dan Howell Chief Executive Officer Marcia Gums Chief Operating Officer

Judy Kulla Chief Financial Officer Margie Johnson Human Resource Director

Dan Kunzman Executive Director— Foundation

THE AMBASSADOR Published by: Anne Carlsen Center 701 3rd St. N.W. Jamestown, ND 58401 1-800-568-5175 www.annecenter.org Brenda Scholten, Editor brenda.scholten@annecenter.org Kalen Ost, Assistant Editor kalen.ost@annecenter.org Paul Johnson, Designer paul@pauljohnsondesign.com The Ambassador is mailed, free of charge, for supporters of the mission and vision of the Anne Carlsen Center.

Notice of Non-Discrimination Policy: Anne Carlsen Center does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age or disability in employment or services.

If you would like to be removed from our mailing list, please call 1-800-568-5175, ext. 167.

On the cover: Steven delivers cookies and brownies made

by ACC students to National Guard members helping keep the ACC Campus safe from floodwaters. Cover Photo by Simone Leigh.

empower individuals affected by developmental disabilities.

Thank you, Community Partners, for helping further the tradition of our namesake, Dr. Anne Carlsen, while raising awareness and support for our vital programs and services.

It’s time for golf!

throughout the day. Golfers can also compete in a $25,000 putting competition and a $20,000 hole-inone contest.

Registration for the Anne Carlsen Center’s 27th Annual Benefit Golf Tournament is scheduled for 8 A.M. Registration forms are available on August 8, 2009, at Jamestown Country Club. A 9 A.M. shotgun start online at www.annecenter.org. signals the start of tournament play. Player registration brochures will also be sent through the mail.

Tickets for this event ($85 per For more information, please person) can be purchased through call 1-800-568-5175.

July 31, but competition is limited to the first 132 paid entries. A meal Proceeds from the event help will be served following the tourna- support the summer camp experience for teens throughout North ment, and prizes will be given

Dakota living with disabilities. This memorable week changes lives forever … providing opportunities to sit around a campfire, take a swim in a lake, or feel the exhilaration of a hay ride—often for the first time in a camper’s life.

Make a Lasting Impact Your generosity helps provide hope and loving support for individuals with disabilities.

I would like to visit with an Anne Carlsen Center representative about: _____ Making a retirement plan gift. _____ Establishing a Charitable Gift Annuity.

Name _____________________________________________________________________ Address ___________________________________________________________________ City, State, Zip _____________________________________________________________ Phone __________________________________________________ ______________ ______ E-mail _____________________________________________________________________ Please return completed request form in the enclosed envelope.

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID FARGO, ND Permit #1159

701 3rd St. N.W. Jamestown, ND 58401-2963

Anna and teacher Connie Harshman water plants in the Center’s solarium with a misting sprayer. The solarium project was completed in 2008 and allows students to interact with nature all year long.