The Ambassador: Winter 2009

For those supporting the mission of the Anne Carlsen Center Winter 2009 www.annecenter.org

Dream comes true for one little girl at the Anne Carlsen Center Page 11

Hope Renewed

A Calling for Chris

Adult with disabilities finds opportunities, purpose in her community.

Page 4

Teenager challenges adversity in journey of hope and success.

Page 12

Tyler and ACC’s Adele Herrington get familiar with Sylvester, one of the largest cats the James River Humane Society cares for.

Michael nuzzles one of the cats at the James River Humane Society during one of his class’s weekly visits.

ACC’s Pat Albrecht cheers Adam on as he prepares to bowl.

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ach day at the Anne Carlsen Center, students learn new skills, reach milestones, and defy the odds. Very often, these achievements take place outside the walls of ACC.

In Jamestown, and in the other communities across North Dakota in which ACC offers services, the children and young adults we support don’t learn in isolation. They are continually engaged in, and playing important roles in, their communities. Each individual enjoys the fulfillment, pride, and sense of belonging that results from these connections.

Coach Troy Duven gives Tyler some pointers during a bowling tournament at Jamestown’s Buffalo Lanes.

Gabby smiles while deciding which fuzzy friend she will take home from ACC’s Fall Festival.

Simona reels in a bag full of prizes at the Fall Festival, held each year in the Center’s auditorium.

Whether donating time and energy at the James River Humane Society or competing in a weekend bowling tournament, our students on the Jamestown Campus learn they have many abilities to offer their community.

When Jamestown Middle School and Anne Carlsen Center students spent a fall afternoon together during ACC’s annual Fall Festival, there was lots of laughter, interaction, and friendships made.

Your community is what you make of it. Each day, the children and young adults served by the Anne Carlsen Center build connections to the communities they can truly call … Home.

Nikki and Coach Melissa Ollie watch one of Nikki’s shots as it travels down the lane.

The bowling balls are sent down a short ramp, instead of being thrown, allowing more people to participate in the tournament.

MESSAGE FROM THE CEO

The Value of C O M M U N I T Y How Christmas Reminds Us All of the Importance of Fellowship The Christmas season is a joyful and meaningful time of year. People are drawn together to celebrate, as they focus on what’s truly important in our busy lives.

Many of these celebrations involve individuals throughout a community, sharing holiday meals, attending Christmas programs and parades, and sprinkling acts of kindness where needed most. The warmth and generosity in our towns and cities is especially palpable this time of year.

At the Anne Carlsen Center, we recognize the important role a community plays in each person’s life—not just during this Christmas season—but throughout the entire year. That’s why many of the services we offer individuals with disabilities and their families are community-based.

On the first two pages of this issue, you saw images of Anne Carlsen Center students engaged in the Jamestown community. Their smiles say it all … whether it’s participating in a bowling tournament or providing care to animals at the James River Humane Society, interacting with the world around them has profound benefits to their growth, development and happiness.

Earlier this year, our students worked with other Jamestown community members to turn the site of the former Orlady building into a beautiful park. It is now a peaceful place for people to stop and relax. We also joined with communities across the state in assisting tornado-devastated Northwood, N.D. The town lost hundreds of century-old trees, and our students held creative fundraisers to help support the major tree-replanting effort.

As we expand our Community Services across North Dakota, we empower individuals to find success where they live. ACC recognizes the joy, dignity, and sense of belonging that come from being an integral member of a community. In cities and in rural areas, we are connecting people to their peers, to vital resources, to volunteer and vocational opportunities, and to their dreams of a higher quality of life.

On page 4, you’ll meet a young woman living in Cooperstown, N.D. The Anne Carlsen Center is working to help 21-year-old Jenny Maertens become more independent and build connections with members of her community.

With our highly-individualized support, she’s gone from being isolated and unproductive to meeting new friends, gaining important skills for the future, and impressing many with her kindness and her talents.

Chris LaCroix, a 17-year-old student with autism on ACC’s Jamestown Campus, is making a big impact in his community. As you’ll see on page 12, Chris is gaining a wide variety of job skills while earning the respect of numerous employers. His parents couldn’t be prouder … and so are we!

All those we serve have skills, energy and talents to contribute to their communities.

The Anne Carlsen Center is honored to provide these vital connections to the individuals we support. Each deserves the joy and the confidence these opportunities provide.

As you celebrate the holidays with family, friends, neighbors and community members, consider how important those relationships are to all individuals. Your gifts make these enriching experiences possible for children and young adults with disabilities.

The thoughtfulness and support of friends like you is a special blessing this Christmas and for Christmases to come. May the season of hope bring you and your loved ones abundant happiness and cherished memories. We are extremely grateful for you.

Merry Christmas,

Dan Howell Chief Executive Officer 2

THE AMBASSADOR

Alex hands out a jar of Anne Carlsen Center salsa purchased during the street fair at Jamestown College.

ACC students reap benefits of their garden with gallons of homemade salsa

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he enticing aroma of onions mixing with green peppers and spices is all the sweeter when you know the secret ingredient.

It isn’t anything you’ll find in a cookbook or anything that you can buy. It is the sprinkling of smiles, a dash of love, and a heaping spoonful of accomplishment.

Once a small production, the making of homemade salsa at the Anne Carlsen Center (ACC) has sprouted as the Center’s garden has grown. This year, more than 500 jars of salsa were made between two classrooms—the highest production so far for ACC. The jars vary in size from pint to quart. Students and staff combined to make just over 100 gallons of the savory condiment.

“Every year we try to make it better,” said teacher Corby Maddock, who is in charge of the garden curriculum along with fellow teacher Mary Lewis.

ACC students fill jar after jar for six weeks in the fall, but the process starts much earlier. It takes planting the seeds, tending to the plot throughout the summer, and harvesting the vegetables before making a wide array of tortilla chip accompaniment.

A variety of flavors is available to satisfy any palate. If you take your salsa slightly tart, then Lime Cilantro may be your choice, while the Hawaiian flavor offers a sweeter option. There is another recipe with garlic, and a hearty Mean Bean recipe, as well as the traditional mild version.

Nikki removes the seeds from a green pepper by tapping the vegetable against a plate.

The salsa project is one that may no longer be limited to once a year.

Now that the solarium has been completed, vegetables may be grown year-round. The solarium played a huge role in helping this year’s salsa season, as students could raise plants right away in the spring and not have to wait for the snow to melt.

The educational applications for this fun project are endless.

Planting and growing vegetables stresses basics of biology, while giving ACC students access to the outdoors. Turning the produce into food is a hands-on way to learn home economics. Finally, the jars of salsa are sold, teaching students the basics of business math.

The classroom benefits are many, but the underlying fact is … it’s a pretty good time for the kids.

Chris mixes ingredients in a large kettle to keep the salsa from burning.

“Yeah, I like it. I do,” said an excited Tyler DeMaine, one of the Center’s students. “I like cooking and being in the garden.”

So when you buy your jar or jars of salsa, remember to look for that special ingredient inside each one. You won’t be able to see it, but you’ll certainly be able to taste it.

THE AMBASSADOR

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I

t was an exciting time for a social, outgoing young woman. Jenny Maertens had just graduated from high school. But anticipation was quickly replaced by frustration.

When Jenny graduated this past May, she was no longer a child with a disability—she was an adult with a disability. This meant there were limited age-appropriate programs or services available for the 21-year-old in her hometown of Cooperstown.

The choices presented to her and her family were not that appealing.

Jenny could move away from her mom, her dad, a handful of siblings, a grandma, and the only community she had ever known, or remain in Cooperstown and receive no help.

“She was on a waiting list for a group home in Valley City for years,” explained Jenny’s mom, Sharon.

“With nothing opening up as far as a group home, what was she going to do? There is nothing available here because we live in a small town.

So, basically, she would sit at home while we were at work.”

Jenny was born with a cognitive disability. Though she possesses wonderful qualities and many abilities that allow her to perform a wide variety of tasks, she does require some assistance.

The family did have some help as Jenny’s grandmother lived next door. This gave Jenny a place to stay where there was supervision during the day. But staying with her grandma was not a viable longterm option. Many days were spent in front of the television or computer.

Jenny wasn’t productive, wasn’t spending time with people her own age, and wasn’t getting the kind of specific care she required.

Getting Help A meeting in May—attended by Jenny’s special education director, Mary Stammen, and staff from the Anne Carlsen Center—proved to be life-changing for Jenny.

“The Anne Carlsen Center was at the meeting and telling people

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about their outreach program,” said Stammen. “The next day I called them and told them I have a woman who is in need of adult services. They got in touch with Jenny’s parents and, in a very short while, put together living and working schedules that were very satisfying for the family.”

“Jenny’s mom expressed a desire for apartment living,” said Gina Horgan, a Family Resource Coordinator with the Anne Carlsen Center. “She had been told that wasn’t possible and that her daughter was going to live in group homes.”

In some regards, Jenny’s situation may have been easier if she required more highly-specialized care. Had she qualified for those services, she might have been able to receive help right away. Instead, it was determined that Jenny would function well in a group-care setting.

Unfortunately, there were no other individuals with similar needs in the immediate area.

Putting the Pieces into Place Jenny has a larger-than-life personality. She seeks out conversation and connections with other people.

Her mother says that was the most discouraging part about her daughter’s situation. Jenny is someone who could create a fulfilling life, if just given the chance.

“It is fun working right now,” said Jenny. “Oh yeah, it is really fun.

I make coffee and do towels and washcloths. And I walk the dogs and lots of stuff.”

“Now she is living in her home community and has a lot of support,” said Stammen. “That is all very good for her.”

ACC staff met with Jenny and her family at the end of August, crafting schedules that would play to the young adult’s strengths and

get her involved in her community.

ACC Community Program Coordinator Laurie Skadsem visited businesses in Cooperstown and found a variety of employers eager to work with Jenny.

“Jenny has several volunteer opportunities in Cooperstown—for example at the nursing home,” Skadsem said. “She goes to each room there, knocks on the door, and then goes in and changes out towels and washcloths. She sets up the coffee area at one of the banks in town. She has the ability to do a variety of tasks at the various businesses.”

“I tried adding incentives at each business and, of course, social interaction,” Skadsem added. “At the nursing home, if she finishes with the towels and washcloths by 11 A.M., Jenny joins the exercise group there. Then from 11:30 A.M. to 1 P.M., she makes her own lunch, cleans up, and gets ready for her afternoon schedule.”

“We try to work with a client’s strengths and preferences,” said Horgan. “Jennifer likes animals, for example, so we put her in contact with a veterinarian office, and she walks dogs there each morning.”

“The program is individualized,” Skadsem said. “We don’t say we’ll make a program only in Jamestown.

We say, ‘Where do you live?’”

The final piece of the puzzle fell into place when Amber Olson was considered to be Jenny’s Life Skills Assistant (LSA). (continued on page 6)

ACC Opens Doors of Opportunity for Cooperstown Woman

Jenny Maertens and her LSA Amber Olson look through books and movies at the library.

THE AMBASSADOR

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Jenny selects towels from a closet while at her apartment. She visits the apartment during the day to rest between activities and learn new skills.

Jenny spreads frosting over a cake. With supervision, she is able to bake at her apartment. (continued from page 4)

LSAs assist someone in performing everyday tasks, and they administer health and personal cares during therapeutic, educational, vocational, recreational and leisure activities.

“I help individuals get to know their community and communities to get to know individuals,” said Olson.

Olson, who graduated from high school with Jenny’s older sister before earning a bachelor’s degree in nutrition, was living in Cooperstown and had just been hired by ACC in August. She was planning to move to Jamestown to cut down on the commute, but when the opportunity to work with Jenny was created, that all changed. Amber could now work for ACC and remain in Cooperstown.

“It is a great program—I fully believe in it,” said Olson. “With it, you don’t have to uproot anyone from their community. And you can tell the community is 100-percent behind Jenny. When they see her, they always smile and say hi and ask her how it is going. They are thrilled.”

“Amber is spectacular,” said Sharon.

“She cares about Jennifer, and she is so amazing.”

Olson also gets approval from the most important person in the process—Jenny.

“Oh yeah, Amber is a good person,” said Jenny. “We do a lot of work and play during breaks. We play some card games or talk.”

A Life with a Living Space With Jenny’s support team in place, her family found an apart6

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ment for rent. The space is all Jenny’s, and is a kind of reward for all of her hard work. During the day she goes to various places in Cooperstown, spending her time volunteering and interacting. Time is built into each day in which she can visit her apartment to enjoy some downtime or, with Amber’s assistance, learn important skills such as cooking and cleaning.

Furnishing Jenny’s apartment became much easier when a thrift store, run in conjunction with the Special Education program in Portland, N.D., gave Jenny a hand.

“Amber and Jennifer took a trip to Portland, and Jennifer got to go through the store and pick out what she wanted,” said Sharon.

“Jennifer was so excited once she and Amber got the stuff put up in the apartment. She just walked around and said, ‘What do you think, Mom? What do you think?’

She was so excited about all the things she had gotten.”

Jenny’s church also celebrated the new apartment, throwing her an apartment shower in October.

The church is just one of many organizations in Cooperstown that have welcomed Jenny’s hard work and accepted her as a productive member of their community.

“The community itself has been so open to Jennifer,” said Sharon.

“She has so many places where she can work, and that has been very heart-warming. All of the businesses are so open to her coming there.”

Although many of the changes in Jennifer’s life have been positive, not every day is perfect.

“There were a few bumps along the way. I’m here to guide her and push her a little bit when she needs it,” said Olson. “But we have worked through it. She knows that number one, I’m here for her and that she can always come to me and ask me questions.”

Looking to the Future Jenny’s parents hope eventually their daughter can live with a roommate, though she will probably always require a certain amount of support. However, having a roommate would allow her a greater measure of independence during evenings and weekends.

And hopefully, this success story acts as a springboard for others.

“I’m very, very pleased with the staff support. It has been wonderful,” said Sharon of the ACC staff.

“They have really made it feel like getting Jennifer in a program is a high priority. I hope Jennifer is cutting a path for others. It is so valuable for her as a person. They have really done something, and with the community being so open, I have to give Cooperstown a lot of credit, too.”

A chance at a productive, fulfilling life is something the Center believes is every individual’s right.

“Every kid at her age is expected to leave home and branch out on their own,” added Sharon. “The Anne Carlsen Center is giving Jennifer the ability to do that, just like anyone else.”

G I V E N

I N

M E M O R Y

The impact each of us can have on this world is far from finite. When our earthly lives end, our values, passions and hopes can continue to reach out and touch lives.

The Anne Carlsen Center is blessed each year with gifts received in memory of people who have passed away.

Memorial gifts help the Center fund projects that enrich the lives of our students.

Over the years, donations have helped pay for additions such as our therapeutic

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swimming pool, accessible playground equipment and vans, and the sensory motor area.

By giving to the Center in honor of a loved one, you connect that special person with a very special place—a place that has helped create fulfillment, joy and progress in the lives of individuals with disabilities.

Memorials gifted between July 1, 2008 and September 30, 2008:

Given By

In Memory Of

Given By

In Memory Of

Given By

In Memory Of

James and Linda Kimball Mr. Robert W. Martinson Mrs. Linette Korman Mrs. Dolores Landblom C. William and Patricia Dennert Mrs. Linette Korman C. William and Patricia Dennert Mrs. LaVerne M. Bengtson Mrs. Naomi G. Nielsen Mr. Robert W. Martinson Mrs. Geraldine Badinger Karter and Vernis Krogh Oliver and Joyce Anderson Eldon and Clara Jo Conant Richard and Josephine Beitzel Mrs. Delores B. Benson Ms. Judy L. Kulla Mrs. DiAnn Loll Alvin and Janet Arstein Mr. Robert W. Martinson James and Linda Kimball Mrs. Margery A. Fetsch Mrs. Beva C. Stringer Mr. Thomas A. Heie Gerald and Elenore Borstad Gerald and Elenore Borstad Dean and Patricia Bahr Norman and Donna Lorentzsen Mrs. Jane Y. Kulla Roger and Joan Hoovestol Mrs. Eileen Grage B. Martin and Betty Jo Gray S. Eugene and Jan Bundy James and Linda Kimball Mrs. Elda Brunsch Mrs. Edna L. Anderson L. Don and Nancy Stanger Mrs. Phyllis B. Andersland Mrs. Loretta M. Brown Rev. David R. Halaas and Rev. Lorna H. Halaas Mrs. Berdella Johnson Mr. James O. Nelson Mrs. Swanhild M. Morrison Rodney and Joanne Tennyson Mrs. Fern A. Olson Clifford and Velma Martin Morris and Edna Mae Erickson Ernest and Neva Miessel Mrs. Lucille A. Rotz Robert and Vivian Baribeau Richard and Linda Mc Bride Mr. Robert W. Martinson Orvis and Alphie Pearson Mrs. Dorthea E. Melroe Ms. Jeanette K. Flaagan Mark and Rachel Coppin Mark and Rachel Coppin Mrs. Helen McCormack Mrs. Helen McCormack Ms. Kathleen K. Cornell Mrs. Dorothy B. Crandall Mrs. Muriel Christopherson Gary and Mary Ann Engebretson Mr. Robert W. Martinson Gerald and Aileen Behm

James Anderson Marcia Anderson Geneva Anderson Magdalyn H. "Lee" Anderson Lois L. Anderson Dorine Apanian Steven Askin Joyce D. Aune Todd Bachman Ruth Backman Leo Badinger Katie D. Bakkum Lorraine E. Barr Lorraine E. Barr Christian H. Beitzel Allan Benson Troy E. Bentz Allen Berndt Alice M. Bernhagen Kathy Bernstein Ernest Bjergaard Donald Bjornstad Cleon and Mae Blackburn Ethel M. Boller Bill M. Borstad Charles W. Borstad Dorothy A. Braun John and Clara Broten Jasper E. Brown Ruby Bruington Russell Bueling Russell Bueling Dane A. Bundy Gordon L. Burau Gloria Buskness Ralph Byers Albert Carlsen Dr. Anne H. Carlsen Dr. Anne H. Carlsen

Mrs. Marilyn Garrelts Dale and Marian Western Ray and Peggy Wicklander Mrs. Juanita J. Dura James and Judy Engstrom Mrs. Ruby M. DeLair Mr. Robert W. Martinson Duane and Judith Dehne Mrs. DiAnn Loll Mrs. Joyce S. Rudel Mrs. Helen McCormack Margaret and Julie Verplancke Gordon and Ida Mae Smith Mr. Robert W. Martinson Matt and Jeri Caspers C. William and Patricia Dennert Mrs. Merna Treeby Mr. Robert W. Martinson Mrs. Alice C. Nelson Ms. Elaine M. Bugzavich Ervin and Beverly Ennis Ms. Eileen M. Findlay Lyle and Carole Lee Ernest and Neva Miessel Ms. Valora L. Okland Wayne and Judy Wahl Mrs. Agnes Entzminger Ms. Ione J. Quenzer C. William and Patricia Dennert Hubert and Joan Blegen Byron and Ardyce Ellingson Ms. Rose Ringenberg Mr. Jerome D. Holand Mrs. Donna L. Espeseth Ms. Esther R. Grabanski Mr. Marvin A. Evenson Mr. Dennis L. Anderson Mr. Kenneth D. Fandrey Mr. Dennis L. Anderson Mr. and Mrs. Leslie P. Sorenson Lloyd and Jeri Sorenson Dean and Sylvia Fatland Mr. Sam A. Kleinsasser Bob and Sandra Taylor Mrs. Mary Ellen Kulla James and Marcia Gums Robert and Bette Johnson Duane and Mary Ann Moderow Grant and Donna Schmidt Ivar and Margarete Skurdal Mr. Robert W. Martinson Mrs. Noreen Fraase Kermit and Arlys Sorby Mrs. Marilyn Garrelts Mr. Virgil H. Fredricks Mr. Leslie Fritz C. William and Patricia Dennert Mrs. Marilyn F. Galazen L. Don and Nancy Stanger Ms. Shirley Jensvold Mrs. Lorraine Kirschenmann Richard and Helene Anderson Mrs. Catherine V. Goggin Eldon and Clara Jo Conant Mrs. Glenna Mae E. Larson Mr. Robert W. Martinson Mr. Robert W. Martinson

Duane Dallmann LaVerne K. Danielson Rose Danielson John Dardis Dorothy J. Darling Ed David Thomas D. Davis Sr. David Dehne Lester Deike Art Digby Lucille Dostert Eddie Dschaak Dallas Dyke Casper L. Eckert Betty J. Elsen Betty J. Elsen Betty J. Elsen Raymond Emineth Marjorie E. Engebretson Don Ennis Don Ennis Don Ennis Don Ennis Don Ennis Don Ennis Don Ennis Bernett Entzminger David Enyart Alan E. Erickson Albina E. Erickson Albina E. Erickson Albina E. Erickson Ron Erickson Vernon Espeseth Vernon Espeseth Barbara A. Evenson Herbert L. Ewals Lurline D. Fandrey Marcus Farden Vicky Farroh Vicky Farroh Jan M. Fatland Karen Fike Karen Fike Peder Florhaug Melita A. Fossum Melita A. Fossum Melita A. Fossum Melita A. Fossum Jean Foster Helen A. Fox Bruce Fraase Bruce Fraase Esther Frederick Mildred Fredricks Ollie Fritz Mary Fulker Paul B. Galazen Clark Gardner Veronica Gaukler Lorriane Geiszler Dora Glimsdahl Patrick Goggin Joel Goplen Joel Goplen Irene Grosz Anna R. Gruman

Eldon and Clara Jo Conant Oscar and Joanne Clapper Mrs. Aletha I. Vossler Dale and Bev Brunsch Mrs. Dorothy M. Halvorson Gerald and Donna Collins Wenzel and Florence Soland Mr. Allan W. Hankel Mrs. Margaret Trondson Mrs. Eileen Grage Ms. Georgia Grinaker Larry and Evelyn Hennings Mrs. Naomi G. Nielsen Neil and Lucy Hashbarger Mrs. Carol R. Hasse Mrs. Elizabeth Hatter Mr. Robert W. Martinson George and Erliss Schmid Mrs. Grace Hazlewood Gerald and Donna Collins Ms. Bernice Bromberg Ms. Mary L. Bane Mr. Robert W. Martinson Mr. Robert W. Martinson Charles and Eileen Erickson Mr. Jason Matthews James and Judy Engstrom Mrs. Gladys Bjorneby Ms. Sheryl Landis Lyle and Harriet Anderson Ms. Shirley Jensvold David and Faye Bernstein Ms. Marcia Hoplin Mrs. Muriel Hoplin Ms. Harriet E. Olson Ms. Mary J. St. Clair Byron and Ardyce Ellingson Lynn and Jeanette Kieper Mrs. Mabel S. Usina C. William and Patricia Dennert Mrs. Elise T. Jacobson Mrs. Margie K. Jansen C. William and Patricia Dennert Eldon and Clara Jo Conant Orvis and Alphie Pearson James and Judy Engstrom Mrs. Marjorie A. Johnson Mrs. Ruby M. DeLair Mrs. Joyce S. Rudel Mrs. MarJean Schauer Mrs. Helen McCormack Rev. and Mrs. Richard W. Miller Glenn and Connie Schwinkendorf Clayton and Nancy Kelling Mrs. Dolores Landblom C. William and Patricia Dennert Arnold and Joyce Roorda Dave and Kay Krueger Randy and Linda Myhra Thomas and Linda Berge Tex and Lynn Kraig Mr. and Mrs. Gene Fischer Kevin and Kathleen Vetter Mr. Robert W. Martinson Wenzel and Florence Soland Martin and Rhoda Huber

Chuck Gruman Mitch Guenther Bernice F. Gunderson Terry Hafner Kenneth Halvorson James A. Hamano Roger Hammond Luella A. Hankel Johnny L. Hansen Allen Hanson Henry Hanson Henry Hanson Eileen Harrison Kelley N. Hashbarger Clarence Hasse Russell Hatter Alpha Haug Ansel M. Haukness Ross Hazlewood Kyle A. Hedquist Howard W. Henderson John Henderson Esther Henke Donald Herbel James M. Hickey Lydia Hilz Marian Hofstrand Heather R. Holder Lois Holfs Arnold Hornseth Arnold Hornseth Nancy Howery Ruth A. Huettl Ruth A. Huettl Ruth A. Huettl Kenneth E. Hukriede Douglas E. Hvinden Abigail F. Ilecki Eugene Irion Paul R. Jacobs Sr. Leon Jacobson William Jansen DeWayne L. Jeschke Agnes A. Johnson Marshall Johnson Lois A. Johnson Arnie Johnson Herb Johnson Adelle Joos Adelle Joos Mary T. Karhoff Paula K. Kehrer

Dr. Anne H. Carlsen Dr. Anne H. Carlsen Dr. Anne H. Carlsen Clarence Carlson Clarence Carlson Delpha R. Catto Lyle Chesley Kenneth Christensen Warren Christianson Mark Christianson Ralph N. Christianson June A. Clark Eileen Clifford Don Colby Albert Cole Dom Colotti Greta Coppin Nicole E. Coppin Hilda Cornelius Duane J. Cornelius Wanda Jean Cornell Lawrence Crandall Bernice Dahl Bernice Dahl Eugene Dahl Patricia A. Dahlin

Gene Keigley Ervin L. Kelling Phyllis L. Kelly Alma Keszler Myrtle E. Kiser Dick Klaseus Emma Klimpel Robert E. Krogen Roger D. Kudelka Clara Kuhlmann Kingston D. Kuntz Howard Kvam Elmer E. Lachowitzer Cody W. Lahr

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Charitable Gift Annuities Allow You to Receive as You Give

It’s often been said that it’s better to give than to receive.

So is receiving as you give … as good as it gets?

T

“Another benefit North Dakota residents receive is the hrough Charitable Gift Annuities 40 percent tax credit from a current-year CGA. That (CGAs)—a common donation practice would be $4,000 on a $10,000 CGA. The tax credit can that dates back to 1843 in the United be spread over a three-year period as well. Our miniStates—donors can reap a wide variety of mum gift annuity starts at $5,000. With available benefits. These benefits include the ease in resources to guarantee a donor’s return, we don’t have creating the CGA and the ensured return of money over a ceiling on the amount that can your lifetime. By donating to your be used.” favorite non-profit organization, To learn more about Charitable such as the Anne Carlsen Center The benefits continue to roll (ACC), a donor helps ensure the Gift Annuities, please fill out the in for a donor, as he or she will continuation of vital services for request form on the inside of the receive a payment—the annuindividuals in need. back cover and send it to us in ity—for as long as they live. The the enclosed envelope. payments received by the beneA CGA is an agreement between ficiary are partially ordinary a donor and non-profit organizaAdditional information about income, partially capital gain, tion in which you give assets to CGAs, as well as other methods of and partially tax-free income. the organization in exchange for donating to ACC, can be found at These tax benefits are immediits promise to pay one or two www.annecenter.org. Once there, ate, and factor into the income annuitants payments for life. click on the Foundation tab. Select equation for the year in which Annuity rates are higher for money is donated to a non-profit “Ways to Give” on the left side of older annuitants and lower for organization, such as the ACC. younger annuitants, based on life the Foundation page. expectancy. The rates, recommended “Right now, donors benefit from by the American Council on Gift the security of a CGA, along Annuities, are redetermined periodically. with a secure source of income at a rate they might not otherwise find in a more conventional source, such “There are several reasons why CGAs are so popular,” as savings accounts, money markets, or a certificate says Stacey Tronson, the vice president and trust officer of deposit,” says Tronson. “Charitable giving is such at Fargo’s First International Bank and Trust. “It is a valuable tool in an individual’s financial planning common knowledge they are a simple investment for toolbox. The CGA allows the donor to potentially avoid donors to become involved with. They have both income capital gain and receive a charitable deduction.” and estate tax ramifications and, at the same time, there is the satisfaction of doing a great thing for others.”

“As the end of the year approaches, more and more people are looking at tax deductions like the ones “With declining CD rates, I am seeing many donors available through CGAs,” says Nannenga. “There are use a CGA as an income source for life, as well as a so many benefits, both financial and emotional, to setcurrent and future tax deduction,” says Shelley ting up a charitable gift to the Anne Carlsen Center.

Nannenga, the Center’s Planned Giving Specialist.

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Not only are you taking care of your own finances, you are helping to make possible so many wonderful things, for so many deserving children at the Center.”

CGAs can also be created to benefit a donor’s spouse or child. While the rate of return is not as high as a one-life annuity, the return guarantees a loved one will receive money after the donor is gone. Before making any donation decisions, you should meet with your financial advisor to determine how much money you are able to give and the tax benefits you can expect.

Nannenga is ready to help you set up an annuity that will provide you and your family with a secure return, as well as a number of fun and enriching opportunities for children and adults with disabilities. She can be reached toll free at 1-800-568-5175 (ext. 109) or by e-mail at shelley.nannenga@annecenter.org.

Your donations to the Anne Carlsen Center will help guarantee that individuals with disabilities continue to receive first-rate education, therapy and medical care. Because of your commitment, students enjoy hayrides and sunsets at summer camp, experience the joy of digging in the garden, savor the warmth of the sun in our solarium, and get spiritual nourishment in chapel and Vacation Bible School.

Your gift is much more than a financial commitment—it is a promise of hope and a pledge for a bright future for individuals of all abilities.

Margaret Van Eeckhout was one of the largest donors in ACC history.

During her lifetime, she gave major gifts to a total of 11 non-profit organizations.

A Lifetime of Giving Bottineau Woman Touches Many Lives with Passion for Philanthropy Her kindness and gentle laughter were rays of sunshine to those who knew her. A talented conversationalist, Margaret Van Eeckhout was truly a “people person” who found joy in spending time with and showing compassion toward others.

The Bottineau, N.D., woman passed away on October 11, 2008, at the age of 99. But it wasn’t her longevity that made Margaret’s life remarkable—it was the commendable way in which she lived each of her days.

The woman who brightened the lives of her friends and family extended that same warmth and sincerity to thousands who would never know her. Over the years, Margaret made major financial contributions to eleven non-profit organizations across the Midwest.

The Anne Carlsen Center (ACC) was among the recipients of her generosity.

“She loved children,” says Shelley Nannenga, ACC Planned Giving Specialist. “As a former teacher, she realized the importance of what we do at the Center to enrich the lives of the students.”

Margaret established her first Charitable Gift Annuity (CGA) with ACC in 1997. Over the years, she established a total of nine annuities with the Center and was one of the largest donors in ACC history.

A Foundation of Faith Margaret, who never had any children of her own, had a deep desire to help improve young lives. She provided more than financial support to the child-oriented charities she supported. She also delighted in giving handmade gifts and knitted hundreds of winter hats for underprivileged children across the Midwest.

When her hands weren’t knitting, they were often holding her lovingly-worn Bible.

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“She talked about her faith often,” says Dale Van Eckhout, one of Margaret’s nephews. “She always had her Bible by her favorite chair. She watched Mass on television every single day. It was such an important part of her life.”

Hard Times, Hard Work Margaret was born on February 23, 1909, in Jackson County, Minn., one of 14 children in the McGhan family. When Margaret was six years old, the McGhans moved to Souris, N.D., where the family homesteaded. Passionate about working with children, Margaret later attended Minot State Teachers College and taught in rural schools for three years.

In 1932, she married Emil Van Eeckhout, who lived in the neighborhood she was teaching in. The couple made their home in Guthrie, N.D., until the Dust Bowl struck, and with it, hard times. Emil sold fuel to farmers, and with widespread farm foreclosures and low commodity prices, everyone connected to the farm industry suffered.

“They packed up everything they owned, loaded it up in a hay wagon, and moved to Osakis, Minnesota,” recalls Dale.

In Osakis, the couple operated a filling station for a short time and later purchased the Osakis Grocery Store. A hard worker, Margaret helped keep the store running smoothly. When Emil entered the army during WWII and went overseas, Margaret went back to teaching.

Emil returned home in 1945, and the couple bought a small farm near Osakis. They farmed that land for 45 years.

“My aunt was very hard working,” Dale says with pride. “She made all of her clothes. She sewed everything. But what impressed me the most was how caring and Christ-centered she was. She was always thinking of others.”

The couple retired in 1991 and moved to Drake, N.D. Emil passed away four years later. For Margaret, the

Congress Allows Retirement Rollovers Through 2009 Congress recently passed legislation expanding the benefits of Investment Retirement Account (IRA) Charitable Rollovers. This legislation allows donors who are at least 701/2 years old to make a direct transfer of up to $100,000 from an IRA to a charity in one year. This rollover opportunity will be available through 2009.

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Margaret McGhan and Emil Van Eeckhout were married in Bottineau, N.D., in 1932. Like many during The Great Depression, they struggled to make a living.

loss was deeply felt.

The former school teacher honored her husband’s life by pouring her energy and love into a number of charities, including ACC. An Angel to ACC Margaret established her first annuity with the Anne Carlsen Center in 1997, beginning more than a decade of making a major impact on the lives of children with disabilities.

“Margaret was such an amazing woman—she got so much strength from her faith,” says Nannenga. “I always appreciated how genuine she was. She often made me chuckle; I really enjoyed her perspective on life.”

Life had taught Margaret a lot of lessons, including the importance of putting a lot of thought and planning into financial matters.

“With each annuity, she received income and a tax deduction,” Nannenga explains. “Margaret would call me when she was ready to set up another annuity.

She got a lot of satisfaction from knowing that those annuities help us carry out our mission of empowering children and young adults with disabilities.”

The Anne Carlsen Center fondly remembers the compassionate spirit of Margaret Van Eeckhout— a remarkable woman who spent nearly a century on this earth, touching countless lives with the depths of her generosity, faith and love.

The Two Largest Benefits of IRA Charitable Rollovers: • Using retirement funds for charitable giving means having control over how your money is used. Making charitable gifts from your IRA lowers your taxable income and allows you to determine what your money will support.

• Often times, the taxes resulting from IRA distributions are significant when these retirement funds are passed on to heirs. In contrast, giving to a charity lessens a donor’s personal tax obligation. Because charitable organizations are not taxed, when donors make the decision to contribute to a charity, 100 percent of that money goes directly to the organization.

ACC Makes Dream Come True for Young Girl Her sovereignty is a little smile, wavy hair, and deep blue eyes.

After just seconds in her presence, you will likely know her captivating power.

Arianna is four-and-a-half years old and has spent much of her life at the Anne Carlsen Center (ACC). She came to ACC when she was about six months old and has been capturing hearts ever since.

But not all of Arianna’s life is a fairy tale. This little girl is medically fragile, and there are constant challenges she overcomes in order to go to class each weekday morning and to live her life. She is a fighter with immeasurable spirit.

She loves books, toys, movies—anything, really— about princesses. Her fondness of Cinderella, Belle and Ariel planted the seed for Arianna’s magical day.

Setting the Stage Initially, plans had been made to take Arianna to Disney World. But with the little girl’s health often in flux, staff decided to bring an unforgettable experience to her. They would bring the wonder of being a princess to the Center.

Planning for the event started over the summer.

Sharon Olson, Arianna’s Special Education teacher at the Center, contacted Mrs. North Dakota, Tricia Seckerson of Jamestown. Seckerson in turn contacted royalty from around the state. In all, 13 royalty—from rodeo princesses to homecoming queens—participated in Arianna’s special day.

“It is every little girl’s dream to be a princess,” said Seckerson. “That dream came true for me, and I want to make another little girl’s dream come true.”

A Royal Event The morning started with the princess selecting her royal attire—a blue dress. The decision was a good one, creating much excitement amongst the bustling attendees who began applying Arianna’s makeup.

Everything needed to be just so, and when the final dash of sparkle—a tiara and wand—had been added to the little girl’s attire, the parade could begin.

With a pair of Great Pyrenees leading the way, Arianna was every inch a royal figure as she completed a loop through the Center.

Above, Princess Arianna has lipstick applied, as she prepares for her Very Important Princess event.

Led by a pair of Great Pyrenees, Princess Arianna parades down one of the hallways at the Anne Carlsen Center.

It was during the parade when Sheila Dewey, Arianna’s Individual Program Coordinator, saw the little girl for the first time that day.

“I saw her in her carriage, at the head of the parade. She was smiling and looking beautiful,” said Dewey. “I was fighting tears and covered them up by doing a curtsey.” “(At the parade) you saw classes dressed in Renaissance attire, and it was very festive,” said Olson. “Not only classrooms, but the people who work in offices, too.”

Finishing the parade in the Center’s solarium, (Assistive Technology Director) King Mark (Coppin) from the Land of Butterflies proclaimed the day to be Arianna’s.

From there, the ensemble moved to the newly-renovated Sunroom for a tea party. At the head of the table was Princess Arianna, seated with friends at a glamorous event, eating goodies and opening presents.

“It was not only a wonderful, beautiful memory for her, but for all of her friends, too,” said Dewey.

Sadie Duven, one of the young ladies in attendance nodded shyly when asked if she had enjoyed the day.

The cake was the best part, she said—it was a princess cake, after all.

An hour and a half of parades, wand waving, and taking tea had taken its toll on Arianna, though certainly not her smile. She was a Very Important Princess. And she was just minutes away from a well-deserved royal nap.

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Teen rises above adversity in preparation for adulthood This is the final story in a series of articles The Ambassador has shared in 2008 about one teenager’s experiences with autism, the fastest-growing developmental disability in the United States. Chris LaCroix has overcome significant obstacles on the path toward greater independence. Now beginning his third year as a student at the Anne Carlsen Center, Chris and his accomplishments are getting noticed … and providing hope for a happy and productive future.

It’s 11:30 A.M. and the mouth-watering aroma of cheese and pepperoni fills the air. At Domino’s Pizza in Jamestown, N.D., half a dozen employees keep busy taking orders, spreading toppings, and sliding discs of delectably-covered dough into an enormous oven.

When each pizza is finished baking, it’s tucked into an appropriately-sized box—and chances are, on this day, into a box assembled by Chris LaCroix, a 17-year-old student at the Anne Carlsen Center (ACC). In less than an hour, Chris has folded 230 pizza boxes— a contribution he makes every Tuesday at this Jamestown business.

“He is very energetic and very focused,” says Frank Jensen, owner/franchisee of Jamestown’s Domino’s. “We all fold boxes too, but without Chris, we’d have to fold a lot more. He never quits.”

And there are others benefitting from Chris’ hard work and determination. As part of ACC’s vocational training program, Chris spends time each week at two other Jamestown businesses, as well as an area church. He stocks shelves at Loaf N’ Jug, preps hotel rooms for housekeeping staff at Comfort Inn, and collects friendship rosters at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church.

Previously, Chris washed lunch trays, rolled silverware, and shredded documents.

The contributions Chris is making in the Jamestown community are significant.

Even more impressive is how far Chris has come in order to perform successfully in each of these settings.

Chris has autism, a complex neurobiological disorder that impairs an individual’s ability to communicate and relate to others. Today, one in 150 individuals is diagnosed with autism. One in 94 boys is on the autism spectrum.

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Chris’ parents noticed the signs early on and sought help.

That early intervention helped reduce some of the challenges associated with the condition. Yet, there have been major struggles and heartaches. Over the years, Chris has had difficulties with communication—verbal and non-verbal— and with social interactions. He has exhibited physical over-activity, self-abusive behaviors, tantrums, obsessive attachment to objects, and low tolerance for abrupt changes.

Since becoming a student at the Anne Carlsen Center in December 2006, Chris has made significant strides in many areas. Staff members have used a highly-individualized program to help Chris become more comfortable and compatible with his environment—whether that environment is the classroom or the community.

A Community Life for Chris Much of the time Chris spends in the community is as a job trainee, and he is steadily learning the appropriate behaviors and work habits for each job site. His vocational trainer at the Center, Renee Spitzer, has worked closely with Chris for the last two years, helping him learn a variety of social and job skills that will carry over into adulthood.

“The more he understands, the more comfortable he is,” says Spitzer. “He should be a very employable young man because he has a lot of skills. He will gain even more.”

That is encouraging for Chris’ parents, Arlene and Jerry LaCroix of Bottineau, N.D. “Chris needs to have a job that can get him satisfaction each day of his life,” says Jerry. “We don’t want him just sitting in a room watching television. He has so much to offer the world.”

Every Tuesday, Chris folds more than 200 pizza boxes at Domino’s in Jamestown. As a reward for his hard work, he was able to treat his parents to a pizza dinner.

For most of Chris’ childhood, encounters with the outside world had brought pain and disappointment.

“Sometimes, when we’d go places, Chris would have a meltdown,” Arlene remembers. “People didn’t understand that something in Chris’ environment had caused him to act that way. They would never see him for who he really was. It hurt when some people said things like, ‘There are places for kids like that’ or ‘You’re too soft on him.’”

Because of the difficulties Chris often had in public places, the LaCroixs tried to meet as many of Chris’ needs as possible at home.

“Before, only his mom had cut his hair,” explains Michele Well, ACC’s Director of Education. “Chris was very afraid of the unknown.

Eventually, when we gained his trust, he let us cut his hair in the classroom. The next step was to go to a stylist in Jamestown, and Chris did really well.”

Now, it’s more than just trips to the stylist that have become routine. Along with his classmates, Chris has dined at restaurants, shopped for groceries, gone to movies, and volunteered at the James River Humane Society. With the guidance of ACC staff, he has learned to handle most any situation in public, which has became readily apparent—and appreciated—during visits home.

“He’s calm when you take him out into the community,” says Jerry. “It’s reassuring to see Chris living in the world instead of being afraid of it.” (continued on next page) THE AMBASSADOR

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Chris has had a chance to hone his leadership and organizational skills. Last school year, he was elected treasurer of the ACC Student Council. This November, he ran a successful campaign for the office of secretary.

“It’s amazing how far he’s come,” says Patrick Kellam, one of Chris’ classroom teachers. “There is room for improvement, but he has made such a big leap in the last two years. It makes you wonder what will happen in the next two, since he’s already made so much progress.”

It was a dream fulfilled when Chris was confirmed in November at The Basilica of St. James in Jamestown. His parents, Arlene and Jerry, were beaming with pride throughout the entire ceremony.

Reaping the Rewards One of the most memorable experiences happened over the summer, when the LaCroixs were able to attend a sporting event together—for the first time in many years. Chris’ younger brother, Mark, was playing in a baseball tournament. Before, either Jerry or Arlene would have had to stay at home with Chris. A baseball game would have been too overwhelming for Chris; the sensory overload likely causing outbursts of negative behavior. But on this occasion, Mark’s parents and his big brother were there to support him and cheer him on.

People who recognized Chris approached him to say hello, some pausing to give him a celebratory high five. It was a day the LaCroixs say they will always remember.

And while they have enjoyed watching Chris become more accepted in the community, one of their biggest dreams for Chris has been to see him acknowledged in the community of the church.

“It’s something we have always worked for,” says Arlene. “But when we went to church, Chris would scream or stand up in the middle of the service. We’d go home and feel defeated.”

On Nov. 16, that all changed. Chris, along with three other ACC students, was confirmed at The Basilica of St. James in Jamestown. Calm throughout the entire confirmation ceremony, he looked confident as he took a major step in his journey of faith.

“It was a long wait, but a special part of his life has finally come together,” said Arlene with tears in her eyes. “We didn’t think this would ever happen. So many people at the Anne Carlsen Center worked hard to bring this about. Chris is a member of a church now. He belongs.”

While Chris receives food for the soul, he’s getting another kind of nourishment—the kind he can make himself. “Kids in the Kitchen” Club and home economics at ACC have provided Chris with important skills for the future.

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Pondering the Future The LaCroixs say they hope Chris, now 17, can continue as a student at ACC until he graduates in four and a half years. In North Dakota, individuals can receive Special Education services until the age of 21. Following graduation, Chris’ parents envision him living semi-independently, with assistance and supervision.

They picture their son living with a roommate and working at a job he finds interesting and fulfilling.

It’s a promising future they credit ACC for making possible. “Chris’ days have been filled with meaningful activities,” says Arlene. “He’s had a chance to build his own life.”

“We miss him,” adds Jerry. “We really miss that daily contact, as his father and mother. But when you see what he has accomplished and what he is experiencing —he is much better off at the Center.”

Each day at the Anne Carlsen Center, Chris reaches another milestone, makes another friend, or learns another vital skill for his life as an adult.

And all of that hard work at Domino’s each week is being recognized in a very tangible way. Chris enjoys free pizza and pop after every eighth training session.

Earlier this year, he chose to trade several personalsized pizzas in for a pizza meal for his entire family.

The LaCroixs couldn’t have been any prouder when they were treated to dinner by their son—the same son who, at one time, was unable to set foot in any restaurant because of the traits of autism that once controlled their lives.

“Nothing is impossible when you are working with someone who believes in you, someone who is advocating for you,” says Arlene about the Anne Carlsen Center.

“The groundwork has been laid,” adds Jerry.

“Someone else knows our dreams and is working towards those dreams. We are all seeing a response.

We are all growing.”

(continued from page 7)

Given By

In Memory Of

Given By

In Memory Of

Given By

In Memory Of

Mrs. Phyllis M. Bethke American Legion Post #116 Mrs. Vivian Pennington James and Judy Engstrom Joseph and Eileen Larson Mrs. Juanita J. Dura Mrs. Ivy E. Johannesen Rodney and Joanne Tennyson Ms. Mary L. Milbrath Kenneth and Betty Erickson Mrs. Sophie Loftsgard Mrs. Sophie Loftsgard Mrs. Evelyn J. Lillo Norman and Donna Lorentzsen Mrs. Sarah Luithle Mrs. Eileen M. Lundequam Rodney and Fayne Bell Rodney and Fayne Bell Mr. Robert W. Martinson Mrs. Muriel Hoplin Ms. Harriet E. Olson Mrs. Marian H. Knutson Ms. Judy L. Kulla Mrs. Lois Lundgren Mr. Clarence J. Martin Mr. Clarence J. Martin Mr. Jason Matthews Mr. Dennis L. Anderson Ms. Esther R. Grabanski Ms. Esther R. Grabanski Bosard, McCutcheon & Rau, Ltd. Mr. Robert W. Martinson Mrs. Helen McCormack Mrs. Mertis Hill Lawrence and Connie Anderson Mrs. Olive Olson Lyle and Harriet Anderson Marvin and Laverne Schulz Jay and Diane Kocsis John and Kari Miller Mrs. Lorraine J. Boehler Mrs. Juanita J. Dura Ernest and Neva Miessel Ms. Delma Dyk Mrs. Mary Ellen Kulla Turtle Mountain Retired Teachers Marvin and Laverne Schulz Mr. Robert W. Martinson Oswald and Cathryn Graff Mrs. Karen Zajic Larry and Carmen Svenningsen Bruce and Dea Iserman Ron and Gwen Mueller Mrs. Violet Mueller Mrs. Arlene Olson Harley and Gloria Schmidt Mrs. Fern A. Olson Ms. Mary J. St. Clair Dale and Arnola Savelkoul Ms. Mavis Benson Mrs. Adeline Tweed Mrs. Mary L. Johnson American Legion Post #116 Mrs. Ella Mae Neumiller Mr. Robert W. Martinson Ms. Judy L. Kulla Mrs. Elaine F. Nieland C. William and Patricia Dennert Morris and Edna Mae Erickson

Sarita Ann Lanning Richard Laqua Elaine S. LaRock Dorthea Larson Edson Larson Lyle Lawrence Marie M. Lay

Ms. Doris Graf Otto and Myrtle Schulz Bill and Marilyn Hughes William and Nancy Ollenburger James and Marcia Gums Ms. Judy L. Kulla Grant and Donna Schmidt John and Elizabeth Holmen Mrs. Alice J. Kessler Mrs. Marlys A. Bergene Larry and Evelyn Hennings Mr. Robert C. Olson Julian and Nijole Fossen Kermit and Arlys Sorby Ray and Mildred Dewall Mr. Marvin J. Gisi Mr. Marvin J. Gisi Mrs. Lillian Rost Mrs. Lucille A. Rotz Mrs. Betty A. Whitmore Raydon and Betty Workin Everett and Mary Seim Mrs. Elizabeth Hatter Mrs. Dorothy L. Pederson Clive and Patricia Pelton P Simmental Ranch Willmar and Janette Peterson Mrs. Helen McCormack Mrs. Kathy Jacobs William and Paulette McCann Kent and Bonnie Eicholtz Waldo and Marion Platte C. William and Patricia Dennert Mr. James W. Prange Ms. Loya Dallmann Richard and Germaine Erbele Ms. Helen Fischer Norm and Sue Goehring Ms. Karen L. Hanson Mr. Victor Hehr Victor and Marie Lagodinski Dale and Connie Paulson Kenneth and Bonita Radermacher Kevin and Cynthia Roorda Steve and Sandra Rupp Gregory and Gail Scallon Ms. Loretta Schulz Ray and Charlene Sipper Wilfred and Katherine Ziegler Donald and Luella Zinter Mr. Robert W. Martinson R. L. and Connie Bolson Mrs. Lucille A. Rotz Mrs. Phyllis R. Lura Simon and Ann Ehlis Dale and Bev Brunsch Mrs. Helen McCormack Tex and Lynn Kraig James and Barbara Wheeler Mrs. Anne M. Setterholm Thomas and Linda Berge Bernard and Marian Sateren Howard and Frances Smith Mrs. Martha O. Musch Mrs. Doris K. Sandford Mrs. Evelyn Delmore Alvin and Janet Arstein Jon and Kathleen Schultz Gordon and Ida Mae Smith Waldo and Marion Platte Larry and Janet Schaaf Leslie and Marlys Brewster

Emanuel Oberlander Emanuel Oberlander James D. Ohnstad

Ms. Judy L. Kulla Vernon and Eileen Vigesaa Mrs. Phyllis A. Berntson Mrs. Mabel S. Usina Martin and Rhoda Huber Ms. Esther R. Grabanski Mr. Robert W. Martinson Mr. Robert W. Martinson William and Carol Smith Mrs. Lois Johnson Mr. and Mrs. Michael Schimetz Mr. J. Ken Shaffer Mr. Robert W. Martinson Reuben and Shirley Smith Bill and Marilyn Hughes Mrs. Florence Thompson Mrs. Charleen Brox Mrs. Gloria Paulson Mrs. Lois T. Redlin C. William and Patricia Dennert Mr. Jerald Sommer L. Don and Nancy Stanger Dean and Patricia Bahr Martin and Rhoda Huber Mr. Thomas E. Litzinger Ms. Shirley Jensvold Martin and Rhoda Huber Rev. Ralph F. Strand Mrs. Hazell E. DeGroot Mrs. Juanita J. Dura Ms. Judy L. Kulla Stanley and Phyllis Dolbinski Mrs. Helen McCormack Wallace and Carol Lindsay Dale and Arnola Savelkoul Mrs. Muriel Hoplin Ms. Harriet E. Olson Mr. Robert W. Martinson William and Betty Jane Preuss Mr. Robert W. Martinson Clifford and Velma Martin Carl and DeLores Turnquist Turtle Mountain Retired Teachers Richard and Linda Mc Bride Marvin and Jeanette Baarstad Mr. W. Alan Van Vleet Ms. Judy L. Kulla C. William and Patricia Dennert Lowell and Joan Overbo Mrs. Claire Engelhardt Howard and Frances Smith Gordon and Ida Mae Smith Mrs. Shirley D. Hintz Dr. and Mrs. Ralph H. Kolstoe Mrs. Margaret Trondson Ms. Mavis Benson Dale and Marian Western Margaret and Julie Verplancke Mr. Dennis L. Anderson Mr. Robert W. Martinson Mr. Robert W. Martinson Carl and Helen Sand Senster and Janet Vangsness James and Ruth Anderson

Julia Schlaht Julia Schlaht Jean Schlecht Jean Schlecht Robert H. Schlegel Lydia M. Schmitt Margaret J. Schneider Kenn Schroeder Glenn R. Schulz Steven G. Scott

Irene J. Ledoux William F. Lemke Jr. Ben T. Lenzen Jr. Jay Lewis Elsie M. Lewis Robert K. Lillo Helen O. Lorentzsen John Luithle Vernon Lundequam Beverly J. Lunn Kenneth R. Lunn Willard Lystad Phyllis A. Maag Phyllis A. Maag Alphina Mahle John R. Malard Melvina F. Mandigo Anna Martin Angeline Martin Valois Matthews Shilo J. Matthias Evelyn A. Mawby Richard Mawby E. Hugh Mc Cutcheon Victor Mc Williams Esther McCormack Orville McDaniel Joan L. McDonnell Bob McIlroy Glen Medenwaldt Mabel Meier Vivian Mergenthal Vivian Mergenthal Linda Meyers Cathryn A. Mickelson Kevin Miessel John & Alice Millenoor David M. Miska Helen E. Molberg Hilma E. Moltzen Bob Mooney Beatrice Mortenson Donna Mosby Ellen Moug Barbara M. Mueller Barbara M. Mueller James Mueller Kelsie L. Myers Kelsie L. Myers Bernice A. Myhre Dr. Gleb A. Nedzel Della E. Nelson Evelyn Nelson Irene Nelson Lucille E. Nelson Ralph C. Nelson Edna M. Neumiller Dean Newton Jack Nihill Jack Nihill Carlie Nilsson Verna Nostbakken

Bill and Greta Ollenburger Carol Olson Carol Olson Carol Olson Gladys Olson Gladys Olson Helen Olson Oscar Olson Ruth Olson Selma E. Olson Gladys I. Olstad Buster O'Neill Parents Loved ones Mother's Birthday Loved ones Aunt Laura Anna Parsley Harlan Paulson Annette M. Pedersen Lloyd Pederson Aagot Pelton Brad and Terry Perleberg Lisa D. Peterson Robert Pfiefle Pious and Irene Pfleger Eudora J. Pieterick Leland Pietsch Robert Pigman James R. Pigors Adelia W. Prange Marie J. Radermacher Marie J. Radermacher Marie J. Radermacher Marie J. Radermacher Marie J. Radermacher Marie J. Radermacher Marie J. Radermacher Marie J. Radermacher Marie J. Radermacher Marie J. Radermacher Marie J. Radermacher Marie J. Radermacher Marie J. Radermacher Marie J. Radermacher Marie J. Radermacher Marie J. Radermacher Irene R. Radspinner Janice Ramstad Severt and Lulu Rask Jeanette M. Reimers David and Rebekka Richter Kristeen Richter John R. Riskedahl Rocky Rockswold Oscar A. Rude Tilda Rude Carlene Sahr Carlene Sahr Harry Salisbury Hattie and Alfred Sande George Sandford Richard Sandness Beryl M. Satrang Paul S. Satterlund Paul S. Satterlund Paul J. Scherb Robert J. Scherer Martha M. Schlafman

Mrs. Juanita J. Dura Mrs. Mary Ellen Kulla Dave and Kay Krueger Mr. Rodney C. Anderson Mrs. Dorothy L. Zimmerman

Steven G. Scott Anne Shaffer Obert C. Skedsvold Kimberly Jo Smith Elvina Smith Alda C. Sobak Herman O. Sogard Herman O. Sogard Herman O. Sogard Carol Sombke Alma Sommer Phyllis Southwick Orville E. Springer Jr. Alfred Steidl Hardin E. Stenger John S. Stenvold Rodney J. Storhoff Amy Strand Lawrence H. Struble Lawrence H. Struble Lawrence H. Struble Hilma A. Summers Clara Svendsen Ruth Synstelien Leslie V. Tarvestad Arlene J. Tastad Arlene J. Tastad Jeanne Tennefos Merwin Thompson Howard T. Toman Russell Toyne Alice Turnquist Esther Tvedt Emil Unterseher Lucille E. Van Hunnik Gladys Van Vleet Penny J. Voeller Ryan J. Voeller Linda Wald Emma Ward Boyd L. Warren Lorraine Watters Estella Weishaar Wilbur Weisser Laura Weltikol Jeremy D. Werness Alice Western David Wheeler Roger Whitehead Joan E. Wigen Charlie Wilz Dennis G. Wink Wesley K. Wold Charles and Louise Wolfmeyer Barbara A. Wright Barbara A. Wright Irene Yung Dale Zimmer Randal J. Zimmerman

THE AMBASSADOR

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ACC expresses gratefulness for support, loyalty and friendship As I write this message, the students and staff of the Anne Carlsen Center are busy preparing for the holidays. The artwork on the walls has taken a festive turn to turkeys, angels and other hallmarks of the season. The music coming from classrooms and chapel service is that of sweet celebration, as we remember the birth of our Savior. These days, the Center feels like an oasis of calm, happiness and peace in a world that needs more of each.

Away from the ACC, difficult economic times are affecting many of us. We read and hear every day about new indicators that even tougher times may be ahead of us. Knowing this, we are even more grateful for you, our faithful friends … for your support of our mission. Please be assured that your gifts are appreciated and put to good use providing the programs, equipment and support necessary to empower the remarkable individuals in our care.

Our namesake and inspiration, Dr. Anne, said the ACC was “built on love and operated on faith”—that is especially true now. Thank you for your gifts. We wish you a blessed Christmas season and a prosperous 2009.

With warmest regards,

Dan Kunzman ACC Foundation Executive Director

ACC elects student council Students at the Anne Carlsen Center went to the polls on Nov. 4, electing their peers to lead the ACC Student Council. With the help of assistive technology, candidates who are non-verbal were given a voice for their speeches. Technology also gave students more independence in casting their choice in the voting booth. To read more about this exciting process, visit www.annecenter.org and look for the Rock the Vote story. You’ll also learn about ACC’s newly elected officers.

Evan examines the candidates before selecting his choices on Nov. 4. The Center went to the polls, using voting booths fitted with an adaptive switch or a touch screen to ensure that the students could make their choices independently.

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Nikki makes a selection on a touch-sensitive screen to deliver her speech during ACC’s Election Rally. The overlay program, used in conjunction with the screen, sends text to a “ghost reader,” which provides the voice.

The Anne Carlsen Center enjoyed a memorable 2008, partnering with BOARD OF TRUSTEES Sue Offutt, Ph.D. Grafton, N.D.

Eric Monson Fargo, N.D.

Thomas Rohleder Chairperson Fargo, N.D.

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

Tim Flakoll Fargo, N.D.

Janet Seaworth Bismarck, N.D.

Joel Fremstad Moorhead, Minn.

Pat Traynor Fargo, N.D.

Harvey Huber Jamestown, N.D.

Reesa Webb Denver, Colo.

Bruce Iserman Fargo, N.D.

Robert Weiss Shorewood, Minn.

Pat McCullough Edina, Minn.

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

area businesses to help strengthen community ties and improve the lives of others. These seven businesses helped the Center further the tradition of our namesake, Dr. Anne Carlsen, and raise support for our high-quality programs and services.

A Division of Forum Communications Company

Thank you, Community Partners. Through your noble dedication, we are able to serve individuals of all ages and abilities, tomorrow and beyond.

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, to those supporting the mission 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.

ACC to Sparkle at New Year’s Eve Gala Want to celebrate New Year’s Eve in style and elegance, while helping improve the lives of children with disabilities?

We cordially invite you to attend our 6th Annual Sparkle! New Year’s Eve Gala on Dec. 31 at Jamestown’s Gladstone Inn. The evening will feature fine dining, a silent auction, a diamond raffle, and dancing to live music.

Tickets for the event are $75 per person and are available by calling the Anne Carlsen Center at

1-800-568-5175. Reservations also can be made online at www.annecenter.org.

Proceeds from the gala will be used to purchase a chest physiotherapy machine to help support our medically-fragile students with compromised respiratory systems. This equipment helps our children breathe easier and aids in decreasing the occurrence of respiratory illnesses.

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.

Ashley Felton hangs out with a feline friend during one of her class’s weekly visits to the James River Humane Society.

TM

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