Auxiliary Update

The PioneerCare Auxiliary has ten members; two members retired this year, so we would like to recruit two more members. Looking back on 2022, it was a good year for us, despite the Covid-19 restrictions.

The Auxiliary awarded $2,500 in scholarships; we divided the funds among three recipients going into the healthcare field.

A $1,000 gift was presented to the new PioneerKids onsite child care service to assist with start-up expenses. The Auxiliary also donated to PioneerCare’s social services department for emergency resident needs.

For Valentine’s Day, we provided ice cream cakes, a welcome treat for residents and staff.

Attendance to the annual picnic on July 15 was limited to residents and staff due to Covid-19 restrictions. Auxiliary members assisted in decorating and serving food. We also had a grand opening for the long awaited Dragonfly gift shop at that time. We extend our thanks to Lisa Workman and the Fergus Falls Area Chamber of Commerce for leading the official ribbon cutting ceremony.

Apple dumpling day was for residents and family, following Covid -19 infection prevention protocols. Our only fundraiser involved taking mail orders for the Nut Man, a vendor offering a wide array of nuts, candies, and other packaged snack items. Our partnership with him has been popular and successful.

Joyce Nerdahl, Auxiliary President

December brought resident shopping day. Four vendors from the community came with items for residents and staff to purchase.

While 2023 will have its challenges, working with the gift shop’s responsibilities and finding time to do more fundraisers, we look forward to a busy year. A big thank-you to all Auxiliary members and Pioneer staff; because of everyone, our fundraisers and gift shop are a success!

To Mask Or Not To Mask

You are welcome to visit PioneerCare’s living settings any time. Entering PioneerCare Center and Pioneer Cottages, you will see a sign with a big dot. That dot will be red, orange, yellow, or blue, depending on Otter Tail County’s community transmission risk level. This is the measurement PioneerCare follows to comply with today’s infection control standards. It’s different than the three-tier community level measurement some of us hear about.

We review the county’s transmission risk level weekly. If the dot on the sign is red, this means visitors and employees are required to wear masks within the building. Residents are encouraged to wear masks as well. If it’s one of the other three colors, wearing a mask is optional.

In any case, visitors may choose to remove their mask when alone with the resident they came to visit.

If you’ve had a Covid-positive test result, close contact with someone who’s Covid-positive, or you have symptoms of a respiratory infection, please postpone your visit until you’ve recovered.

We also post this information and more infection prevention details on our website. Thank you for your part in protecting the people we care for and serve.