Valley Times | Summer 2023

End of the Pandemic!

Much to our delight, the Public Health Emergency officially ended on May 11. Thanks to this declaration and subsequent guidance, we have been able to officially go back to most of our pre-pandemic norms.

While I realize many of you returned to normal long ago, we in long term care are not taking it for granted. When we were able to get rid of the masks, it was a celebration! Residents finally were able to see the smiles of the people who care for them and some celebrated by burning their masks!

On May 31, the enforcement for the vaccine mandate for healthcare workers ended. This was another great day to celebrate! With this change, we recognize that being up-to-date with vaccines is still the best way to protect ourselves against severe illness, hospitalizations, and death. We also recognize that COVID-19 vaccinations do not prevent infections and therefore staff mandates do not provide better protection for the residents.

Hopefully this is the last time I write about COVID-19! It certainly hasn’t gone away, but this marks an appropriate time to express gratitude to so many of you who have been supportive over the last three years. There were so many acts of kindness and sacrifice that I can’t possibly recognize you all!

Carol Svendson

Bruce Vaaler

Scott Berge

Megan Flom

SENIOR

FOUNDATION

FROM THE CHAPLAIN’S DESK

If you have ever read The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe written by C.S. Lewis, then you might remember that when four children enter the world of Narnia by way of a magical wardrobe, they are introduced to a land that has been placed under a curse that makes it “Always winter, but never Christmas.” That is what this past long, long winter has felt like to so many of us.

And yet, spring has finally arrived! At just the right time! At Valley Senior Living, residents and staff are able to be mask free for the first time in over three years! Residents are finally able to go outside and enjoy the sun and warm breezes.

So many of the events that we used to have (before the “P” word) are being scheduled again. Residents are able to have more events with their family members coming into the buildings. Things feel lighter and more hopeful. For those of us living in the northern hemisphere, it seems no coincidence that Easter always falls at the beginning or middle of spring. With the obvious signs of new life around us, we also celebrate the promise of new life in Christ. The residents attend worship and sing the “Alleluia!” again. In Bible studies we read about Jesus, the disciples, and all that happened in the days after Jesus rose from the dead. We take in as much of the good news in Christ that we can to keep spring within us all year.

MORE TIME!”

ABOUT THE COVER

Two Valley Senior Living employees were honored at the 46th annual North Dakota Long Term Care Convention in May.

Shannon Holte, who was named Social Worker of the Year, has dedicated her entire 35year career to social work at Valley Senior Living. Shannon has been an advocate for residents’ rights, is active in the Alzheimer’s Association, and is a virtual dementia trainer.

Right photo: Gina Roller, Administrator, Valley Senior Living on 42nd; Shannon Holte, LBSW; Garth Rydland, President/CEO, Valley Senior Living

Kinzie Grinde, who joined Valley Senior Living as a certified nursing assistant in September 2021, goes above and beyond to provide personalized care and to enhance the quality of life for residents within Valley Transitions, the transitional care area at Valley Senior Living on Columbia.

Left photo: Garth Rydland, President/CEO, Valley Senior Living; Kinzie Grinde, CNA; Jessica Baumgarten, Director of Nursing, Valley Senior Living on Columbia; Kate Woodworth, Assistant Director of Nursing, Valley Senior Living on Columbia

MEMBER CONGREGATIONS

Ascension Lutheran Church

Augustana Lutheran Church

Bethany Lutheran Church

Bethel Lutheran Church

Bygland Lutheran Church

Calvary Lutheran Church

East Walle Lutheran Church

Evanger Lutheran Church

Family of God

Fisher Lutheran Church

Middle Grove Lutheran Church

Ness Lutheran Church

Our Savior’s Lutheran Church

Redeemer Lutheran Church

Reynolds Lutheran Church

St. Mark’s Lutheran Church

St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church

St. Paul’s Lutheran Church

Sharon Lutheran Church

Trinity Free Lutheran Church

Trinity Lutheran Church Manvel

United Lutheran Church

University Lutheran Church

Walle Lutheran Church

Zion Lutheran Church

Gwenn Bazajou CHAPLAIN Valley Senior Living

Spring is God’s Way of Saying, “ONE

 ROBERT ORBEN

ARE WORTH CELEBRATING

WOODSIDE VILLAGE

Happy 105th Birthday, Helen Flom!

When Helen was born 105 years ago in 1918 gas cost 25 cents a gallon, the Raggedy Ann doll was introduced, and Woodrow Wilson was the 28th U.S. President. A total solar eclipse covered the United States, WW1 ended in November 1918, and the first wave of the Spanish Flu pandemic began.

Ted & Ginnie Schock!

71 years of marriage

852 months of hugs

3,702 weeks of laughter

25,915 days of patience

ONE blessed family

A love story that never ends.

Happy 71st Anniversary!

Ted and Ginnie were married in Tuttle, ND, and honeymooned in Jamestown, ND.

VALLEY SENIOR LIVING ON COLUMBIA

Volunteer Highlight

Libby Kathman

Valley Senior Living Volunteer

Libby actively volunteers at Valley Senior Living on Columbia, participating in one to one visits with residents and as an abider, spending time with residents during their final days. Libby also jumps in to lend a hand at events for the Valley Senior Living Foundation. Libby was born and raised in Cavalier, ND and attended UND. She has lived in Grand Forks since 1968. Libby and her husband Ron have a daughter, Kristi, and a son, Casey. Libby is the proud grandmother to grandchildren Aria, Rayna, Alex and Hailey. Libby's commitment to Valley Senior Living is evident and for that we thank her!

ThankLibby!You,

Looking for Valley Senior Living Volunteers

Are you a craft guru, can you tell a good story, or do you like to play an intense game of Scrabble? Are you part of a service group or sing in the choir? We are interested in visiting with you about volunteer opportunities at Valley Senior Living!

Contact Terri Heggie, Volunteer Coordinator, at 701-787-7989 or email theggie@valleyseniorliving.org, if you’re interested in volunteering.

“Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.”

Proverbs 11:25

OUR TABLE

The Valley Senior Living Foundation hosted the 8th annual Around Our Table in April. Seventeen beautifully decorated tables, musical entertainment from the Tufte Manor Chimes Choir, and testimony about the Chaplaincy Ministry’s programs deep roots in the quality of life and care at Valley made for a beautiful morning of fellowship. To date, over $22,800 has been raised through this year's event to benefit nearly 550 residents, their family members throughout transitional times, and employees at Valley Senior Living care communities.

Judy McGrath is the lucky winner of the hand-crafted quilt, created by Family of God Church in East Grand Forks using cloth facemasks that were used by residents at the beginnging of the pandemic. The cloth facemasks were made and donated by individuals throughout the community at the beginning of the pandemic when PPE supplies were limited. This quilt is a true artifact of care! The funds raised through the quilt raffle will support Chaplaincy Ministry at Valley Senior Living.

Thank you for your support of Chaplaincy Ministry.

“The quilt is a reminder of the strength and courage of the residents and health workers and staff!”

- Judy McGrath

Tufte Chimes Choir performs at Around Our Table

Thank you to more than 225 donors for your continued support of the Valley Senior Living Foundation and the Intergenerational Programming Endowment on Giving Hearts Day. Valley Senior Living raised over $46,900 on Giving Hearts Day!

$20,000 of the grand total was part of the local matching funds for the 2023 Giving Hearts Day. We would like to thank Alerus, Pete & Melanie Hoistad, Innes Construction, Joe & Missy Miedema, Dr. Pat & RoxAnne Moore, and Bruce & Renee Vaaler for their

Thank You!

personal and corporate gifts that were utilized as the incentive match for all Valley donors.

Gate City Bank celebrated its’ 100 year anniversary in 2023. As part of the Giving Hearts festivities, Gate City randomly drew six nominated non-profit finalists who had the opportunity to receive $100,000 from the bank. Although Valley Senior Living did not win the grand prize, as a runner-up we received $5,000. Thank you Gate City Bank!

Intergenerational Programming

A unique and authentic way to supplement the quality of life for residents at Valley Senior Living.

Verona Poolman is a resident at Wheatland Terrace and enjoys the activity of the Grand Forks Head Start preschool on-site. Not only does Verona enjoy a hug and a high-five from the students on music and craft activity days; she also enjoys her living room window that overlooks the playground. She watches the joy and excitement in the children when they are at play. Verona says, “I have 15 greatgrandchildren and one on the way. I really enjoy children and I enjoy having them here. It makes me feel like I have more greatgrandchildren and they are right here!”

Valley Senior Living on Columbia enjoyed a wonderful school year of activities with Mrs. Neppel’s 4th grade class from Kelly Elementary. Meaningful interactions with the sharing of skills and knowledge were the key component of each visit. The 4th graders and the residents enjoyed turkey bingo, a talent show, and an Easter egg hunt this year. Intentionally uniting these generations enriches the quality of life for residents at Valley Senior Living, and creates lifelong memories and a greater understanding and respect between the generations.

THE Myra Café IS Open for

Business!

After three long years of a minimally functioning Myra Café we are excited to welcome the residents, tenants, family members, friends, and the community back to enjoy a meal, snack, or a cup of coffee with a side of conversation. The Myra Café is staffed by volunteers. If you have an interest in serving others in this way, please contact Terri Heggie, Volunteer Coordinator at Valley Senior Living at 701-787-7989.

Gary and Sandy Ebertowski, Myra Café Volunteers

Tree of Life

Cumulative gifts of $500 or greater to the Valley Senior Living Foundation are recognized on our ‘Tree of Life’ donor recognition walls. Each care community has a ‘Tree of Life’ and donors can choose which location they would like their recognition displayed. The awards noted are recipients from July 1, 2022 to February 13, 2023

Century Award

($100,000 to $249,000)

WiDSETH

Bethesda Award

($50,000 to $99,999)

Altru

Cornerstone Award

($25,000 to $49,999)

Jean Peterson

Paul Howard

Heritage Award

($10,000 to $24,999)

Walter & Barbara (Reishus) Pedersen

Lutheran Foundation

Retrax

JB Electrical Design, P.C.

In Loving Memory of Susan Gail Maddock - from Patrick Maddock, Family & Friends

Builders Award

($5,000 to $9,999)

Roger & Kim Amundson

Wayne & Janet Seames

Golden Circle

($2,500 to $4,999)

Kevin & Paula Nowatzki

Dennis & Joan Johnson

Kari Gerszewski

In Memory of Wayne Sykes

Family of God Church

Helen Jacoby & Peter Cannavo

Donnabelle Weston

Business Essentials

City of Grand Forks

Custom Aire, Inc.

Grand Giver

($1,000 to $2,499)

Scheels

Robert & Nancy Useldinger

In Memory of Sandra Leone Akers

Park Construction, Inc.

Monica and Mark Musich

Richard & Cathy Anderson

Angela Olson

Gertrude Jacoby

Katie Curran

Dale & Lisa Warner

Michael & Linda St. Onge

Kathy Feist

In Memory of Kenneth PoolmanVerona Poolman & family

Mary Sullivan

Monique Manz

Bronze Circle

($500 to $999)

In Memory of Dolly Erickson

In Memory of Wayne AndersonWayne Anderson Family

In Memory of Betty Anderson

Talon Egeland

Kate Woodworth

Holy Family Catholic Church

AE2S

In Memory of Charles & Jane Bata

Darcy Klein

In Memory of Walter Majkrzak

The Wok Food Truck

Christa Lembke

Brian & Kari Perreault

In Memory of Judy Wenlundfamily members

Arlene Clemetson

Ted & Ginnie Schock

Sonja Hathaway

Sarah Nelson

MarissaKazmierczak

Donavon & Georgine Sellheim

Julie Lofberg

Ashley Hettervig

Alice Mah

Absolute Glass Window and Gutter

Cleaning - Chris & Laura Schauer

Tim & Sandra Dittus

Alexis Horner

Samantha Jallo

In Memory of Susan MaddockDan & Kate Maddock

Erin Ortloff

Brekka Sherwood

Thank you to our new donors and those that are moving to new award levels as our tree continues to grow into 2023.

Century Award: WiDSETH

Bethesda Award: Altru

Cornerstone Award: Jean Peterson

Expressing our Gratitude

Valley Senior Living Foundation is a non-profit organization, and grateful to all donors. Your contribution to the Foundation ensures that Valley Senior Living and its services continue to be the best they can be now and into the future. Gifts in memory below were received between December 1, 2022 and April 30, 2023.

In Memory of Edna Aarnes

Salvatore & Patricia Tucci

In Memory of Alan Abraham

Lavonne Brown

In Memory of Eugene Adams

Lisa Bohm

In Memory of Wayne Anderson

Brooky L. Anderson

In Memory of Arne Askjem

Lavonne Brown

In Memory of Caroline Asleson

Salvatore & Patricia Tucci

In Memory of Kathleen Bakke

Sandra Crawford

In Memory of Charles & Jane Bata

Janet Devillers

In Memory of Jane Bata

Jeff Bata

In Memory of John Belcher

Ida Belcher

In Memory of Donald Benson

Rachel Berger

In Memory of Deborah Bianchi

Ron Bianchi

In Memory of Marilyn Bjerke

Kathleen McCue

In Memory of Bernice "Bunny"

Bodensteiner

Mark & Carol Egeland

Donald & Maureen Larrabee

In Memory of Darlene Bowman

Lavonne Brown

In Memory of Gena Bratteli

Truman & Judy Bratteli

In Memory of Jerry Breidenbach

Garon Construction

In Memory of Loraine Brown

Barbara Brown

In Memory of Jeanette Bucholz

Mr. and Mrs. Michael Moen

In Memory of Audrey Burfening

Kevin & Kelly Berg

In Memory of John Bushaw

Elaine Niemeyer

In Memory of Norma Byrne

Lavonne Brown

In Memory of Margaret Calender

Heidi Ebertowski

In Memory of Melanie Carpenter

Benjamin Carpenter

In Memory of Arvid Cellmer

Brenda & Jerod Monda

In Memory of Ted Chwialkowski

Family & Friends

In Memory of Sharon Clement

Jack & Catheryn Good

In Memory of Steve Crary

Scott & Jodi Boettner

In Memory of Lynnette Creutz

Chaplain Gwenn Bazajou

In Memory of Dave & Barb Dahlen

Sarah Sharpe

In Memory of Dale & Helen Duggan

Cheryl Schreiner

In Memory of Marion Durand

Susie Laurin

In Memory of Ernest & Norma Egeland

Mark & Carol Egeland

In Memory of Louis Egstad

Elsie Egstad

In Memory of Ebba Eide

Alan & Linda Halvorson

In Memory of Mary & Nordean Ekren

Cheryl & Jay Ekren

In Memory of Rev. Dale Emery

Lavonne Brown

In Memory of Dolly Erickson

Walter & Nancy Olson

In Memory of Sharlaene Fearing

Debra Fearing

In Memory of Steve Fields

Wayne & Erllene Erickson

In Honor of Leon & Avis Fjestad

Becky Vakoc

In Memory of Betty Follman

Shari & Ashleigh Jerde

In Memory of Lucy Gaddie

Thomas & Kathleen Hill

In Memory of Raymond Gordon

Lavonne Brown

In Memory of Veronica Gregoire

Truman & Judy Bratteli

In Memory of Mary Grette

Donald & Maureen Larrabee

In Memory of Vie & Art Grove

Shari Elgin

In Memory of Orv Gullickson

Grant & Kathryn Gullickson

In Memory of Ruby Gunhus

Karen & Richard Axvig

In Memory of JoAnn Halvorson

Alan & Linda Halvorson

In Memory of Eileen Hanson

Lavonne Brown

In Memory of Greg Hanson

Gordon Myerchin

In Memory of Myrtle & Ole Helgesen

Martha Haug

In Memory of Carla Hess

Linda Landry

In Memory of Lloyd & Evelyn

Hinschberger

Renee A. Powell

In Memory of Robert Hodgson

Scott & Jodi Boettner

Chap. Charles & Claudia Johnson

In Memory of Stan & Dorothy Hoistad

Richard & Mary Ziegler

In Memory of Cathy Sue Holweger

Marilyn Holweger

In Memory of Don Holy

Marcy Anderson

Chad & Raeann Beauchamp

Michael & Karlene Dieken

Mr. and Mrs. Jon Dostal

Brenda Finkenbinder

Kathryn Flaat

Roger & Roxanne Hagen

Troy & Laura Hammargren

Mr. & Mrs. Mark Holy

Dorothy Jerik

Jerry & Nancy Larson

Carol Moen

Beth Nelson

Richard & Shari Nikunen, Jr.

Robert & Phyllis Nowacki

John Oncken

Mr. and Mrs. Gary Sanders

Scott & Kathryn Sondrol

Mr. and Mrs. Richard Stallmo

Ernest & Sandra Taus

Mark & Vicki Thompson

Beverly Thureen

Robert & Nancy Useldinger, Jr.

Terrance & Shirl Vonasek

Wayne & Antoinette Vonasek

Marvin & Cora Zak

In Memory of Jim Hougen

Jane Hougen

In Memory of Catherine Ingwalson

James & Marlene Cariveau

In Memory of Doris Jackson

Bonnie Elde

In Memory of Russell James

Terri Heggie

In Memory of Gordon & Delores

Johnson

Marcia Westlund

In Memory of Jeanine Kary

Leah R. Byzewski

In Memory of Drusilla "Dee" Keating

Chap. Charles & Claudia Johnson

In Memory of Annabelle Kelly

Lavonne Brown

In Memory of Tim Kennedy

Chap. Charles & Claudia Johnson

In Memory of Erv Kobe

Mark Kobe

In Memory of Fran Kobe

Mark Kobe

In Memory of Ronald Kochevar

Karen Pladson

Katherine Kochevar

In Memory of Maxine Kossow

Bill & Laurie Vasicek

In Memory of Delmer & Annie

Krogstad

Wanda Knutsvig

In Memory of Jean Kruger

Mr. & Mrs. Lon Brorson

James Foster

Marian Hoekstra

Chap. Charles & Claudia Johnson

Lori Johnson

Paul D. Johnson

Jane & Harry Kram

Gerald & Arla Mae Kuster

Lauran & Dianne Larson

Bob & Ginny Lindgren

Mark Lindgren

Sharon Ring

In Memory of Arvin Kvasager

James & Marlene Cariveau

In Memory of Francis Lang

Brady Terrill

In Memory of Norris & Marcie

Loiland

Jerry & Cheryl Loiland

In Memory of Carl Lundgren

Alan & Linda Halvorson

In Memory of Susan Maddock

Patrick Maddock

James Sleeper

In Memory of Walter Majkrzak

Mark & Amy Askelson

Roger & Sharon Gustafson

Larry & Susan Kuster

Troy & Lisa Lazur

Mr. and Mrs. Michael Moen

Peter & Stacy Schumacher

In Memory of Earl Mallinger

Nancy & Walter Olson

In Memory of Shawn Marshall

Walter & Nancy Olson

In Memory of Lysle Martinson

James Cameron

Fisher Lutheran Church WELCA

Mr. and Mrs. James Holter

Donna Martinson

Etta M. McDonald

Diane Solheim

Craig & Nichole Solway

Bill & Laurie Vasicek

Richard & Marilyn Wentzel

In Memory of Claudette McCoy

Chap. Charles & Claudia Johnson

In Memory of Jack Miller

Mark Kobe

In Memory of Mary Molenaar

Terry & Sharon K. Litchy

In Memory of Joanne Mondry

James & Rita Havis

In Memory of Esther Narlock

Jim & Nancy Narlock

In Memory of Lyle Nelson

Yvonne Nelson

In Memory of Dale & Douglas

Norgard

Phyllis Norgard

In Memory of Emil & Delores Panzer

Carol Moe

In Memory of Lenard & Alvina

Parkinson

Roger & Lois Parkinson

In Memory of Lila Pedersen

Melvin Pedersen

In Memory of Gerald Prestegard

Susan Prestegard

In Memory of Howard Pribula

Peggy Pribula

In Memory of Gladys Rasmussen

Lavonne Brown

Gerald & Arla Mae Kuster

In Memory of Paul & Marge Ray

David & Jennifer Burkland

In Memory of Don Rupp

Pam Rupp

In Memory of Alice Rustan

Char Brekke

In Memory of Geraldine Schlenker

Rachel Berger

In Memory of Donald & Margie

Sellheim

Donavon & Georgine Sellheim

In Memory of Gloria Selnes

Jacky Jones

In Memory of Victor Semrad

Robin Jack

Jayne Semrad

Julie Wunderlich

In Memory of Dale Smith

Chap. Charles & Claudia Johnson

Patrick & Eleanore Bridgeford

James & Marlene Cariveau

City of Albert Lea Employees

Benefit Fund

Sandra & Hank Heffern

Judith Smith

Michael Smith

In Memory of Gad Sommerfeld

Barb Uhrich

In Memory of Jon Stromsodt

Beverly Stromsodt

Your Support is MORE than a GIFT

Valley Senior Living is appreciative of your financial gifts that improve the lives of the residents we serve. The Valley Senior Living Foundation is looked upon to add quality of life services for residents and from time to time facility improvements. You can make a positive impact in the quality of life for residents at Valley Senior Living through the following ways.

In Memory of Robert Stromsodt

Beverly Stromsodt

In Memory of Marvin Swanson

Shaun & Kristen Havis

Bonita Swanson

In Memory of Roland Swen

Sheri Swen

In Memory of Dennis & Mardie

Thompson

Sheryl & Cory Lehman

In Memory of Laura Thompson

Lavonne Brown

In Memory of Albert Tuma

Greg & Donna Erovick

Sally Grosgebauer

Shaun & Kristen Havis

Diane Kraemer

Lorrie Lansing

Bev & Gary Slominski

Allen & Clarene Wasness

GIFTS OF CASH:

In Memory of Marie Weber

Kevin & Kelly Berg

In Memory of Judith Wenlund

John & Nancy Czapiewski

Lee Eisenbeis

Dennis & Jacquelyn Melland

Natalie Melland

Mary D. Nelson

Ronald "Duane" Nelson

Diane Nyberg

Ronald & Marilyn Nyberg

Marlene Sordahl

In Memory of Geraldine Whitebird

Wayne & Margaret Burlog

In Memory of Terrance "Terry" Winger

Chap. Charles & Claudia Johnson

In Honor of Harold Zola

Sue Cullinan

These gifts are eligible for a charitable deduction.

GIFTS OF APPRECIATED STOCKS/BONDS:

Avoid capital gains tax and receive and immediate tax deduction based on the full fair market value on the date of transfer.

GIFTS OF LIFE INSURANCE:

Consider designating the Valley Senior Living Foundation as beneficiary of either a new or existing policy. Discuss the tax advantages of this process with your advisor.

BEQUEST/WILL:

Consider designating Valley Senior Living in your will for any percentage or a fixed amount of your estate.

GIFTS OF REAL ESTATE:

Charitable gifts of property to include real estate, farmland, or rental property can be tax advantageous.

There are so many ways to support the mission at Valley Senior Living. Please consult your tax advisor or contact Shaun Havis, Director of Development at the Valley Senior Living Foundation at 701.787.7997.

Save the Dates

JUNE 27 Looney Lutherans

Calvary Lutheran Church (A benefit for Music Therapy)

JULY 20 18th Annual Valley Senior Living Golf Classic

King’s Walk Golf Course (A benefit for the Greg V. Hanson nursing scholarships and Chaplaincy Ministry)

SEPT 28

3rd Annual Oktoberfest

Alerus Center (A benefit for Community Connections and the Wishing Well)