Valley Times | Winter 2024

WINTER2024 • GRAND FORKSND

VALLEY

Grand Forks Home for the Aged Opened in 1924 at 1023 Almonte Avenue in Grand Forks

IN THIS EDITION:

2 CEO UPDATE 4 VALLEY’S HISTORY 10 INTERGENERATIONAL PROGRAMMING 11 HELP US GROW Independent Living | Assisted Living | Basic Care | Transitional Care | Memory Care | Skilled Nursing Care

PRESIDENT/CEO UPDATE

In 1917, the “The Association of The Grand Forks Home for the Aged” was created. To be a member, “Any person of Scandinavian birth and Lutheran religious belief and of good character and repute could be a member of the association.”

The purpose of the organization was to build and operate a Lutheran Christian home for aged people. Plans for building were temporarily halted due to “present unsettled conditions” - the United States had just declared war on Germany.

Garth Rydland PRESIDENT/CEO

Thanks to the tireless efforts of local Lutheran churches and women's church groups, the first home on Almonte Avenue with room for 40 residents opened in 1924. Today Valley Senior Living is woven into the fabric of the Grand Forks community, and we are home to 550 residents and 850 staff.

Valley Senior Living

A Century of Our Family Caring For Yours

MISSION STATEMENT Valley Senior Living provides compassionate Christian care and service to enhance the quality of life for those we serve.

This milestone of 100 years of caring for residents would not have been possible without the vision that became a reality in 1924 and the continued commitment of the 24 local Lutheran churches that govern the organization today.

For the past century, Valley Senior Living has provided compassionate Christian care and service to enhance the quality of life for those we serve. Thank you for trusting Valley Senior Living to care for parents, grandparents, family members, neighbors, and community members. It is our pleasure and honor to have provided a century of care, and we are looking forward to the next century and beyond.

VALLEY SENIOR LIVING BOARD OF DIRECTORS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

VALLEY SENIOR LIVING FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Margaret Reed

Patrick Moore

Carol Svendson

Kathy Meagher

CHAIRPERSON

DIRECTOR

CHAIRPERSON

DIRECTOR

Dave Molmen

Sarah Raymond

Bruce Vaaler

Margaret Reed

VICE CHAIRPERSON

DIRECTOR

VICE CHAIRPERSON

EX OFFICIO

Dwight Thompson

Michael Brown

Scott Berge

Garth Rydland

TREASURER

DIRECTOR

TREASURER

EX OFFICIO

Carol Svendson

Garth Rydland

Megan Flom

Dwight Thompson

PRESIDENT/CEO

SECRETARY

EX OFFICIO

Scott Berge

Brittany Caillier

Shaun Havis

DIRECTOR

DIRECTOR

PRESIDENT/DIRECTOR

Monica Musich

OF DEVELOPMENT

SECRETARY

If you would like to be removed from our mailing list, please contact us.

DIRECTOR

2900 14th Avenue South | Grand Forks, ND 58201 | 701.787.7900 | www.valleyseniorliving.org

“Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift, that is why we call it the present.”

- Bill Keane

CHAPLAIN UPDATE One of our Wheatland Terrace residents passes by my office frequently in the morning and stops to tell me that “today is a gift.” We share a hug and we both feel a sense of joy as we continue our day. That moment is always a bright spot for me and I look forward to it.

Bud Johnson CHAPLAIN

Valley Senior Living

A Century of Guidance and Support

This year Valley Senior Living is celebrating 100 years of service within Grand Forks and the surrounding region. What started out in one person’s mind as a “What if” question in terms of caring for the elderly who weren’t able to live independently became a risk-taking adventure for a group of churches in our community. Valley Senior Living has grown to be a vibrant, caring community where young and old interact with each other and enjoy living together in a wholesome environment.

Jesus gave his disciples a new image of caring for each other when he gathered with them for a final meal before his Passion. He washed the feet of all those who were with him. Then he commanded them to do the same for others. We worship a Lord who washed feet and gave us a new commandment: “That you love one another, just as I have loved you. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

When it comes to our residents, I believe that I can speak on behalf of our staff members that we, too, wash the feet of our residents, or we feed them, or take them to activities, or help them to the bathroom, or be with them in ways that make their lives more purposeful and meaningful.

We celebrate the partnership we have with our corporate churches and your members. You have been with us these 100 years and guided and supported us in so many ways. Let’s celebrate the “gift” we have today in Valley Senior Living.

MEMBER CONGREGATIONS 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

We would like to recognize and thank Ascension Lutheran Church for serving as a member congregation through 2023.

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In 1917 the Grand Forks Home of the Aged was incorporated and the Old People’s Home constitution was adopted. Prior to this date, local pastors and women’s church groups, including the Bethesda Society, raised money together with the community of Grand Forks to open the first facility.

In 1924 the first property on Almonte Avenue in Grand Forks opened its doors to residents. This original facility on Almonte Avenue could care for 40 residents. In 1927 the second unit was built to accommodate more residents.

In 1959 the name changed to Valley Memorial Home. As the need for care grew in the region, Tufte Manor was built in 1970 to offer basic care for approximately 70 residents.

As the need for skilled nursing long-term care grew, so did Valley Memorial Home's footprint. In 1981 Valley Eldercare was built and established on Altru’s main campus.

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With roots deeply planted in our community, the flood of 1997 destroyed the original properties on Almonte Avenue.

With a governance that continued to be led by local pastors and member congregations, a new location and facility was established, and construction began along 24th Avenue South and 42nd Street South in Grand Forks. 4000 Valley Square opened in 1998 offering skilled nursing, memory care, assisted living, and independent living options, becoming the first and only care community to offer a full continuum of care with numerous amenities and a real sense of community.

In 2014, further expansion of services and care options continued with the addition of Cherrywood Village with 30 one-bedroom apartments for seniors 62 and older who qualify as low-income.

A Century

From our humble beginnings and the first resident cared for in 1924 to growing to care for nearly 550 residents in Grand Forks and employing nearly 850 people, Valley is woven into the fabric of our community. Through our continued affiliation with area Lutheran congregations, our compassionate Christian care is provided through the virtue of grace, which is care that is given without expecting anything in return. Valley Senior Living is proud of our heritage. Our family caring for your family has been happening for a century and we look forward to continuing to enrich lives and honor individuality into the next century and beyond.

YEARS of Our Fa mily Car ing For Yo urs

After 100 years of caring, w to the n e look f ext cent orward ury with continue a g o al to to provid e compas enhance s io nate car the qualit e and y of life serve. C f o r those we haplaincy ministry, intergene m u sic thera rational py, programm connectio in g , a n d commun ns are f ity our pillars enhancing w e le a n the qualit on when y of life at Valley f o r residents Senior Liv ing care vision fo c o mmunities r the ne . Our xt centu endow th r y is t o furthe ese four r focus ar these pill e a s , ensuring ars are everlastin or the p g. A gift romise o today f a gift in th ensure t e future hat into will the next continue c e n t u ry we will to meet the need communit s o f our car y. e

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SMILES CREATED

BY YOUR

GIVING HEART!

Thank YOU for helping us continue to grow our intergenerational programs.

Gifts to Valley Senior Living on Giving Hearts Day were matched by these generous donors: Bruce & Renee Vaaler Alerus Peter & Melanie Hoistad C&R Cleaners (Don & Patricia Larsen) Joe & Missy Miedema R. Duane Nelson Cole Papers 6 | VALLEY

Your support creates beautiful

INTERGENERATIONAL STORIES at Valley Senior Living.

YEARS A Century of Our Family Caring For Yours

S AV E T H E D AT E

April 27, 2024 Calvary Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall 1405 S. 9th St., Grand Forks, ND

Join the Valley Senior Living Foundation for the 9th annual decorated table event and the 1st annual Quilt Auction.

We are celebrating 100 years of being stitched into the fabric of our community to benefit Chaplaincy Ministry at Valley Senior Living.

1st Annual Quilt Auction and 9th Annual Around Our Table

Donate a Quilt Host a Decorated Table Purchase a Seat for Brunch For more information contact Kayla Gust at 701-787-7989 or email kgust@valleyseniorliving.org

Doors open: 9 AM | Brunch served: 10:30 AM | Quilt auction concludes: 12:00 PM

Thank you for making our holiday season Merry & Bright through the donation of gifts and pajamas for residents at Valley Senior Living!

Gate City Bank KodaBank ICON Architects Bank Forward Calvary Lutheran Church Valley Petroleum

FedEx Grand Forks EAPC Architects Engineers Choice Bank Family of God Church The College of Nursing and Professional Disciplines at UND

Ecolab Alumni Grand Forks Air Force Base Yes! Communities TEARS of North Dakota

and numerous other church groups, community organizations, and school groups for performing, visiting, and sharing during the holidays!

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Expressing our Gratitude In Memory We gratefully acknowledge the following gifts received in memory from October 1, 2023 to January 11, 2024.

In Memory of Sandee Anderson Brooky Anderson In Memory of Sharon Barrett Jody Little In Memory of Donald Benson Rachel Berger In Memory of Imogene Bjornstad Janet Bjornstad Ella Coffing Heidi & Brian Eischens Heath Hertel Kathleen Hertel Elaine Kelley Chad Rustvoldl Darci & Christopher Wall In Memory of Berniece "Bunny" Bodensteiner Linda Conneran Ellen Sipma In Memory of Gordon Bondy Pauline Bondy In Memory of Michael Brune Chap. Charles ‘Bud’ & Claudia Johnson In Memory of Margaret Calendar Heidi & Brian Eischens In Memory of Betty Canavan Michael Helt In Memory of Edie Danielson Janice & Dale Finkenbinder Dennis & Shirley Hasbrouck Larry Peterson & Lois Steer Tom Stennes In Memory of Eugene Dauksavage James & Rita Havis Rod & Joan Schanilec In Memory of Glendora DeGroot Jason & Renee Carlson In Memory of Louie Egstad Elsie Egstad In Memory of Vivian Finnie Gloria Foss Sharon Nelson In Memory of Lois Fontaine Lori & Steve Bott Garth & Christine Rydland In Memory of Margy Gabrielsen Scott & Jodi Boettner Brian & Roxane Erickstad Mark & Jackie Erickstad Kathy Freije Todd & Brenda Hanson Sandra Kerr James & Renee Lies Terry & Mary Ann McKenna Joel Medd Kathy Mutcher

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Bonnie Overby Jon & Laura Raymond John & Rita Sanderson Marta Vanderpan Robert & Olive Weber Agnes Wischer Dawn Zammitti

In Memory of Mary Molenaar Terry & Sharon Litchy

In Memory of Alice Gardner Terry & Donna Gardner

In Memory of Lyle O. Nelson Tara Nelson Yvonne Nelson

In Memory of Edwin M. Haug Janet Vanek In Memory of Carol Haugland Shirley Laske Tom & Deborah Torkelson

In Memory of Ines Murray Joann Johnson In Memory of Esther Narlock Jim & Nancy Narlock

In Memory of Jennifer Nesvig Michael Moen In Memory of Gene Niemeyer Elaine Niemeyer

In Memory of Bruce Hoeger Chap. Charles ‘Bud’ & Claudia Johnson

In Memory of David Palmieri Chap. Charles ‘Bud’ & Claudia Johnson

In Memory of Janis & Milton Hoff Tim & Sandra Dittus

In Memory of Lila Pedersen Melvin Pedersen

In Memory of Kae Holtman James & Marsha Ketring Reed & Sheryl Tinkham

In Memory of Dona Peterson Amy Peterson

In Memory of Richard M. Johnson Herb & Vangie Parker In Memory of Stephan Johnson Dennis Slominski Susanne Straus In Memory of Clark Klava James & Rita Havis Chap. Charles ‘Bud’ & Claudia Johnson Walter & Nancy Olson In Memory of Fran Kobe Mark Kobe In Memory of Kay Komprood Bonnie Overby In Memory of Dr. John Lambie Stephen & Kathryn Flaat In Memory of Norris & Marcie Loiland Jerry & Cheryl Loiland In Memory of Mildred Loseth Thomas & Linda O'Toole In Memory of Donny Mack Michael Moen In Memory of Eugene "Jeep" Mattson Chap. Charles ‘Bud’ & Claudia Johnson In Memory of Jack Miller Mark Kobe In Memory of Charlotte Moen Anonymous Gertrude Behm Nancy King Terry & Mary Ann McKenna Alice Moen Donna Olson

In Memory of Patricia Phelps John & Rita Sanderson In Memory of Dorothy E. Pickard Dennis & Nancy Pickard In Memory of Ethel Ramstad Rocky & Kari Nettum Elaine Ramstad In Memory of Francis Rapacz Reed & Sheryl Tinkham In Memory of Krystal Roth Chap. Charles ‘Bud’ & Claudia Johnson In Memory of Mabel Sando Donnabelle Weston In Memory of Sande Sands Thomas & Nikki Kallock In Memory of Geraldine Schlenker Rachel Berger In Memory of Cyrilla Shortridge Delores Fast Duane & Pamela Schuler Julie & Bill Schuler In Memory of Carolyn Snyder Bonnie Overby In Memory of Clyde Soderberg Michael Moen In Memory of Alice Tveit Delores Fast Stephen & Kathryn Flaat Gloria Foss Betty Jane Lamb Sandra Moen In Memory of James Vigen Barb Vigen

Tree of Life

Celebrating our Philanthropists On October 26, 2023, we honored 84 individuals, families, and businesses with recognition on our Tree of Life. This included 23 Grand Giver awards and 36 Bronze Circle awards in addition to the following awards: Bethesda Award ($50,000 to $99,999) Les & Patty Howard

Tree of Life giving levels and recognitions are for cumulative lifetime giving.

BRONZE CIRCLE $500 - Bronze Leaf

GRAND GIVER $1,000 – Silver Leaf

GOLDEN CIRCLE $2,500 – Gold Leaf

BUILDERS AWARD $5,000 – Small Stone

HERITAGE AWARD $10,000 – Large Stone

CORNERSTONE AWARD $25,000 – Plaque and Virtual Recognition

BETHESDA AWARD $50,000 – Plaque and Virtual Recognition

CENTURY AWARD $100,000 - Plaque and Virtual Recognition

FOUNDERS AWARD $250,000 - Plaque and Virtual Recognition

DIAMOND AWARD $500,000 - Plaque and Virtual Recognition

PINNACLE AWARD $1,000,000 - Plaque and Virtual Recognition

LEGACY SOCIETY Planned Gift – Framed certificate

Heritage Award ($10,000 to $24,999) Marco Business Products Earl & Vivian Erickson

Builders Award ($5,000 to $9,999) Michael & Suzanne Lien Tim Shea's Nursery Bryan & Dee Dee Budge In Memory of Caroline Asleson - Salvatore & Patricia Tucci Deb & Dan Maier Carol Snortland

Golden Circle ($2,500 to $4,999) In Memory of Deborah Bianchi - Mr. & Mrs. Ron Bianchi In Memory of Duane & Helen Thompson - Dwight & Ruth Thompson Jill & Alex Swingen St. Mary's Catholic Church Carol Joyce Johnson Patty Holter Jeff & Brittany Caillier Margaret Reed Angie & Jon Borgen Shaun & Kristen Havis In Memory of Ronald Peterson - Carol Svendson Dahlstrom Motors Shannon Holte Ken & Judy Schuster Donna Schothorst In Memory of Wayne Anderson - Karriers, Inc.

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Intergenerational Programming:

When generations are united, connections are created that enhance and promote a sense of belonging that may not develop without these opportunities.

The sharing of skills, knowledge, and experiences between generations.

Thank you for supporting our Intergenerational Programming at Valley Senior Living and helping us create heartwarming moments.

At Wheatland Terrace the residents and Head Start students enjoy moments together learning and growing, as both residents and students. In December they sang winter-themed songs, learned with science experiments, and practiced writing and drawing. It’s been said the generations fit together like puzzle pieces.

At Valley Senior Living on Columbia, resident Wendy Nelson organized her annual blanket-making project.

Through her efforts, the Grand Forks Central softball team assisted with making the blankets and delivering them to the Head Start students at Valley Senior Living on 42nd before the holiday break. What a wonderful way to connect so many generations during the holidays with the sharing of knowledge and skills, and filling hearts with the happiness that both giving and receiving of gifts creates.

To learn more about our Intergenerational Programming and the life enrichment it creates please take a moment to watch this video: 10 | VALLEY

$500,000 $475,000 $450,000 $425,000 $400,000 $375,000 $350,000 $325,000 $300,000 $275,000 $250,000 $225,000 $200,000 $175,000 $150,000 $125,000 $100,000 $75,000 $50,000 $25,000 $0

In 2024, Valley Senior Living will celebrate 100 years of providing senior care and services here in Grand Forks. Our organization’s roots have been established here, our care communities have grown and flourished, and our future is poised to do so much more.

Help us Grow Walter & Barbara Pederson Lutheran Foundation - $15,000 Myra Foundation - $25,000

Work at the Valley Senior Living Foundation has already commenced in the new year to further enhance the care of residents for our future. To fulfill this objective, we have begun the year focusing on two specific appeals. The first is to request and provide resources to renovate interior spaces at Tufte Manor with a goal of $500,000.

Tufte Manor was opened in 1970, added additions in 1973 and 1976, and has been updated throughout the years. This year we have begun to renovate interior spaces to enhance resident and staff social areas that will maintain quality of life for residents. A $25,000 grant from the Myra Foundation will provide new flooring, fresh paint/wallpaper, and more for the social areas at Tufte. Walter & Barbara Pedersen Lutheran Foundation has awarded a $15,000 grant to purchase a new commercial restaurant range for the kitchen. Thank you to each of those Foundations for their support of Tufte Manor.

The second request is to grow the programmatic resources for the four “pillars” of the Foundation.

Shaun Havis PRESIDENT/DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT

Valley Senior Living

Through the Foundation’s strategic plan, four program pillars were identified to enhance care and enrich the lives of all Valley Senior Living residents.

Those pillars are our Chaplaincy Ministry, Music Therapy, Intergenerational Programming, and Community Connections. These areas of focus have been embraced by many of you throughout the years and are investments into the future at Valley Senior Living. The Foundation would like to thank Bruce & Renee Vaaler. The Vaalers recently made a $100,000 commitment and created the Bruce & Renee Vaaler Intergenerational Programming Endowment. What a wonderful gift to encourage interaction between our elders and youth and serve as an example of how our pillars will lead to life enrichment!

On behalf of Valley Senior Living, we are so appreciative of all of your support. We are welcoming 2024 with energy and excitement to celebrate this 100-year anniversary. We look forward to hearing of everyone’s favorite memories at Valley. I cannot wait to see what we can accomplish in 2024 and beyond.

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage Paid Fargo, ND Permit #1159

2900 14th Avenue South Grand Forks, ND 58201

Upcoming Events APRIL

27 JUNE

25 JULY

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Around Our Table Join us for the 9th Annual Around Our Table and 1st Annual Quilt Auction at Calvary Lutheran Church to benefit Chaplaincy Ministry at Valley Senior Living.

• Host a decorated table • Purchase a seat at the event • Participate in the quilt auction

Looney Lutherans Join us for 3rd annual music therapy fundraiser with entertainment from the Looney Lutherans and a church basement-style luncheon with hotdish!

• Sponsor this event for Music Therapy • Purchase tickets and enjoy an afternoon of comedy

19th Annual Valley Senior Living Golf Classic Join us the annual golf classic with proceeds benefiting the Tufte Manor Interior Renovations and Greg V. Hanson Scholarships.

• Be a sponsor • Sign up to join us at Kings Walk Golf Course