WEDNESDAY, september 16, 2020 | SENIOR LIVING | PAGE 1
SENIOR LIVING Thorne Crest Senior Living Community
invites you to a FREE Virtual
Online...
Historical Lecture Series
Gary Schindler is a retired administrator at Riverland Community College and has devoted much of his time in retirement in history related travel and research. His lectures have been showcased in lecture series across southern Minnesota.
H Friday, Sept. 25 at 2pm
Please go to ThorneCrest.net for Link Instructions or contact Catherie at 507-369-6929
“Songs from ‘Your Hit Parade’ in World War II”
Enjoy some of the major hit songs and performers from December 1941 through April 1945. Listeners will hear the original hit songs as determined by the producers of "Your Hit Parade.”
H October 16 at 2pm
“The Big Bands from Freeborn County to the U.S. – 1937 to 1945”
H November 20 at 2pm
“Drama in the Kennedy Limousine – Nov. 22, 1963”
1201 Garfield Avenue • Albert Lea, MN 56007
507-373-2311 • ThorneCrest.net
Thorne Crest is owned and operated by American Baptist Homes of the Midwest, a not-for-profit provider of senior health care since 1930.
welcoming A new leader Kelsey Diehl is the new administrator of the St. John’s Lutheran Community Luther Place campus off of Minnesota Highway 13. Sarah Stultz/Albert Lea Tribune
New St. John’s administrator to oversee campus at Luther Place By Sarah Stultz
sarah.stultz@albertleatribune.com
St. John’s Lutheran Community off of Minnesota Highway 13 in Albert Lea has a new leader at the helm. About a month ago, the organization hired Kelsey Diehl to serve as administrator. Diehl, 22, said she grew up in a small town near Madison, Wisconsin, and attended the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, earning her bachelor’s degree in health care administration in the spring. She said she didn’t have a nursing background when she first went to college, but in her second semester of her freshman
“You are here to care for them — this is their home.” — Kelsey Diehl, administrator of St. John’s Lutheran Community ‘s Luther Place campus year she was introduced to the program. She took the introductory course and really enjoyed it, and then two summers ago she completed an internship at a small facility where she is from. “That’s where I originally fell in love with being in the nurs-
Health talk series to address isolation for seniors in pandemic how to maintain social distance without increasing social isolation will share information on how to reduce isolation using both There are multiple known low- and high-tech activities, negative health effects re- which will increase individuals’ lated to social isolation that well being. This program is free have been accelerated and open to the public. by the pandemic. These Webinar meeting ID and can range from increased passcode are required to falls, mortality, cognitive participate. No prior regdecline and emergency istration is required. For room visits. Social isolawebinar details, visit classtion will be the focus of a es and events at mayofree virtual “Health Talk clinichealthsystem.org or Series” Zoom webinar for Anita contact Kathy Leidal with seniors from 11:30 a.m. to Bissinger community engagement at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, 507-377-6389. Oct. 15, according to a This program is organized press release. Anita Bissinger, licensed clini- by Mayo Clinic Health System cal social worker at Mayo Clinic and Thorne Crest Senior Living Health System in Albert Lea, Center in Albert Lea. By Albert Lea Tribune
ing home and serving seniors,” she said. That passion was solidified when she completed her practicum at Samaritan Bethany in Rochester. After the practicum was completed, she stayed on to help there for a while this summer during the COVID-19 pandemic.
She said her CEO there knew St. John’s Lutheran Community CEO Scot Spates, and she found out the two complexes were similar in many ways. Both are standalone not-for-profit facilities focused on resident-directed care, and both utilize a household model. “You are here to care for them — this is their home,” Diehl said. She said she looked into corporations but found her values better aligned with not-for-profit facilities. “It felt like a really good fit,” Diehl said of St. John’s. Both facilities also use many of the same vendors, which was helpful as well. Diehl will oversee the St.
John’s site off of Minnesota Highway 13, which she said has about 37 residents. Spates remains the administrator of the organization’s Fountain Lake campus and CEO of the entire organization. She said she likes that Spates is there to provide guidance for her, while also encouraging her to develop her own leadership. She said she is glad to get back to a small town and looks forward to getting involved in the community. She lives in Owatonna but commutes to work. Outside of work, Diehl said she enjoys being outdoors and going for walks and enjoys reading books.
Senior Spotlight: Polly Nelson Age: 88 Native of: Albert Lea Place of residency: Thorne Crest Senior Living Community Family: My husband, Hud (now deceased), one daughter and sonin-law and two grandchildren Education: Graduate of Albert Lea High School Former occupation: Worked at Gamble Clinic after high school. Also, helped my husband with business we owned, Nelson’s Silo and Dairy Supplies. What is your favorite childhood memory? Being busy with four other siblings all growing up on a farm outside of Albert Lea What is your favorite adulthood memory? Buying a home and starting a family What would you say is your greatest accomplishment? Our
happy home life. I love to walk and am happy to be very active for my age. What is the greatest lesson life has taught you? To always listen to others and to be helpful to them during difficult times.
What do you enjoy most about living at Thorne Crest? My independence and also my interaction with others who live and work at Thorne Crest. I also enjoy the opportunities to use the pool and many activities.
Page 2 | SENIOR LIVING | WEDNESDAY, september 16, 2020
Walking to end Alzheimer’s
St. John’s Lutheran Community joined the Freeborn County Walk to End Alzheimer’s at both campuses with their own course. Residents and staff at each campus participated in multiple fundraisers to raise funds for the Freeborn County Walk. On the day of the Freeborn county walk, residents enjoyed the fresh air and beautiful day. Provided
30 years of service
St. John’s Lutheran Community congratulated Becky Severtson on 30 years of dedicated service. Severtson started in 1990 as a certified nursing assistant and has had many different positions at St. John’s. Pictured is Becky Severtson with St. John’s Lutheran Community CEO/Administrator Scot Spates. Provided
Treats in the ‘dog days’ of summer
St. John’s Lutheran Community celebrated and thanked residents, tenants and staff with a “dog days” of summer treat. Bruno’s Corn Dogs of Albert Lea spent the afternoon at each campus providing corn dog treats for everyone. Provided
Senior spotlight: Babe Stadheim Age: 97 Native of: Freeborn County — Albert Lea Place of residency: St. John’s Lutheran Community, Knutson Place Apartments Family: Five children
No matter where you’re at in life, you’ll find a home in our community! Independent Living Assisted Living Secured Memory Care Skilled Care Short Term Rehab Sunday Worship For more information, call 507-373-8226 or visit www.stjohnsofalbertlea.org 901 Luther Place and 1761 Eagle View Circle Albert Lea, MN 507-373-8226 www.stjohnsofalbertlea.org
and their spouses, 13 grandchildren, 26 greatgrandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren Education: Eighth grade Former Housewife
occupation:
What is your favorite childhood memory? I lost my mom when I was 5 and my dad when I was 9, so just being able to stay together with my other eight brothers and sisters was wonderful. They made each holiday special for all of us. What is your favorite memory from adulthood? Staying close and gathering with my siblings and traveling with my husband in our later years. I had a happy marriage of 76 years. What would you say is your greatest accomplishment? Raising five children and helping out with the work on our farm, which has been in the family over 150 years. Also spending time with and spoiling our grandchildren. Is there a piece of advice you wish someone had given you or you would have
The Albert Lea Tribune is committed to delivering Real News.
listened to when your were younger? We lost our parents, so as nine siblings we were lucky to stay together and work hard to have food and a place to live. There was really no one to give us advice. I really have no regrets about my life.
What is the greatest lesson life has taught you? Honesty, work hard and to be happy with what you have. Be humble and kind.
What do you enjoy most about where you are living now? The security, friendships, music on Fridays and bingo. The amazing staff and how wonderful they are to me.
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Page 3 | SENIOR LIVING | WEDNESDAY, september 16, 2020
Thorne Crest participates in Alzheimer’s event CNA retires after 40 years at Good Sam
Lynn Grahn recently retired after 40 years of working as a certified nursing assistant at Good Samaritan Society of Albert Lea. Provided The honorary family of Andy and LoAnn Dyrdal participated in the Walk To End Alzheimer’s on Aug. 29. Provided
Are you a coach or parent with youth sports?
Submit results and photos to: tribsports@albertleatribune.com
Thorne Crest resident Andy Dyrdal poses for a photo with one of the Alzheimer’s flowers from the flower garden.
Thorne Crest Team Tangles member Emily Goskeson participates in the Walk To End Alzheimer’s on Aug. 29. The walk was held virtually, so team members could walk when and where they wanted.
A donation of dignity
COME SEE US! 2718 Ekko Ave Albert Lea, MN 56007
ALL PATIENTS WELCOME
INSURANCE ACCEPTED
PROMPT APPOINTMENTS
BOOK AN APPOINTMENT
(507) 373-2270 W W W . E P I P H A N Y D E R M A T O L O G Y. C O M
Washington Avenue Apartments 608 South Washington Avenue Albert Lea, Minnesota
Quality, Subsidized Apartments for Seniors ages 62 and Better • 1 BR apts. • Accessible apts. available • Rent based on income • Window treatments
• Laundry room on each floor • Elevator service • Community dining room • Outdoor patio w/grill • Pets Welcome!
This handmade dignity quilt was donated by the family of Roger and Marge Lonning. It will be used to drape over the protective body covering of deceased individuals, so they can make the journey to their destination with dignity. It is also known as a “Journey Quilt.” Provided
Hey! We want your marriage, engagement and birth announcements. Stop by the Tribune, 808 West Front St.
Apartments available NOW!
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For more information:
(800) 466-7722 x231 www.accessiblespace.org
Page 4 | SENIOR LIVING | WEDNESDAY, september 16, 2020
Fun with flamingos
A week of pampering
Flamingos suddenly appeared at Oak Park Place for Flamingo Fun Week. Residents were pleasantly surprised as to where they would turn up each morning. Provided
Oak Park Place had a week of pampering for residents, including hot facial towels and cucumber treatments for each individual. Residents enjoyed listening to classical music while indulging in chocolate-covered strawberries and drinking nonalcoholic mimosas. Provided
Flamingos were a fun sight for residents at Oak Park Place.
A member of the dietary team dipped chocolate-covered strawberries for the residents.
Residents were gifted a goodie bag filled with community donated hand lotions and soaps.
Hollywood celebration
Oak Park Place residents reflected on some of the old movie classics with their “Hooray for Old Hollywood� celebration. Provided
Highlighting history
Thorne Crest Senior Living Community received a donation to fund additional historic photos for a hallway gallery on the first floor. The organization thanked Linda Evenson with the Freeborn County Historical Museum for helping to locate images for the gallery. Provided
Reconnecting family
Thorne Crest Senior Living Community was excited to begin essential caregiver visits at the end of July. Families could be reunited with loved ones in all continuum of care at Thorne Crest. Provided