Lives changing through community-based services in Fargo, Grand

Transcription

Winter 2011
www.annecenter.org
For supporters of the mission and vision of the Anne Carlsen Center
Caring
Through
Sharing
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Page 8
Growing
Up Strong
Young boy continuing
to flourish at ACC
Page 10
Lives changing through community-based services in Fargo, Grand Forks
Page 4
Kim McGarrah, the
Home Life Services
Coordinator for Horseshoe Park, helps Adam
try on a summer hat.
TechnoCamp campers
utilized adapted software to help create
their own music.
Anne Carlsen Center Stakes C
A
nne Carlsen Center went camping at Elks
Camp Grassick this summer, displaying their
artistic abilities with assistive technology.
Ben gets another
exciting day off to
a ringing start as
he announces it is
breakfast time.
Through both adapted and traditional equipment
students from ACC and from around North Dakota
were empowered to achieve new creative plateaus.
Each summer, TechnoCamp combines these unique
experiences with traditional camping adventures.
Campers got to sing by a campfire, take in the scenic
countryside at Elks Camp Grassick, just south of
Jonas carefully
helps his art
project take form
by patting its
exterior layers.
Marissa spreads a
layer of paste across
one of her arts and
crafts projects.
s Claim to Artistic Adventure
Dawson, N.D., during a hayride, and swim in Lake
Isabel. Each day begins with camp fare—such as
pancakes fresh off the griddle—filling tummies
and powering the energetic teens having the time
of their lives.
The summer camp experience is one of many unique
experiences the Anne Carlsen Center provides—but
it is only through the heartfelt generosity of donors
we can continue to make such impacts on these
remarkable lives.
For many campers, swimming in a
lake—in this case Lake Isabel—is
a unique experience they can only
experience through this amazing
summer camp experience.
Michael beats
the heat with
a class of icy
water and an
ice cube along
his neck.
M
ark Coppin’s year as an Apple Distinguished
Educator (ADE) has helped prepare the
Anne Carlsen Center toward a new level
of national recognition.
The Center’s Assistive Technology Director is positioning ACC to receive an Apple Distinguished School
designation. This distinction is reserved for schools
that have achieved a 21st century vision of education
utilizing Apple technologies. Only schools that have
demonstrated vision, leadership and successful implementation of technology that supports teaching and
learning are honored in this way.
“We have a set of expectations—for our staff to
achieve a higher level of
expertise. This allows us to
be recognized as a center
of excellence,” said Coppin,
who has worked at ACC
for over two decades. “We
will be using cutting-edge
technologies at the Center as one of the tools for
delivering curriculum and
enhancing lives.”
each other’s creativity by working together on various
projects and sharing information from their specific
schools and regions. Together they provide leadership
in best practices for educators.
Apple Distinguished School
Should the Anne Carlsen Center achieve its goal of
becoming an Apple Distinguished School, it could
allow the Center to develop relationships with software developers—through the hands-on testing of
new software and hardware. By testing hardware
and software the Center will have influence on the
development of new technologies. This collaboration
with developers supports the Center’s belief that
technology opens the door
to greater independence
and learning.
Coppin’s Apple
ACC Assistive Technology Director
Working on School’s National Program
Apple Distinguished
Educator
Such is the case with
Apple’s iPad. Released in
April 2010, this portable
technology component
has limitless potential
for education.
“We know putting technology into classrooms is
important,” said Coppin.
“Now our staff will be
collecting data to prove
technology interation
makes a difference.”
In March 2009, Coppin
learned he had been
honored by Apple with
an individual award.
Technology use and
The 20-plus year employee
documentation will
Mark Coppin works with Ben
of the Center received
keep the Center on the
to create music and art at TechnoCamp.
confirmation he was
cutting edge of learning
selected as an Apple
and communication
Distinguished Educator.
advancements. “This
He was just one of 52 ADEs named in the United
approach will strengthen our program,” said Coppin.
States, that year and was the only North Dakotan
Each of the eight classrooms at the Center’s campus in
represented in his class.
Jamestown will be impacted, but these technologies are
As part of the group, Coppin participated in an ADE
not limited to ACC’s home campus of 70 years. Clients
institute with the rest of his nominated class. He
served through ACC’s Community Services will benefit
networked with other ADE alumni and learned new
from these projects.
ways to combine creativity and cutting-edge technology. During this week-long training session the ADE
“We will be able to expand our mission outside our four
community also worked on a number of projects that
walls,” said Coppin. “We will be reaching students all
integrated Apple technologies in the classroom.
over the world.”
The collaboration between ADE members is an important component of the ADE community. The ADEs fuel
2 The Ambassador
t h e g i ft o f b e l o n g i n g
A M e S sa g e f r o m t h e C EO
It’s a sight that takes your breath away
this time of year, no matter your age:
shiny, perfectly wrapped presents under
the Christmas tree, and colorful stockings—plump with treats and trinkets—
hanging on the fireplace mantle.
Yet some presents you won’t find topped
with a bow and nestled among the fir,
spruce or pine branches. In fact, many
of life’s most meaningful, life-changing
gifts cannot be contained in a box or bag.
Generous friends of the Anne Carlsen Center have,
over the years, contributed to many of these intangible gifts. Certainly, there have been the building
enhancements and equipment needs that have been
met (which we are so grateful for!), but there are also
the gifts of learning, achievement and hope celebrated
daily at the Center.
When a child with a Traumatic Brain Injury regains
the ability to laugh and play—it’s with the help of your
financial support.
When a young adult with autism establishes relationships and achieves success in his community—you
have played a major role.
And because of your love, students and clients of the
Center will utilize assistive technology and adaptive
tools to perform their annual Christmas program,
which features music, classroom performances, and
colorful costumes and displays.
With your dedicated support, the Anne Carlsen Center has become a leader in improving accessibility in
education, recreation, vocation and technology—among
other areas—for individuals with disabilities.
The Center’s work, however, is not limited to accessibility but extends to the broader realm of inclusion.
This means an individual is embraced as a member of
society and participates—using his or her abilities—in
daily activities as a community member. From the
playground to the workplace, inclusion is critical and
commendable.
While working to prepare those we serve for the path
ahead, the Center is also “preparing the path” for the
individual. In other words, in addition
to teaching and training our students
and clients, we work to help communities become equipped to meet the
diverse needs of their members. It
is a collaborative, interdisciplinary
approach … and it’s thrilling to see
the results, as communities learn to include these individuals in their midst.
In this issue of The Ambassador (beginning on page 4), you’ll read about Courtney, an Anne
Carlsen Center Community Services client in Fargo
who is overcoming significant obstacles in the quest for
a more fulfilling life. The Center is helping her eliminate physical and psychological barriers to her success.
What courage she has demonstrated, as she develops
meaningful relationships and participates more fully
now in a variety of activities!
On page 10 you’ll meet Sander, a young student who
came to the Center for rehabilitative services following
a hemispherectomy of his brain, done to treat severe
spasms and seizures. The Center’s team of therapists
is working with the boy to help him overcome challenges with eating, language and movement. Just wait
till you see what he’s accomplished so far, as he builds
skills and strength on the path to a productive and
fulfilling life!
The Anne Carlsen Center relies on the support of
friends like you to help provide Sander, Courtney and
so many others with compassionate and individualized services. It is with grateful hearts this Christmas
season that we thank you for the gifts of belonging,
meaning and purpose that are enriching the lives of
those in our care.
May your Christmas be warm and bright with love.
We pray you are blessed with many happy memories
as you celebrate God’s gift to the world—his Son.
Warmest regards,
Eric Monson
Chief Executive Officer
Anne Carlsen Center
The Ambassador
3
T
he Anne Carlsen Center launched its
Community Services in 2008 with
the desire to bring the organization’s
resources and professionals closer to
individuals and families affected by
disabilities across North Dakota. The
Center—in addition to providing services at its wellestablished Jamestown campus—now provides individualized support in the areas of daily living, self-care
and behavior management in and around Jamestown,
Grand Forks and Fargo. The following is one Fargo
client’s story. This young
woman is overcoming
significant obstacles on the
path to greater independence,
fulfillment and hope.
community-based programming, and leisure training
and support. She’s gaining meaningful experiences
while learning to be more productive and social. Little
by little, the anxiety that has controlled her life is
beginning to loosen its powerful grip.
Courtney was born with Down syndrome—or, trisomy
21—a genetic condition that causes intellectual
disability, distinctive physical traits and some medical
issues. However, having three copies of chromosome
21 had not prevented Courtney, as a child, from leading a happy and full life.
More than 4,000 people were
present for a proud moment
in Courtney Penas’ life. The
setting was Newman Outdoor
Field in Fargo where a thrilling RedHawks baseball game
was underway. The fans in the
stands, the mascots on the sidelines, and the players on the
field were not aware of Courtney’s presence in the crowd, but
that did not at all lessen the
significance of what the young
woman accomplished that day.
For Courtney … and those who
love her … the outing marked a
major victory in a battle against
severe social anxiety. She would
have missed out on an event
like this just one year before,
too fearful and unsure to enter
the stands, or possibly, even get
out of the car. But on this day,
she sat calmly, smiled brightly,
and looked right at home as one
of the team’s loyal fans.
The baseball game was an outing taken during the summer
by staff and adult clients of the
Anne Carlsen Center (ACC)
Community Services. Courtney
became a client in early 2010,
with ACC providing vocational
skill training, guidance in
daily living and self-help skills,
4 The Ambassador
Facing
her
fears
Fargo woman
is overcoming
social anxiety
with support
from ACC
A Tough Transition
Shortly after beginning
high school, Courtney began
suffering from social and
general anxieties that were
extreme, persistent and
disabling. Her mom, Patti
Penas, says the transition
from middle school to high
school was too overwhelming
for Courtney. “She quit
sleeping and eating,” says
Patti. “She began experiencing major depression and
anxiety. Social situations and
public places she once enjoyed now brought on panic
and agitation.”
The Anne Carlsen Center
worked closely with Courtney’s school throughout the
first part of 2010 to help ensure that the young woman’s
transition from high school
to adult services was not as
traumatic as the beginning
of high school.
“We worked as a team with
her school,” explains Danielle
Remmick, a Family Resource
Coordinator with the Anne
Carlsen Center Community
Services. “The Center has
experience helping young
people like Courtney become
comfortable with settings,
people and routines that are
different from what they
experienced at school. They
Here, Courtney
participates in the
public celebration
and unveiling of
the Anne Carlsen
Center’s Community Services in the
Fargo area. As part
of the festivities,
Courtney demonstrated how she
has helped bake
cookies for Senior
Connections at
the Hjemkomst
Center.
are going from something they had done every day to
something else. What are they going to do for the rest
of their lives? You have to plan ahead and help ensure
that the learning continues.”
Staff introduced themselves gradually to Courtney,
who was leery of new people or any other sudden
change to her environment. In March, an ACC Life
Skills Assistant (LSA) began spending just half an
hour in Courtney’s classroom at school, sitting
toward the back. A few weeks later, the frequency
and length of the visits grew, along with the amount
of interaction.
By late April, when Courtney’s comfort level with the
LSA had increased, she became accustomed to car
rides home with the staff member, in addition to her
mom. The Anne Carlsen Center began filling more of
Courtney’s day with enriching programs and training. Patti—upon whom Courtney had always greatly
relied—gradually stepped back to help her daughter
gain greater independence and confidence.
Building for Success
Now that Courtney has finished high school, her days
are spent developing skills for future success. She
gains a variety of vocational skills at Fargo area
businesses and packages pasta and puts labels on
cans of food at the local food pantry. She goes grocery
shopping, prepares her own lunch, cleans house and
does laundry, and walks and swims at the YMCA.
There’s also a host of satisfying social activities—
including taking in a RedHawks baseball game
with some of her friends.
“We wanted the trip to the baseball game to be a
positive one for Courtney,” says Remmick. “We went
to the stadium each day for several days leading up
to the event to help her become familiar with the
Courtney spends
several hours
each week
helping out at
a Blockbuster
video store
in Fargo.
surroundings. The day of the game, we took the back
entrance, so that it would be less overwhelming. In the
end, she didn’t mind all of the people and the noise. It’s
very impressive because, not so long ago, she wouldn’t
have even gotten out of the car.”
Today, Courtney enjoys outings, along with fellow
clients, to museums, parks and restaurants. Every
Friday she participates in the ACC Olympics, which
features a variety of fun athletic activities, adapted
so that everyone can fully participate.
Courtney has two Anne Carlsen Center staff (LSAs)
who now work separately with her, and provide a
variety of specialized services and support. They spend
a total of 40 hours each week with her in the community, at vocational training sites, and at the home she
shares with her parents. “Their biggest role is to step
back and let Courtney be as independent as possible,”
says Remmick. “They support her in what she can do.
For instance, in the morning, one LSA is present to
help her get ready for the day. Courtney gets dressed
on her own, but the LSA is there to coach her through
breakfast preparation, providing support if needed.”
LSAs also provide transportation and time management support. Courtney relies on staff to help organize
and keep a variety of appointments, from vocational
training sessions to social outings with friends. In
addition, because Courtney rarely communicates
verbally, they function as communication partners,
vocalizing for her in certain situations. “Courtney
is superb in communicating non-verbally,” says
Remmick. “Life Skills Assistants read her cues,
and they know when she needs assistance.”
Job Well Done
It’s the middle of the morning at the Blockbuster
video store on 13th Avenue in Fargo. This is a quiet
The Ambassador
5
time of day when the number of customers tends to be
small. Employees stay busy, though, as there is a lot
to do, including re-stocking the videos that have been
returned.
still working on transitions and continuing to help her
cope well. She is doing more meaningful work now, for
longer periods of time.”
Looking Forward
Since July, Courtney has gone to the video store for
vocational training, spending a few hours each week
putting movies back on the store shelves. When she arrives, store manager Sheri Gustafson greets her cheerfully. Courtney’s eyes sparkle and she smiles broadly.
Her red hair shines as she moves about the store,
carefully putting movies—organized alphabetically
on a cart—back where they belong. The video store is
an excellent fit for Courtney, according to ACC staff,
because Courtney loves movies, enjoys the visual stimulation of the colorful movie cases,
thrives doing structured work,
and feels comfortable in the
quiet surroundings.
“Mornings are good because I
am available if she needs help
or has questions,” says Gustafson, who answers Courtney’s questions, verbalized by
the LSA. “She is cautious early
on,” says Gustafson about
Courtney, “until she gets to
know someone, and then she
really enjoys being around that
person.
“Before Courtney suffered from anxiety, she was so
happy,” Patti remembers. “We want her to enjoy life
again. She is letting go of some of the anxiety and
getting comfortable. In a flexible and gradual way, she
is being introduced into the community.”
As Courtney’s comfort with members of the community
grows, Patti hopes her daughter will start to verbalize
more—something she used to do fairly often, until the
anxiety set in. Most often, she relies on nonverbal
communication, such as gestures, facial expressions,
or circling a response on a
piece of paper.
Courtney’s parents envision
that, as their daughter gains
important skills and abilities,
she will eventually be able to
live more independently.
“We want Courtney to enjoy
life more and depend less on
us,” says Patti. “We want her
Courtney is pictured here with her parents,
to have more confidence in
Bruce and Patti, and her sister, Nicole. Her family,
thankful for the Anne Carlsen Center’s services,
other caregivers and be able to
is pleased to see Courtney so happy and productive
go into a group living situation eventually—to be independent of us during a time
when we can still be around. We want the transition to
“Courtney is very loving,” Gustafson adds. “She does
happen during a positive time in her life.”
a really good job and is very dependable. She always
gets the job completed.”
Courtney’s parents have more hope of that happening since they have become involved with the Anne
There are plans at the store to give Courtney more
Carlsen Center. They can picture their daughter
responsibility, such as putting price stickers on movies
someday living semi-independently, having an active
that are for sale, or other more detailed work.
social life, contributing to the community in meaningful ways, and not being tied to everything that mom
Remmick says Courtney is now more relaxed and
and dad do.
productive in a variety of settings. Her demeanor is
calmer—a dramatic improvement from when her
“The Anne Carlsen Center’s Community Services
anxiety was at its worst. Before, if Courtney became
program is wonderful. There is such a need for it in
unsure or afraid, she would be very vocal, dart back
North Dakota,” says Patti. “Individuals are treated
and forth, and move her hands rapidly. Then, she
with dignity and respect. That’s something we somewould try to find the door in order to leave.
times overlook with individuals with behavioral
challenges, because we are so busy trying to control
“When the anxiety began,” says Patti, “it was difficult
the behavior, we forget. The Center staff encourages
for Courtney to stay on any one task.”
Courtney without pressuring her. They stretch her
“Now, we are very in tune with her thoughts and
wings … without pulling too hard.”
emotions,” explains Remmick. “We know what she
can tolerate and structure to meet her needs. We are
6
The Ambassador
In Memory Of... The Anne Carlsen Center is blessed each year with gifts given in memory of parents,
grandparents, friends, mentors and many others. These memorial gifts help the Center fund services, programs and
projects that have a life-changing impact on children and young adults with disabilities. By remembering your loved
ones in this special way, you are helping create meaningful and lasting memories for the individuals we serve.
Memorials gifted between May 1, 2010 and August 31, 2010:
Given By In Memory Of
Given By
In Memory Of
Given By In Memory Of Given By In Memory Of
Ms. Mary Ann Brennan
Mr. Rodney C. Anderson
Mrs. Darlis Short
Clifford and Velma Martin
Rodney and Betty Hanson
Irving and Janice Thompson
J. Thomas and
Jeanette Anderson
Robert and Eunice Tangsrud
Lou Jean Kelley
Raydon and Betty Workin
Ms. Shirley Jensvold
Karter and Vernis Krogh
Bert and Helen Egstad
Mrs. Beulah M. Havelick
Randy and Linda Myhra
Mr. Robert W. Martinson
Dr. Rock L. Clapper
Oscar and Joanne Clapper
Daris and Mabel Bittner
Rodney and Fayne Bell
Cynthia Schreiber-Beck
Mrs. Mary L. Johnson
Gordon and Loretta Domier
Turtle Mountain
Retired Teachers
Mary L. Grinde
Larry and Edith Raatz
Kermit and Arlys Sorby
Gordon and Ida Mae Smith
Mrs. Lucille A. Rotz
Robert and Mary Muhs
Mrs. Lorna J. Boreson
Gerald and Elenore Borstad
Mr. Barry A. Bourquin
Mrs. Janene Nordloef
Mrs. Kathleen Wyum
Norman and
Donna Lorentzsen
Mrs. Katherine Paschke
Edward and Elaine Nafus
C. Norman and
Sharon Rehovsky
Mrs. Anne Hausauer
Eldon and Clara Jo Conant
Joseph and
Elizabeth Anderson
Mrs. LaVera M. Edick
Harley and Gloria Schmidt
Roy and Esther Peterson
Mrs. Darlis Short
James and Linda Kimball
Dean and Patricia Bahr
Ms. Helen E. Baker
Carl and Lynne Christianson
Rodney and Betty Hanson
Mrs. Elaine F. Nieland
Donald and Carol Odenbach
Rev. Ernest W. Collard
Mr. Lloyd O. Cook
Mrs. Carole J. Kvamme
Apollo Hair Clinics
Mr. Rodney C. Anderson
C. William and Patricia Dennert
Ms. Mary E. Bailey-Dace
Gerald and Donna Collins
Curtis and Susan Fallstrom
Dennis and Judy Gumke
Mr. and Mrs. Richard Pokorny
Mr. Theodore J. Donley
David and Faye Bernstein
Mrs. Sherry Mischke
Mrs. Elaine Eicholtz
Gregory and Hilda Eldevik
Ms. Dorothy A. Briss
Mrs. Judy Hunter
Mrs. Darlis Short
Mrs. Dolores Landblom
Mrs. Evelyn Delmore
Mrs. Muriel B. Smith
Mr. Brian Engstrom
Mrs. Jacquelyn R. Schulte
Mrs. Betty Walock
Jerome and Evon Praus
Mrs. Sherry Mischke
Jerald and E. Bonnie Erickson
Mr. Warren H. Ernie
Mrs. Mabel Dahl
Anthony and Jean Peszko
Mr. Kenneth D. Fandrey
Dean and Sylvia Fatland
Mrs. Anna Drangsholt
Roy and Esther Peterson
Melvin and Ruth Skjerseth
Vernon Albright
Ronald A. Aldred
Gene Alley
Kimberly J. Ambuehl
Bert Anderson
Elwood Anderson
Evelyn and
Hank Anderson
Alton Anderson
Marilyn O. Anderson
Thomas Baker
Aldon Bakken
Katie D. Bakkum
Lionel E. Barrett
Paula Barrows
Ileen M. Bauer
Mark Bauer
Marlys Bauer
Marlys Bauer
Dwight A. Bean
Laura Becker
George D. Bell
Patrick E. Benedict
Myrtle O. Berg
Laurie Berry
Herman Bertsch
Alwyn Biberdorf
Bill and Marilyn Hughes
Morris and Edna Mae Erickson
Lt. Col. Harry and
Sharon Sherlock
Mrs. LaVera M. Edick
Gerhard and Irene Karlstad
Richard and Linda Mc Bride
Mr. Virgil H. Fredricks
Ms. Judy L. Kulla
G. G. and Millie Henne
Mrs. Irene B. Meyer
Mrs. Marilyn F. Galazen
Mrs. Lorna J. Boreson
Mrs. Margaret A. Genung
Mr. Lloyd C. Sheldon
Ray and Elaine Gerlinger
Mr. and Mrs. Leslie P. Sorenson
Mrs. Darlis Short
Richard and Ethel Grieson
Bradley and Mary Grim
Ms. Judy L. Kulla
Jon and Margaret Tennessen
Donald and Rita Lund
Mrs. Sherry Mischke
Mrs. Thelma L. DeBilt
Mrs. Alma A. Johnson
Keith and Rebecca Solberg
Dwight and Kay Blikre
Terry and Sonya Bendickson
Mrs. Joan Lindvall
Mrs. Marilyn F. Nissen
Mr. E. Bruce Hagen
Kent and Bonnie Eicholtz
Mrs. Hazel Schlichting
Evelyn Brandvold
Mr. Allan W. Hankel
Roger and Patty Skarphol
Marjorie Krabbenhoft
Mrs. Mary Ann Engebretson
Robert and Eunice Tangsrud
Bob E. and Dee Hanson
Mr. Martin R. Harnisch
Waldo and Marion Platte
Gordon and Loretta Domier
Ms. Mary Ann Brennan
Dean and Kellie Bjornson
Anonymous
Mr. Melvin H. Haven
Myron and Bonnie Papachek
Mrs. Ruth Tweed
George and Muriel Vigesaa
Mr. Robert Gamble
Mrs. Dorothe Jean Hetland
Marvin and Laverne Schulz
Marvin and Laverne Schulz
Ms. Alice M. Alexander
Mrs. Rosanne M. Farrell
Hugh and Jo Ann Patterson
Robert and Becky Herman
Mrs. Ardyce Gregerson
Mrs. LaVonne M. Rauhauser
Ms. Betty L. Nelson
Loren and Margie Johnson
Mrs. Evelyn M. Boschee
James and Colleen Weyrauch
Mrs. Emma E. Holmes
Mrs. Rachel A. Hoovestol
Darwin and Mary Ann Bitz
Stanley and Susan Johnson
Mrs. Marlene Arneson
Mrs. L. Elvira Lokken
Gary and Phyllis Torske
Mrs. Elise T. Jacobson
Mrs. Bunny Du Champ
Michael and Loretta McConnell
Mrs. Theresa Ankenbauer
Gereld and Marian Gerntholz
Clifford and Velma Martin
Sharlot Fluke-Scherf
Glenn Fogel
Charles Fontaine
Gordon G. Forester
Byron and Ardyce Ellingson
Mrs. Dolores Landblom
Landon Kimball
Lynn Bailey
Nathan Kjelland and
Britt Jacobson
Richard and Marlene Quanrud
Greg and Marcy Svenningsen
Mrs. Mary Seim
Mrs. Lila Rau
Craig and Julie Sandstrom
Ms. Irene Ann Linseth
Ms. Mary Jane Low
Wayne and Lois Swenson
John and Shirley Wilson
Jim and Pam Foss
Mr. Charles C. Kennedy
Mr. Alvin Kessel
Ms. Judy L. Kulla
Donald and Myrtle Liebing
Grant and Donna Schmidt
Wesley and Luella Ten Pas
Robb and Deone Kulla
James and Alice Schwab
Clarence and Fern Rau
Larry and Carmen Svenningsen
Glenn and Beverly Frericks
Ms. Judy L. Kulla
Ms. Kathy A. Kvislen
Robert and Bette Johnson
Mrs. Alma A. Johnson
Mrs. Elizabeth Kalhagen
Vernard and Bernita Frederick
Senster and Janet Vangsness
Mr. Brian Engstrom
Mrs. Phyllis M. Bethke
Mr. Brian Engstrom
Mrs. Ivy E. Johannesen
Mrs. Shirley Ledahl
Ms. Mary L. Milbrath
Mrs. Jacquelyn R. Schulte
Mike and Geraldine Paczkowski
Orville and Sheryl Kjelland
Mr. Ralph J. Lileks
Mrs. Eva O. Skarphol
Turtle Mountain
Retired Teachers
Ms. Alice M. Alexander
Leon and Dawn Helstad
Mrs. Sarah Luithle
Char Feldman
Mrs. Elizabeth J. Steinberger
Mrs. Swanhild M. Morrison
Mrs. Annetta Nies
David and Sharon Holweg
Loren and Marian Richards
Mrs. Helen Mastroianna
Bosard, McCutcheon
& Rau, Ltd.
Mr. William W. Mc Millan
Lawrence and
Connie Anderson
Lt. Col. Harry and
Sharon Sherlock
Mrs. Thelma L. DeBilt
Mrs. Joyce A. Meyer
Mr. Raymond E. Mielke
Alvin and Marie Storbakken
Trinity Lutheran Church
Mrs. Diane M. Brown
Pastor Bradley P. Edin
Mrs. Esther Fandrich
Marcia and James Gums
Erhart and Patricia Hehr
Delores Johnson
Jean. Johnson
Jim Johnson
DennisJohnson
DennisJohnson
Mrs. Blanche M. Johnson
Rev. Jo Anne Moeller
Eugene and Audrey Smith
Mrs. Gayann Van Bruggen
Herb and Phyllis Huber
Ms. Vivian Kuipers
Hugh and Jo Ann Patterson
Mrs. Karen Hinman-Zajic
Clinton and Nancy Kee
Kenneth and Marlys Pearson
Mr. Walter H. Mumm
Mrs. Fern A. Olson
Lawrence and Lynn Paretta
Marvin and Mary Siedschlag
Mrs. Marvel Lindstrom
Carl and Almira Nelson
Mr. Manley D. Lokken
Ray and Marlene Grager
Ms. Viola Tangsrud
Ervin and Beverly Ennis
Raymond and
Colleen Sigurdson
Jerome and Evon Praus
Marlin and Lois Ness
Mrs. Evelyn Delmore
Eldon and Bonnie Olson
Mrs. Amie Torgerson
Kenneth and Marlys Pearson
Michael and Amy Steinke
Mrs. Ruby M. DeLair
Mrs. Sherry Mischke
Mr. Albert Maier
Mrs. Lillian G. Rost
Joel and Lynette Schmitz
Mrs. Norma E. Groethe
Evelyn Brandvold
Mrs. Esther Fandrich
Robert and
Elizabeth Gunderson
Ms. Judy L. Kulla
Bernice and Emanuel Suko
Robert and Ruth Wedman
Ms. Judy L. Kulla
Mr. Marvin L. Rapp
Alan and Dorothy Lommen
Dale and Marian Western
Mrs. Charlotte Payette
Mr. Harvey H. Pedersen
Mrs. Carol Pederson
Mrs. Dorothy L. Pederson
Mrs. Mabel Dahl
Lynn and Jeanette Kieper
Kenneth and Lorna Crowell
Mr. Arthur J. Silseth
Lisa A. Carabba-Volk
Harold and Beverly Fragodt
Andrew and Wanda Nikitenko
Judith K. Siegle
Mr. Bradley S. Pladson
Ms. Lois J. Fannon
Mrs. Muriel Hoplin
Ms. Harriet E. Olson
Mrs. Marilynn E. Johnson
Mrs. Beatrice T. Grove
Mrs. Borgni Edin
Richard and Janet Long
Douglas and Shirley Radtke
George and Norma Sturgeon
Kenneth and Ruth Urdahl
Mr. Marvin L. Rapp
Mrs. Delores M. Rath
Herbran and Lorraine Read
Dale and Arnola Savelkoul
Mrs. Marilyn Garrelts
Keith and Rebecca Solberg
Mrs. Janet E. Remmers
Mrs. Helga Retzlaff
Ray and Janet Thielman
James and Judy Engstrom
Mr. Brian Engstrom
Lowell and Amy Anderson
Mrs. Lillian G. Rost
Mrs. Marlys A. Bergene
Mrs. Jean Rubbert
Mr. Robert J. Rudolph
Helen E. Moeller
Helen E. Moeller
Helen E. Moeller
Helen E. Moeller
Helen E. Moeller
Beverly Moen
Kenneth J. Moen
Harry Moos
Dorine Morrison
Dorine Morrison
Lola J. Morrison
Jeanette Mosby
Donna Mosby
Christopher Muheim
Christine L. Mullen
Wilma Mumm
Eugene L. Murphy Jr.
Barbara Mutzenberger
Harvey B. Myhre
Margery Nelson
Marion Nelson
Mike Nelson
William R. Nelson
Bill Newell
Myron Nordloef
Lucas Nordloef
Emy Norgard
Esther Oase
Harvey and Clarice Offerdahl
Sandra Ogren
Valora L. Okland
Valora L. Okland
Terry Biech
Pamela C. Bigelow
Erwin Bitz
Darlene Bjerke
Darlene Bjerke
Roy Bjordahl
Joshua J. Blahna
Margaret E. Muhs-Blixt
Duane Boreson
Bill M. Borstad
Charles W. Borstad
Frank Bosch
Nathan A. Bourquin
Floyd N. Boutrous
Willie Braun
Lisa Breding
Melvin Breker
Melvin Breker
John and Clara Broten
Elaine Bruner
Marion Brusven
Mary E. Buchanan
Lorine Buechler
Robert D. F. Bunde
Dane A. Bundy
Ronald J. Burns
Daniel Bush
Mary E. Cameron
George Canaris
Aileen E. Carlson
Lori Carlson
Bland Carter
Evelyn C. Chapa
Walter Christian
Carl and Evelyn Christianson
Buddy Christopherson
Stuart L. Clark
Darlyne Clausnitzer
Lillian C. Clemenson
Steve Cochrane
Ruth Collard
Marie Cook
Brian Cox
Gregory G. Craychee
Calvin L. Crosbie
Keith W. Cutler
Vernon W. Dace
James D. Dahl
Myron W. Dahl
Christ Delzer
Alton Deutscher
Grace Docktor
Mary Ann Donley
Marcia M. Donlin
Keith Doughty
Helen E. Dunbar
James D. Eberhardt
LaVonne L. Eckroth
Frieda A. Ehrman
Earl Eicholtz
Frances and Norman Eldevik
Ida E. Eli
Ida E. Eli
Ida E. Eli
Ida E. Eli
Renola H. Ellig
Clayton Elm
Vivian L. Enander
Elaine Engstrom
John W. Ennis
John W. Ennis
Rose Erhardt
Deloris J. Erickson
Raymond Erickson
Albert B. Erie
Ruby Ernie
Irene F. Eslinger
Irene F. Eslinger
Lurline D. Fandrey
Elijah C. Fandrich
Jan M. Fatland
Ovalt A. Feland
Ovalt A. Feland
Wilfred M. Fetch
Maxine Fiekens
Evelyn E. Fisk
Boyd G. Forster
Agnes B. Forsting
Gerry Fosen
Keith Foster
Harley A. Frantsen
Paul Frappier
Mildred Fredricks
Gerald A. Fredrickson
Maxine B. Fricke-Evans
Marvin Fueller
Allan Fugl
Allan Fugl
Darrell B. Fuhrman
Paul B. Galazen
Pat Galvin
Marjorie D. Geiszler
Carolyn Gemar
James Genung
Beulah V. George
Anna Gerlinger
Beatta Gilbertson
Edna Goebel
William G. Grabar
Grace L. Grafsgaard
Edna Green
Stella L. Greig
Sharol A. Grieson
Barbara Grim
Barbara Grim
Barbara Grim
Barbara Grim
Paul Grommesh
Vernon E. Grover
Marlys Gunderson
Thelma Gylten
Kermit O. Haakenson
Paul Hagen
Paul Hagen
Paul Hagen
Paul Hagen
Mildred T. Hagen
Max Hager
Luella Hagge
Cole S. Halland
Marianne Hallwachs
Luella A. Hankel
Robert P. Hankey
Evalyn M. Hansen
Holly Hanson
Holly Hanson
Holly Hanson
Kathlene A. Hanson
Ann F. Harding
The Brothers Harnisch
Dolores M. Haroldson
Rich Hartman
Eldren Haugen
Clair O. Haugen
Maynard Haugen
Myron Haugse
Muriel M. Haut
Marguerite Hauth
Borghild E. Haven
Borghild E. Haven
Borghild E. Haven
Borghild E. Haven
Borghild E. Haven
Borghild E. Haven
Borghild E. Haven
Kathryn Heck
Genevieve M. Heie
Donald Heinze
Frank Hejtmanek
Marvin Held
Willard Held
Alfred W. Helstad
Alfred W. Helstad
Pery Hennings
Lorraine O. Henry
Alice Herman
Chuck Herman
Sharon G. Herman
Doris Hintzman
Doris Hintzman
Doris Hintzman
Doris J. Hoefs
Gardell Hoff
Genevieve Hoffer
Leo Hoffman
Gladys M. Hofland
Nyra Hofmann
Janice Hogan
Martha M. Hoheisel
Marilyn G. Holland
Robert Holmes
Richard Hoovestol
Genevieve Horner
Floyd C. House
Olive Hurley
Bernice A. Huss
Marcella Ibach
Tom Ihry
Marlin Ingebretson
Alice J. Iverson
Esther A. Iverson
Leon Jacobson
Jerry Jenkins
Clarice Jensen
Peter L. Jensen
Louise Johansen
Bertha M. Johnson
Keith Johnson
DennisJohnson
DennisJohnson
Myrna A. Johnson
Jerry Jonasson
Esther G. Jore
Dennis Kane
Reuben Kappes
James R. Kastner
Bill Keegan
Liz Keith
Liz Keith
Liz Keith
Liz Keith
Liz Keith
Roger Keller
Louis J. Keller
Mary E. Kelsch
Roselynn Kennedy
Emma Kessel
Joan C. Keyes
Joan C. Keyes
Joan C. Keyes
Joan C. Keyes
Todd A. Klipfel
Valance J. Klusmann
Manley Knutson
Joseph Koble
Charlotte Komrosky
Floyd M. Kramer
Isadore Kramer
Lowell L. Kriz
Dennis K. Kuska
Donald Kvislen
Donald Kvislen
Donald Kvislen
Eileen LaBarre
Eileen LaBarre
Eileen LaBarre
Jason K. Lachenmeier
Judith E. Lahren
Megan B. LaMotte
Sarita Ann Lanning
Bud Larson
Harold Lautt
Hazel S. Lawrence
Marie M. Lay
Gina Ledahl
Edna I. Lee
Firemann Legreid
Esther Leichtman
Mike Leininger
William F. Lemke Jr.
Otto Lennick
Karen Lentsch
Patricia Lidstrom
Idella L. Lien
Eloise Lileks
Art Link
Margert A. Linnertz
Steve Livdahl
Alice Lodoen
LeRoy Lokken
LeRoy Lokken
Donald C. Lovegren
Avis P. Lowe
John Luithle
Karen Lundberg
Lila M. Lunde
Samuel Lykken
Dorothy A. Magnuson
Anna M. Maier
Samuel G. Maragos
Ann Markouich
Doris E. Martin
Doris E. Martin
John Marttila
Marion Masles
Jerry Mastroianna
E. Hugh Mc Cutcheon
Floy. Mc Millan
Earl McCulloch
Joan L. McDonnell
Delphine McLean
Stephen McLeish
Russell L. McMillan
Sean P. McQuade
James McWilliams
Robert Messmer
Robert Messmer
Jacob Meyer
Mary Lou Meyer
Geraldine Meyer
Geraldine Meyer
Allen Meyer
Thera Mielke
LuCille N. Mitchell
Abbie L. Moe
Abbie L. Moe
Helen E. Moeller
Helen E. Moeller
Helen E. Moeller
Helen E. Moeller
Helen E. Moeller
Helen E. Moeller
Helen E. Moeller
Helen E. Moeller
Bonnie Olheiser
Blain Oliphant
Everett Olson
Vince Olson
Elveida H. Olson
Elveida H. Olson
Randal D. Olson
Harold Olsrud
Helen O. Olstad
Gary Oman
Ross Omberg
Loved ones
Parents
Kathy
Gene Orson
Clifford G. Oslie
Dawn A. Ostendorf
Susan Ovind
Susan Ovind
Susan Ovind
Susan Ovind
Susan Ovind
Susan Ovind
Susan Ovind
Terry Owens
Lydia Parrott
Alice Paulson
Marlys Paulson
Milo Payette
Murray Pearce
Shirley Pedersen
Ervin Pederson
Ervin Pederson
Lloyd Pederson
Helen A. Peszko
Roger Peters
Dennis H. Peterson
Mildred A. Peterson
Borghild Peterson
Vernon F. Peterson
Lenny Pherson
Dr. Warren Pierson
Dr. Warren Pierson
Dr. Warren Pierson
Dr. Warren Pierson
Mary Lou and Amos Pladson
Marian Pless
Mary K. Plog
Joseph M. Prosby Jr.
Edna and Clarence Quanbeck
Jerru J. Quesnell
Doris Radtke
Doris Radtke
Doris Radtke
Doris Radtke
Ethel Rance
Ethel Rance
Ruth Rapp
Severt and Lulu Rask
Alvin Rath
Donald A. Raveling Sr.
Kristi Jo Read
Loren Redding
Robert Refsell
Dick Regan
Rev. Le Roy Remmers
Ronald Retzlaff
Aaron K. Richardson
Helen B. Rickford
Diane Rieger
James Ritterman
James Ritterman
Ledores Robey
Karen Robideau
Nora and Selmer Rodne
Art Rost
Ruth E. Rostad
George Rotz
Myron Rubbert
Lenora Rudolf
In Memory Of Continued Page 12
The Ambassador
7
Caring w i t h
c o i n s
Loose Change is Helping Change Lives
at the Anne Carlsen Center
L
orie Klein has met many heroes to the Anne
Carlsen Center (ACC) over the years. They
are also her customers. She and her husband,
Frank, own and operate the Chieftain Conference Center in Carrington, N.D. They have one of
ACC’s coin-collection containers featured prominently
in their business, and numerous times throughout the
day, someone drops in a handful of change, or a dollar
or two, into the container.
The owner of Arrowhead Tesoro in Bismarck says he
has been amazed by how quickly the container at his
business fills up. “We have multiple collection boxes for
different charities,” says Charles Gitter, “and the one
for the Anne Carlsen Center always seems to fill up
the fastest. It is such a good cause. My wife is a social
worker, and she has spoken highly of the Center. A lot
of people feel that way.”
Lorie says a visit to the Center years ago sparked a
lifelong love and respect for the way the Center teaches, trains and nurtures individuals with disabilities.
“I’ve toured the Anne Carlsen Center,” she says. “It is
such a worthwhile, loving and warm environment. The
students—I could tell as I was watching them interact
with staff—were happy and appreciative of their surroundings.”
While working to boost the Center’s fundraising efforts, the businesses participating in the Anne Carlsen
Center coin-collection campaign help people become
more aware of the Center’s services.
The Kleins knew a carefully-positioned coin container,
provided by the Anne Carlsen Center, would provide a
convenient way for guests to their conference center to
make a difference for a worthy cause. They have been
pleased by the number of customers who have chosen to give.
“All of that loose change really
does add up,” says Lorie. “The
Anne Carlsen Center is a great
cause—and it’s local! We can see
the impact the Center is having
throughout area communities.”
Shelley Nannenga, ACC Major
Gifts & Planned Giving Associate Director, says the coin
containers bring in about $8,000
each year for the Center.
There are 40 containers at a
variety of business across the
state, from grocery stores to
gas stations—and even craft,
bread and hardware stores.
Soon, the number of collection sites across the state will
double, with canisters being
distributed throughout the Red
River Valley.
8 The Ambassador
Spreading the Word
“In just a moment, we can tell our story,” says Nannenga. “The front of the containers features the photo
of a student, along with a few words about the Anne
Carlsen Center. Perhaps someone has seen these
containers who has a family member or friend who
could use our services. It might prompt them to ask
questions and to try to find out more.”
Communities with coin containers
are often the hometowns of students who receive therapeutic, educational and residential services at
the Anne Carlsen Center campus in
Jamestown. In many other cases,
communities have residents who
receive the Center’s communitybased services, with experts providing support close to home.
At the Perkins Restaurant and
Bakery on U.S. 281 in Jamestown,
employees are very familiar
with the Center, with its campus only about two miles
away. Managers and servers interact with the ACC
students who eat breakfast
together once a week as part
of their community integration training.
“A week ago, someone asked
me what the Anne Carlsen
Center was,” says Mike
Vettel, the Perkins manager. “I was able to
tell them a little about the Center and help
educate them about what the Center does.
We feel it is important as a business to be
familiar with and support local entities. It
is a priority for us to support our own.”
Volunteer Recruiter
One of the biggest allies in the coin-collection
campaign has been a retired U.S. Navy
recruiter. Jerry Fjeld of Minot has spent
countless hours searching for possible
collection sites,
approaching the
business owners, placing the containers,
and then—when the
containers get full—
making sure the donated funds get to the
Anne Carlsen Center.
of the way his customers are supporting the
Anne Carlsen Center. “We just emptied the
container the other day—it was pretty full!”
he says enthusiastically. “What I see a lot of
is when customers pay the cashier, the coin
container catches their eye. If they get back
a dollar, or a dollar and some change, they
very often put it in the canister. It fills up
quickly, and we have to empty it once every
three to four weeks.”
Nannenga says there are canisters available for businesses
interested in helping
ACC touch the lives
of individuals with
disabilities. She
can be reached for
more information at
1-800-568-5175 or
shelley.nannenga@
annecenter.org.
Fjeld says he is pas“The loose change
sionate about helping
Through the generosity of donors, the Anne Carlsen Center
in people’s pockets
the ACC—a comis able to provide a number of unique opportunities such
as the solarium and learning about plants year-round.
really does make a
mitment that began
difference,” she says.
in earnest after he
“Thank you to the
and other AMVETS
businesses who are partnering with us.
(American Veterans) held a Christmas
Thank you to so many who have taken a moparty for students at the Center in 2003.
ment to drop some coins into our containers.
“I got to visit with the boys and girls,” he
The Center and the individuals we serve are
says. “Those kids are so great! They really
touched my heart. I love to hear them laugh- humbled by this simple act and the impact
it makes.”
ing and giggling. If I lived in Jamestown, I
would want to visit them every day.”
Funds are raised for the Center in a variety
of ways and help the non-profit organization
But since he lives 170 miles away, his role
continue to provide highly skilled and comin the coin collection is his way of showing
passionate care. Students and clients are
the students how much he cares. ACC staff
members say Fjeld has really taken the lead becoming more independent through a wide
variety of individualized services, ranging
in helping distribute and maintain coin
from physical therapy to assistive technology.
containers throughout the north-central
Donations have also helped make additions
part of the state. Because of his efforts,
to the campus in Jamestown possible, such
there are containers in the Minot area,
Rugby, Ryder, Parshall, New Town, Max
as the solarium, the Nature Trail and the
therapeutic swimming pool.
and Wilton. Fjeld stops by each business
once or twice a month in case the containers
People of a variety of ages and backgrounds
need to be emptied. For the most part,
are opening their hearts, their wallets …
donations consist of pocket change, but at
and their pockets (every penny counts) …
times, he has seen gifts as large as twentyto make a lifetime difference for the chiland fifty-dollar bills.
dren and young adults served by the Anne
One of the businesses recruited by Fjeld to
Carlsen Center. With each dollar you give,
participate in the Center’s coin-collection
you help provide quality care to remarkable
campaign is Homesteaders Restaurant in
individuals, while partnering with the
Minot. Owner Dean Aberle says he is proud
Center in our legacy of hope.
Thank you to the following
businesses for utilizing our
coin containers and giving
their customers the opportunity to make a difference!
In Bismarck:
•Arrowhead Tesoro
In Burlington:
•J’s Stop-N-Go
In Carrington:
•HiWay Drive In
•Chieftain Conference
Center
•Alco Discount Store
In Cooperstown:
•U.S. Post Office
•Pizza Ranch
In Harvey:
•Pizza Ranch
•Buechler Oil Company
(Tesoro)
In Hillsboro:
•Uniquely Yours Crafts
In Jamestown:
•Perkins Family Restaurant
& Bakery
•Gun & Reel Sports, Inc.
•Hugo’s
•Jamestown I-94 Clark
•County Market
•Depot Family Restaurant
•CARQUEST Auto Parts
•Master Bread
•Superpumper
•Pantry Café
•Pizza Ranch
In LaMoure:
•Good Oil Company
In Max:
•Cenex C Store
In Minot:
•Roll-N-Pin
•Harley’s Arrowhead
•Conoco
•Behm’s Truck Stop
•Kmart
•Charlie’s Main Street Café
•Homesteaders Restaurant
•Ruthville Store
In New Town:
•Cenex of New Town
In Parshall:
•Parshall Cenex
In Rugby:
•Cenex-C-Store
In Ryder:
•Plaza-Makoti C-Store
In Sykeston:
•Jockey Club
In Valley City:
•Central Avenue Health
Mart Pharmacy
•John’s I-94 Tesoro
In Wahpeton:
•Wahpeton Ace Hardware
In Wilton:
•Cenex
In Wimbledon:
•Wimbledon Café
& Grocery Store
The Ambassador
9
T
here is no greater feeling
than accomplishment for
Sander.
pare what is done at the Anne Carlsen
Center with what we could get at
home.”
For one so young, the accomplishment
of simply being alive wasn’t good
enough. This youngster has gotten a
taste of achievement and wants more.
The specialization ACC offered
included therapy specific to eating.
This was important for Sander as
early on he was not able to eat age-appropriate food. ACC Speech-Language
Pathologists work with vocalization as
well as techniques that develop
the muscles involved in eating.
Born with a cyst growing inside
his skull and on the left side of his
brain the young boy was faced with
a variety of health concerns early in
his life. The cysts caused life-threatening spasms and seizures just eight
months into the little boy’s life.
These symptoms began to accelerate
throughout the latter parts of the
boy’s first year of life and he would
require surgery that removed the
left hemisphere of his brain. This
procedure, called a hemispherectomy,
is where Sanders journey through
therapy begins.
Eye
of the
Tiger
“There are a few different people that
were very important in Sander’s life,”
said Rebecca. “The neurosurgeon,
neurologist and (ACC SLP) Ann
Albrecht. He has improved so much
with eating.”
The therapist and Sander formed a
special bond right away. Albrecht had
worked with one prior student who
had a hemispherectomy, and while
that gave the therapist some background, Sander operated at a higher
function than the previous student.
The human brain is characterized by
its two hemispheres—with the left
hemisphere dictating logical thought
“Sander had worked with Ann during
Young Boy
(i.e. rationality, analytical thinking,
the summer and he looked up to Ann,”
Learning Life Skills
sequencing) and the right hemisphere
explained Aaron. “They went through
Following Surgery
focusing on creativity (intuition,
a period where he improved a lot
subjective thinking). Without the left
because he was trying to impress her.
hemisphere of his brain, Sander was guaranteed a life
Then he reached a plateau and regressed a little bit.”
that would always include more challenges than a typiProgress became slower, but steady and Sander reached
cal one-year-old. The family needed to come together and
a milestone with his eating. He no longer had to eat
form a plan for not only Sander, but how they would also
baby food, but was able to eat food that was pureed
take care of twin brother Jonas.
and semi-pureed.
Also part of the challenge for the family was finding
As Sander’s pallet has become more complex, he was
specialized therapy in the rural community of Edinburg.
able to enjoy more and more foods and even ate a Cajun
Living about 75 miles from Grand Forks meant the
meal his grandpa prepared including beans and minced
boy may have to go without certain therapies on a
vegetables.
regular basis.
Sander began with therapy 10 times a week and now
“We have done the month-long therapy stints,” said
has therapy sessions seven times each week. During five
Aaron, Sander’s father. “We have seen the benefits of
of those sessions he works on language. This language
therapy every day. Then we would bring him home and
counteracts a behavior associated with the hemispherectry to fit our local providers into our needs.”
tomy: sudden outbursts of screaming.
The family needed some help.
“We are working on using a word versus screaming
Finding ACC
his needs,” explained Albrecht. “He is learning lots of
Aaron and Rebecca first learned about the Anne Carlsen
words. In two or three months he has learned words
Center in 2009, and began investigating their options
and imitating and starting to put two words together
immediately.
in some situations.
“We definitely talked about it for a while,” said Rebecca,
Sander’s mother. “What we decided is we couldn’t com10 The Ambassador
“It is kind of amazing what he is doing. When you look
at his diagnosis on paper, you may think this boy is not
Sander touches Santa’s hair
and beard as he says hi to St. Nick.
able to do much. What he
is doing is amazing and
shows how flexible the
brain is and that parts of
it can take over the abilities normally handled by
the left side. At this point
we are not putting any
limits on him and we will
take the next step and the
next step until he reaches
his potential.”
himself for the first time.
These first movements were
made all the more memorable
as a young child moved to be
closer to his grandfather.
“We set him on the floor and
said ‘Look, there is Grandpa,’”
said Rebecca. “Then he started
scooting on his back.”
“It was really hard not to cry
at a time like that,” recalled
Aaron.
Physical Well-Being
Part of the reason Sander is able to learn so many new
skills is due to his young age.
“The brain is very plastic—bendable, malleable, changeable,” said pediatrician Dr. Myra Quanrud, the Center’s
Medical Director. “The younger you are, the more plastic
it is. If you take out a hemisphere in a 22-year old, they
will lose the personality of the left or right part of the
brain. But in a 2-year old, the brain can re-pattern. You
always have a goal of early intervention. Before the age
of three, those are the golden years. By the age of three
the brain has learned so much and established pathways
are made.”
Typically someone who has had a hemispherectomy
procedure will experience some delays, but the brain is
a remarkable organ that has tremendous recuperation
abilities.
“The brain duplicates itself,” said Quanrud. “You have
backups for a good reason. In the right and left hemispheres there is a lot of duplication.”
Following the procedure the brain also forms a defense
in response to the surgery. The missing part of the skull
fills with fluid to act as a cushion for the brain. However,
the possibility of injury is all the more dangerous because
there is only one hemisphere remaining.
“We accepted that he would have more challenges than a
normal child,” said Aaron. “But we also cherish the gains.”
“Sander’s diagnosis is similar to someone with a stroke
as he tends to neglect the right side of his body and
the muscles are a lot weaker from not using them,”
explained ACC Physical Therapist Natalie Lonnberg.
“In therapy, we work on balance activities, lower extremity strengthening, standing while holding on something
in front of him, and weight shifting.”
“It is absolutely amazing how the mind and body can
compensate for that missing piece and make new connections with the help of therapy,” said Lonnberg.
Since that memorable day, Sander has begun working
on motoring around from a seated position.
“For Sander to sit up, on his own, it is a huge accomplishment,” said Rebecca. “You see him just wanting to
get up. A year ago he was not interested in seeing what
is on top of things.”
“In therapy, we work on walking with a gait trainer and
now he will walk down the hallway while holding onto
the railing with his left hand and someone helping him
with his balance,” said Lonnberg. “He has been one of
our first clients to use the Lite Gait Trainer, which is a
partial body weight supported treadmill training system
that is basically a harness system that goes above the
treadmill to work on walking.”
“Sander is an absolute blast to work with,” continued
Lonnberg. “He loves silly games, singing songs, cheers,
chants, and counting. One of his favorite toys is a tiger
that sings the Rocky theme ‘Eye of the Tiger’—it is so
fitting.”
Looking Forward
The ups and down of the last few years have cemented
the family’s bond.
“There have been big life changes right in front of you,”
said Rebecca. “But we feel good about the experiences
and that has allowed us to be stronger family unit. If we
felt differently about it, it could have ripped us apart by
the things that were happening or not happening.”
And the family shares that much more joy with Sander
as part of their family.
“Sander is such a happy boy,” said Rebecca. “He is able to
laugh so easily.”
“He has only improved with more contact,” added Aaron.
“The more he gets the more he gives back.”
April 17 was a special day for the family as Sander put
together components of his physical therapy and moved
The Ambassador
11
In Memory Of
Continued from Page 7
Ahh…the holidays. The wonderful memories,
traditions—all of the togetherness. When I reflect
back on my childhood, this time of the year has
provided countless poignant memories I will
forever cherish.
Every child deserves the chance to experience the joys
of the season and build their own memories. As I walk
down the halls of the Anne Carlsen Center Campus
in Jamestown, I see artwork telling the stories of the
season. The halls of the campus allow you to feel the
buzz of excitement in the air and gathering students
raise their voices with a cherub quality of music
celebrating the birth of our Lord. It is truly a unique
experience to have the spirit of our clients nourish my
own soul in immeasurable ways. What a wonderful,
fulfilling place to be!
There is no comparison to the experiences I have
gleaned since beginning my work with the Center in
October. The paramount lesson I have learned in my
short time here is that our donors are what create so
many opportunities that are unmatched.
It is because of your graciousness that our clients get
to experience these extras that make their lives as
rich and as full as is possible. Traditional government
programs and private insurance sources generally
cover the most basic of needs for children and young
adults with highly-specialized needs. Adding programs—like our solarium that offers plant-growing
experiences even as snow is on the ground—and
providing opportunities through enriching curriculum
helps our nurturing staff spotlight the skills of budding individuals.
Your support has blessed our clients and our organization with the opportunity to develop their own
seasonal memories. In turn, may you and your family
experience the blessing that is created during this
sacred holiday season.
Robin Nelson
ACC Development Director
12 The Ambassador
Given By In Memory Of
Given By
In Memory Of
Dustin and Valerie Bakken
Tara Field
Ms. Judy L. Kulla
Eric and Patricia Monson
Ms. Juliann G. Cole
Pete and Lois Perry
Orville and Lilly Bratvold
Mrs. Pearl D. Nelson
Jim and Ellen Redding
Howard and Melvena Bier
Mrs. Elaine Eicholtz
Mr. Elroy Schlenker
G. G. and Millie Henne
Mr. Edward E. Schmidt
Mrs. Mabel F. Tunby
Raymond and Beverly Hubbard
Mr. Brian Engstrom
Arthur and Grace Dietze
Carl and Almira Nelson
Mrs. Betty A. Whitmore
Donald and Inez Olson
Ms. Mavis Slind
Mrs. Margaret Heise
Mrs. Arlene Olson
Clarence and Fern Rau
Mrs. Donna L. Tompkins
Joseph and Dorothy Zdeb
Eugene and Marjorie Kraszewski
Mrs. Swanhild M. Morrison
Mr. Lloyd C. Sheldon
Rev. Henry G. Stolz
Mrs. Sherry Mischke
Harley and Gloria Schmidt
Orlo and Shirley Sund
Mr. Glenn K. Swanson
KateLynn A. Rueger
KateLynn A. Rueger
KateLynn A. Rueger
KateLynn A. Rueger
KateLynn A. Rueger
Ruth M. Rutherford
Chester and Ethel Ryum
David Sagdahl
Lucille A. Sahli
Eileen M. Sailer
Rodney W. Salveson
Bob Sand
Nancy Sande
Donald Savelkoul
Donald Savelkoul
Donald Savelkoul
Claude Saville
Irl H. Schaunaman
Betty L. Schimming
Betty L. Schimming
Laura Schlenker
Elsie Schlenker
Arley Schmidt
Bill Schmidt
Myrtle Schmidt
Lois Schmit
Lester J. Schnaible
Richard J. Schneider
Lucille Schonert
Gary W. Schultz
Marie P. Schumacher
Bobby Scodellaro
Miriam H. Shelstad
Pete Siemieniewski
Treasure L. Sims
Lyle Siverson
Annis D. Skurdahl
Reuben Slind
Jon A. Smalley
Lois J. Smedshammer
Hans Sorensen
Helen L. Sorlie
Paul Springan
Melva Stanley
Melva Stanley
Monte Steele
Bernard Steele
Julia and Henry Steidl
Herman and Marie Stender
Dorothy Stetson
Jane H. Stevens
Angeline E. A. Stice
Amelia Stolz
Charlotte E. Storsteen
Solveig L. Strand
Helen C. Strege
Lillian P. Strube
Lillian P. Strube
Olga M. Sund
Ellard S. Swanson
George W. Swanson
Bedvi Swanson
Gregory K. Swanson
Ms. Rosemary Tanberg
Scott and Janet Davis
Randy and Penny Gengler
Mrs. Marilyn A. Harbaugh
Duane and Lois Knudson
Robert and Larita Krueger
Lynn and Gale Larson
Connie and Ken Rose
Gary and Sharon Throlson
Orlin and Jule Ann Will
Mrs. Dorothy B. Crandall
Landon Kimball
Mrs. B. Sophie Loftsgard
Gerald and Marian Rasmussen
Carl and DeLores Turnquist
Harvey and Darlene Kluvers
Charley and Ruby Downing
David and Nance Browdie
David and Nance Browdie
Jerry and DeAnn Ketchum
Elmer and Shirley Anderson
Jim and Ellen Redding
Ms. Harriet E. Olson
Mrs. Dorothy B. Crandall
Mrs. Lois Lundgren
Byron and Ardyce Ellingson
Gerhard and Irene Karlstad
Orlo and Shirley Sund
Mrs. Evelyn O. Williams
Mrs. Zona G. Vick
Mrs. Marlys A. Bergene
Ms. Betty L. Nelson
Ms. Jeannette F. Wright
Mrs. Mary Seim
David and Geraldine Yaggie
Mrs. DiAnn Loll
Nettie A. Swanson
Vernon J. Tanberg
Melgard B. Tangen
Marshall Taylor
Mary Thorstad
Sara J. Throlson
Sara J. Throlson
Sara J. Throlson
Sara J. Throlson
Sara J. Throlson
Sara J. Throlson
Sara J. Throlson
Sara J. Throlson
Harold W. Tinseth
Harriet Tisor
Harriet Tisor
Carrol Torgerson
Benjamin L. Towner
Harold J. Troftgruben
Carlye R. Tryan
Alice Turnquist
Earl Ulland
Roy P. Van Berkom
Rena Van Bruggen
Rena Van Bruggen
John O. Van Deusen
Wilfred Vandemark
Patricia Vaughan
Dollie Vickers
Maarja K. Vogel
Mart N. T. Vogel
Mary D. Wagner
Dorothy E. Wagoner
Hilda A. Wahl
Virginia E. Waith
John Walker
Dennis M. Wambold
Mary F. Ware
Glen R. Warner
Glen R. Warner
Laura Waters
Hjerdis E. Watson
Ruth M. Watson
Anne Wenko
Lorraine A. Wentz
Irwin Westby
LeRoy W. Western
Michael Wickstrom
Eleanore Wielunski
Palmer Wigtil
Mathilda Wilen
Griffith Williams
Wilma Williams
Martha M. Worrel
Florence I. Wozny
Norlyn Wrangham
James Wright
Marion O. Wylie
Tanya K. Yaggie
Edward N. Yunker
Earl Ziegelman
In Honor Of...
Living tribute gifts to the Anne Carlsen Center honor
family members and friends on special occasions, such as
a birthdays, anniversaries or holidays.
Through these generous gifts, the individuals and families
served by the Center beat the odds, develop meaningful
relationships, and experience life to its fullest.
Living tributes gifted between May 1, 2010 and August 31, 2010:
Given By Lions Club
Richard and Donna King
Mrs. Margaret Sam
Orval and Elaine Benson
Mr. Lowell E. Colby Sr.
Arnold and Mary Knight
Gregg Colburn
Ms. Sandra Franke
Russell and Delores Fiechtner
Tom and Margie Holmes
Ms. Colleen M. Moreland
Kenneth and Anne Dalsted
Vernon and Delores Martin
Julian and Emily Braaten
Mr. Steven R. Sarafolean
Ms. Susan K. Harris
Gary and Debra Hobert
FirstGiving
Mr. Charles C. Kennedy
Mrs. Frieda Steinke
William and Margaret Leech
Leif and Cynthia Peterson
In Honor Of
ACC Cooks
ACC Staff
ACC Students, Staff & Volunteers
Kaitlin Anderson
Adabelle M. Atherton
Wallace and Irene Backlund
Jeannine K. Colburn
Natasha N. Esch
Russell Fiechtner
Kurby D. Frey
Denny and Sheila Fry
Evelyn Galt
Eldore and Lylas Gilje
Ty Glass
Raymond and Joan Grabanski
Patricia Gromak
Marion Harris
Scott and Adrianne Hobert
Irving and Mildred Holm
Luke J. Johnson
Charles Kennedy
Sylvia Kyllo
Lloyd Law
Sarah M. Leech
Keaton Lewis
Given By
In Homor
Ms. Karrie Huber
Mrs. Iris Bighley
Richard and Dorothy Homstad
Saige B. Meyer
Your five children
Your grandchildren
& great-grandchildren
Your grandchildren
Katie Marie
Jana Overbo
Clint and Susan Rodningen
Ivan and Erna Schwartz
Gregory and Brenda Tappert
Mrs. Gladys Larson
Dwight and Gloria Olson
Mrs. Jean C. Wixo
William and Naomi Vining
Marcia and James Gums
Richard and Bunny Workin
Board of Trustees
Thomas Rohleder
Chairperson
Fargo, N.D.
Tim Flakoll
Fargo, N.D.
Joel Fremstad
Moorhead, Minn.
Robert Montgomery, M.D.
Fargo, N.D.
Sue Offutt, Ph.D.
Arlington Heights, Illinois.
Janet Seaworth
Bismarck, N.D.
Harvey Huber
Jamestown, N.D.
Pat Traynor
Vice Chairperson
Fargo, N.D.
Bruce Iserman
Fargo, N.D.
Reesa Webb
Denver, Colo.
Pat McCullough
Edina, Minn.
Myra Quanrud, M.D.
Ex Officio
Jamestown, N.D.
SENIOR MANAGEMENT
Eric Monson
Chief Executive Officer
Judy Kulla
Chief Financial Officer
Marcia Gums
Chief Operating Officer
Margie Johnson
Human Resource Director
the ambassador
Published by:
Anne Carlsen Center
701 3rd St. N.W., P.O. Box 8000
Jamestown, ND 58402
1-800-568-5175
www.annecenter.org
Lori Gress, Editor [email protected]
Kalen Ost, Assistant Editor [email protected]
Paul Johnson, Designer
[email protected]
The Ambassador is mailed, free of
charge, for supporters of the mission
and vision 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.
On the cover: Courtney demonstrated how she
helped bake cookies for Senior Connections
at the Hjemkomst Center.
Eco-friendly Ambassador
At the Anne Carlsen Center, we are taking steps
every day to be kind to the environment.
The Forest Stewardship Council logo you see here
means we are printing on an environmentallycertified paper. Each page has a 10% post-consumer
waste content, and the inks utilized are Soy Inks.
Our Community Partners
Here at the Anne Carlsen Center, we believe every individual
deserves to experience the richness of life, lived to its fullest
potential. We thank our Community Partners for their
wholehearted support of this mission.
Nine area businesses have partnered with us in 2010 to empower
individuals affected by developmental disabilities. Thank you,
Community Partners, for helping further the tradition of our
namesake, Dr. Anne Carlsen, while raising awareness and
support for our life-changing services.
SAVE THE DATE
Look for your chance to share your love
and generosity with the Anne Carlsen
Center in February during Giving Hearts Day.
During this special day, Feb. 10, online donations of $10 or more to the Anne
Carlsen Center will be doubled by the Dakota Medical Foundation. Look for more
information at www.annecenter.org in the coming weeks to learn how you can
give back with impact.
Make a Lasting Impact
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 ________________________________________________________________
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
FARGO, ND
Permit #684
701 3rd St. N.W.
P.O. Box 8000
Jamestown, ND 58402
Arianna smiles
at Santa and
Santa’s Elf
(Jerry and Kim
Pederson).

Lives changing through community-based services in Fargo, Grand

Transcription

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