St. Anne’s Living Center – Page 18 – St. Anne's Living Center

July 13, 2016

A St. Anne’s Story

picshome Guest Post by: Fr. Tim Bushy

St. Anne’s Guest Home has been a special part of my life for years. I remember as a young boy volunteering to shine shoes for the men’s residence up on the third floor at the old facility in Riverside Park. I also vividly recall that in the 8th grade a friend of mine and I were hired to help out in the kitchen with dish-washing and to help with maintenance. How time flies and the memories continue to be implanted and cherished.

After college I worked at First National Bank (now Alerus) in Marketing. I was involved in the community and in my parish at Holy Family. My good friend Mary Bohlman, God bless her soul, came to me one day at the bank and said, “Tim, we could really use you to serve on the Board of St. Anne’s Guest Home. The fire Marshall has recently ruled that the place as unsafe and that the Sisters will either need to rebuild or close.”

My fondness for St. Anne’s sparked me to say, “Sure; I will do what I can.” It wasn’t long after that I was working in the Grand Forks community to explore resources and to begin to solicit support and funding for St. Anne’s. We also sought the help of the Catholic parishes in Grand Forks and through the grace of God we were able to obtain the not-so-old St. James Convent that had housed the Sisters of St. Joseph who served the parishes and St. Michael’s Hospital. The convent was used by the parishes for religious education purposes, but they decided that if St. Anne’s could use the facility and gain the funding needed to remodel, they would support the effort to continue Catholic healthcare in Grand Forks.

Once the convent was obtained, we worked with several local, state and federal resources to obtain Section Eight grant funding through the US Department of Housing and Urban Development. This funding would provide for the stand-alone subsidized affordable housing apartment units that would be built onsite. I remember flying with Sr. Rebecca Metzger, who was, and still is, the Administrator of St. Anne’s. We flew to Denver, CO to sign the legal agreements. It was Sr. Rebecca’s first airplane flight and, needless to say, it was a very interesting one for her; she got sick on the plane once up in the air. However, she was bound and determined to make it to Denver, and the papers were signed. We returned to Grand Forks by plane.

After many planning meetings with building contractors, architects, parishioners, pastors and the Sisters of St. Francis of Hankinson the dream of a new St. Anne’s became a reality and was dedicated in 1981.

I am proud and grateful that my name is on the cornerstone of St. Anne’s with many others who made St. Anne’s Guest Home a reality in its present location. The dedication was a day of great joy when the facility was blessed by Bishop Justin Driscoll. The Bishop and I became friends, and he was instrumental in my answering the call to priesthood. The Sisters at St. Anne’s have been and are a very special part of my life and the life of my family.

My dad, and now my brother, have been selling and delivering paper and other supplies to St. Anne’s for over 50 years. The Sisters hosted a reception at St. Anne’s for me when I was ordained a transitional deacon. My grandmother lived at St. Anne’s before she died and my mother was an auxiliary member for years.

Years have passed and the healing ministry of Jesus continues. Through God’s grace and work, the Catholic community of Grand Forks continues to support the wonderful ministry of the Sisters of St. Francis and the ministry of many dedicated lay people who make St. Anne’s a very sacred place.

Today, the purpose of St. Anne’s, a Catholic Health care facility, is to create an environment of living and sharing the Gospel Message for the healing of the spiritual and physical, as well as the psychological, social and emotional needs of the people they serve, in accordance with the moral and religious directives for Catholic Health Care.

St. Anne’s continues to build and celebrate the Reign of God. A special thanks to the Sisters of St. Francis and the many lay women and men who give of themselves in service to others at St. Anne’s Guest Home. May all of us use our gifts together to care for others as Jesus calls us all to do.

Fr. Tim Bushy has been a Catholic priest for over 33 years and is now the Director of Mission Integration and Spiritual Formation for Providence Health Plans in Portland Oregon. Providence-St. Joseph Health is the largest provider of Catholic Healthcare on the west coast and the third largest provider of Catholic healthcare in the United States.

July 5, 2016

What’s the Scoop on Split Pea Soup?

P6130013 Have you ever wondered why they call the delicious concoction pictured here “split pea soup”?

Can’t you just picture someone taking a tool and splitting the peas in half on an old wooden cutting board before putting them into the soup kettle?

Actually, that’s not quite how it works. “Split peas” are actually pea (Pisum sativum) seeds that have been dried, peeled and split. This is done long before they meet their demise in our soup kettles. The splitting process for these little round nutritional nuggets can be done by hand or machine after they are dried and their outer skins, which are dull in color, are removed. The low fat content and high protein and fiber quantities make them a healthy ingredient.

Here at St. Anne’s, we don’t have to wait for National Split Pea Soup Week (early November) to come around to enjoy split pea soup; we have it once every five weeks as a regular part of our Tuesday evening supper menu.

Around the world, the color of peas used in this soup varies a bit.

You may think of pea soup as an old-fashioned type of comfort food, but do you know just how old it is? As a matter of fact, it’s old enough to be mentioned in a Greek comedy from back in 414 BC.

Our main cook, Lori, definitely hasn’t been here that long, but in her years of experience, she has perfected the art of making a delicious pot of split pea soup. Should we share her secrets?

She starts with split peas, water, and 2 tablespoons of ham base as well as 2 of chicken base. She lets this cook and adds bacon bits to the pea broth. When it is about ready, her last ingredient is non-dairy creamer mixed with water. (She finds that if it is not premixed with water the creamer can form clumps in the soup.)

Consequently, the only ham meat you’ll get here on ‘pea soup night’ is that on the deli sandwiches that accompany the hot, savory, green substance our residents and staff love .

Even Hermey the Elf in the ’60s classic clay-mation film Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer thought pea soup was noteworthy. For, along with ‘the most famous reindeer of all,” don’t you also recall his memorable meteorological exclamation about fog as thick as pea soup!?

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA — Maddie’s cooking! 🙂

Resources:

June 28, 2016

Squeaky Clean: It’s Window Washing Time

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA Isn’t it beautiful to see the sparkle of a freshly cleaned window? There’s nothing quite like the gratification of seeing a surface shimmering after you’ve cleaned it!

Our men in maintenance get this wonderful opportunity today, I we just know their tickled pink about it. Washing windows is certainly one of their favorite jobs! No wonder they do it as seldom as possible!

There are a number of products which can be used for cleaning glass and windows, including Windex, Mrs. Meyer’s Glass, and Krud Kutter, but does anything really compare to the wonders vinegar water can do for your panes (or the bathroom mirror or kitchen floor)?

For window washing, some people suggest using old newspaper, but have you ever tried using a couple of smooth (non-terry cloth) towels, one for washing and one for drying? That works very well indeed! Microfiber is another option.

32oz20bottle20sprayer To enhance the effect of vinegar water, one source suggests the following recipe which adds soap to the solution: 1/4 cup vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon liquid soap or detergent, and 2 cups of water in a spray bottle. Others advise alcohol or cornstarch in place of the soap. Another source advises warm/hot water when a heavy duty cleaner is needed.

The author is not certain what our maintenance men will be using for their favorite pastime (window washing) today, but if you haven’t given vinegar water a try, we’d suggest you do so on your next window washing / glass cleaning adventure!

June 20, 2016

What happened to Your Shirt?

This past Sunday morning, the receptionist here at St. Anne’s noticed one of our female residents toddling by with her walker. She saw that the lady had a white t-shirt on and took a closer look, startled to notice that it was her ‘St. Anne’s shirt’ from nearly four years prior.

The t-shirt, made in honor of our 60th anniversary of care in Grand Forks had seen one too many washings. There was no longer a trace of its original light blue color – the background was now a crisp white, though the lettering was still intact.

After a discussion of the humorous happening between our activity director and our administrator, the decision was made that we should pursue ordering new shirts.

This would benefit those whose shirts have seen better days, due to so much use as well as any new residents who have come during the interim.

It is timely in that we are looking forward to next month’s annual celebration of St. Anne’s Week. During this week, we always have fun with several dress-up theme days, one of which includes wearing our blue St. Anne’s shirts.

The shirt features our name and globe-shaped logo of “Peace…Love…Joy.” It also includes the words “Over 60 years of loving care in Grand Forks.” Encircling all of this are the names of various departments within our facility: Administration, Nursing, Personal Care, Maintenance, Activities, Chapel and Dietary.

We would like to open this opportunity up to all of you as well. Anyone wishing to purchase a shirt should let us know prior to July 12th, at which time we will be placing the order. The cost is $13.

You may email your desired shirt size and quantity to: stannesguesthome@gmail.com.

June 9, 2016

“Rhubarb and Patience”

Here at St. Anne’s we usually have a lot of ‘parties’ throughout the summer and fall months. This year is starting off as no exception!

Within the past week or two, we have gathered with residents for a few ‘rhubarb cutting parties,” processing about 130 pounds of what we sometimes refer to as the “North Dakota State Weed.”

The abundance of rhubarb donated does come in handy, especially with our ice cream social coming up on Sunday. We have made, or will soon, three rhubarb cakes and two rhubarb pies for the event.

Another delicious treat we enjoy making from rhubarb is sauce. The recipe (included below) only calls for 3 cups of rhubarb so it ends up getting multiplied many times to make a much larger batch. It is very easy, yet oh, so good, eaten plain or as topping for hot cereal or ice cream.

For more about the history of rhubarb, you can read our article from last year.

Let’s close with an old German proverb, which is very fitting for this time of year, when we might be tempted to be tired of all the ‘partying’: “Rhubarb and patience can work wonders.”

Rhubarb Sauce Recipe
3 cups chopped rhubarb
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup water (if using frozen rhubarb, don’t add water)
Strawberries or a dash of strawberry jello

Bring to a boil and reduce heat. Cook 5 more minutes or until rhubarb is tender.

June 2, 2016

Countdown…

7…6…5….4…3…2…1

There are only seven more days until the annual St. Anne’s Guest Home “Pie, Cake & Ice Cream Social,” but it’s not too late for you to get involved!

Do you have an abundance of rhubarb? Well, have we got a solution! Why not whip up a tasty, yet oh so easy, rhubarb dump cake to bring in for the event? We’ll even provide you with a recipe!

Or, have you seen a mouth-watering recipe for some other sweet pastry that you’re dying to try out? Why not use this social as an excuse?

If you lack baking inspiration or talent, there’s still a way for you to get involved. If you’d like to help serve at the event, or make a monetary contribution, you can simply fill out our online form. (Where else can you scoop out ice cream while enjoying great accordion music?)

And, don’t forget, proceeds of the social benefit our St. Anne’s Activities Department for our residents.

May 19, 2016

The Benefits of Reading, not just for kids!

Elder woman reading a book at home and smiling May is “Get Caught Reading Month,” which, according to the program’s website, “is a nationwide campaign to remind people of all ages how much fun it is to read.”

The importance of reading for children is often stressed, but there are many benefits of reading as a person ages as well.

Studies show the numerous benefits of reading to consider as you get older.

Stress reduction: You can leave the world behind by getting engrossed in a good story. It can help you relax and alleviate tensions.

Stimulating your mind: This can help protect you from Alzheimer’s and other memory loss. Such mental stimulation can even help you sleep better and keep sharp.

Expanding general knowledge, awareness, and vocabulary

Helping your memory: Remembering all the details of characters, plots, etc. gives your brain valuable exercise.

Enhancing analytical thinking and decision-making skills

Improved sleep: Both the mental stimulation it gives and the lulling effect of reading as a bedtime ‘ritual’ contribute to the well-known fact that reading can help you sleep. Who hasn’t experienced the fact that reading can make one feel sleepy?

For more specifics, you are welcome to visit the following resources, from which this list was drawn:

Here at St. Anne’s, we are happy to offer a “Reading Hour”* twice a week, where Sr. Christina, or a volunteer, reads aloud to residents who gather for the occasion.

Over the several years that this activity has been taking place, we have enjoyed a good number of books. The residents especially seem to enjoy stories that share what life was like for our pioneering predecessors.

*Actually, about 45 minutes due to attentions spans and time constraints

May 11, 2016

Thank you to our “Night Owls” for Whoo You Are!

Sr. Elaine, who works in our business office, sometimes jestingly refers to our overnight staff as “night owls.”

As we celebrate National Night Shift Workers Day, we’d like to take the opportunity to acknowledge the wonderful work done by our night staff here at St. Anne’s.

Few people know all that goes on and all that these find individuals do in serving our residents.

Did you know that St. Anne’s has two staff people on duty from ten o’clock each night until 6 a.m. in the morning. They take turns making rounds to check on the well-being of each resident, at 10 p.m., 1 a.m., 3 a.m., and again at 5 a.m. If certain residents need to be awakened for bathroom use at a certain time, they see to that as well.

Along with being there to ensure resident health and safety, they do many other things. They are responsible for laundering rags, mops, and towels that are used throughout our facility.

Furthermore, they do much of the housekeeping in our common areas. Each day of the week, they focus on a different room or area, giving it an especially thorough cleaning.

What these people do, their dedication, and the difficult schedule they maintain is truly admirable.

Thank you to our fine staff for all you do while the rest of us are sleeping!

May 5, 2016

Etiquette for Today

May 9-13 is National Etiquette Week!

Etiquette is a code of behavior, based upon contemporary acceptable norms within our society or group. It may change over time and differ between countries but all cultures have some form of expectations for etiquette. It is the conduct you exhibit, your social behavior on which you will be judged.

Recently, you may have been in a doctor’s office or cafe and seen people sitting together but heads bowed in attention to their cell phones – not prayer. Don’t text or take calls during meals – you are really NOT that important! Also, keep your phone in your purse or pocket during social get-togethers or family conversations. If you are expecting an important call (like an airport arrival who needs picked up) the vibrate mode will work. Use a speakerphone or blue tooth in private settings or alert the caller it is on.

In a restaurant or at the family table, wait for everyone to be served before starting to eat yourself. Then, don’t forget ‘Grace’. Keep your private things (cell phone or purse) off the table as they may have set in a car or on the floor previously. Do not clip nails, brush/floss your teeth, comb hair or put on makeup anywhere but in the bathroom. If you don’t want a beverage, don’t turn your cup or glass upside down. Get the server’s attention and say, “No, thank you.”

You may love sardines, but don’t eat stinky foods around others.
Ladies, we have equal rights now. Holding the door open is done by the first person there for others who follow (regardless man or woman).
When boarding public transportation, don’t tie up the aisle. Stow away packages promptly and sit down.
E-mail typed in capital letters represents yelling. Do you really mean to yell at this person?
Don’t forget how to write! This applies to RSVP (which means reply, yes or no, and how many) to an invitation. Also, you can never say ‘thank you’ too much. So, say it – then, write it, with just a short note.
Please remember to acknowledge a death. You may not know what to say but, saying anything at all helps the persons grieving.
You don’t drive down the double yellow line on the highway. Therefore, don’t choose the middle of the supermarket aisle.
Please park within the lines in a parking lot. Please remember the handicapped area is designed for handicapped people.

When standing and talking with another, keep an arms length between you. Try not to interrupt the person speaking, even if you think your point is more important. If you have something to share that needs to remain private, go to where it can be spoken in private. Give each person equal attention.

These are all common sense judgments – and, of course, there are many more, like not talking when your mouth is full. Today’s rules are far more relaxed then in years gone by but, it’s still nice to have rules. If you want something, always ask. It shows respect for those around you and gratitude for what you have been given. After all, you don’t want to hurt someone’s feelings any more than you want your feelings hurt by someone else.

This brings up the subject of “church etiquette.” The people you see in church are your brothers and sisters in Christ. Your church family deserves the same respect you give your family at home. The same cell phone rules apply in church as I stated previously. Don’t arrive late and leave early, it might give St. Peter a clue as to how you expect to be treated. Dress appropriately and conservatively for entering God’s house. Your church is a place of total acceptance. Don’t choose a certain few you want as friends and not work with others. Likewise, don’t complain about, gossip, stare or confront others. Look to your leadership or our Lord for the best example. Be considerate of people with small children – you were once a child yourself! Be encouraging to all you meet.

Keep the Golden Rule in action: Do unto others as you would like done to you. Respect God, his brothers and sisters, and show them all the gratitude you feel for being alive and well

Guest Post by Betty Canavan

April 28, 2016

Are You Getting Enough Vitamin D?

Do low energy, aches and pains, brain fog, mood swings, difficulty sleeping… Sound familiar?

These issues, along with many other “age-related” health complaints, could merely be symptoms of a common vitamin deficiency. And this deficiency can be corrected quickly, easily and inexpensively, making it possible to rejuvenate your health while vastly improving your well-being. Roughly three out of four people in the United States have low levels of vitamin D.

There are two ways to get vitamin D in the amounts you need for optimal health.

Several hours per day of direct sun exposure (but use sunscreen)
Daily vitamin D supplementation

For many people, a vitamin D supplement is a necessity to reach healthy levels, but it’s important to take the right amount and the right form to get the full benefits. Dr. John Cannel, who is the director of The Vitamin D Council, recommends adults take a minimum of 5,000 IU and no more than 10,000 IU of vitamin D3 per day. Many people make the mistake of just taking whatever is on the shelf of their local drugstore.

D2 is less expensive and less absorbable than D3, which is why manufacturers looking to cut corners typically use it to fortify foods and make supplements.

Vitamin D deficiency may be symptom-less in its early stages, but it’s important to catch it before it progresses. It is important for: overall longevity, strong bones and muscle strength, energy levels, Cardiovascular health including blood pressure, immune function, vision, balance blood sugar, healthy breast tissue and pregnancies, balanced moods and cognitive function.

4 tips to ensure that you’re getting the best vitamin D possible:

Take a supplement made with 100% natural D3, it’s safest and absorbs the best – avoid the synthetic D2 at all costs

The highly recommended dose of 5,000 IU per day
Look for a supplement that is made with a base of pure safflower oil it has more antioxidants
A fair price is about $8 for 30 tabs (D-Pure ships to you for free and is $7.95 for 30)

(Information from online research)

At St. Anne’s, many of our residents enjoy sitting outside when the weather is nice. We also optimize Vitamin D absorption by taking our residents out walking.

Guest Post by retired nurse, Kathy Neumann