Posted on

Volunteering: Lending a helping hand can help you in return

annella 002 (2)Along with duties to job and family, many people chose to share their time with others by volunteering. St. Anne’s Guest Home is one place that can definitely benefit from this generosity. Many of our volunteers are getting older and are no longer able to help us as they once did. On the other hand, we are blessed at times with university students and other young people who come to help us out.

Not only do volunteers help the place they serve, they also gain personal benefits. Volunteerweb.org lists several:

Volunteering is a way that you can cultivate new skills, or enhance old ones. Are you a musician? Coming to entertain at St. Anne’s is a way you could get in better practice. Are you gifted socially? Coming to visit one-on-one with residents is a way you can tap into this gift. This site also mentions volunteering as a way of being part of your community. It also can give a real sense of achievement and motivation. Volunteering is also a way of gaining new experiences. It broadens your horizons, exposing you to all kinds of people.

It also is a good résumé builder. It is said that “73% of employers would recruit a candidate with volunteering experience over one without.”

Volunteering, according to idealist.org, can be a means of personal growth as well as of having an impact. Think of what a difference you can make in someone’s life by your presence and caring. An article by United Way also encourages volunteering as a source of friendships, growth, and learning.

One particular group of volunteers here at St. Anne’s is sometimes referred to as our ‘auxiliary.’ This group, which supports our activity department by helping with fundraisers, such as our upcoming fall sale and luncheon, is actually having its fall meeting on Thursday, October 8. If you’d be interested in finding out more or would like to attend the meeting, please call Shelly at 701-746-9401 or email us.

Posted on

Celebrating a Visit from Our Bishop

bishop at St. Anne's
Written by Betty Canavan

It was no surprise that a huge number of St. Anne’s residents turned out to greet Bishop John T. Folda on Wednesday, September 9th.

Bishop Folda is only 54 years old but he displays the wisdom, courtesy and kindness of a man well beyond his years. As he arrived at St. Anne’s and was introduced by Sr. Rebecca to all of us who were anxiously awaiting him, he stepped forward and personally greeted each and every individual, awaiting their name or their requests for a blessing or a prayer.

For those of you who do not know his background, our Bishop was born in Omaha, Nebraska, attended Catholic schools and graduated in 1979. He then, enrolled in the University of Nebraska and studied architecture and electrical engineering. By 1983, Folda attended seminary in Philadelphia, graduating with a B.A. in Philosophy in 1985. His decision was to continue Theological Studies at St. Charles and he earned a Master of Divinity in 1988 plus a Master of Arts in Theology in 1989.

Bishop Folda was ordained a priest for the Lincoln Diocese by Bishop Flavin in May 1989. For the next two years, he went on serve as Parochial Vicar at Cathedral of the Risen Christ and teach religion in high school. In 1991, he was sent to the Pontifical University of St. Thomas in Rome, where he earned his Licentiate in Sacred Theology. Upon his return in 1993, the Diocese of Lincoln assigned him as pastor of two churches, and he served as the Assistant to the Vicar General of the Lincoln Diocese, a board member of Nebraska Catholic Conference, a guidance counselor and teacher of religion. Each of these, in itself, a tremendous task.

By 1995, while continuing his work at the diocesan office, Folda, was appointed to two more churches. Within two more years, he became Director of Diocesan Religious Education, Co-Vicar for Religious, Master of Ceremonies and Censor Libroram. At the same time, he was appointed Delegate of the Bishop to Madonna Rehab Hospital and continues as vice-president of the Board of Directors. Bishop Folda also sits on a number of other committees and boards, setting the standards for finance, social service, education and ethics.

By 1999, Bishop Folda was appointed Rector of St. Gregory the Great Seminary. From 2008 to 2010, he was president of the National Association of College Seminaries, and in 2007, Pope Benedict XVI named him ‘Chaplain of His Holiness’, with the title of Monsignor. He was appointed Bishop of Fargo by Pope Francis in April 2013, and ordained and installed in June.

Part of the joy in celebrating this accomplished man taking time to meet, greet and have a photo opp with us here at St. Anne’s was the fact that he brought his assistant Fr. Matthew Kraemer, (originally of St. Mike’s) with him.

014At that time, our own Chuck Gust and Fr. Matt put on their accordions and played polkas, waltzes and other songs. While we enjoyed ourselves dancing or toe tapping, Sr. Rebecca was able to slip Bishop Folda out for a tour of the building and introduce our nurses, dining staff, office assistants and care workers. But, the residents just kept coming.

Also, as the Bishop made his way to the lobby, members of the church community started to arrive for Adoration and he made himself available to meet and speak with them. Before he left, Bishop Folda asked that we pray for more young men and women to come to the consecrated life. Please remember to include our wonderful Bishop in your prayers

Posted on

The art of reading is alive and well at St. Anne’s…celebrating International Literacy Day

book-worm-clip-art-ace9Kanc4Today is recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as International Literacy Day, highlighting the importance of literacy to individuals, communities, and societies alike, according to Wikipedia.

The ability to read is a great gift.  How many of us remember some of our childhood favorite story books?  Also, do you ever stop and think about how many times in the course of a day you rely upon your ability to read without even realizing it? From looking at the morning paper to tasks at work to reading instructions to make supper, the number of times we depend on our literacy is extensive.

At St. Anne’s we help foster this ability, and the use thereof, in several ways.  Both our basic care unit and our low-rent housing apartments have libraries which residents are welcome to use.  We also get two subscriptions to the Grand Forks Herald so residents are able to read the daily news both in our Activity Room and in our Atrium area.  For those who enjoy having literature read to them, we offer “Reading Hour” twice each week, reading from various volumes of fiction.

One further way St. Anne’s provides opportunities for people to utilize and benefit from their literacy is through our monthly newsletter, The Broadcaster.  This little publication also offers residents (who are on the committee) the chance to express themselves, take part in something, and have their names in print.  They have to exercise their capacity for reading to do research which they then include in their articles.

Today, as we mark this international observance, may we be grateful for the gift of reading and use it for good!

Posted on

Something to brood over…National Chicken Month

At St. Anne’s Guest Home, we have a five-week cycle rotation for our menus. With the course of one cycle, our dietary staff serve chicken over a dozen times, offering Chicken Drummies, Chicken Pattie on a Bun, Breaded Chicken Strips (2x),  Chicken Noodle Soup (2x), Sweet & Sour Chicken, Chicken Salad on Bread, Chicken Fried Steak, Oven Baked Chicken (3x), and Chicken Pot Pie.  This isn’t just during this National Chicken Month, but year-round.

Chicken, according to livestrong.com, is a healthy choice, being low in saturated fat and having beneficial nutrients, including Selenium (which may help against cancer), as well as Vitamins B3 and B6.  According to Activebeat.com, chicken is a source of tryptophan, which can almost serve as an anti-depressant.  It also points out that it has a helpful high-protein level.  Furthermore, chicken is a good source of phosphorus.

Another online article, however, brings up concerns regarding the hormones chickens may be given to speed up their growth.  Due to this concern, one may wish to be careful in choosing chicken products.

Nonetheless, chicken definitely has had its role in American culture.  In fact, backyardchickens.com references over expressions we use that have their origins in this form of poultry, not to mention those referring to their eggs.  Also, there is a “chicken joke,” in which a hand-towel is transformed to look like a butchered chicken, while a little story is told about a devastated farmer.  (If you’d like to see it done, just ask Sr. Christina.)

Posted on

Testimonials

Thank you for the many kindnesses you showed my mom during her two year stay at St. Anne’s. You were all truly Christ-like toward her.  Your Franciscan way of treating her and all of us family with a generous spirit made for a strong sense that St. Anne’s was truly home. I was impressed by the gentle and caring manner that everyone there shows to clients, staff and visitors alike.  I will be happy to recommend your facility to those in need.

~ Carol (daughter)

* * *

I love living at St. Anne’s! The staff is friendly and cheerful.

They do their jobs in a timely manner and have answered every request I have had.   Everyday activities include bingo and numerous other games, exercise, current events and reading, movies and dances, craft projects, concerts and entertainment…The fun is unlimited! We have both protestant & Catholic services in our beautiful Chapel. Although I love to cook in my kitchenette, the planned meals are a satisfying option.

We can enjoy eating with old friends or making new ones. I’m new to North Dakota and have only lived here for a number of months,

but one resident has lived with St. Anne’s for 52 years. For me, that says it all!   Thank you, St. Anne’s, for welcoming me and making me feel very much at home.

~ Betty (resident)

* * *

I love it here. Everyone is so nice and welcoming.  They are good to me and always treat me with respect. I love my new home and I feel so much better since I moved here.

~ Elsie (resident)

* * *

Thank you for all you do to make [the residents’] lives happy and meaningful each day.

My brother…seems to be very happy living there and has told us how caring all the staff is.

We are so thankful for the care and assistance with daily living you provide for [him].

We pray for everyone at St. Anne’s. Thanks again.

~ Anonymous (resident’s sister)

* * *

St. Anne’s Guest Home is a wonderful facility. We were so grateful to have it available for our mother. If not for St. Anne’s, we would have had to move our mother out of North Dakota, where she has lived her entire life.

Now she is always safe and well cared for. The staff and sisters are kind and considerate and she has activities and social opportunities. The chapel is truly a blessing, since her faith is important to her.  The facility is well-maintained and affordable. We are very grateful for St. Anne’s!

~ Yvonne (daughter)

* * *

When I visit St. Anne’s I see: humility and an attitude of gratitude. I see sacrifice. I see the unseen guest – Christ – living and well…Yes, St. Anne’s is a community where Christ dwells, dwells in the hearts of all there, and there at St. Anne’s – is love.

~ Kathy (friend/visitor)

* * *

In my estimation, St. Anne’s is a very high-quality place in which to live. The nursing staff are not only expertly trained in their field, but are very friendly and easy to get along with. The food here is very good and nutritionally balanced, and also very satisfying. The kitchen/dining room staff does a very good job of preparing meals and are indeed well-trained to do this.

The activities department is very good; they are very friendly and easy to get along with and they provide a lot of fun as well as therapeutic and helpful games. They are to be highly commended The floor staff are also very easy to get along with. I also compliment our maintenance men.

~ Tom (resident)

* * *

…Mom enjoyed her years at St. Anne’s. You all do a very good job. She especially was happy to be where she could go to daily Mass and not have to worry about the weather to get there…

Again, thank you for everything you did for Mom over the years.

~ Kathy (daughter)

* * *

After [my sister’s] recent hospitalization and rehabilitation, I extend my sincere appreciation for the follow-up and communication with various staff members…The communication I have had over the years with staff members has always been most helpful.

The personal comments shared could only come from a personal knowledge of [my sister], which means [staff] have spent time with her and have built a loving, caring relationship with her.

For these reasons, I am more grateful than I can say.

Sincerely,

Peg (sister)

* * *

If you are a friend or family member who would like to share your own testimonial with others, please let us know.

Posted on

Courtesy…a lost art? Not at St. Anne’s

Picture1If you sit in the St. Anne’s resident dining room at mealtime, you see quite a bit: people eating their meals and maybe even enjoying a conversation with table-mates.  If you have the front door in view, you also may notice our “automatic door system,” as we sometimes have jokingly called it.  Actually, we don’t have electronic doors to the dining room, but the alternative offered here is much better, anyway; that is human courtesy.  When staff or other able-bodied residents see a person with a walker or other impediment getting up from the table to leave, some are quick to “beat them to the door,” which they hold open until the person is through.

In the course of a meal, one sees this again and again.  Today, there is often talk about how good manners, courtesy, and other practices of human decency have greatly diminished from the way things once were.  However, time spent in the dining room here can rekindle in one a sense that courtesy is still alive and well.

This is not to say that we are all perfect or show the utmost courtesy and respect at all times; it is easy to follow one’s own agenda rather than patiently wait a little.  Therefore, might we consider a few tips for being courteous:

  • Simply smile: It’s free, costs you no time, and actually may be physically beneficial to you, not to mention cheering up the recipient.  (See our article on the topic.)
  • Be polite in speech: Use please, thank you, and other kind words as well as a kind tone of voice.
  • Hold the door for others, especially those who have mobility issues: it won’t cost you more than a few seconds but speaks volumes, saying “You are worthwhile!”
  • If someone looks or sounds like they’re having a tough day or are lonely, stop and visit with them, showing you care.
  • If you meet someone in the hall and they are a bit slower than you, rather than cut in front of them, stop and wait, even engage them in conversation while doing so.
Posted on

This Little Piggy went to market…August is Foot Health Month

Picture1

Having healthy feet is very important…Have you ever had an ingrown toenail and know how much it hurts? Recently I have been dealing with a little discomfort from a toenail that seems to have a mind of its own. I’ve had to give it a little TLC and have gotten a little help with it.

At St. Anne’s, our residents have staff who help them look after their “little piggies” (a.k.a. toes and feet) which we all depend upon, whether we’re out and about or we’ve “stayed home,” as the old nursery rhyme says.

Also, every two months, nurses come in from the Senior Center to provide foot care for those who wish to have their services, especially residents from our low-rent housing apartments.

Since August is Foot Health Month, I decided to take this opportunity to offer tips to keep your feet happy and healthy.

According to an “Everyday Health article on this topic, “good hygiene, self-examinations, and properly fitting shoes” are important considerations. More specifically, the article recommends keeping your feet clean and dry. When you take a bath or shower, don’t forget to clean your feet with soap and water; afterward, dry them well, they suggest. This helps prevent fungal growth. A weekly self-examination, in which you check for scaling or pealing, nail discoloration, is recommended. If you’re diabetic (as many of our residents are), a more frequent check is suggested.

Another suggestion regards proper toenail trimming. The above-mentioned article suggests cutting nails straight across and not trimming too close to the skin. Also, when using public shower facilities, such as at a pool, one should wear shoes to protect feet from contagious fungi.

One surprising fact that this article shared is that wearing socks is actually healthy as they help absorb sweat, preventing a breeding ground for bacteria. Breathable footwear is also recommended.

Another site offered some more interesting advice about socks: Avoid loose or tight fitting socks; they should not be excessively loose (causing friction leading to blisters) or tight (harming circulation).  Although advising use of lotion on feet, they warned against putting it between the toes as trapped moisture can foster fungal growth.

If you follow these tips and take good care of your feet, these “little piggies” should serve you well, whether you are at home or go to market.

Sr. Christina M. Neumann

 

Posted on

Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears….

You’re probably not Romans, and we certainly don’t need you to lend us any ears of corn, although some of us enjoyed quoting this Shakespearean exhortation this afternoon as we cut many, many kernels of corn off the cobs.

We are opening it up to a guessing contest for our residents to guess how many ears we husked today.  You are welcome to guess also via email or a comment here.  I’ll post the results later in the week.

Well…here are the results…

We husked 1,100 ears of corn yesterday!

Posted on

Corn…Corn…corn…

corn husking
Maybe we don’t look too enthused, but it’s really not a bad time!

Each year, the Jean Wald family plants a section of land especially for St. Anne’s. Then, in mid-August, they call or stop by and say “We’ll be bringing corn in on Monday.” We say, “Okay, we’ll be ready. Thank you!”

Thus begins “corn-party” time. We usually have at least two such parties each summer, during which residents and staff husk, de-silk, and bag large amounts of fresh corn. This year, we estimate that our first Wald corn party yielded 720 ears, about 60 lbs. of which we cut off the cob for easier storing and eating.

While we were doing this, a number of “corny” jokes were circulating between us. I will share a couple of the better ones, sparing you the ones that would only make you groan.

Why was the farmer famous?

            He was out-standing in his field.

Why was the farmer so mean?

            He took the ears right off the corn.

During the course of the husking, we also discussed possible alternative uses for the corn and its husks, including making moonshine and drying out the cobs for corn-cob pipes. Fortunately, the police do not need to be notified since none of these propositions materialized.

The Walds are bringing another truckload this coming Monday so the partying will continue. We very much appreciate their generosity.

Posted on

Peachy Keen…health benefits of this fabulous fruit

In the last month or so, we have been blessed with at least two large donations of fresh peaches here at St. Anne’s! As Sisters in our community are accustomed to saying: “May God reward the generous givers!”

Inspired by this delicious treat, I thought it would be just “peachy keen” to give you the ‘scoop’ on the health benefits derived from this “stone fruit,” the peach. Other stone fruits include apricots, plums, and cherries.

According to Medical News Today, fruits from this class work well against diabetes, metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease. This source also shared study results that they may reduce bad cholesterol.

Peaches can also lessen one’s risk of cancer. Being a good source of vitamin C, also makes peaches good fro fighting developments known to cause cancer. This vitamin C can also improve skin texture, fight sun damage to skin, and (along with the fiber, potassium, and choline in peaches) is good for your heart. This source also shared that, like other fruits and vegetables, peaches provide high fiber which can lower risk of colorectal cancer.

Care2.com actually offers some very interesting facts about how peaches can even help you lose weight. A peach only has 35-50 calories (another estimate was higher). “A peach makes you feel full and keeps you from overeating.” Furthermore, peaches reduce hair loss and help the scalp. Care2.com further notes that peaches can calm an upset stomach, cleanse kidneys and bladder, and even reduce stress.

This is the best time of year for buying these Chinese natives, according to Medical News Today. Along with eating them by themselves, this article offers the idea of making smoothies, adding a few slices of frozen peaches.

Livestrong.com lists several vitamins found in peaches: Vitamin A (for healthy vision), Vitamin C are the leaders, though this fruit is also a source of vitamins E, B-6, and K, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, folate and pantothenic acid.

Top10homeremedies.com offers still more benefits, adding that they protect vision, and improve cardiovascular health.