Harmony’s senior program, Golden Happenings, might not have been able to offer its spring and summer programs as scheduled, but COVID-19 has not stopped Harmony’s senior residents from keeping active during the pandemic. With support, financial and in-kind, from local businesses and individuals, program fees, and funding from grants, Golden Happenings has been able to offer … [Read more...]
Spring Valley Living increasing care capacity
Spring Valley has been actively working with seniors in the area since 1957 to enhance quality of life through innovation, ongoing education and encouragement. Over the years the staff members have developed strong and lasting relationships with both the community and its healthcare services. Presently there are three options at Spring Valley Living: • The Evergreens is … [Read more...]
Being “in a pickle” can be fun
Pickleball may seem like a new sport, but it’s been around since 1965. It was invented on Bainbridge Island, a short ferry ride from Seattle, Wash. Three dads — whose kids were bored with their usual summertime activities — are credited for creating the game. There are a few stories about how pickleball got its name. The most widely circulated credits the name to the … [Read more...]
Traveling the world
K.I.S.S. is the acronym Joanie Betsinger of Spring Valley uses to describe her approach to traveling as age moves one into the senior category. “Keep It Simple Silly!” says Joanie. “Know from the ‘get go’ that not everything is going to go according to your plan! Relax, be flexible. Take less, leave the worrying to the people you paid to guide you! Take your time, no one … [Read more...]
Ellingson takes her positive attitude on the road
After living a full and meaningful life with someone, becoming that person’s caregiver is a role many of us have never considered, much less planned on. Taking life day by day and having a positive attitude can help with the adjustment as Lilah Ellingson experienced in recent years. Lilah Jane (Hildestad) Ellingson was born to Carl and Amelia Hildestad on March 17, 1935. … [Read more...]
Laughlin says being active is key as we age
“I can’t express enough about physical fitness,” states 75-year-old Ron Laughlin, a very busy retiree from Preston, Minn. Laughlin grew up in Madison, S. Dak., and went to school with Sandy Amundson, who he would reconnect with and marry years later. After graduating in 1961, Laughlin enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He was a Gunner’s Mate, serving aboard the USS King. … [Read more...]
How to stay flexible as you age
Men and women may begin to feel less flexible as they get older. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, that loss of flexibility is because muscles lose both strength and elasticity as the body ages. A lack of flexibility can make men and women more vulnerable to certain types of injuries, including muscle strains and tears. While people might not be able to … [Read more...]
Mabel librarian celebrates 90th birthday and 24 years at the library
“I can’t believe I lived this long to begin with,” Mabel librarian Donna Johnson laughed. Johnson celebrated her 90th birthday on April 8 and has no plans to retire from her job as library director at the Mabel Public Library anytime soon. “Everybody asks when I think I’ll retire. I tell them when it isn’t fun anymore.” Johnson began working at the Mabel library 24 years … [Read more...]
Area artist’s creations bring cheer
An artistic flare seems to have always been a part of the life of Luanne (Wentworth) Peterson, so it is no surprise she is able to take a skein of yarn and create beautiful and useful stocking hats which are donated to cancer patients and others experiencing medical trials. Luanne has been known in the Harmony area as the hard working farmer and wife of the late Lloyd … [Read more...]
New employee has four legs and a big heart
The newest employee at Hoff Funeral Home wasn’t able to fill out an application, but he still got the job based on his people skills and big heart. Charlie is a therapy dog. This special seven-month-old labradoodle joined the Hoff staff in April as “Chief Comfort Officer,” providing comfort to grieving families at Hoff locations throughout Southeast Minnesota. “We heard … [Read more...]
Summit Club offers fun travel opportunities for seniors
The F & M Community Bank Summit Club was first started over 20 years ago by bank employee Carol Bond and has been going strong ever since. When Bond retired three years ago, Brenda Reicks and Allison Whalen took over running the club for her. They’ve enjoyed building on what Bond started, but are also making it their own. “We put our own spin on it,” Reicks said. Being … [Read more...]
Popular sports for seniors
Age doesn't have to stop older men and women from enjoying their favorite sports. In fact, remaining active can improve physical and mental health. If a doctor has confirmed that it is okay to participate in sports, these activities can help men and women 50 and older enjoy friendly competition and physical activity. Fishing Fishing is more than just a leisurely day at the … [Read more...]