Warroad Senior Living Center
Warroad Senior Living Center
Warroad Senior Living Center

News / Press Releases

Warroad Senior Living Center to Celebrate One Year Anniversary on
September 18th with Alzheimer's Walk and Open House.

Walk to Remember registration form (click here)

May 2010 Newsletter (click to view)

A Community of Volunteers Supports the Warroad Senior Living Center
April 5, 2010

“It’s good for us,” smiled Elvera Kvarnlov as she spoke about the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) that she participates in, “It makes you feel good to help out.”  Elvera is one of several people residing in the Independent Living wing of the Warroad Senior Living Center who have found a meaningful way to spend part of their day. 


RSVP is America’s largest volunteer network for people age 55 and over.  Nationally, there are over 500,000 volunteers who are giving back to their communities.  “We have added six or seven RSVP volunteers just in the last several months,” Susie Wiseman said proudly.  Susie is the RSVP coordinator at the Warroad Senior Living Center.  “They’re so helpful because this is a big place.  They get the residents from here to there to enjoy mass and bible study and special events.  With their help it all goes very nicely.”
It is clear that these volunteers add meaning to the lives of the residents in Skilled Care.  Carol Krahn enjoys the interaction; nearly every morning she can be found visiting with some of the residents she volunteers with.  101 year-old Elva Risser is delighted when Carol brings her coffee.  As Elva was reading a letter, Carol helped her find her glasses, talked with her about her family and told her about some of the activities going on in the Town Center.  “Isn’t she amazing?” Carol said of Elva.  “I used to work at the Care Center and I really enjoyed it.  I can’t work eight hours a day anymore and this helps fill that void.” 

Orville ‘Ole’ Olson and his wife Harriet are also very active RSVP Volunteers.  “I’ve become such good friends with the people I help out with“ said Ole, “I go visit several times a week and they just can’t wait for me to get there!”   Susie Wiseman says the RSVP volunteers fill a generational gap that the staff just can’t.  “They can reminisce and talk about their lives, you can’t beat it!”

 
While the Warroad Senior Living Center has a fantastic network of volunteers living within the building, they have also found that community members enjoy helping out and interacting with the residents.  Jenna Jensen, Social Service Activity Director says people of all ages are welcome.  “We have people come in and sing or play music, some assist with church or bible study, a few bring treats and serve coffee.”  The Warroad volleyball team comes in once a month and there are also people who do one-on-one visits or help with meals and clean-up.  “We are so appreciative; we have seen some tremendous changes in our residents due to our volunteers.” 


Recently, a family of volunteers provided an event that the residents are still talking about.  Scott and Conway Marvin brought in a Game Feed and Super Bingo.  The residents enjoyed a huge smorgasbord of wild game including salmon, halibut, walleye, pheasant, venison, caribou, elk, bear and moose.  “Out of sustenance, many of these people grew up eating much of this.  They seemed to really enjoy it,” said Scott.  After the feed, they played a few games of Super Bingo and just visited.  “We have a special spot in our heart and a lot of respect for our seniors, they are our greatest generation.  We should all take time out of our schedule and pay tribute to them.” Scott says it’s about building relationships, “When I go in there now, it’s even more special because these people are my friends.”


There is still a need for volunteers at the Warroad Senior Living Center.  “We could really use people to come in and just visit with the residents. Sunday visits are especially needed,” says Jenna.  Another area of need is people to lead or assist with activities.  “If you have a hobby that you enjoy, you can come in and share it with the residents.”  Some examples might include quilting or scrapbooking, reading or playing cards.  Jenna adds, “It doesn’t have to be a big production, it can just be everyday things that some of our residents could participate in.”

 
To join the community of volunteers at the Warroad Senior Living Center, please call Jenna Jensen at 218-386-1235.  Monetary gifts to help pay for materials for volunteer activities are also being accepted.

The Warroad Senior Living Center...half a year later.
March 24, 2010

The residents of the Warroad Senior Living Center are thriving in their new environment.  The campus has been open for six months and people are settling in. “It’s the smartest thing we ever did,” said Orville ‘Ole’ Olson of their decision to move in.  “It’s just like family, we are all family here.”  He and his wife Harriet are very involved in many of the happenings at the center.  They both happily participate in the Retired Senior Volunteer Program, together they call bingo on a weekly basis and they really enjoy the social atmosphere.   “Oh, there’s a lot to do!  We play cards, go to church, play bingo, watch movies, play Wii, volunteer in the nursing home and just sit and visit,” said Ole.


The Warroad Senior Living Center sprawls over 135,000 square feet.  It may have taken a while for everyone to get acclimated to their new home, but now the place is a buzz with activity.  Elvera Kvarnlov who moved into the Independent Living wing last fall said, “It’s a community, it’s just like going for a stroll and meeting people on the street, I couldn’t imagine myself any other place.” 
The Town Center boasts a den, chapel, gathering room, wellness center, beauty shop, hobby hut and Movie Theater.  All of these areas are used regularly by the residents.  “I feel really catered to,” said Mary Marvin, “I can go exercise in the morning then come over to the beauty shop to get pampered.  The exercise facility is tops!”  The wellness center is open anytime for the residents to use, but from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. personalized exercise routines are available.   Ulrike Skime, a restorative therapy nurse, works with the residents individually every day.  “We’re starting a group exercise activity too,” said Ulrike, “it’s something they really enjoy and it’s so good for them.”


Special activities and programs happen regularly including music and dancing, tenant meetings, movies in the theater, bible study and masses.  “I like that church comes in every week for Thursday morning mass,” said Ruth Stukel.  When asked what else she enjoyed about living at the Warroad Senior Living Center, Ruth seemed to appreciate the freedom. “Well, it’s not quite like home,” she said, “but I can run and get something anytime.  I come and go as I please.  I like the garage.  It’s nice to go from my apartment into the garage, to town and back again and not even have to go outside!” 


Joe Klvarik made the move from the old Care Center to the Assisted Living wing of the new campus and has made many new friends.  “The people all like it here,” he said. “The food is good.  The care is excellent.  They take care of me, they wash my clothes and clean my apartment, and I can do anything that I want to.”  Joe repeatedly said he feels like a king. “This is the place to be ‘cause you’ve got it made here.”


There are several reasons why people choose to live in Independent or Assisted Living.  Many say it’s because of the social atmosphere, the convenience, the care and the security. Harriet Olson was happy to talk about another great benefit. “It was so nice,” she said, “we had some problems with our shower.  We had to make one call to the maintenance guy and he took care of the rest.  They come whenever you want them to help.”


It can be a tough decision for individuals to move into senior housing, but the Warroad Senior Living Center seems to make the transition easier.  “We spend a lot of time talking to potential residents and their families when they are making their decision,” said Housing Services Director Marlene Dahlquist.  “We want them to feel comfortable and be assured that we can meet their needs. We take them on a tour of the facility and model apartments, give them a chance to visit with some residents and we look at financing options.”  Marlene says that people have found the pricing to be very fair and comparable to the other senior housing options in the area.  


In addition to a full continuum of exceptional care, it is clear that this campus offers a number of programs and activities to ensure the residents are able to live with meaning and a sense of continuing purpose. The Warroad Senior Living Center, a non-profit organization, welcomes private support so that they may continue to provide the many extras that are important to fulfilling their mission.  For those who are able to do so, The Warroad Senior Living Center would welcome any tax deductible donation, large or small.  Contributions that they receive help support spiritual care programs, extensive activity schedules and other resident programs which are currently in development. 

January 2010 Warroad Senior Living Center Newsletter (click to view)

 

Deck the Halls
December 1, 2009
This festive night of Holiday spirit kicked off December in a big way at the Warroad Senior Living Center.  Fourteen Christmas tree's ranging from 6 feet to 20 feet tall were decorated by community members in a matter of hours.  There were hundreds, well at least 100, volunteer decorators on sight.  Armed with tinsel, bulbs, ribbon and smiles...businesses, boy scouts, students, community organizations and church groups got right to work.  There were several entertainers on hand in each area of the campus...all joyfully playing and singing Christmas Carols.  Residents, friends and family members delightfully strolled the campus corridors to witness the transformation into a winter wonderland.  You are welcome to visit the center and see all the magnificent trees!
Grand Opening Raffle Prize Winners
MICHELLE JOHNSTON:  $300 Streiff’s Sporting Goods Gift Card donated by ICS
SANDY LAMBERSON:  $300 Warroad Chamber Bucks donated by Centurytel
CRYSTAL AIMSLEY:  $300 Warroad Chamber Bucks donated by Q & Z Plumbing
ALICE QUISS:  $300 Warroad Chamber Bucks donated by Horty Elving
VI HENDERSON:  $150 Warroad Chamber Bucks donated by Falls Electric
SHERRI HARDER:  Terrence Fogarty “The Legacy” Numbered and Signed Print donated by Northern Borders
JERRY STEVENS:  $100 Marvin Home Center Gift Card donated by Marvin Home Center


Warroad Senior Living Center Grand Opening Information
 
Grand Opening
Saturday, October 24, 2009
2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
 
2:00 p.m.: Invocation & Welcome Ceremony in The Lodge
 
2:15 p.m.- 5:00 p.m.: 
·         Entertainment by Big Dipper DJ & Karaoke in The Lodge
·         Free Coffee, Cookies and Cider in The Lodge
·         Disney Movies in The Fox Theater
·         Pumpkin & Gord Decorating for Kids in The Courtyard
·         Grand Opening Pictures and Scrapbooking in The Hobby Hut
·         Cards and Games in The Den
·         Free Ice Cream at the Café
·         Bingo--Hosted by Independent Living Residents
·         Bake Sale--Hosted by Assisted Living Residents
·         Self-Guided Tours through the Campus including model apartments in Independent and Assisted Living.
 
Raffle Prizes:
·         $300 Streiff’s Sporting Goods Gift Card donated by ICS
·         $300 Warroad Chamber Bucks donated by Centurytel
·         $300 Warroad Chamber Bucks donated by Q & Z Plumbing
·         $300 Warroad Chamber Bucks donated by Horty Elving
·         $150 Warroad Chamber Bucks donated by Falls Electric
·         Terrence Fogarty “The Legacy” Numbered and Signed Print donated by Northern Borders
·         $100 Marvin Home Center Gift Card donated by Marvin Home Center
Raffle Tickets will be available for purchase at the Grand Opening for $1.00 each. Proceeds for the Raffle will help purchase a state-of-the-art blood pressure machine for the Warroad Senior Living Center.   Drawing will be held November 2, 2009. Permit # X-36626-09-02


Final Phase of Construction in Pictures
September 3, 2009
Warroad Senior Living Center recognizes Marvin Family at Dedication Ceremony 
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
 
The Warroad Senior Living Center is set to open its doors in mid-September.   This state of the art, continuum of care facility is the result of a generous gift from Marvin Windows and Doors. In a special ceremony held at the nearly complete facility on August 19th, Warroad Senior Living Center Board Member Steve Tourek shared the story of hardships, tragedies and triumphs that have shaped the 135,000 square foot , 24-acre campus. 
 
Financial trouble for the Warroad Care Center began in the 1990’s. “By 2004, it was clear that the Care Center was teetering on the precipice of financial collapse,” explained Tourek.   “Quietly, Marvin Lumber and Cedar Company stepped in to cover operating shortfalls so that the Care Center could continue to provide for its residents and their families.” 
 
In 2005, with the full and generous support of the Marvin family, the Board of Directors of the Company approved a significant eight figure gift for the benefit of the Care Center, an amount sufficient to retire all existing bond and operating debt, and necessary to fund the estimated cost of the design, construction, and equipping of a new, state-of-the art skilled nursing and assisted living facility.  
 
After significant research and development the Warroad Senior Living Center broke ground in 2006 and anticipated opening in the summer of 2008.
 
Just a few months prior to the completion of the facility, tragedy struck. An early morning fire, aided by strong winds, devastated the Warroad Senior Living Center on April 25, 2008. The cause of the fire remains undetermined. The Board of Directors immediately made the commitment to re-build. 
 
On Wednesday, August 19th, 2009, just one month away from moving into the facility, the Warroad Senior Living Center recognized Marvin Windows and Doors. “This marvelous campus would not have happened without the generous donations of Marvin Lumber & Cedar Company,” said Tourek. “The Company made an extraordinary donation to enable this project in 2005. What many do not know is that in 2006, as the design took hold and final cost estimates for the full campus began to reflect its many features, the Company made an additional seven figure donation. Moreover, it has made the talents of many of its engineers, managers, and executives readily available to us. These are exceptional expressions of corporate citizenship and philanthropy.” The Warroad Care Center Board of Directors presented Marvin Windows and Doors with a plaque that will be permanently displayed next to a water feature that will be erected in the town Center.
 
Marvin Windows and Doors CEO Jake Marvin choked up as he spoke of the gift. “Our family has been blessed far beyond anyone would have a right to expect,” he said. “That blessing has been delivered by the people of this community. We’re honored to be able to build it.” He further clarified the source of money, saying that many suspected it was from the court settlement from a supplier for a defective product. In reality it was from the profit of the company’s investment in the Hubbard Group, a satellite television company. 
 
Thanks to the generosity of the Marvin family and the company that bears their name, The Warroad Board of Directors proudly dedicated the campus in service to the greater Warroad community. Those on hand to witness the dedication were several Marvin family members, medical personnel, referring agencies, clergy, elected officials and other special guests. 
Following the recognition and dedication ceremony were tours of the campus featuring 5 levels of care; Independent Living, Assisted Living, Supportive Care, Skilled Care and Alzheimer’s Care. Administrator Rod Kutter explained Universal Care, “We have chosen to replace the traditional nursing center model with a resident directed social model.  The Universal care-givers will be assigned to the same household each day where they will assist with their resident’s personal needs along with restorative therapy, personal laundry, light housekeeping, and light meal preparation. The Care Giver will also initiate and participate in residents activities.”
 
Throughout the impressive facility are state of the art technologies and specialized equipment.  A public Grand Opening event is planned for sometime in October.
  
Warroad Senior Living Center to host Private Event
For release August 10, 2009
The new Warroad Senior Living Center is in the final stages of construction. In just over a month, the residents will move into the long awaited facility. 
Prior to the campus opening in Mid-September, the Warroad Senior Living Center Board of Directors and the Marvin Family are hosting a preview event for invited guests. The event is scheduled for Wednesday, August 19th. Those on the invitation list include medical personnel, referring agencies, clergy, local and state politicians, and media. 
“The facility will not be open at the time of the event,” clarifies Administrator Rod Kutter. “The purpose of the event in August is to allow the medical community and others we work with on a daily basis the opportunity to see the facility, ask questions and walk through it prior to occupancy.”   Although this event is not open to the public, Kutter assures the community that there will be an open house for the public later in the year. “We are planning a Grand Opening Event for sometime in October, after our residents have moved and had a chance to settle in.” 
  
ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION HIRES STAFF MEMBER
TO SUPPORT AND SERVE NORTHERN MINNESOTA
 
(Warroad, Minnesota) – The Alzheimer’s Association is pleased to announce a new staff member in Northern Minnesota. Jill Wulff has been hired to work as the Rural Care Consultant in Warroad, Minnesota and will be providing dementia care services in the five--county area of Lake of the Woods, Roseau, Marshall, Kittson, and Koochiching counties. Wulff’s focus will be on community and family education, area support groups and care consultation.
 
Today 5.3 million Americans have Alzheimer’s disease, and it is estimated that by 2050 that number will grow to 16 million. In Minnesota alone, 104,000 people are living with Alzheimer’s disease. While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, early detection and diagnosis is critical to ensuring those living with the disease have the power to plan their future.
 
“We are excited to have Jill as a new member of our staff, and we look forward to her participation in our mission to serve the growing number of people inflicted with and impacted by Alzheimer’s and related diseases,” said Mary Birchard, Executive Director of the Alzheimer’s Association Minnesota-North Dakota. “The devastating toll of Alzheimer’s on individuals, families and our health care system makes the disease one of our nation’s greatest medical, social and economic challenges, and mandates that we reach all areas of two states to help us confront challenges that face us and explore opportunities ahead,” she added.
 
Jill Wulff currently leads two Alzheimer’s support groups in the surrounding Warroad area. Wulff has been an active volunteer for the Alzheimer’s Association the past six years and she and her family reside in Roseau County. Wulff will office at the new Warroad Senior Living Center which is scheduled to open this fall and can be reached at 218-386-1235.
 
For more information about Alzheimer’s disease and the Alzheimer's Association, visit the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org/mnnd or call the 24/7 Information Helpline at 1.800.272.3900.
 
 
The Alzheimer’s Association
The Alzheimer's Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s. For more information, visit www.alz.org/mnnd.  
July 28, 2009
RECONSTRUCTION UPDATE
(See pictures below)
Site Work
 
Landscaping is well under way with many major planting groups in place. Installation of underground irrigation has started. Rough grading and yard clean-up is nearly complete. ICS has repaired and replaced damaged sidewalk and curb & gutter and is removing temporary sidewalk and paving. The final lift of paving will be complete this week. Parking lot striping should be completed by August 8. The flagpole bases will also be installed soon. The monument sign structures are under construction and should be completed by next week.
 
Buildings A & B (Skilled Care)
 
These buildings are 98% complete with half wall counters yet to be placed and systems to be inspected and tested. Plumbing pressure testing is being done. Communication and nurse call systems cabling is being tested. Testing and balancing of air handling units will begin August 3. ICS is waiting on final door hardware delivery for installation.
 
Building C (Town Center)
 
This building is approximately 85% complete with baseboard, trim and accents being installed now. Electrical changes and wiring for door hardware being done. Carpet and vinyl flooring are nearly complete. Low voltage and communication cabling is complete. Start up for commercial laundry is scheduled for next week along with commercial kitchen equipment. Testing and balancing of air handling units will begin August 3. ICS is waiting on final door hardware delivery for installation.
 
Building D (Assisted Living)
 
Carpet and vinyl transitions are being completed. Final trim and baseboard are being installed now. ICS is waiting on final door hardware delivery for installation. Half wall counters are being installed. Pre-punchlist inspections by ICS are being done and preparations for final punchlist inspections by architect. Communication and nurse call systems are completed and tested. Testing and balancing of air handling units will begin August 3.
 
Building E (Independent Living)
 
Testing and final installation of trim being completed now. Preparing for final punchlist inspections.
 
All Buildings
 
All appliances are being installed and should be complete by August 8. Interior painting is scheduled for completion by August 8 along with baseboard, window and door trim. All carpet and vinyl flooring should be complete by August 15. All testing and balancing should be 80% to 90% complete by August 15. Cleaning and preparation for final inspection is on-going.
 
  
General
 
The following milestone dates have been established:
 
August 3 – AV equipment will be set up and tested this week. This includes projectors, screens, controls, etc.
 
August 10 – All furnishings will be installed this week except window treatments and artwork. The buildings should be ready to accept furniture. Each supplier is responsible for delivery and installation.
 
August 19 – Dedication Event for referring agents, loca/state politicians, medical personnel, and other invited guests.  This is not a pubic event.  A Public Grand Opening Event is planned for October.  
 
August 24 – Horty Elving team will conduct substantial completion inspections this week.
 
September 8 – Install window treatments and artwork this week.
 
September 18 – Move residents to new facility
June 26, 2009
RECONSTRUCTION UPDATE
(See pictures below)
 
All building interiors are in various stages of finishes including painting, staining, flooring, trim, acoustical ceiling, cabinets, countertops, light fixtures, cast stone, etc. Building E Independent Living and skilled care are the furthest along in terms of finishes. Carpet, vinyl and trim are being placed in Bldg C Town Center and Bldg D Assisted Living.
 
Exterior painting is underway. The painter is also staining the screen porches.
 
CMA is testing the low voltage wiring for the nurse call and network systems Bldgs A and B. AVI Systems was installing the 58” plasma screen in the Conference room in Bldg C today.
 
The mason is working on the exterior cast stone at building corners, piers and columns.
 
ICS will be mobilizing a separate crew this week or early next week to begin fine grading the site and placing top soil in preparation for landscaping work. There will also be a separate crew replacing damage curb & gutter and sidewalk.
 
The last lift of asphalt will be placed the first week in July according to Ron Dazell. The asphalt is scheduled for placement after the curb & gutter and sidewalks are repaired.
 
 
 

Warroad Senior Living Center 1401 Lake Street Northwest, Warroad, MN 56763 1-218-386-1235
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