If you were around St. Anne’s earlier in the week, you probably noticed things were a bit disheveled.
The end result, however, was well-worth it!
After a number of years, St. Anne’s has new carpeting in the main hall area near the front office and dining room. The mat/rug in the entry way was also replaced.
The man working on its installation finished putting the base boards on last night.
We appreciate a fresh new look and beneficial updates to our first floor level!
Today is the memorial of Saints Cosmas and Damien. For this occasion, we’ll share an article in this month’s St. Anne’s Broadcaster which recognized them as our “Saints of the Month.” It was written by Kathy Lieberg.
Cosmas & Damien were twins, born during the third century in Arabia. The major shrines for them are at the Convent of the Poor Clares in Madrid, Spain, the Basilica of Saints Cosmas and Damian in Rome and in Bitonto, Bari, Italy. There is virtually nothing known about their lives. It was after their deaths that miraculous things began to happen. It is known that they were both doctors and are thus patron saints of physicians, surgeons and pharmacists.
In Brazil, they are known as protectors of children. September 27 (which used to be their feast day) is commemorated, especially in Rio de Janeiro, by giving children bags of candy with the saints’ effigy printed on them. In Utica, NY there is a yearly celebration which takes place at St. Anthony’s Parish with a two-day festival including several busloads from Canada.
There is an interesting Orthodox icon depicting these saints as vested laymen holding medicine boxes. They are often shown holding a spoon with which to dispense medicine. The handle of the spoon is normally shaped like a cross to indicate the importance spiritual as well as physical healing and that all cures come from God!
Between this last Friday and today, residents, staff/sisters, and volunteers husked, “de-haired,” and bagged about 1900 ears of sweet corn.
We are very grateful, first of all, to the Wald family for growing and harvesting all this corn for us! It has been an annual tradition for many years; we appreciate their kindness.
We also want to thank all of the great volunteers who came in to help us! Your hard work and capable hands were a huge asset in “getting the job done.”
Thank you, too, to our staff and residents who were so helpful.
Our residents will be able, thanks to all of you, to enjoy delicious, locally grown sweet corn all year through.
PS: Did you know that, according to the Mayo Clinic’s website, corn provides your body with needed fiber, B vitamins, zinc, magnesium, copper, iron and manganese? It also contains antioxidants and other things that help you to have healthy eyes. However, diabetics need to keep in mind its high carbohydrate content.
It’s been a while since we updated you on our little plum trees…Their journey began about two years ago when pits were saved from plums from a relatives land near Fisher, MN.
Now, they range in height from 3′ 1″ to 3′ 11″, soon to be four, we hope. These four trees are an exciting addition to the lawn on the south side of St. Anne’s.
As we honor our patron saint (whose feast day is on Friday) and celebrate our Home, residents and staff alike are enjoying dressing up in themed apparel. Each day’s activities, too, correlate with the theme of the day.
So far, we’ve had “Dress Up Day,” “Sports Day,” and “Western Day.”
“Colorful Sock Day,” “Hat Day,” “Wear Your St. Anne’s Shirt Day,” and “Patriotic Day” are yet to come!
Western Day – St. Anne’s Week
Western Day – St. Anne’s Week
Western Day – St. Anne’s Week
Western Day – St. Anne’s Week
Western Day – St. Anne’s Week
Western Day – St. Anne’s Week
Western Day – St. Anne’s Week
Western Day – St. Anne’s Week
Western Day – St. Anne’s Week
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Moving into an assisted
living or basic care facility is often a big and emotional decision. After all,
many individuals prize their independence and are hesitant to relinquish a
routine that may have worked well for many years. However, there may come a
time when a choice needs to be made. But when is that time? Here are a few
signs that it may be the right time to move into assisted living.
Declining Health
For seniors across the
country, declining health can be
a major challenge to overcome. That is why one of the benefits of moving into
an assisted living or basic care facility is that you will have support for
dealing with a chronic illness. If you or your loved one’s health has gotten
considerably worse, it may be time to move into a place that can monitor and
provide the attention you need to continue to thrive.
Decreased Socialization
With age, many
individuals find that they don’t have the same levels of socialization that
they did in the past. Whether due to the death of a spouse, far-flung family
members, or a lack of activities out of the home, isolation and depression can be very real challenges. Fortunately, moving into an assisted
living or basic care facility can help naturally and organically increase
opportunities for social interaction. This, in turn, could improve emotional
and mental health for the long-term.
Challenges with House
Maintenance
Maintaining a tidy and
well kept home may have been a top priority in younger days. However, according
to House Method, one sign that it may be the right time to move into assisted
living is if it’s getting too difficult to do things around the house. Tasks
such as vacuuming, lawn care, and paying bills on time are essential to your
independence. If you’re having trouble doing day-to-day tasks, can’t keep up
with maintenance of your home, and don’t have a family member or caregiver to
help, assisted living or basic care may be a great solution.
Financial Strain
In many cases, families
or individuals will choose to have at-home care before looking into an assisted
living or basic care facility. However, high levels of at-home care can quickly
add up, making an assisted living or basic care facility a wiser financial choice. If this is the case, it may be the smartest move for you and
your loved ones to look into the potential for assisted living or basic care.
Aversion to Cooking
Eating healthy foods is
an important part of staying well, whether you’re dealing with longer-term
illnesses or simply looking to live out your years in the best shape you can.
However, if you find it difficult to make food for yourself to the point that
you’re skipping meals, it may be time to look into assisted living. This makes
the tasks of daily life—such as eating well—simpler and far more convenient.
Assisted living or basic
care facilities are designed to make life as pleasurable, comfortable, and
stress-free as possible. If you’re experiencing any of the above signs, it may
be time to look into your assisted living or basic care options.
July 21-27, we will again celebrate our patron saint, St. Anne. We don’t know a lot about this holy woman, but she was the mother of Mary (and Jesus’ grandmother). Below is a poem about her.)
We honor her especially on her feast day, July 26. Residents and staff are encouraged to join in the fun of the week, which will include the following dress up days: Sunday, July 21 ~ Dress-up Day Monday, July 22 ~ Sports Day Tuesday, July 23 ~ Western Day Wednesday, July 24 ~ Colorful Sock Day Thursday, July 25 ~ Hat Day Friday, July 26 ~ St. Anne’s Shirt Day Saturday, July 27 ~ Patriotic Day We’ll have special activities that go along with the days’ themes.
This summer, Sr. Elaine is celebrating 60 years in Religious Life! Although there will be festivities at the provincial house in Hankinson, we’re planning a celebration here at St. Anne’s, too, for those unable to attend there.
R to L: Sr. Rebecca, Sr. Elaine, Sr. Christina
You are welcome to join us Thursday, June 20th at 2 p.m. for a reception in honor of Sr. Elaine’s Jubilee. No gifts, please. Your presence is gift enough.
Sr. Elaine also started out her religious life serving in education, but after ten years moved into the field of long-term care. She has served at St. Anne’s Guest Home in Grand Forks since 1970, working in the business office and helping the elderly and disabled who live there in many ways. She has brought joy to many over the years by playing her accordion, active as a member of the area accordion club for a number of years and continuing to entertain residents and others in the area.
Please join us in sending up a prayer of thanksgiving for these Sisters and their many years of beautiful witness, as well as in continued daily prayer for more vocations to the Consecrated Life within our Diocese.