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February 5, 2019
Once when making a pastoral visit to a resident at a care center, I spent a few minutes with him to get acquainted and then offered to pray with him. As I was preparing to leave, he asked, “Are you leaving already? Can’t you stay for a while?”
That caused me to stop and think. In fact, I moved close to his wheelchair to talk and listen and stayed for a while longer. Upon my preparing to leave the second time he said, “Now come again and see me next week!”
It gave me pause to stop and ask myself, “Am I taking enough time to just be with the people my life touches every day and those who are close to me?” It means stopping what one is doing long enough to sit down with them. It means listening. It means being interested in another. Even though some may struggle to hear you, you can still give them the gift of your attention. Take time to show up, to visit, to Just Be with them.
We all need relationships. We need someone with whom to talk, someone who listens to us, someone to sit by, someone with whom to eat a meal, and someone to love. Love is shown in many ways, but one of the strongest ways is taking time to be together.
That applies to our relationship with the Lord Jesus also. Jesus commended Mary, the sister of Martha, for taking time to sit and listen to Him, to learn from Him, just to be with Him. “Mary sat before the Master hanging on every word he said” (Luke 10:39). Jesus commended her by saying this was the most essential part and Mary chose well (verse 42).
My prayer for this month is:
Lord, help me choose well to take time to just be with You, and to be fully present with those around me.
Written by Chaplain Sherree Lane
April 2, 2019
How wonderful to enjoy meals or refreshments around the table with residents. We enjoy scrumptious food, but also share memories, conversation, laughter, and togetherness that is so vital for all ages more...
March 6, 2019
As I am writing this article it is snowing quite heavily outside. I spent the morning driving through the snow and wishing that spring would arrive soon. When it comes to places where white covers the ground, I would prefer to be on the more...
February 5, 2019
Once when making a pastoral visit to a resident at a care center, I spent a few minutes with him to get acquainted and then offered to pray with him. As I was preparing to leave, he asked, “Are you leaving already? Can’t you stay for a more...
January 2, 2019
“Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson
Articles written for January 1stare usually reserved for New Year’s resolutions. This is no exception. I more...
December 4, 2018
What constitutes wisdom? Have you learned a few things over the years, even learned from your mistakes? How do you know if you are wise? There’s an old saying that goes “with age comes wisdom.” But not necessarily. Actually more...
November 6, 2018
Each autumn, my father would climb up into the rafters of the garage and bring down a couple dozen storm window panes for the family to wash. As each window was cleaned it would replace the screen windows throughout the entire house more...
October 15, 2018
Recently our resident choir at Scandia Shores was invited to sing at a Shoreview Naturalization Ceremony. The Scandia Singers were excited to participate and rehearsed several songs of America that we could share with more...
October 8, 2018
Every day we are called upon to judge the accuracy of the messages we hear and see. One TV news network tests political ads and mailers and then gives a grade (A-F) for their truthfulness. One recent mailer was graded “F” for its false more...
September 4, 2018
Through faith, we believe that God is good and is interested in every part of our lives to bring comfort, peace, beauty, strength and so much more. As chaplain, perhaps my main interest in your spiritual care is to develop a community more...
August 7, 2018
It’s August. Summer is going too fast! It’s nearly time for the State Fair.
As I sit looking at the beautiful flowers blooming outside my window at Scandia Shores, I wonder how long they will continue to bloom. Some more...
July 3, 2018
This spring, I’ve spent much of my weekends at home, weeding. The weeds this year have been so out of control that it seems like I live in a jungle. With all the rain we’ve been receiving, I just can’t seem to keep up. I’m ready to put away more...
June 5, 2018
Minnesota has beautiful trees. The varying shades of green form a beautiful backdrop upon which the flowering crabapple and lilac splashes their color.
Did you know trees teach us about life?
May 2, 2018
There is something within us that asks the difficult questions such as “Is there other life in our universe?” “How did everything come to be?” “Is there a God?” Even people of faith wrestle with the notion of hearing God’s voice or more...
April 4, 2018
Happy Easter! I hope you were able to attend worship and sing the majestic songs of Easter. He is Risen!
The Voicehas become such a popular show, and popular phenomena of discovering vocal talent. Aside more...
March 6, 2018
What a cold winter it has been. I know we are all looking forward to spring. I can’t wait to see the beauty of Crocuses coming up through the thawing ground.
For me, the spring thaw began in January more...
February 6, 2018
One day I asked a dear friend of mine if she cared to tell me why she never married. She lived to be 101 and was a vibrant senior adult who continued walking and volunteering at her church into her 90s. So she told me, “You can’t marry more...
January 3, 2018
I love my neighborhood. Those that live next to me and my family are the kind of neighbors we all hope to have. They are ready to help; easy to talk with and share in life’s ups and downs. For example, when it snows outside we each seem to more...
December 5, 2017
Meet Patricia! She is a newer resident who is full of energy and enjoys being active. She entered right into the Scandia Shores community and has already made many friends. She credits a member of the hospitality committee for more...
November 7, 2017
Each year, I try to take a veteran out for lunch or coffee as a way of saying thank you for the sacrifices they have made serving our country. Recently I was looking for ways in which I could inspire others to find a Veteran to honor with more...
October 3, 2017
Our residents have incredible stories, stories showing their character and tremendous courage. These memories need to be preserved for the next generations. I think of a lady named Verlie. One of 15 siblings, she learned to work more...
September 5, 2017
A few weeks ago, I traveled to Duluth to officiate a funeral for one of our dear residents from the WestRidge community in Minnetonka. As a chaplain, it is a high honor to care for families through their grieving and to invoke more...
August 1, 2017
Much is written these days about keeping our minds healthy. We hear of the body-to-brain health connection. One website lists 100 ways to keep your mind healthy and fit (“Brain Power: 100 Ways to Keep Your Mind Healthy and Fit.” Open more...
July 6, 2017
“The first duty of love is to listen.”
Noted Theologian, Paul Tillich
I have discovered the beautiful force of silence. Silence is at the very core of listening. When I listen to a friend voice their concerns and more...
June 6, 2017
It’s soon Father’s Day. Take time to remember Dad.
My dad has been gone for 17 years this month. I am incredibly fortunate he was a dad who was involved in my life, a hard worker and married to my mom for 50+ years more...
May 2, 2017
There are times in our life when we question our importance and influence we have in our homes, workplace, faith circles and friendships. We like to be assured that we make a difference in the lives of the people we get to know more...
April 4, 2017
You may remember the commercial (1968) used by the tobacco industry to promote women smoking: “You’ve come a long way” (sometimes the word “Baby” was added). It showed the “new woman” and her freedoms having progressed to the point more...
March 7, 2017
Albert Schweitzer, noted theologian, organist, philosopher, physician and Nobel Peace Prize recipient is quoted to say: “The purpose of human life is to serve, and to show compassion and the will to help others more...
February 7, 2017
In February we think of love—Love is the greatest gift one can give to another human being. We celebrate love on Valentine’s Day with chocolates and valentines and flowers and chocolate-covered strawberries! But real love is more...
January 14, 2017
“Behold, I Make All Things New”—Revelations 21:5
I love to restore old furniture, especially if it comes from one of my ancestors. Recently, I restored my great-grandmother’s kitchen pantry. The frame had rotted away more...
December 6, 2016
Christmastime is here! The wonderful time of tree decorating, cookie making, parties and lots of eating! But don’t forget the music—carolers, special concerts, and piano recitals. Oh, and I omitted the gifts more...
November 1, 2016
“Whenever I feel afraid I hold my head erect And whistle a happy tune so no one will suspect I'm afraid. While shivering in my shoes I strike a careless poseAnd whistle a happy tune and no one ever more...
October 4, 2016
Seasons change. Now we enter the beauty of October with its vibrant changing leaves—vivid reds, oranges, luscious gold, even brown and burgundy. In Minnesota we get to experience the four seasons—each season with its own beauty more...
September 30, 2016
A leader plays an important role in the lives of those around them. People look to leaders to set an example and high standards for others. Today, Avinity is proud to recognize a community leader and dedicated employee, Kari Horbacz more...
September 6, 2016
It has been my absolute delight to be the editor of the history of short book about a lovey woman named Betty (age 89), who now lives in Minneapolis. She has taken the time to look back through-out her life and more...
August 17, 2016
People who reach the landmark age of 100 years old are given the distinguished title of Centenarian. Certainly, reaching Avinity Centenarian status is worthy of a special celebration!Leo Maki, a more...
August 4, 2016
Here at Avinity, we are all about finding cool new ways to highlight employees at our various communities. Everyone has a different story to tell and we want to be sure to share those stories with all of you, which is why we have started more...
August 2, 2016
Have you ever wondered why you feel so good after you do something good for another human being? Did you know there is an explanation for that? Allan Luks, former executive director of Big Brothers/Big Sisters of New York City, calls more...
July 25, 2016
Adapting to changes in life is a skill as much as it is a necessity. It is not easy transitioning from familiarity to new ways of doing things, but change is unavoidable. Changes in the span of one’s life can be both big and small more...
July 13, 2016
It is time to celebrate the accomplishments of another Avinity family member! Roberto Mendoza, lead chef at Mainstreet Village of Richfield is the man of the hour!
Recently, Roberto participated more...
July 5, 2016
Remember the song As Time Goes By? It gives us a glimpse of what the generation gap looked like back in 1930s and 40s. Back then, Einstein’s theories challenged the way we viewed the universe; technology was skyrocketing, and more...
June 27, 2016
What’s better than giving back to our seniors? Trick question, there is nothing! We love rejuvenating their youthful spirit with new activities and forms of engagement. This time around, we focused on keeping them physically more...
June 7, 2016
Meet Bill, an incredibly interesting Scandia Shores of Shoreview resident who described life experiences to me I only could imagine. Bill grew up in Rhode Island, lettered in four sports in high school—one of the “last four more...
June 2, 2016
Avinity has long been known as a senior living organization that fosters compassion and community. Our mission is to create communities for older adults that nurture body, soul, and spirit. We are proud to say that employee more...
May 9, 2016
On Friday, May 6, 2016, wildfires in the northern region of Minnesota threatened the town of Hoyt Lakes and caused the evacuation of Northland Village of Hoyt Lakes, an Avinity assisted living community of 18 residents and 24 staff more...
May 6, 2016
Recently, CEO Dale M. Fagre donated Paul McCartney tickets to the Avinity Foundation. The Foundation asked employees to submit their name for a drawing, and to include a paragraph about how they share the Avinity Experience with more...
May 3, 2016
For a short time in my life, I lived in Florida. Now, for a Minnesota country boy, Florida felt like a never-ending summer. Summer is my favorite season. While living there, the seasons came and went without much fanfare or change more...
April 13, 2016
During this Volunteer Appreciate Week, we celebrate our awesome volunteer, Joyce. What makes Joyce so special? Let me count the ways…
Joyce has been volunteering at both Mainstreet Village of more...
April 5, 2016
We just celebrated Easter. “It was early this year.” Why do we say Easter was early this year? Easter came when it was scheduled on the calendar. Yes, it can arrive as early as March 22 or delay until April 25, depending on when the first more...
March 1, 2016
Billy Graham once said: “God has given us two hands, one to receive with and the other to give with.” This is such an insightful statement and a beautiful way to live life with spirit. You see, our hands are more than just an incredible more...
February 22, 2016
Inspired by God’s love, Avinity’s mission is to create communities for older adults that nurture body, soul and spirit. To that end, we are focused on growing our Avinity family so that we can bring the mission to more people more...
February 14, 2016
Enjoy this story of fate and love from Edendale resident, Jan:
My husband and I met in 1950 at Calhoun Beach in Minneapolis. I was with a boyfriend and while swimming I was suddenly pulled under the water more...
February 2, 2016
The song sung at my high school graduation was titled “You’ll Never Walk Alone.” The lyrics that sum up this famous song are:
“Walk on, walk on with hope in your heart and you’ll never walk alone more...
January 27, 2016
We want to share this testimonial from a daughter of a former Mainstreet Village of Richfield resident who moved due to health complications:
My mom and I both loved it at Mainstreet! She was having so more...
January 5, 2016
One day my mother told me she felt bad she didn’t help her mother milk cows as a teenager. In looking back she wished she could re-do the experience and correct it. I didn’t know where Mother was headed with her reasoning, I know now more...
December 30, 2015
Nyla has been a cook at Care-Age Country Home since September 1994. Nyla is known for her calm, patient, reliable, sweet and caring nature, in addition to being an amazing cook and a source of wisdom to everyone around her more...
December 29, 2015
During this Christmas season we remember the birth of a lowly infant, who was born to humble parents in a stable with animals for company. We give thanks for Mary and Joseph's willingness to step out into the unknown and play their more...
December 1, 2015
As Christmas approaches, I anticipate the beauty it brings. Christmas décor is everywhere you walk. Seasonal music fills the air. Being Scandinavian in heritage, I look forward to Pepparkakor, Krumkake, Lefsa, and yes, even more...
November 3, 2015
We will soon enter the season of Thanksgiving and Christmas—the season of giving. Perhaps you are already receiving requests for donations. The Giving USA Foundation said in its annual report that the 2014 tally of $358.38 more...
October 6, 2015
When I was a boy I loved to tinker; take old phones apart, small electronics or watches that quit working. I wanted to be like my grandfather who could fix anything. Of course, being a child, I was unable to reassemble, let alone repair more...
September 29, 2015
Happy Birthday to Care-Age Country Home resident, Don. He was born at his Grandmother’s house by Dorset, MN, in October, 1933. He lived with his family a few miles away from there most of his life. He had three more...
September 1, 2015
Recently a woman expressed concern for her friends who worry a lot. She reminded them that they can pray about their concerns and give them to God. Apparently, that seemed too simplistic an answer for them. So I started thinking, how more...
August 31, 2015
Remember Marnie from WestRidge of Minnetonka? (http://avinityseniorliving.org/blog/meet-marnie) She is now a couple years older - 103 - and still going strong!
Marnie is a very active participant more...
August 13, 2015
An ice cream truck has been coming each Tuesday for the past three weeks, and it’s been a big hit! Many of our residents participate and wait patiently at 3:00pm for their treat! They can remember ice cream trucks going through more...
August 6, 2015
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As we continue our mission of imagining, nurturing and inspiring a youthful spirit in every older adult, we are thrilled to announce that we are opening a new memory care neighborhood at our Mainstreet Village location in more... |
August 4, 2015
Recently, something beautiful happened during a chapel service. As we entered into our time of worship, I asked people to call out something for which they could be thankful to God. Not only did I more...
July 31, 2015
The Avinity executive staff and Mainstreet Village of Richfieldstaff, and one recruited family member, rolled up their sleeves and put on gloves for a property beautification project today. We must say, after 3 hours more...
July 30, 2015
Marguerite turned 101 years old on the 8th of May!
She has been living at Care-Age Country Home (managed by Avinity) for a little over two years now. She was born in Tipton, Iowa, but grew up in more...
July 24, 2015
Desmond Tutu once said, “You don’t choose your family. They are God’s gift to you, as you are to them.” The addition of Care-Age Country Home in Park Rapids, MN has certainly been a gift to the Avinity family. From the welcoming more...
July 9, 2015
July 7, 2015
Roll out the fireworks, it is time to celebrate. The United States officially turned 239 years old this July 4th. We celebrate the day our Declaration of Independence was signed declaring America’s more...
June 26, 2015
Thursday, June 18th, the All-Avinity Luncheon was hosted by Mainstreet Village of Richfield. The annual event gives residents from all senior housing locations owned or managed by Avinityto more...
June 2, 2015
Weddings have been on my mind because my daughter’s wedding is just around the corner. I love stories about how people meet one another. I’d like to share with you a story about a couple whose early courtship was filled with wonder more...
May 26, 2015
WestRidge of Minnetonka resident Jane had just finished her first year of teaching in White Bear Lake, MN, when she returned to her home town of New Richland, MN, (population 800). There she met more...
May 5, 2015
Scandia Shores of Shoreview recently hosted a Spring Sing where a group of 6 people from a local Lutheran church led 75 Scandia residents in an hour-long program of singing, praise and worship. As chaplain at Scandia, I more...
April 2, 2015
Recently, I watched an amazing account of one family’s survival of a plane crash in Alaska. I was drawn into the dramatic portrayal of this family’s harrowing experience, and inspired by this young man who struggled to keep his more...
March 19, 2015
In 1941, Hal from Blaine Courts of Blaine was in the Navy and going to school in Chicago, IL. While attending a Corned Beef and Cabbagedinner sponsored by the USO he met Colette, an Irish lass. They more...
March 14, 2015
Molly, a resident at Blaine Courts of Blaine, lived in Northern Ireland when she was young - in Portstewart, Co Derry, which is by the sea. St. Patrick’s Day was always a fun time, with parades that included more...
March 10, 2015
Falls are serious at any age, but especially for older people as they are more likely to break a bone when they fall. The fact is, falls are the leading cause of injury among older adults. more...
March 5, 2015
What comes to mind when you hear the phrase Talent Show? Junior High gatherings where trembling youth get up to give a speech or sing a song? Every year WestRidge of Minnetonkahas a talent show more...
March 3, 2015
Life can be scary and dangerous, especially during the harsh and bitterly cold months of a Minnesota winter! (As I write this article it is -10°) But, the scriptures are very clear that God is watching over us and protecting us as a more...
February 25, 2015
One of the incredible benefits of serving as an Avinity chaplain is the wonderful opportunity to hear the life stories of our residents. Vi, a 10-year resident at WestRidge, an Avinity senior more...
February 14, 2015
Here is the final response in the series of notes we received from our residents about how they met their "Valentine":
Don and Millie of Scandia Shores of Shoreviewmet at a square dance at the more...
February 13, 2015
Here is the fourth response in the series of notes we received from our residents about how they met their "Valentine":
WestRidge of Minnetonka resident, Alice remembers:
I was walking to the bus more...
February 12, 2015
Here is the third response in the series of notes we received from our residents about how they met their "Valentine":
WestRidge of Minnetonkaresidents Bruce and Jane recall: "We met the summer after more...
February 11, 2015
Here is the second article in the series of notes we received from our residents about how they met their "Valentine":
WestRidge of Minnetonkaresident, Jerry, was delivering medical supplies to more...
February 10, 2015
Here is the first in a series of notes we received from our residents about how they met their "Valentine":
Scandia Shores of Shoreview resident, Verlie, remembers:
My father hired Al, to cut wood more...
February 5, 2015
The chilly day of January 31st was warmed up at Scandia Shores of Shoreview by a visit from the St. Paul Winter Carnival Royalty. If you aren’t familiar with St. Paul’s winter tradition, check it out more...
February 3, 2015
Valentine’s Day is upon us once again and we will undoubtedly hear heart-warming stories of couples facing unlikely odds to survive or to find love. Those thoughts inspired me to share with you the unlikely story of how my wife and I more...
January 30, 2015
WestRidge of Minnetonkaresident Mary is just amazing! Legally blind since birth, she can place a label on an envelope straighter than her sighted friends, knits beautifully, and walks regularly. She used to bowl, play darts more...
January 15, 2015
For the past several years, WestRidge of Minnetonka residents have gone as a group to help pack food and label bags at the Feed My Starving Children sites in Coon Rapids and Chanhassen. Each time more...
January 8, 2015
If you’ve ever wondered what goes on in a senior living community during the holidays, here is a list of the activities made available to our residents at Blaine Courts of Blaine:
January 6, 2015
Not all of us have the luxury of knowing our life has really affected other people and made a difference. What a gift to be able to look back over your life with satisfaction and gratitude for a good family and a life lived with purpose more...
December 31, 2014
2014 was a year of change and transition for Avinity after 12 years of consistent leadership and direction. My time began on June 2, 2014, and the welcome I received was very uplifting and humbling more...
December 30, 2014
We have an amazing resident at LEE Center of Hibbing! She has been in the blog before because she was in a Hibbing newspaper article about the first female miners. But we’d like to share with you a more recent endeavor of hers more...
December 10, 2014
It was a strange sight yesterday morning at Mainstreet Village of Richfield! A vehicle with antlers, a red nose and a license plate that read "C Santa" came into the parking lot. Behind the wheel was no one else but more...
December 2, 2014
Jesus said: It is more blessed to give than receive (Acts 20:35)!
Every Christmas season I have a problem: I can’t figure out what gifts to give! My wife is really good at gift giving. She usually says around August, “I more...
November 12, 2014
Pastor Dave Johnston has been providing spiritual care for Avinity communities for seven years. Pastor Dave provides nondenominational ministry through Chapel services, Bible studies, hospital visits and one-to-one more...
November 4, 2014
“I have found that among its other benefits, giving liberates the soul of the giver.”
- Maya Angelou
We are about to recognize GiveMN’s “Give to the Max Day” on November 13th. But before you more...
October 30, 2014
Give to the Max Day, November 13th, is fast approaching and we have an exciting announcement!
The Avinity Board of Directors and the CEO of Avinity have collectively issued a $10,000 matching challenge to help us more...
October 28, 2014
WestRidge of Minnetonka resident, Jerry, is the definition of “active aging.” He was a life-long resident of St. Louis Park, Minnesota, until he moved across the border into Minnetonkathis past more...
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Formerly Twin City Christian Homes (TCCH)
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Richfield, MN 55423
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