TUESDAY, JANUARY 15, 2019 | ALBERTLEATRIBUNE.COM | PAGE 1
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OF THEIR OWN
Brianna Oftedahl (left), Jaymee Oftedahl and Marcella Mineer stand by the dollhouse Mineer made for her granddaughter Brianna Oftedhal several years ago. The dollhouse was on display at the Albert Lea Art Center as part of their Festival of Trees, though now it sits on display at Good Samaritan Society. SARAH KOCHER/ALBERT LEA TRIBUNE
Needlepoint dollhouse a gift from grandma for only granddaughter By Sarah Kocher
sarah.kocher@albertleatribune.com
The first home Brianna Oftedahl held the deed to cost her $1. That’s what her grandmother Marcella Mineer asked her to pay for the dollhouse she needlepointed with yarn and plastic canvas out of a kit from a catalog. “I only had that one granddaughter, and I had to have something to do,” Mineer said.
several years. This dollhouse is the biggest needlepoint project she has done, Mineer said. Other completed projects dot her home in at Good Samaritan Society: handmade bluebird magnets watch over her fridge. The dollhouse, featured as part of the Albert Lea Art Center’s Festival of Trees in December, was ready for Brianna Oftedahl when she was 6 years old. “I don’t think I realized
“I only had that one granddaughter, and I had to have something to do.” — Marcella Mineer, grandmother Daughter Jaymee Oftedahl said her mother knit, sewed and crossstitched as well for
how big it was going to be,” she said — or as interactive. The oven door opens and shuts. For the
Brianna and Jaymee Oftedahl decorated the kitchen for Christmas by putting gingerbread men in the oven, which opens and closes.
Festival of Trees, she and her mother put gingerbread men in it and a Santa in the living room fireplace. The TV has a removable picture, so Brianna Oftedahl could change what her Barbies were watching. “I played with it — carefully,” she said. Though it now lives in a relative’s home, Brianna Oftedahl said she likes the idea of decorating it for the seasons, and having her own children be able to play with it. It’s also special that her grandfather pitched in, she said. He cut the twigs that sit in the basket by the fireplace as miniature logs. For now, the dollhouse lives in a Good Samaritan Society window, where the fluffy fake snow sits on the house’s eaves and lights twinkle near the red bow on the front door.
The living room fireplace is accompanied by a basket of twigs cut by Brianna Oftedahl’s grandfather. She said she likes the idea that both of her grandparents had a hand in creating the home for her dolls.
Brianna Oftedahl used Barbies to play in her dollhouse.
The front of the dollhouse was decorated with bows, snow and twinkling colored lights.
PAGE 2 | SENIOR LIVING | TUESDAY, JANUARY 15, 2019
Senior Spotlight: Alton Krikava Name: Alton Krikava Age: 90 Native of: Hayward, Myrtle area Place of Residency: Thorne Crest Senior Living Community Family: He is a widow who has five children — four boys and one girl. He also has 13 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. He had four sisters — three are deceased and one lives in Costa Rica.
School in 1946 Former occupation: He wnt from high school to working at Midway Machine Shop in Albert Lea, then took over the family farming business, where he worked his whole life farming corn, soybeans, pigs and hens. What is your favorite memory from adulthood? Finding his wife, whom he was married to for 68 years. Being able to legally drink. His wife would
Education: Graduated from Albert Lea High
never let him learn how to cook; she said she worked on the inside of the house and he belonged working outside, and that’s how they did it and made it work. What would you say is your greatest accomplishment? His greatest accomplishments are his five children. He is so proud of all of them and who they have become. Also being married to the sweetest woman he knows. What is the greatest
Celebrating employee service
lesson life has taught you? Make do with what you have and be proud of it. Make it work! What do you enjoy most about where you are living now? How friendly everyone is here. He didn’t want to stay here after his wife passed away, but his children thought it was best for his own safety. Best decision they made. He feels very comfortable here and very much enjoys spending time talking with the other residents.
Alton Krikava PROVIDED
It’s a Christmas party
Alvin Larsen’s family celebrated with him at St. John’s Lutheran Community’s Christmas party. PROVIDED Gail Robinson, Kristin Bangert, Roxann Kluender and Jeanette Abbe recently celebrated over 115 years of collective employment at the facility. PROVIDED
Emergency preparedness
Members of the Albert Lea High School Caroliers perform at The St. John’s Christmas parties.
Bring in the band Good Samaritan Society recently partnered with Albert Lea law enforcement and Albert Lea Fire Department to conduct a mock emergency preparedness drill. Lt. Darin Palmer and Deputy Fire Chief Jeff Laskowske worked with employees on proper emergency response techniques and interventions. PROVIDED
Have a story idea? Call the newsroom at 507-373-1411
The Albert Lea Community Band plays Christmas music at St. John’s Lutheran Community. PROVIDED
Dedicated to providing compassionate service to every family we serve.
Steve Merfeld
Judy Popp Anderson
Paula Wilson
Stephanie Odegard
Karla Tukua
Spenser Brackey
Shelby Hullopeter
2210 East Main St. • Albert Lea, MN 56007 • (507) 373-2461 308 7th Avenue • Ellendale, MN 56026 • (507) 684-2881 217 West Division St. • New Richland, MN 56072 • (507) 465-8015 www.BonnerupFuneralService.com
Albert Lea resident turns 100 Marcella Peterson, native and long time resident of Albert Lea, turned 100 years old Jan. 10. She lives in her own home and proudly proclaims that she still does everything for herself. Peterson was born Marcella Carmen Larsen on Jan. 10, 1919, to Emil Larsen and Mamie Nelson Larsen. Her parents were farmers on the well-known Gessler farm in rural Freeborn County. At about 4 p.m., her mother was churning butter when she went into labor. A short time later, Peterson was born. Peterson attended country school until she entered high school. She loved school and was a very good student. She graduated from Albert Lea High School with impressive shorthand and typing skills and received awards for being able to type 100 words per minute. After high school, Peterson’s first job in Albert
Marcella Peterson PROVIDED Lea paid $3 per week. Her budget consisted of $1 room rent, $1 for food and $1 to savings. Peterson later
moved to Denver and worked as a secretary for
See PETERSON, Page 4
TUESDAY, JANUARY 15, 2019 | ALBERTLEATRIBUNE.COM | PAGE 3
Harp students perform
Rachel Christensen’s harp students perform at St. John’s Lutheran Community on Fountain Lake during the Christmas season. PROVIDED Rachel Christensen’s harp students perform at St. John’s Lutheran Community.
Ringing in the New Year at St. John’s Lutheran Community
Doris Sigurdson and Lois Wasmoen from St. John’s Lutheran Community celebrate New Year’s.
Better hearing leads to better living. FREE hearing tests! FREE preview of the latest technology!
Joan Wittmer and Erna Berthelsen from St. John’s Lutheran Community at Waters Edge celebrate New Year’s. PROVIDED Skyline Plaza 1701 W Main St • Albert Lea Call us today (507) 369-2144
Washington Avenue Apartments 608 South Washington Avenue Albert Lea, Minnesota
Lucille Gripentrog and Rhoda Knudson enjoy the New Year’s Camilla Frydenlund and Joyce Halldorson enjoy the St. Eve party at St. John’s Lutheran Community on Fountain John’s Lutheran Community New Year’s Eve party. Lake.
Santa’s helpers donate winter wear
Quality, Subsidized Apartments for Seniors ages 62 and Better • 1 BR apts. • Accessible apts. available • Rent based on income • Window treatments
• Laundry room on each floor • Elevator service • Community dining room • Outdoor patio w/grill • Pets Welcome!
St. John’s Lutheran Community on Fountain Lake tenants donate new winter wear to The Salvation Army. PROVIDED
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The Meadows Assisted Living Apartments and The Meadows Memory Care Apartments at st. John's Lutheran Community on Fountain Lake Enjoy brand new senior living with lake views and a serene setting.
ContaCt Diane WiChmann to set up a tour 1761 Eagle View Circle • Albert Lea, MN 507-373-8226 • www.stjohnsofalbertlea.org
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PAGE 4 | SENIOR LIVING | TUESDAY, JANUARY 15, 2019
Senior Spotlight: Marlene Nelson Name: Marlene Nelson Age: 75 Native of: Shell Rock Township Place of residency: St. John’s Waters Edge Independent Living Apartments on Fountain Lake Family: Nelson is the daughter of Martin and Ingeborg Broitzman of German and Norwegian descent. She had two sisters and one brother growing up on a farm east of Gordonsville. Nelson’s parents worked side by side on the farm milk- Marlene Nelson PROVIDED ing cows by hand, rais- raising three fine sons, accomplishment? Raising ing crops and caring for Rick, Rodney and Bradley. her children with her huspigs and chickens as their Nelson cooked, canned, band and living in a comlivelihood. worked outside and took munity of wonderful neigh great pride of her home bors and Christian church Education: Nelson at- and farm yard. friends. Also now being a tended school in District loving grandmother of 104 in a one-room school What is your favorite four grandchildren. house close to her parent’s childhood memory? As farm. She then attended children, they played Is there a piece of school in Glenville, where games and entertained advice you wish someshe graduated in 1961. themselves by playing one had given you or you During her school years, hide and seek, tag and would have listened to she met the love of her Annie I Over. Also grow- when you were younglife, David A. Nelson. ing up, her parents loved er? She read the Bible to Growing up together, to dance. Sometimes they hergrandmother as her they shared the interest moved the kitchen table grandmother was aging; of 4-H and church events. out and would just dance they were special moHe played basketball and for fun, always listening ments to her in her life. she enjoyed choir and all to music from New Ulm. class events. She loved Good old polka music. What is the greatest lesson life has taught her friends and has wonderful memories of school What is your favorite you? Your Christian faith days and has never missed memory from adulthood? should be the center of a class reunion from her Having her family in- your life and your home. graduating class of 1961. volved with church events Also peaceful words to They dated for several at Bethlehem Lutheran, live by are to treat others years and were married their church family, and how you would like to be having wonderful mem- treated. July 9, 1961. ories of belonging to the Former occupation: Shell Rock 4-H Club. Other What do you enjoy most Nelson was a proud home- fun memories were snow- about where you are living maker, wife and mother mobiling, boating and fish- now? She loves St. John’s all her adult years. She ing with her family. Lutheran Community: the has also cherished her people, her apartment and farm life, helping her What would you the new relationships she husband on the farm and say is your greatest now has.
Build strong body and strong mind Humans begin aging at birth. In our youth our bodies and minds have the potential to fully heal and recover. By the time we reach our first quarter century, our organs and tissues take longer to bounce back. As we continue to age, we discover that most of us will never be as agile as we were in our early 20s. All is not lost. While we’ll never be 20 again, there are steps we can take to keep our bodies and minds in excellent working order. Purposeful, consistent and long term mental and physical exercise can help us live more fully for longer. Regardless of age, physical and mental status, and experience, beginning a measured, modified and monitored regimen is recommended. It is beneficial for preventing, delaying or even reversing onset of a host of traditionally age-related symptoms. Walking is by far the easiest and most common physical exercise chosen by seniors. Start by walking down the driveway, down the street and then around the block. The more you move, the stronger you get. Slow and steady wins the race against the effects of aging. You can reduce the risk of heart
On Aging By Amy Mayers
disease, stroke and mild cognitive impairment. Stronger muscles help prevent falls, increase confidence and build stamina. The physical exertion will also help you sleep. Always consult your physician to design a program that fits your fitness level. In addition to physical exercise, mental stimulation is equally important. The more you engage activities requiring mental exertion, the healthier your brain will be. As you think and perform tasks, the brain produces chemicals that allow your body to function properly. Reading, taking or teaching classes, playing a sport such as tennis, golf, soccer or softball, practicing Yoga, playing board games, doing crosswords. These all boost mood, confidence and memory. By far the greatest threats to aging well are unhealthy food and drink, lack of movement, lack of sleep and social isolation.
Social interaction is great exercise for the mind. Even if you don’t drive, there are resources to get you places to be socially active. The Senior Center, library, YMCA, coffee shops, churches, Art Center, American Legion, Elks, Moose and the like. Senior Resources can connect you to a ride on the Smart Bus or via discount rates on a cab. Volunteer at the elementary school, join a quilting or card club, read to toddlers at a pre-school. Visit a local senior care community. Many have activities open to public. It helps the residents truly feel like they, too, are part of the local community. Living a fuller, longer life requires commitment to eating right, exercise for body and mind, social interaction and good, sound sleep. Start slow and stay steady. Allow your health care professionals to monitor your progress. Do it for you. Show the younger generations how it’s done. For information on how to get started, contact the YMCA, Senior Resources, Mayo Clinics, or one of the other service organizations mentioned above.
Amy Mayers is the director of sales at Oak Park Place in Albert Lea.
5 tips for coping with chronic pain Pain can impact nearly every aspect of your daily life from cleaning the house to going to work or playing with your kids. In fact, according to the Institute of Medicine, 100
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million Americans, or more than 30 percent of the population of the United States, suffer from chronic pain, which is pain lasting 3 to 6 months or longer. Most often, chronic pain is treated using prescription opioids. However, the National Institutes of Health estimates 2 million people in the U.S. suffer from substance use disorders related to prescription pain relievers, while 60 people die every day as a result of opioid overdoses, according to the National Safety Council. “The country is facing intertwined crises of opioid misuse and chronic pain management. Non-opioid, non-pharmacological treatments such as acupuncture and other similar interventions can be essential in handling patients’ pain management as a complement to lessen dependency on opioid prescriptions and serve as a more effective holistic therapy for chronic pain,” said Dr. Kory Ward-Cook, chief executive officer of the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). “The care provided by NCCAOM National Board-Certified Acupuncturists is essential in continuing the movement toward greater integrative and complementary pain care, especially as a non-pharmaceutical alternative to harmful opioid prescriptions.” To help treat your pain with a non-opioid solution, consider these tips:
Set goals for yourself
Setting realistic, measurable goals that focus on functional health and quality of life is essential to managing chronic pain. Outline specific, measurable goals you hope to achieve, such as exercising for 30 minutes three days a week or cleaning at least one room in the house twice a week and track your progress toward reaching them.
Use relaxation techniques
There are a variety of techniques, including meditation and deep breathing, that can help your body relax by slowing breathing, lowering blood pressure and instilling feelings of
PETERSON Continued from Page 2
an Air Force officer. She returned to Albert Lea and worked for Speltz Grain. She married Perry Peterson of Bricelyn. The Petersons farmed in rural Geneva for many years. After retiring from
well-being. Giving your muscles a chance to relax can release tension, which may ease pain. Practicing yoga or tai chi, which involve a series of physical postures in addition to breathing and relaxation techniques, may also help reduce pain.
Consider non-pharmaceutical treatment options
With concerns mounting about the prevalence of opioid use and abuse in the U.S., complementary, natural treatments such as acupuncture can help alleviate pain and reduce the number of opioids prescribed. Using practices derived from traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncturists stimulate specific points on the body, most often by inserting thin needles through the skin. For example, National Board-Certified Acupuncturists, whose credentials can be verified through the NCCAOM, are affirmed to have the education and training necessary to competently deliver acupuncture services. To learn more about how acupuncture can help with pain management or addiction, or to find a practitioner in your area, visit nccaom.org.
Focus on nutrition
A well-balanced diet is vital to overall health and well-being and can also influence chronic pain. As food choices can increase or decrease inflammation, which leads to many chronic diseases, consider a diet low in sugar and carbohydrates that includes fresh, organic fruits and vegetables; lean, grassfed meats; legumes; nuts; whole grains; and organic dairy products.
Keep track of progress
To effectively manage and treat your pain, consider keeping a journal to note your pain level on a scale of 1-10 each day. Also track your activity during the day — including time on your feet, exercise and even sitting at your desk — so you can identify patterns based on what you do and how you feel afterward. Then use the connections you’ve made to modify your environment and schedule as necessary.
farming, they lived in Owatonna, Albert Lea, and finally St. Charles. Peterson became a widow in 1999. She has two children: Perry (Kathy) Peterson, who live in Plymouth, and Kirt (Beverly) Melton, who live in St. Charles. She has seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.