Growing Old on Purpose

Purposeful aging is fundamental to our health, happiness and longevity.

Reviewed by Dr. Fred Hill

Framed by a long conversation between two old friends, this book reconceives aging as a liberating experience that enables us to become more authentically the person we always meant to be with each passing year.

“Everyone is getting old; not everyone is growing old. But the path of purposeful aging is accessible to all. And it’s fundamental to health, happiness, and longevity. With a focus on growing whole through developing a sense of purpose in later life, Who Do You Want To Be When You Grow Old? celebrates the experience of aging with inspiring stories, real-world practices, and provocative questions to help readers navigate the path from adulthood to elderhood with choice, curiosity, and courage.” —From “Who Do You Want To Be When You Grow Old?”

This book consists of nine chapters.

Chapter 1. Old? Who, Me?

Chapter 2. If we all end up dying, what’s the purpose of living?

Chapter 3. Aren’t I somebody?

Chapter 4. Am I living the good life my whole life?

Chapter 5. How do I stop living a default life?

Chapter 6. Am I having a late-life crisis?

Chapter 7. Will I earn a passing grade in life?

Chapter 8. How can I grow whole as I grow old?

Chapter 9. How will my music play on?

Authors Richard Leider and David Shapiro believe that in order to age well “… we need to unpack our past, repack for the future, and repeat. We need to make growing old our central life task. This is why the path of purposeful aging requires practice. It’s things we do consistently, with mindfulness and purpose, that enable us to follow our own path.”

Some of the answers to their provocative questions are:

• Purpose is our why –why we get up in the morning.

• The path of purposeful aging is a process of reimagination.

• Having fewer outward responsibilities allows for greater inward growth.

• Admitting “I am old” does not mean we accept decline.

• Do not dread the prospect of getting older.

Our ultimate personal question may be, do I get old or grow old? Why not try to grow old on purpose, if we can.

Dr. Fred E. Hill is an emeritus professor at St. Cloud State University.

Ecumen purchases

St. Benedict’s Community Ownership of CentraCare’s St. Benedict’s Community in St. Cloud, Monticello and Sartell will be transferred to Ecumen, following a search for an organization that could continue supporting the needs of the community, and to provide the best future care options for residents. Upon finalization of the sale, projected for late 2023, current CentraCare – St. Benedict’s positions will transition to new Ecumen ownership.

Wittnebel receives certification

Sydney Wittnebel, CPA at Schlenner Wenner & Co., received a Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA) certification issued by the National Association of Certified Valuators and Analysts (NACVA). She will assist the tax department by providing valuation analysis and financial statements for potential sales/mergers of businesses. She will also assist with business succession planning.

Vouk named Chief Operations Officer

Lisa Vouk has been promoted to Chief Operations Officer at InteleCONNECT. She joined the company 15 years ago and has played an integral part in overseeing customer service, marketing, operations and assisting with the growth and success of the company. ––––––––––––

To be included in the News Reel, please send your submissions to Emily Bertram at Ebertram@ StCloudAreaChamber.com

CentraCare appoints two new executives

Ryan Engdahl, PhD, LP, MBA, has been promoted to vice president of ambulatory care. He was previously the Senior Director of Behavioral Health.

Rachael Lesch, RN, MBA, has been promoted to vice president of population health & performance excellence. Her previous position was executive director of population health & quality improvement.

So ... What’s New?

The 2023 legislative session saw many laws passed that impact business … now and into the future.

The whirlwind that was the 2023 legislative session has left many business owners scratching their heads and wondering, “What now?” Some of the legislation that affects business is already in place. Some won’t happen for a few years. And almost all of the rules are being drafted daily. Following is a highlevel overview of the new legislation, as compiled by the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce.

In effect as of September 1, 2023

Wayne earns designation

Laraway Financial Advisors

President, CEO and Financial

Advisor Christopher Wayne was awarded the Silver Beaver Award for distinguished service from the Boy Scouts of America. The honor is given to individuals who have impacted youth through community service, noteworthy selfsacrifice, exceptional strength of character, and sustaining commitment to the scouting program.

St. Cloud Area Schools awarded grant St. Cloud Area Schools received a grant to help develop a new plan for arts education. The Perpich Center for Arts Education has named St. Cloud one of eight school districts to receive a Comprehensive Arts Planning Program, or CAPP, award.

• Hair texture and styles added to the definition of race

• Ban on restrictive franchise agreements (“no-poach” or “nonsolicitation” agreements)

• State building code process/rules change to require adult-size changing facilities

• Cumulative impact reporting on state air permits

• Odor management oversight

• Air toxics reporting criteria to obtain a permit

• Additional public meetings for non-expiring air permits

• Noncompete agreements banned (not retroactive before July 1, 2023)

• Lactating employees, pregnancy accommodations, unpaid leave updates and small business exemptions removed

• Human Rights Act updated with new definitions of sexual orientation and gender identity

• New and increased OSHA penalties, classification of citation data; authority to inspect employer exclusion

• Ergonomics Grant program

• New ergonomics reporting requirements

• New agriculture and food processing worker standards

• Nursing Home Standards board established to set new employment standards

• Motor vehicle sales tax increases

• New protections for employees related to employer-sponsored meetings and communications about religion or politics

• New protections in place for warehouse distribution centers

• New construction worker wage protections

• $20 per million gallons fee increase for DNR groundwater appropriation permits

• Legalization of recreational marijuana

In effect as of January 1, 2024

• Sick and safe time mandated

• New ergonomics standards in effect for warehouse, meatpacking, health care workers

• New safety standards for meatpacking

• New worker standards for meat and poultry processing

• Ban established on asking about pay history

• Tab fee increases

• Gas tax indexed to inflation

In effect as of July 1, 2024

• New 50-cent per-delivery on retail deliveries over $100

In effect as of October 1, 2024

• Minnesota OSHA fines/ penalties indexed to inflation

In effect as of January 1, 2025

• Minnesota Secure Choice Plan – retirement savings program

• PFAS (polyfluoroalkyl substances) ban in 11 products

In effect as of January 1, 2026

• New Paid Family and Medical Leave mandate

• New reporting requirements for all PFAS products

The St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce will continue to learn more and inform businesses about this legislation as it goes into effect.

Gerry Granum, 53

Chief Executive Officer/Scout Executive

Central Minnesota Council – Boy Scouts of America

Previous position: Director of Community Relations/National Liaison at the Cascade Pacific Council in Portland, Oregon

When did you start your current position?

June 16, 2023

What did you do in your previous position and what will you miss most?

I did a whole host of things. I managed several staff members who supported our volunteer base, focused on growing the scouting program through community partnerships, and oversaw fundraising campaigns, special events and product sales. I was also the National Jamboree staff advisor for our council. The thing I will miss the most from the Cascade Pacific Council will be the volunteers. Everywhere I have gone throughout my scouting career, it is always bittersweet when you have to say goodbye.

What are you looking forward to the most in your new position?

I am very excited to partner with our board of directors, our staff and the countless volunteers who make scouting go across Central Minnesota.

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Volga, South Dakota. It is a small community in eastern South Dakota. As a product of a small town, I am always fascinated by who the key stakeholders are in each community and what makes each town so special.

What are your hobbies?

I enjoy reading, golf, camping, photography, and officiating youth sports.

Fun fact about yourself: When I was completing my master’s degree in Counseling Education from South Dakota State University, I needed to do a school internship. The Foley School District took me in and gave me my first stint as a school counselor almost 30 years ago. I guess it is fair to say I have come full circle. I may not be in the school system, but I think over my 25-year scouting career I have helped young people develop leadership skills, character and prepared them for life.

CentraCare Foundation raises $6 million CentraCare Foundation completed the mental health care campaign Lighting the Path, which helps to expand access to mental health support across CentraCare communities. Over the 12-month campaign, community members, businesses and CentraCare employees contributed more than $6.2 million to support mental health in the area.

Liberty Bank earns distinction

Minneapolis St. Paul Business Journal has named Liberty Bank Minnesota one of the state’s strongest midsized banks. Liberty was recognized for having the highest core-capital ratio of all midsize banks and the lowest loan-to-deposit ratio.

Stearns Electric introduces electric lawnmower

Stearns Electric Association, in partnership with its wholesale power provider Great River Energy (GRE), leased a 74” electric lawnmower from Mean Green Electric Mowers to replace a diesel-powered machine at Lynx National Golf Course in Sauk Centre. This pilot project is the first of its kind for a golf course through Mean Green Electric Mowers.

Seitz adds employees

Seitz Stainless welcomed three fabricators to the team. Lucas Winskowski, Oliver Statz and Brandt Conklin signed on after Seitz sent a contingent to St. Cloud Technical & Community College to do a presentation on employment opportunities.