A SERVANT’S HEART AT RIVERVIEW PLACE

Twenty-Five Years of Service

Sister Agatha Lucey fondly recalls her mother’s observation, “If the Lord calls you, you obey.”

Agatha Lucey was born to Patrick and Margaret Lucey on February 5, 1930. She was raised in Killarney, Co. Kerry, Ireland, the youngest of eight children. She received her early education with the Presentation Sisters in Crosshaven, Co. Cork, Ireland. In November of 1947, together with her twin sister, Deborah, and several other Sisters from the “Old Country,” she made the voyage to America.

Sister Agatha shared, “The Presentation Sisters Foundress, Nano Nagle encouraged us to educate and change the lives of others outside in the community, not behind walls.” Making her profession of vows in 1950, Sister Agatha feels empowered to emulate Nano Nagle’s commitment to serve in Christ’s name. “Serving the Lord is my life’s focus and gives me great joy!”

Riverview Place was developed by the Presentation Sisters to meet an area need for residential accommodations for active seniors. March 1, 1987 was Dedication Day for this new venture, providing pleasant and secure housing for people 55 and older. In 2012, Riverview celebrates 25 years.

In 1996 the Presentation Sisters and eleven other congregations of religious women consolidated their assets to create a new organization called Catholic Health Initiatives. This is the organization sponsoring Riverview Place yet today. Sisters: Agatha, Mary Beauclair and Josephine Brennan have continued to be a vital part of Riverview Place through their individual service and presence within the community.

These three lively women have devoted their lives to serving Riverview Place. “We are a team,” Sister Agatha reports. “We live together in an apartment on the campus.”

Sister Mary has a green thumb. The courtyards and flowerbeds are maintained under her vigilant eye and the winter greenhouse thrives with vibrant colors. Sister Josephine works in food service, ensuring residents and guests always feel well nourished and loved.

All three Sisters agree, Riverview Place is not merely or essentially a building and it certainly isn’t a museum to what has been. It is a living organism and as a living thing, continues to grow and change.

In May, a new enhanced living section named Crosshaven opened in Riverview Place. Already fully occupied, Crosshaven provides an accommodating environment for those needing physical and cognitive supportive care 24-hours a day. Residents share meals in a family setting around big tables. Organized activities provide socializing opportunities and a cup of coffee is always available.

People concur that their lives are enriched by the Riverview Place experience. A resident shared, “The Sisters who live here are rare individuals who genuinely share compassion with everyone. I am grateful for their kind consideration.”

In 1988, resident Betty Sullivan wrote a letter directly to Pope Paul II, commending Sister Agatha’s tireless work. A response from the Secretariat of State noted, “His Holiness wishes me to assure you that he will pray for Sister Agatha Lucey and he gladly sends her his Apostolic Blessing.”

Today at 82, Sister Agatha can be found at Riverview Place using her nursing skills in the health office, rearranging tables for an upcoming meeting, mopping up an overrun toilet, pouring coffee for visitors or holding the hand of a resident as he or she journeys from this life to the next. Just as her mother encouraged her as a little girl, wherever the need is the greatest, Sister Agatha heeds the call and listens wholeheartedly.

“A servant angel in the flesh,” notes Jeff Pederson, President and CEO of Riverview Place. “Sister Agatha is the epitome of the heart and soul of our community.”

Riverview Place begins their next 25 years with exciting plans for the future, confident in the goodness of God. “He has supported and sustained us thus far and we place our trust that the mission will continue to thrive,” Sister Agatha notes.

The community is invited to join Riverview Place as they celebrate their 25th Apple Dumpling Day celebration on October 14, 2012 from 12:30 – 3:30 pm. [AWM] ascinating, sophisticated and contemporary begin the description of an extraordinary new three-level home on Villa Parkway in West Fargo. Owners Jeff and Anne Zarling have a passion for contemporary art, and have designed a home that not only is ideal for entertaining and relaxing, but is also a brilliant showcase for their treasured artworks.

Alan Hochhalter from Building Concepts works with homeowners Jeff and Anne Zarling to create a unique blend of art and function in their home on Villa Parkway in West Fargo. See just how they did it in this edition of Area Home.

Gray vinyl and deep gray ledgestone accents combine with fresh white casings and doors on the exterior of the home. The front entry translucent glass door and two sidelights have a geometric Frank Lloyd Wright appeal. Hanging from the 20-foot ceiling is a Swedish designed chandelier: The outside “moooi” circular shade offers a beautiful reflection during the day, while allowing the interior chandelier to shine through at night. A finely wrought glass and wood entry table complements a contemporary painting of a harlequin figure on the right. The foyer rug has a native motif in rust, blue, tan and black.

All the walls throughout the home are a soft gray, with white casements and four-panel reed glass doors. The subtle tones create the perfect setting for the vivid colors, shapes and styles in the various art pieces throughout the home.

“We wanted an uncluttered look,” said Anne. “I did a lot of online searching and idea gathering to see what was now available. One of the best pieces of advice we received was simply to stay true to your style stay focused on what you wanted, and that’s what we’ve tried to do.”

Fortunately, Jeff and Anne have similar tastes in their home designs. “We’ve done two houses together,” Jeff recalled. “For this, Anne did a tremendous amount of work, but the result is a very comfortable space where we can relax or entertain friends. It works very well for us.”

Facing the fireplace is a large caramel-colored leather sectional sofa, centered on a blue, red and cream area rug. On the side, two round chairs in gray microfiber are accented with a chrome floor lamp. The back wall of the living area boasts three large windows that overlook the neighborhood pond, offering an ever-changing seasonal view.

The dining area next to the living room has an additional bank of windows overlooking the pond. Guests are invited to dine at a rectangular natural maple tabletop atop black metallic legs, with matching black leather chairs. The chandelier above is suspended on fine stainless cables, with black pleated fabric that can be expanded or contracted to suit the mood. To the side, sliding glass doors lead to a brick patio, with Adirondack-style chairs done in black metals.

Living Spaces

The open floor plan helps the living, dining and kitchen areas flow together. Earth-toned ebony stain on maple flooring extends throughout the main floor. On the left side of the living room is a baby grand piano, with two striking Andy Stark paintings above. A 15-foot high fireplace surround, in a ribbed dry rock texture painted a dark gray, holds a gas fireplace with sparkling crushed fire glass, adding both warmth and a splash of color in the center. In the corner, a large flat panel television is hooked to the Bose theater system used throughout the house.

Just off the dining area is a den/ office area. Gray zebra-stripe tone-ontone carpet adds a plush feel for the toes. The desk has a frosted glass top with brushed chrome legs. A large black and gray Andy Warhol-inspired art piece actually uses topographical lake maps as the background.

Natural maple cabinets topped with pebble granite in taupe, gray and black create the framework for the kitchen. Stainless appliances, including the double ovens, French door refrigerator and rectangular single basin sink are complemented by the oversized brushed nickel hardware. A six-burner gas stovetop, soft close drawers, under cabinet “toe” lights and large pull-out pantry shelves next to the refrigerator add efficiency to this beautiful work area. The island has a two-tier granite countertop for serving and prep work, accented by three petite crystal and silver pendant lights. Tucked under the end is a wine refrigerator. Four Cherner, Italian-made maple chairs with a Stella orange stain provide seating at the counter.

Guests Welcome

To the left of the foyer is a powder room and guest suite. Even the powder room details reflect the contemporary focus of the home, with a rectangular sink set into the granite counter top, a flat faucet and brushed nickel hardware. Lighting is provided by rectangular frosted glass sconces. A self-closing lid on the contemporary-styled toilet is another handy feature.

The guest suite runs the length of the home, with the bedroom area overlooking the front yard. Window treatments are sheers with horizontal inset panels that are electronically controlled. Natural maple bedside tables have an unusual design that includes a chrome reading light. Above the bed, three art pieces in silver mats complement another large black and white painting. Next door is the guest bath with gray and taupe Italian porcelain flooring that extends into the walk-in shower. Full wall mirrors are above each of the sinks, lit by frosted glass and chrome wall sconces set into the mirrors. Glass block windows offer light and privacy in the bath and dressing area in the adjoining walk-in closet.

The Loft

From the foyer, maple tread stairs on dark gray ironwork steps lead to the upstairs master bedroom loft. An E.K. Hougen painting is featured on the landing. Two ebony-stained sliding barn doors ensure privacy to the loft. Enemy Brain #3, a painting by Wilson from MSUM dominates the short hallway to the master suite. Gray carpet, a gray frame king bed with black and gray linens, and mahogany end tables and chest, create a backdrop for the favorite art pieces chosen for this area. A balcony door on the far end overlooking the pond has a Juliet railing. Matching plum leather chairs offer a cozy place to read or relax next to an inset gas fireplace.

The master bath has a glass block wall above the bathing tub, which features a separate faucet arcing into the tub. Twin rectangular undermount sinks are set into taupe and gray granite countertops with wall mirrors lighted by chrome and crystal light sconces. The walk-in shower is lined with Italian porcelain. In addition to racks of storage, the large walk-in closet has a maple dressing table.

Lower Level Comforts

At the bottom of the stairs is another favorite painting that Jeff discovered at the Rourke Gallery. To the left is a glassenclosed sauna, which uses abachi wood from the Ivory Coast, next to a steam room with a shower. Topping the maple slat cabinet is a granite counter with a white vessel rectangular sink. A tall architectural clock with maple and cherry woods was another art find by Jeff.

The family room also has taupe carpet, with black leather chair, sofa and loveseat and red leather accent pillows.

A maple and walnut Star Trek-esque creation by Steve Revlin, appropriately titled The Enterprise, doubles as the coffee table. On the wall, a large flat panel television connects to the Bose theater system, while another gas fireplace provides light and warmth on cool nights. The bar area features ebonystained maple cabinets, accented with cream and black zebra-stripe chairs. Three pendant lights in brushed nickel complement the cabinet hardware. In the corner, a round game table hosts conversation or games. Along the east wall is a temperature-controlled room, soon to become the wine room.

Although Jeff and Anne had to leave their beloved Orchard Glen home because of flooding, they have created another masterpiece with the help of their architect and builder, Alan Hochhalter from Building Concepts. Beautiful contemporary spaces showcase the owners’ exceptional art collection while creating a marvelous home for living and entertaining.

For more information about these custom homes, contact Alan Hochhalter, Architect/Builder Phone: 701-280-2091

Email: alan@buildingconcepts.us

Get to know some of the extraordinary women in our community in this edition of Area Profiles. An interview with Rachel Larson and Julie Walter will help answer some questions about homeschooling. Take a look at some women that have taken their hobbies to the Internet through Etsy. And get to know Pebbles Thompson and the amazing work she is doing with Project Night-Light.