this is living 2013

This LivingisSpring 2013

Health,Recreation& Lifestyle

A Resource for today’s seniors and their families Steele County, Minnesota

www.owatonna.com

2013

111

2 – Senior Living 2013

Wearers forget they are wearing hearing instruments and listen to the sound. Siemens portfolio of micon hearing instruments provide unprecedented clarity and listening comfort. With micon, Siemens delivers all the hearing industry’s leading features, simultaneously, without any compromises.

Owatonna685 Bridge St. Suite 1B(by Torey’s Restaurant)

507-451-3879

SPECIALOFFER

Free Samsung Tabletwith purchase of 2

Premium 701Micon units

Free Samsung TabletFree Samsung Tablet

• Spacious 1 and 2 bedroom apartments• 24-hour staff• Medication management• Great food and weekly housekeeping• Enriching social and spiritual activities• Shuttle service available• Voice Care personal response system• Pets allowed

Brooks CountrySide&Ecumen Brooks2480 St. Paul Road (Off 26th Street)Owatonna, MN 55060

(507) 446-0611www.EcumenBrooks.org

Ecumen CountrySide650 El Dorado StreetOwatonna, MN 55060

(507) 446-8334www.EcumenCountrySide.org

YOUR LIFE.Better. Easier. More fun!

Ecumen resident Jim,with dog So� e















Senior Living 2013 – 3

Editorial indexAdvertising indexPete and Rosemary Johnson have some retirement advice to share: Keep moving ........ 4

After an Osteoarthritis diagonisis Don Nollet decided to make a stand ... 8

Healthy competition: Event o� ers outlet for area, state athletes ..................................11

E� orts for education earn local couple a trip down the red carpet ..............................15

■ Assisted Living Ecumen - Brooks/Countryside .................. 2 Prairie Manor ..................................................... 12 Traditions of Owatonna ............................. 13 Valleyview of Owatonna ............................ 19 Whispering Oak Assisted Living Community ......................................... 24 ■ Clinics Mayo Clinic Health System ....................... 17 ■ Dental Main Street Dental ......................................... 24

■ Entertainment Steele County Free Fair ............................... 12 ■ Financial Ameriprise Financial ..................................... 16 Pro� nium Financial ........................................ 11

■ Grocery Cash Wise ............................................................ 21 ■ Hearing Centers Amy Swain Hearing Centers....................... 2

■ Home Care Visiting Angels ..................................................10

■ Medical Resources Med City Mobility ........................................... 15

■ Memory Care Traditions II ......................................................... 13

■ Monument Owatonna Granite & Monument ..................................................... 24

■ Newspaper/Media Owatonna People’s Press ..................... 8, 21

■ Printing J-C Press ............................................................... 14

■ Real Estate Prudential Advantage Realty ..................... 6

■ Restaurants Costas Candies & Restaurant................... 13

■ Retail Uptown Consignment ................................... 8 ■ Senior Living Koda Living Community ............................ 16 Morehouse Place ............................................ 18 Realife Cooperative of Owatonna...................................................... 5 Westside Board & Lodge Home ...................................................... 7

■ Travel Cedar Travel .......................................................... 9 Travel Headquarters...................................... 20 A special project of

The Owatonna People’s Press135 W. Pearl, Owatonna, MN 55060

Publisher and EditorRon Ensley

Advertising DirectorDebbie Ensley

Managing EditorJeffrey Jackson

Media ConsultantsBetty Frost, Diane Gengler, Rachel Ebbers

Deb Theisen, Luke Brown

Ad DesignNicole Gilmore, Naomi Kissling,

Keeley Krebsbach, Jenine Kubista, Kelly Kubista, Paul Ristau

Cover DesignKeeley Krebsbach

All advertising contained herein is the responsibility of the advertisers. All rights reserved. ©2013.

A RESOURCE GUIDE FOR SENIORS LIVING IN OR AROUND STEELE COUNTY

Look for this section on

Owatonna.com

ThisA RESOURCE GUIDE FOR SENIORS LIVING

Livingis


By DEREK [email protected]

Rosemary Johnson said her and her husband will need to live until they are 250 years old to complete their bucket list.

�ough Pete and Rosemary Johnson are technical-ly Owatonna residents, you’ll need a lot of good luck �nding them at their Owatonna residence. Whether it’s trips to Europe, Texas or Washington or just Sunday drives to the Twin Cities, the married couple

loves to be on the move.“�e good thing about being retired is you can

do whatever you want whenever you want to,” said Rosemary Johnson.

Even Pete’s post-retirement part-time jobs have him in motion. �anks to a love of cars, he accepted a driving job for Enterprise Rent-A-Car. He also voluntarily transports veterans to various VA homes and clinics in Minnesota.

Keep MovingPete and Rosemary Johnson have some retirement advice to share:

See MOVING on 5

Rosemary and Pete Johnson stop for a picture while touring Europe. (submitted)


235 22nd St. SEOwatonna, MN 55060

507-455-3735

Realife Cooperative of Owatonna is a Senior Housing Cooperative offering independent living for

individuals 55 and older. Cooperative living combines the best

of renting and the best of owning. Call or stop by to learn more.

1 & 2 Bedroom Units Now Available for Purchase

Starting at $15,000 or forRent Starting at $614 per Month*

Senior Housing

*All pricing is subject to availability.

“I’m not a veteran myself, but this is one way I can serve the vets for what they have done for us,” said Pete, who drove school buses before working 27 years for Josten’s. “I go up there and listen to them, try and help them out.”

When asked why he loves to drive so much, Pete answered, “It sort of gets in your blood.”

When they are not in their trusty Ford Taurus, the couple is on a plane or an Amtrak train or a zip line. Despite being in their 50s, Pete and Rosemary zip lined through the Hawaiian countryside.

“We have a bucket list. We are going to have to live until we are 250 to do everything,” Rosemary said. “We decided we were going to make use of our time and health together while we were young enough to do it.”

See MOVING on 6

Continued from page 4

Left: Rosemary Johnson shows some emotion after zip-lining in Hawaii. ABOVE: Pete Johnson looks over a waterfall during a vacation. (Submitted)


SENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSSENIORSThere may come a time when you

consider selling your home and moving on. As your Seniors Real Estate Specialist I can help guide you through the unique situations of this process. Call me I’d love

to discuss this with you.

Ann VargasonGRI, SRES®

Email: [email protected]: 507-456-6307Bus: 507-451-7355

See MOVING on 7


�ree years ago, the Johnsons traveled throughout Europe. �ey weren’t part of a group nor did they stay in a hotel every night. �e Johnson found rela-tives throughout the continent. In the three weeks they were in Europe, they stayed in a hotel only three nights.

�ey don’t always leave the house for a planned out trip, sometimes they just take a drive. Rosemary said many weekends, they will �ll up their car with gas and head out. She leaves the driving and directions to Pete. When she asks him where they are going, she doesn’t always get an answer.

“I tell her, you know me. I �y by the seat of my pants,” Pete said. “I just look for the right spot to turn.”

Five years ago, Pete attended a “Discover Scuba” class put on by Owatonna Community Education. He fell in love.

“He came home with a hop in his step and a grin from ear to ear,” Rosemary said. “I knew what we

were going to do now.”Pete, 58-years old, has gone under water in Hawaii,

the Paci�c Northwest and Lake Superior. More lo-cally, he has swum in Square Lake and Perch Lake (Wis.) near Stillwater.

During a scuba diving trip, Pete Johnson rests on the dock. (Submitted)


Westside Board & Lodge Home

3003 Hoffman Dr NW, Owatonna • 507-451-0832

We invite you to visit our homes & see if Westside Board & Lodge is right for you!

Are you at a place in your life where you need a little extra help in the every day living needs? Like 3 home cooked meals a day, caring

helpful people around 24 hours a day, and an R.N. on sta� , medication reminders, laundry, transportation to medical

appointments and shopping. Westside Board and Lodge Home is that place and includes short & long-term stays. We also have

private and double rooms Come and give us a visit!.

Where new beginnings begin...

“If they had a suit my size in Germany, I would have dove over there,” Pete Johnson said.

More locally, Pete has diving under the ice with the Owatonna Diving Club on his bucket list. Unfortu-nately, a foot injury kept him above the water this winter.

A�er �ve years of scuba diving, he can stay un-derwater for up to an hour, which comes in handy when he dives into old iron ore pits. Diving into pits throughout the upper Midwest, Johnson has seen a jeep, �ghter gun ship, school bus, shotguns, bikes and even a helicopter under water.

Pete has connections to several diving clubs, so if he has a few days o�, he can �nd some guys to explore below the surface.

Rosemary has done snuba diving and snorkeling but no scuba. Said she would still like to snuba div-ing again, but not scuba.

“You �nally get to a point in your life where you are like, ‘Well, tomorrow is going to come whether I go for this experience or not. �ere are plenty of

people around here who know CPR, right?” Rose-mary said. “OK, well, am I always going to wish that I had tried it or couldn’t, shouldn’t, would of done it. You just go for it.”

Reach reporter Derek Sullivan at 444-2372, or fol-low him on Twitter @OPPSullivan


Pete Johnson climbs into the water at the Duluth Aquarium. (submitted)


Uptown Consignment will...• Come to your home to help you select items to be consigned

• Assist you with moving your items to the store

• Earn cash for your items: 50%-60% earned from selling price

Call for an appointment today for us to help you make a smooth transition!

References available upon request.

207 N Cedar Ave., Owatonna, MN 507-201-4509

Saturday 10am-3pm

Wed-Fri10am-6pm

50%-60% earned from selling price

Call for an appointment today for us to help

207 N Cedar Ave., Owatonna, MN

• Come to your home to help you • Come to your home to help you select items to be consigned

• Earn cash for your items: 50%-60% earned from selling price

Call for an appointment today for us to help 50%-60% earned from selling price

LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS | OBITS | LOCAL & NATIONAL VIDEOS | ADVERTISINGCOMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS | WEATHER | SPORTS | BREAKING NEWS

in print & onlinein print & onlinein print & onlinein print & onlinein print & online

#1 News Source

####Your

Owatonna.com

By ASHLEY [email protected]

At 60 years old, Don Nollet’s joints began aching a� er work-ing on concrete � oors in boots for a couple years.

“I started feeling aches in my joints, but I thought it was because I was working hard. � en my knees started to hurt, and I couldn’t kneel all the way. I thought it was just temporary, but it didn’t go away,” Nollet said.

� e pain motivated Nollet to see a doctor.� e diagnosis: Nollet has osteoarthritis.

After an osteoarthritis diagonisis Don Nollet decided to

MakeStanda

See STAND on 9

Don Nollet of Owatonna holds

a pose at Tai Chi class in at SeniorPlace. Tai Chi is o� ered twice a week to seniors at the building. (Al Strain/

People’s Press)


According to the Arthritis Foundation, osteoar-thritis is one of the oldest and most common forms of arthritis and is a chronic condition characterized by the breakdown of the joint’s cartilage. Cartilage provides cushioning between joints, and over time it begins to wear causing bones to rub together, and pain to set in.

Nollet is one of 27 million Americans a�ected by osteoarthritis, which is the most common type of joint disease.

Although the cause of osteoarthritis isn’t exactly known, the foundation suggests age, obesity, muscle weakness, injury, overuse or genetics, may be com-mon risk factors for the disease.

Sheryl Mans, a physical therapist at Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute-Owatonna, said almost ev-eryone between the ages of 75 and older have some kind of osteoarthritis, whether it disables them or just causes pain.

“It is the natural wear and tear of your cartilage over time,” she said.

Denise Rokke, occupational therapist at Sister Kenny, said it is most commonly seen in individuals more than 50 years old.

“We don’t see too many with it in their 20s and

30s, but we do see some in their 40s, and then 50s, 60s and 70s is where we see it the most,” Rokke said.

Rokke said arthritis is also commonly seen in the weight-bearing joints like ankles, hips, knees, the back and hands.

So, Nollet isn’t an unusual case. In fact, he is quite the norm.

But once arthritis sets in, there is no stopping it.“It’s a progressive illness,” Mans said. “�ere isn’t

one speci�c thing that will stop it, but protecting your joints is important.”

Nollet said he tries to avoid doing things that hurt his knees.

111 North Cedar, Owatonna507-455-1170

www.cedartravel.net

Colleen, Ronda, Laurie & Dave

CEDAR TRAVEL Would Like to Thank Our

Customers For Over 23 Years of Business!

“We Take Time To Care”


See STAND on 10

Individuals participate in a Tai Chi at Senior-

Place in Owatonna.

Tai Chi is a slow Chinese

meditative physical ex-

ercise de-signed for

relaxation, balance

and health. (Al Strain/

People’s Press)



“It’s di�cult to stand for long periods of time, and running is out of the question,” he said. “Walking is easier, but I can’t walk long distances.”

Rokke said the best way to prevent arthritis from progressing is to keep moving.

Nollet agreed.“�e worst thing to do

is stop moving because when you start up again it’s painful from degenera-tion,” he said. “�e key is not to stop.”

And Nollet hasn’t stopped. He even admits that his life hasn’t changed all that much from before his diagnosis.

“I focus more on strengthening my knees more, and not doing the things that hurt,” he said.

Nollet started yoga in the 1970s and karate in the 1980s. A�er being diagnosed with osteoarthritis, he began “gentle exercises” like Tai Chi, a form of Chinese physical exercise that focuses on slow and deliberate body movements, and Chi Gong, a Chi-nese healing exercise.

“I do Tai Chi twice a week at SeniorPlace and Chi Gong on my own,” Nollet said. “Chi Gong is better for the pain because it helps me relax at night.”

Nollet also tries to bike and swim on a regular ba-sis, and hopes to take a Pilates class at SeniorPlace, too.

“I want to avoid knee replacement if I can for as long as I can,” he said.

Rokke said surgery is the end result.“Sometimes your joint is so far gone that surgery

may be necessary because nothing else you do will make it better,” she said. “If you can manage (your arthritis) before it gets to surgery, then you are bet-ter o�.”

Mans said developing an individualized exer-cise program is a good way to manage arthritis and

strengthen arthritic joints. She also said swimming is good because it reduces the strain on an individu-al’s body.

Are your joints feeling sti�? Do you think you might have arthritis?

Mans and Rokke provided these warning signs of osteoarthritis:

Sti�ness in a joint a�er getting out of bed in the morning or sit-ting for a long time — normally lasts no more than 30 minutes.

Swelling, tenderness or persis-tent pain in one or more joints.

�e pain worsens when the a�ected joint is used.

A crunching or crackling sound and/or sensation is experi-enced in the a�ected joint.

A�ected joints are larger than usual.

Joints are warm.Loss of muscle bulk.Mans said “no pain, no gain”

isn’t the motto when an individual may have arthri-tis. She recommends seeing a physician.

More information about the di�erent types of arthritis is available at www.arthritis.org.

Reach reporter Ashley Stewart at 444-2378 or fol-low her on Twitter.com @OPPashley

Don Nollet participates in a Tai Chi class o�ered at SeniorPlace twice a week in Owatonna. Nollet does Tai Chi to help with his arthritis. (Al Strain/People’s Press)


Owatonna 1080 W. Frontage Road (in front of Lowe’s)

507-444-0111 www.profinium.com

Lobby: Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pmDrive-up: Monday through Friday 7:30 am to 6:00 pm

Saturday 8:00 am to 12:00 noon

BANKING HOURS:

MemberFDIC

BANKING HOURS:Lobby: Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm

Drive-up Monday through Friday 7:30 am to 6:00 pm Saturday 8:00 am to 12:00 pm

By AL [email protected]

Greg Louis and Don Overlie will be going for gold this summer, and they’re encouraging fellow seniors from across the state to do the same.

� e Minnesota Senior Games, an annual athletic competition for men and women aged 50 or older,

will be held in Owatonna this year. � e event will bring in visitors from across Minnesota and the United States from June 19 through June 22.

Louis and Overlie, who are co-chairs for the event, will be among local se-niors able to show o� their athletic abili-ties in a variety of sports this summer that will take place all over Steele Coun-ty. � e event is presented by Senior-Place, the Owatonna Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism, and Owaton-na’s Parks and Recreation Department.

Overlie, who took home the gold medal in pickleball during his � rst Senior Games four years ago, said the events are important for ath-letes and any potential spectators who may turn up to support people while they compete.

“It’s very important that the young people see that we are not over the hill,” Overlie said.

� ere are more than 20 events available for indi-viduals or teams. Louis said people shouldn’t worry about how good they are at a particular event, the important thing is to try something and have fun.

Healthy

CompetitionEvent o� ers outlet for area, state athletes

Overlie

Louis

See COMPETITION on 12

Two men run in the Minnesota Senior Games last year in Manka-to. (Submitted photo)


“You’ve got to get out there and try it. Just because you haven’t done it in a long while or you’re not that familiar with the sport, come out and do it. Who cares?” Louis said. “If you’re lousy at it, we don’t care. Just come out there and have fun.”

E� orts to bring the event to Owatonna began back in 2009, and representatives from Owatonna put a proposal together to bring the games to the city in 2012. Owaton-na came in second to Mankato last year, but this year they will host the Senior Games for the � rst time.

“� is is a great opportunity for Owatonna and Steele County to showcase what we have to o� er,” said Anne Pleskonko, director of SeniorPlace, the senior citizens cen-ter in Owatonna. “It also encour-ages seniors who are in their 50s, who don’t think they’re seniors, and all the way up to learn about all the great programs and activities that are available for them to participate in.”

Lisa Havelka, tourism director for the chamber, helped put the proposal together to bring the games to Steele County.

Havelka said the games o� ers the chance for seniors to recapture the energy they had when they competed in some of these sports earlier in their lives.

“Everybody wants to be a little bit healthier and folks are living longer,” Havelka said. “� is is an opportunity to take that sporting event you were great at in high school ... and have the opportunity to come back and participate with the same people in your age group.”

Seniors are encouraged to participate as much as possible. For $35, an indi-vidual can register for up to � ve sports. Team sports have a higher registration fee. As of mid-April, 76 athletes from eight di� erent states had registered to compete in the games. � e most popu-lar sports for those already registered were cycling, track & � eld and pickle-ball.

Last year, the event brought 450 peo-ple to Mankato for the competition that took place almost entirely on campus at Mankato State University. Louis said

they are hoping to draw 250 people for the event.“If we get more than that, we’ll be tickled to death,”

Louis said.

• Skilled Nursing Home• Assisted Living

220 3rd Street NW, Blooming Prairie, MN507-583-4434

www.prairiemanorinc.com

& Heather Haus Apartments& Heather Haus Apartments& Heather Haus Apartments& Heather Haus Apartments& Heather Haus Apartments& Heather Haus Apartments& Heather Haus Apartments& Heather Haus Apartments& Heather Haus Apartments& Heather Haus Apartments& Heather Haus Apartments& Heather Haus Apartments& Heather Haus Apartments& Heather Haus Apartments& Heather Haus Apartments& Heather Haus Apartments& Heather Haus Apartments& Heather Haus Apartments& Heather Haus Apartments& Heather Haus Apartments& Heather Haus Apartments& Heather Haus Apartments& Heather Haus Apartments& Heather Haus Apartments& Heather Haus Apartments& Heather Haus Apartments& Heather Haus Apartments& Heather Haus Apartments& Heather Haus Apartments& Heather Haus Apartments& Heather Haus Apartments& Heather Haus Apartments& Heather Haus Apartments& Heather Haus Apartments& Heather Haus Apartments& Heather Haus Apartments& Heather Haus Apartments& Heather Haus Apartments& Heather Haus Apartments& Heather Haus Apartments& Heather Haus Apartments& Heather Haus Apartments& Heather Haus Apartments

U.S. BANK SENIOR DAY: THURSDAY, AUGUST 15TH

Free parking until Noon at the Fairgrounds general lot for all seniors 62 and over compliments of U.S. Bank.

Special entertainment | Fair Square Park | 10:00 AM–6:00 PM Recognition of the 2013 Male & Female Senior Citizen of the Year | 5:15 PM

Reduced prices at many food vendors for Senior Citizens all day.★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

Minnesota’s Largest County Fair

Aug. 13–18th, 2013

“THE PLACE TO BE SEEN IN 2013”

PresentsDavid Smith Jr.

Human Cannonball

Minnesota’s Largest County Fair

David Smith Jr.Human Cannonball

Owatonna, MN • 507-451-5305 or 800-423-6466

St eele County Fr ee Fair

See COMPETITION on 13



The Best Way to Start Your Day...

Come Check Out Our

Weekday Breakfast Specials

Serving Breakfast SpecialsMonday-Friday 7:30 a.m.–10:30 a.m.

112 N Cedar Avenue • Downtown Owatonna • 507.451.9050Like us @: facebook.com/costascandies

Open Monday–Saturday 7:30 a.m.–3 p.m.

Also enjoy lunch and something sweet! A varied menu with authentic Greek favorites and quality

American food including world famous handmade candies!Handrolled Chocolates • English To� ee • Turtles

Creams • Nut Clusters • Tru� es

Keep doing

LIFESTYLE AMENITIES AND SERVICES: • Apartment Rental and Utilities• 24 Hour Building Security• 3 Meals Plus Snacks Daily • Restaurant-Style Dining• Social, Cultural, Spiritual and Education Program• Weekly Apartment Housekeeping

PERSONAL CARE AND WELLNESS SERVICES:• 24 Hour Personal Care Staff• Medication Management Assistance• Personal Care Assistance• Individualized Wellness Care Plan• Personal Emergency Response System• Quarterly Health Assessments• Wellness Program (including exercise classes)• Regularly Scheduled Transportation Services

TRADITIONS OF OWATWATWA ONNA

195 24th Place NW | Owatonna | 507-455-0700 TRADITIONS OF OWATWATWA ONNA II

150 24th Street NE | Owatonna | 507-451-0433WWW.TRADITIONSOFMINNESOTATAT .COM

what you love

While there are advantages to having all the events at a central location like MSU’s campus, Havelka said the Se-nior Games o� er an opportunity for people to visit many di� erent venues in Steele County and even other parts of southern Minnesota.

� e shooting competitions, which will be held at the Owatonna Gun Club in Hope, are events that were add-ed to the competition speci� cally for this year’s games.

“� ose are not typical Senior Games events. We put those in for Owatonna because we have a healthy ri� e club,” Overlie said. “We want people to participate.”

Along with being able to travel to Hope for the � re-arm contests, the archery competition will take place in Medford, racquetball will be played at the Faribault Community Center and many events will be spread out throughout Owatonna. � e base of operations for the event will be the Four Seasons Centre on the Steele County Fairgrounds.


See COMPETITION on 14One man competes in the long jump at Minnesota Senior Games. (Submitted Photo)


Owatonna, MN • Phone: 507.446.5300

• High Quality Printing • Digital Printing • Wide Format Printing• Complete Mailing Service• Bindery Services• Marketing Solutions• Web to Print• Quick Turn


“� ey will get to spread out and see all the com-munity,” Havelka said. “� is will touch not only our community, but a lot of other areas as well.”

Organizers are looking for volunteers to help out with the games as well as sponsors to donate money to help fund the activities. Registration for the event closes on June 3, but those that are interested are encouraged to register early in the event that events need to be cut due to lack of competitors.

To register, volunteer or provide money as a spon-sor, go to SeniorPlace or go to the Senior Games’ website at www.mnseniorgames.com. A full sched-ule of events can be viewed at the website or in the games’ brochure.

“� is opportunity may not come around for a while,” Havelka said. “You just don’t know, you have to bid on it. We hope for great participation but this may truly be a once in a lifetime for some folks lo-cally and for the folks that are coming from all over the country to participate and see our community.”

Reach reporter Al Strain at 444-2376 or follow him on Twitter.com@OPPalstrain


www.medcityweb.comOwnersBob & Rosie Elwood

Now an Authorized

Dealer for Bruno Stair Lifts!

ROCHESTER1200 Eastgate Dr. SE

507-252-0555 • 866-349-7690

FARIBAULT627 4th St. NW

507-334-2602 • 866-334-2602

AUSTIN111 3rd Ave. NE507-433-9000

Stop in and check out our newest product - In-Home Stairlifts!

Scooters • Power & Manual Wheelchairs • Hospital Beds • Lift ChairsWE ALSO DO RENTALS

• Power Scooters• Power and Manual Wheelchairs

• Van Modifi cations • Lifts and Ramps• In-Home Stairlifts • Walkers • Lift Chairs• Incontinence Products • Hospital Beds

When the phone rang some-time in July 2012, Sondra von Arb was where she o�en is — at the computer working on things for Grandparents for Education, the organization that she helped to found with her husband Ron.

Ron and Sondra von Arb, the founders of the Owatonna-based Grandparents for Education, are interviewed on the Red Carpet at the 2012 Artist Music Guild Award ceremonies in Fort Mills, S.C., in November 2012. The organization was the winner of the Education Association of the Year Award. (Submitted photo)

E�orts for education earn local couple a trip down the

REDCARPET

See VON ARB on 16


The first step in reaching your goals is reaching the person who can help you achieve them.Our Advisors. Your Dreams. MORE WITHIN REACH®

Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC. Ameriprise Financial cannot guarantee future �nancial results.

Dean P Velzke, ChFC®Financial AdvisorAn Ameriprise Platinum Financial Services® practice

120 N Cedar AveOwatonna, MN 55060

507-451-2455

[email protected]

www.ameripriseadvisors.com/dean.p.velzke

Call me today at (507) 451.2455

The first step in reaching your goals is reaching the person who can help you achieve them.Our Advisors. Your Dreams. MORE WITHIN REACH®

Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC. Ameriprise Financial cannot guarantee future �nancial results.

Dean P Velzke, ChFC®Financial AdvisorAn Ameriprise Platinum Financial Services® practice

120 N Cedar AveOwatonna, MN 55060

507-451-2455

[email protected]

www.ameripriseadvisors.com/dean.p.velzke

Call me today at (507) 451.2455

Koda Living Community2255 30th Street NW, Owatonna • 507-446-4946

www.kodalivingcommunity.org

Park Place Senior Living125 Park Street, Owatonna • 507-451-0808

where health, independenceand choice come to life

• Short -Term Rehabilitation and Long-Term Care• Providing Physical, Occupational & Speech Therapies• Neighborhoods have private and semi-private rooms

• Independent Living Apartments• Assisted Living Apartments• Enhanced Assisted Living Care Suites

�e caller identi�ed himself and told her that she was in the top 10 for the Artists Music Guild Heritage Award.

“I thought it was my prankster brother, who was doing just that — pulling a prank on his big sister,” Sondra recalls.

She was not going to be fooled. So she hung up thinking, “You aren’t going to catch me this time,” she said.

�en, the phone rang again. �e caller again identi�ed himself and assured her that his call was not a joke. A little sheepish, she replied that she thought he was her brother.

�e caller commenced to tell her that she had been nominated for the AMG Heritage Award for Educa-tion 2012 because of her work with Grandparents for Education — an organization that had only o�cially begun in November 2008.

As the von Arbs tell the story, they were approached during the Steele County Free Fair of 2008 and asked if they would like to help get other senior citizens to volunteer in the Owatonna schools

just like they were doing in their own grandchildren’s schools. �e von Arbs — never known for doing things halfway — began to formulate a plan for what would become Grandparents for Education.

�at November, they held their �rst meeting, with the von Arbs account-ing for two of the six people who were there. �e goal was to establish an organization that would place senior citizen volunteers in the school at the beginning of the 2009-2010 academic year, if they were needed.

And they were needed.By June 2009, with their �rst year

looming on the academic horizon, the von Arbs and others in the organiza-tion had recruited about 35 people who were interested in volunteering. By the end of that �rst year, the num-ber had grown to about 50. Today, in its fourth year, about 120 volunteers — including one woman in her 90s — give their time to Grandparents for Education.

And it’s something that caught the eye of someone who nominated Sondra von Arb for the AMG Heritage Award.


See VON ARB on 17

Back home in Owatonna — and in more comfortable clothes — Ron and Sondra von Arb, the founders of the Owatonna-based Grandparents for Education, take a break from their work with the organization to pose with the 2012 Education Association of the Year Award from the Artist Music Guild. The guild awarded the organization the award in ceremonies in Fort Mills, S.C., in November of last year. The award is kept in a room in their home that the von Arbs use as an o�ce for Grandparents for Education. (Je�rey Jackson/People’s Press)


More than 12,000 people or organizations across the country were nominated for the award and that a panel of 30 people had culled the list until just the top 10 were le�. She was in the top 10.

“I asked him who it was who nominated me, and he said that information was con�dential, and I will prob-ably never �nd out,” she says.

�e one thing he did tell her to “narrow it down” was that the nomination came to the guild, an international organization, from somewhere within the United States. �e nomination, he told her, was coming because of her work with Grandparents for Education and that the organization was also part of the nomination.

But she had questions. �e big one: Why was the American Music Guild interested in Education?

He told her that the guild has a college and has mem-bers who go into schools and help with music programs. But there was more.

“Music, he said, was math,” Sondra remembers. “I have never thought about it, but he is right. It is a lot of counting and putting these numbers together on a sheet of paper. �e outcome is di�erent in the many, many dif-ferent ways math is used.”

�e process now involved winnowing that top 10 down to the top �ve — another process that would involve a panel of 30 people. But to �nd out if they were in that top �ve, they would have to go to the award ceremony on Nov. 12 in Fort Mill, S.C. If they were not in attendance, then the award would be forfeited.

�e von Arbs decided they had to go, not only for Grandparents for Education, but also for themselves.

“Ron also has put a lot into organizing Grandparents for Education,” Sondra says, “much in the form of keep-ing me sane.”

Here, we let, Sondra pick up the story:�e trip down was beautiful. I had never been in

either of the Carolinas. Ron was in the military there at Fort Jackson.

Once at the headquarters of the awards ceremony, we met so many wonderful people. �ey were all very helpful to us as we were the Minnesota Norskes in a place which seemed to be eons away from all we knew. �e president of the organization was there to meet

nominees, performers, artists, authors and people with Oscars and Emmys to claim, and even Ron and I who had nothing of fame to claim.

Some nominees did not arrive until the day of the ceremony. Having arrived a couple of days before was a great advantage for us and for Grandparents for Educa-tion.

Helping you look and feel better

Plastic Surgery

Offering a wide range of surgeries locally with Matthew Camp, M.D., plastic surgeon.

Reconstruction of the breasts, face, ears and nose

Breast reduction, augmentation and lifting

Body contouring and liposuction

Cosmetic surgery to rejuvenate the face and hands

For more information or to schedule a consultation, call:

Albert Lea 507-373-2384404 West Fountain StreetAlbert Lea, MN 56007

Owatonna 507-451-11202200 26th Street NWOwatonna, MN 55060

....

Helping you look andlook andlook feeland feeland feel feel better

Plastic Surgery

Offering a wide range of surgeries locally with Matthew Camp, M.D., plastic surgeon.

Reconstruction of the breasts, face, ears and nose

Breast reduction, augmentation and lifting

Body contouring and liposuction

Cosmetic surgery to rejuvenate the face and hands

For more information or to schedule a consultation, call:

Albert Lea 507-373-2384404 West Fountain StreetAlbert Lea, MN 56007

Owatonna 507-451-11202200 26th Street NWOwatonna, MN 55060

....

Ron and Sondra von Arb, the founders of the Owatonna-based Grandparents for Education, wait to hear if the organiza-tion won the 2012 Education Association of the Year Award from the Artist Music Guild in ceremonies in Fort Mills, S.C., in November. Grandparents for Education did win the award. (Submitted photo)


See VON ARB on 18

We were able to form a network of people from the U.S. and abroad. We listened to them perform, promote themselves and just plain visit with you and wanting to � nd out as much as they could about Grandparents for Education.

One radio announcer who was up for an award in the media division was especially interested. We exchanged more emails and business cards than I ever have in one place. Of course, I had brochures ready to give anyone interested.

� e day of the ceremony was so hectic. People were arrivingm and the theatre was putting on its make-up for the event. Sound systems were checked, cameras were placed, chairs put up, and the entire place was decorated with lights and you name it. It was fun just to watch the excitement. Of course, many people had “been there, done that” and went about their daily things, but we clung to the excitement. Watching them get ready for the a� er-party was very exciting. We won-dered if the food was going to be as nice as the decora-tions all were.

Of course, we — or I should say I — had to get pol-ished also. We found a shopping mall with Dillard’s and Macy’s and knew I could get a hairdo and a free make-up job — well, for the cost of an Estee Lauder make-up, something that you felt you had to do for getting a miracle performed. When I looked in the mirror when

she was done I asked, “Who is that?”A� er starting Grandparents for Education, Ron and

I have been very frugal as most of our spare money went into the organization. I guess that is why I dug out a black Kathy Gi� ord dress I bought at Wal-Mart for about $20 for our 40th wedding anniversary and the cruise we took. Kohl’s had a nice dress jacket I bought for less than $35 and crossed my � ngers that the dress would still � t. It did. What a shocker! I felt like it cost as much as the evening gowns and glitter we saw others come in with. In fact, the restroom � oors were all full of glitter, sequins and the like by the end of the evening and I still had my entire dress on without leaving any of it in the bathroom.


353 Lemond Road | Owatonna | 507-451-2223www.morehouseplace.com

Independent Living for Active Seniors 55 and OverMorehouse Place

Come check out a rare Steele County gem in independent senior housing!

Beautifully situated on the Straight River!

Cooperatively owned by the Morehouse Place residents

• Library• Secured entry• Exercise room• Nearby walking trails• Laundry and storage• Underground heated garage• Community room with fireplace


See VON ARB on 19

Sondra and Ron von Arb, the founders of the Owatonna-based Grandparents for Education, rise when their names are announced as the winners of the 2012 Education As-sociation of the Year Award from the Artist Music Guild in cer-emonies in Fort Mills, S.C., in November. (Submitted photo)


Valleyview of Owatonna

Located at 1212 Frontage Road W. Owatonna (Behind Perkins Restaurant)

Call 507-451-0722Assisted Living,

Respite and Memory Care • On-Site Psychological Services

• Small pets allowed • Indoor smoking area • Sliding scale insulin

We’ll Move You FREE!

Sondra and Ron von Arb, the founders of the Owatonna-based Grandparents for Education, accept the 2012 Education Asso-ciation of the Year Award from the Artist Music Guild in cer-emonies in Fort Mills, S.C., in November. (Submitted photo)

Ron looked so dashing in the tuxedo he bought out of the Owatonna Area Shopper for about $30, worn 4 times. We had to buy the shirt, bowtie and cumberbund, but he looked like a millionaire.

When we arrived at the theater, we were greeted by a sta� member and we had a photo taken before we went to walk on the Red Carpet. I had to call our grandson who has the dream of an Oscar on his shelf and tell him I was sorry, but Papi’ and I walked the Red Carpet before him. When on the Red Carpet they photographed you, and it was followed by a reporter interviewing you for some television show. I never did �nd out more about it. We were then escorted to our seats and watched every-one else come in. Quite a show of dress and tuxedos — all colors and all styles. Some were attractive, others not so much — not so much to a midwesterner anyway.

Once the show started and the cameras were rolling it all sunk it. What was it going to be? We watched and listened to each category called and artists going to the stage to collect their prize and give a thank you. �e young man sitting next to us was up for the Model of the Year. He won and we were so excited for him. He was sure surprised and elated.

�e education award was given toward the end of the show. Several people had already le� their seats and some did not return a�er their acceptance speech. �e anticipation grew. Grandparents for Education was on the big screen along with four other groups. �e top �ve were also announced by the emcee and each group sat as excited as we were. It seemed an eternity for them to open the envelope. But they did and announced the Educational Organization of 2012 based on Excellence and Achievement. We were the �rst announced. We did not understand what was all happening, but the young man sitting alongside of us was so taken up in the entire ceremony that he got up and walked with us to the stage. When we just about got to the stage, he said, “What am I doing here?” We told him to just come along with us for support.

I thanked the guild and asked how they ever found Owatonna on the map and learned about what we were doing. We will never know the answer to that question.


See VON ARB on 20


Celebrating 43 Years!1970-2013

143 West Bridge St., Owatonna, MN • 507-451-5005 www.travelheadquarters-owatonna.com

email: [email protected]

Escorted Group Tours • CruisesDomestic and International Travel

We were given an award certi�cate and told that the award would be engraved and mailed to us from Italy where they are made.

It came just before Christmas. It is a glass statue made by Swarsky and Co. �ey also have something to do with making of the Oscar award or so we were told.

A�er we returned to our seats I believe we were so much in shock that we just heard the end of the show from a distance.

When walking to the a�er-party a group of young women who came just to watch the show called Ron and me over to them. We went and spoke with them. �ey began the conversation by saying that when I walked up to the stage they all agree that there went an elegant lady. �ey asked Ron if he agreed. Well, you know he had to say yes, didn’t he? We talked for a while and found out they were from another state and had to drive several hours to get to the ceremony, but will come back again.

We found the shrimp and the fancy food layout and

to be truthful we were hungry by this time. We will our plates and looked for a place to sit and eat. �ere was an opening at a table in the rear of the room so had to make a long entrance among all of the winners and los-ers, Oscar winners, Emmy winners performers and you name it.


See VON ARB on 21


Wednesday, April 17, 2013 OWATONNA PEOPLE'S PRESS

Page 7A

Accounting

ACCOUNTING & BOOKKEEPING • Specializing in Small Business Payroll• Small Business Consulting • Quarterly Reports• Tax Return Preparation

Provider451-3399

1122 S. Oak Ave, [email protected]

WENCL ACCOUNTINGAND TAX SERVICE

Air Conditioning

Furnaces, air conditioners, air exchangers, sheet metal work

COMFORT AIR CONDITIONING and HEATING

507-455-0611

YouArr iveOnT ime.com

1-866-444-9696 • 507-339-1651

Select me...

Birthday • Weddings • Airport VIP Services • Casinos

White Dove Limousine

Airport Direct or Shared Shuttle

• Reliable • Convenient • Affordable

Home Pick Up & Drop Off

1-866-444-9696 • 507-339-16511-866-444-9696 • 507-339-16511-866-444-9696 • 507-339-16511-866-444-9696 • 507-339-16511-866-444-9696 • 507-339-16511-866-444-9696 • 507-339-16511-866-444-9696 • 507-339-16511-866-444-9696 • 507-339-16511-866-444-9696 • 507-339-16511-866-444-9696 • 507-339-16511-866-444-9696 • 507-339-16511-866-444-9696 • 507-339-16511-866-444-9696 • 507-339-16511-866-444-9696 • 507-339-1651

Airport Direct or Shared Shuttle

• Reliable

Select me...

Home Pick Up & Drop Off

Mn Dot #372415

“Just because”

Airport and Local Shuttle Auctioneers

Walt Gaul AuctionsOwatonna, MN • Questions? Call 444-9347Auctioneer - Walt Gaul License #7406

3 miles East on Hwy. 14, 1 mile South on Cty. Rd. 59.

Household, antiques, collectibles, toys, tools, lawn and farm equipment, hay, straw, and lots of miscellaneous.Specializing in moving & estate sales. Your residence or our inside facility.

We Sell it All Every Thursday!4:00 PM

OWATONNA102 N. Oak St.(507) 451-5230

Monday-Friday 7am-8pmSaturdays 7am-6pmSundays 9am-5pm

Automotive

$1799Oil Change

Install new filter, refill up to 5 quarts Kendall® Synthetic

Blend motor oil.Most vehicles.

Add $2.50 for oil filter recycling.Coupon expires 4/30/13

Arlen Brekke, Owner, 507.391.4196www.brekkehc.com

Construction

BREKKEHomes & Construction

Building For Over 20 Years.• New Construction• New Development• Commercial

• Custom Built Homes• Remodeling

Construction

Morsching Construction, LLCWaterville, MN

Tear-off ReroofRoof Repairs - NewSteel Roofs, Rubber RoofsBC. 520583

Gary MorschingLicensed & InsuredCell 507-317-4772

Home 507-362-8979

LeakyRoof? Worn Out

Shingles?

FreeEstimates

Employment Services

www.expresspros.comOwatonna Office

812 S. Elm Avenue, Owatonna, MN 55060800/832/3002507/455-3002

507/455/0271 Fax

Extinguisher Services

Inspection & service of �re extinguishers for home & business.

Heidi & Mike Hartle507-455-0388

Cell Phones: Mike (507-456-8521) or Heidi (507-456-8519)Owatonna, MNOwatonna, MN

We Meet State Fire Marshall RequirementsCerti�ed & Insured

Heating & Cooling

OWATONNAHEATING & COOLING, Inc.

We’re proud to feature

Carrier Products!

Ensure your family stays warm and safe with fast and reliable service.

408 N. Cedar Ave, Owatonna(507) 451-2051Heating & Air

HVAC Roofing • Sheetmetal 888-334-7951

Call Today for a FREE Estimate!

Marie SchuetteIndependent Insurance Agency

• Auto • Home • Life • Business• Motorcycles • Boats • Campers • ATVs• Mobile Homes

140 W. Pearl St., Owatonna

marieschuetteinsurance@gmail.comwww.marieschuetteinsuranceagency.com

507-451-2353

10+ Companies Available - to fit all your Insurance Needs

FREE QUOTES

Insurance Agency

Insurance underwritten by MemberSelect Insurance Company.

322 North Cedar, Owatonna451-0360

Insurance ServicesYou could save big withHome Insurance through AAA.

We’ve teamed with AAA to o� er you great value & coverage. Don’t wait until your current policy expires. Call us today for a free quote – and see how much you can save by switching to AAA.

322 North Cedar, Owatonna

and see how much you can save by switching to AAA.

Insurance Services

[email protected]

See Matt Waleriusfor auto, home & business insurance!

Insurance Services

507.444.0101

328 N. Cedar Ave., Owatonna

Call Nick at: 507-363-1352

Landscaping

•Lawn Mowing•Seasonal Clean-Up•Shrub Maintenance

Call Nick at: 507-363-1352

•Landscaping•Edging & Trimming•Fertilization & Weed Control

•LandscapingCommercial and ResidentialCommercial and ResidentialCommercial and Residential

Save Time & Money!Let us take care of your lawn and landscape.

Marine Motor40 Years

Experience!in Marine Services

Prop and Skag RepairEngine Rebuild & Tune Ups

Electronic and Accessories InstallationSmall Item RestorationMike’s Outboard Repair and Restoration507-451-6722 • Cell 507-676-6723808 North Cedar • Owatonna

MattressesSara Johnson

Mortgage Loan O�cer446-2779

730 West Bridge StreetOwatonna

1-800-908-BANK (2265)Bremer.com

Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.

OwatonnaShopperJohnson.indd 1

1/24/13 10:22 AM

Sara JohnsonMortgage Loan Officer

446-2779730 West Bridge Street

Owatonna1-800-908-BANK (2265)

Bremer.com

Mortgage

Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.

No one knows the territory better.

OwatonnaShopperJohnson.indd 12/4/13 10:45 AM

Physical TherapyIt’s the patient’s

507-451-7888 www.intouchpt.com

where to go for Physical Therapy


CHOICECHOICE

Dr. Anne Lamb

507-451-7888

Physical Therapy




Physical Therapy Remodeling

507-446-0954

Specializing in BathroomsKitchens & Lower Levels

Home RenovationsWindows & Siding

Custom HomesFree Estimates

rhomeremodeling.comMN# BC332935

Sanitation ServiceSKJEVELAND ENTERPRISES

Sanitation &RecyclingServices

Roll-offs63614 130TH AVE.

CLAREMONT, MN 55924

CHRIS SKJEVELANDOWNER

PRIDE IN SERVICEPHONE: 507-528-9900PHONE: 507-214-8727

Table RentalsD & D

PICNIC TABLE RENTALSAll Types of Parties & Special Events• Weddings • Groom’s Suppers• Reunions• Graduations• Business

Delivery & Set-upServing Owatonna & Surrounding Areas

507.451.3835 • 507.213.9990

VeterinaryOWATONNA

VETERINARY HOSPITALSmall Animal Hospital • Large Animal Services

Offering: Laser Surgery • Ultra SoundVideo Assisted Procedures

Dr. James R. Gute • Dr. Tami Bauer1930 S. Cedar • Owatonna • 451-8153Mon-Fri 8 am - 5:30 pm • Sat 9 am - Noon

Windows/Siding/DoorsCall to Visit Our Huge Showroomat 1430 E. Main Owatonna, MN

507-451-3377 or 888-451-3377kirchnersidingandwindow.com

Quality People, Products & Service! 44 YearsLic. #20060498

Free Estimates

• Seamless Steel Siding • Vinyl Siding • PlyGem Vinyl Windows

• Pella Wood Windows• Patio Doors • Steele Entry Doors

• Blower Door Testing • Attic & Wall Insulation

• Radon Gas Testing & Mitigation

Business & Service DirectoryCall your

advertising representative to

place your ad today!

Seniors

volunteer table located on first floor, SeniorPlace. Volunteer Orientation Meeting Wednes-

day, May 29, at 5:30 p.m., SeniorPlace MPR Room, f irst f loor. We have 80 volunteers and count-ing. Thanks to all of you for volunteering your time for this great experience called Se-

nior Games.

Women’s Book Club�e Women’s Book Club meets at 5 p.m. on the third �ursday at

SeniorPlace. Plan on reading the following books: “War Brides” by Lois Battles. Any questions, call DeNell Schroeder at 451-1213

Balloon VolleyballBalloon Volleyball will be held from 9 to 10:30 a.m. �ursday in the west meeting room, second �oor. Come get your exercise sit-ting on a chair stretching, using your re�exes and of course your laughter.

Silver Streaks-So�ballIf you are a so�ball player over

age 50 and a member of Senior-Place, think about joining us. �e rules are a bit di�erent to avoid injuries. Tuesday Mornings 9 a.m. at Diamond 2.

Call Bill Steinbronn at 451-

4055 or Bill Traetow at 413-0888 for more information. Two Rules: No practice if there’s standing wa-ter or under 55 degrees. So�ball Practice on Tuesday, April 23. If weather permits.

Tai ChiWednesdays and Fridays at

9:30 a.m. Cost is $1 per class.�e dictionary states: Tai Chi

is a noun; a Chinese martial art and form of stylized, medita-tive exercise, characterized by methodically slow circular and stretching movements and posi-tions of bodily balance.

Gol�ngMonday is senior day at the Havana Hills Par 3 Golf Course. Come when you can, play the

game, sign the book and leave your score card. Any questions, Willie Peterson at 507-213-4507.

Bowling at Spare TimeEntertainment

• League — Mondays, 9 a.m., Cost is $ 9.• Individuals — Fridays,

9 a.m., Cost is $10.Includes three games of bowl-

ing, co�ee and rolls. �is program sponsored by Hy-Vee, Senior-Place and Spare Time.

Relay For LifeWe will be folding Relay For

Life Luminaries Wednesday, April 24, and �ursday, April 25, from 12 to 4 p.m. If you are able to join us, we’d appreciate the help.

Annual meetingOn �ursday, May 16, Senior-Place, Inc. will be holding its 24th annual SeniorPlace, Inc. meeting from 1 to 3 p.m. in the multi-purpose room.

The program includes Min-nesota Senior Games and Se-niorPlace’s 25th Anniversary (1988-2013). Entertainment will be provided by the SeniorPlace Golden Tones.�ree members are up for re-

election and are running: Herb Budig, Judy Erck and Kathy Un-derland. Other SeniorPlace Mem-bers running for the Board are: Roxie Peterson, DeNell Schroeder and LaVonne Trotter – �anks for running for the board.

Absentee Ballots will be made available by May 3.

Newsletter via EmailCenter Members, if you would like to receive our quarterly news-letter via email, please call Senior-Place OR / email Anne at [email protected] and your name will be added to our distribution list.

Like Us on FacebookIf you are on Facebook, “like” the SeniorPlace. You will see up-coming events that we ‘post’.www.facebook.com/Senior-Place. �e more the merrier.

Anne Pleskonko is Director of SeniorPlace in Owatonna. She can be reached by calling SeniorPlace at 444-4280. �e SeniorPlace Web site is http://ci.owatonna.mn.us/parksrecreation/senior-place /

PLESKONKO

SENIORPLACE: O�ering a variety of activites for members and non-members of SeniorPlaceFrom Page 6A

Every Wednesday In The Owatonna People’s Press.....

Seniors

135 W. Pearl | 507-451-2840

When you are seeking community news, local sports & regional news, pick up a copy of the Owatonna People’s Press.

We thrive to bring you the news that’s important to you and our community.

Log on to www.owatonna.comfor up-to-date local news.

Owatonna.com

At our table was a song writer who has won an Oscar. She is blind and had her son along to help her. We talked at length with him. When we told them what Grandparents for Education was, they were amazed and thought we were doing a great deed for our children.

Once back at the hotel, we were tired, but hated to see the day end. So for the �rst time ever I le� my make-up all on because I knew I would never be that made up again for a long time, if ever. I really don’t envy stage performers with all that make-up because it is hard to get o� even though mine was regular make-up.

Anyway, the next day was a new day and we were up early to leave the hotel and come back to Minnesota with so much to talk about and we did not want to forget a thing.

I recently was called and told Grandparents for Education was nominated for the second time. �e top ten has not been selected yet, but if anyone cares to you can vote for us by going to AMG Heritage Awards website and click on nominees and voting. We have not looked at it yet, but so far their web has been user friendly.

�at’s all, folks! A sort of celebrity for a while then back to work it is.


Ron and Sondra von Arb proudly display the Heri-tage Award for Educational Organization of the Year, given to them by the Artists Music Guild for the work the von Arbs do with Grandparents for Education. (Je�rey Jackson/People’s Press)

FOODS

OPEN 24 HOURS!


Assisted LivingEcumen - Brooks/Countryside

Brooks: 2480 St. Paul Road

Owatonna, MN 55060 (507) 446-0611

Countryside: 650 El Dorado StreetOwatonna, MN 55060

(507) 446-8334

Prairie Manor 220 3rd Street NW Blooming Prairie, MN 55917 (507) 383-4434

Traditions of Owatonna195 24th Place NW

Owatonna, MN 55060 (507) 455-0700 www.traditionsofowatonna.com

Whispering Oak Assisted Living903 Calverly Court

Ellendale, MN 56026(507) 684-3026www.thewhisperingoak.com

Entertainment Steele County Free Fair

1525 South Cedar Avenue Owatonna, MN 55060 (507) 451-5305 www.scff.org

FinancialAmeriprise Financial

Dean Velzke 120 North Cedar Owatonna, MN 55060 (507) 451-2455 [email protected]

Northwestern MutualBart Shaffer/ Joshua Willour

125 28th Street NEOwatonna, MN 55060

(507) 444-4101www.northwesternmutual.com

Profi nium Financial1080 West Frontage Road

Owatonna, MN, 55060 (507) 444-0111 www.profi nium.com

True Wealth Advisors 1807 St Paul Road Owatonna, MN 55060 (507) 451-1991

Fitness Curves/Silver Sneakers 1828 Cedar Avenue S Owatonna, MN 55060 (507) 455-4060

Grocery Cashwise Foods 495 West N Street Owatonna, MN 55060 (507) 451-7220 www.cashwise.com

Handicap Aids Med City Mobility 627 4th Street NW Faribault, MN 59021 (507) 334-2602 (866) 334-2602 www.medcityweb.com

Hearing Centers Amy Swain 685 Bridge Street #1B (By Torey’s Restaurant) (507) 451-3879

Home Care Visiting Angels 577 State Avenue Suite #3 (507) 451-1124 or(800) 365-4189 www.visitingangels.com

Insurance Northwestern Mutual Bart Shaffer/ Joshua Willour 125 28th Street NE Owatonna, MN 55060 (507) 444-4101 www.northwesternmutual.com

Resource Directory


Medical Resources Med City Mobility 627 4th Street NW Faribault, MN 59021 (507) 334-2602 (866) 334-2602 www.medcityweb.com

Memory Care Traditions of Owatonna II 150 24th Street NE Owatonna, MN 55060 (507) 451-0433

Monument Owatonna Granite & Monument 1180 East Frontage Road Owatonna, MN 55060 (507) 455-9551 www.owatonnagranite.com

Real Estate Assist-2-Sell Waseca 616 South State Street Waseca, MN 56093 (507) 833-3333 [email protected] www.assist2sellmn.com

Prudential Advantage Realty Ann Vargason 1880 Austin Road Suite #1 Business: (507) 451-7355 Ann: (507) 456-6307 www.pruadvantage.net

Retail Uptown Consignment 207 North Cedar Avenue Owatonna, MN 55060 (507) 201-4509 www.uptownconsignment.net

Senior Centers Senior Place 500 Dunnel Drive Owatonna, MN 55060 (507) 444-4280 www.ci.owatonna.mn.us/senior-place [email protected]

Senior Living Koda Living Community 2255 30th Street NW Owatonna, MN 55060 (507) 444-4200

Morehouse Place 353 Lemond Road Owatonna, MN 55060 (507) 451-2223 www.morehouseplace.com

Realife Cooperative 235 22nd Street NE Owatonna, MN 55060 (507) 455-3735 www.realifecoop.com

Westside Board and Lodge Home 3003 Hoffman Drive NW Owatonna, MN 55060 (507) 451-0832 www.westsideboardandlodgehomes.com [email protected]

Travel Cedar Travel 111 North Cedar Avenue Owatonna, MN 55060 (507) 455-1170 www.cedartravel.net

Travel Headquarters 143 West Bridge Street Owatonna, MN 55060 (507) 451-5005 www.travelheadquarters-owatonna.com

Resource Directory


1170 E. Frontage Rd • Owatonna • 507-455-1000405 E. Main St • Blooming Prairie & MC • 507-583-2141

3110 Wellner Drive NE • Rochester • 507-536-7700132 N. Broadway • New Richland • 507-463-0502

Open Monday-Saturday and 2 Evenings

1180 Frontage Rd. East • 507-455-9551www.owatonnagranite.com

Laurie Matejcek - SalesEd Cunningham - Sales

John Heerema Owner

Whispering Oak offers mature adults the independence and

privacy of their own apartment, with the convenience and

companionship of living in a larger, supportive community.

• 25 Deluxe One and Two Bedroom Units with dishwasher, refrigerator, stove, washer/dryer, and under cabinet lighting• Centrally located elevator • Garage availability• Planned social activity• Second �oor beauty salon, internet lounge with �replace• Community room, featuring a TV area • Pool table • coffee, juice & snacks• Secured facility • Private shower• Scheduled Transportation to appointments • Individually controlled heating and air conditioning• Washer/Dryer provided per unit

What do we have to offer?

Independence& Security

For more information or to schedule your personal

tour, call 507-684-3026

Maryann Schlaak, Director903 Calverly Court

Ellendale, MN 56026(northwest edge of

Ellendale, just off Hwy. 30)

www.thewhisperingoak.com

4 New Ef�ciency

Apartments

NOW AVAILABLE

this is living 2013

Documents

dorado streetowatonna

ecumen resident jim

paul road

bedroom apartments

e spacious

financial ameriprise

e orts

com20131112 senior living