As The Rivers Runs

11111 River Hills Drive
Burnsville, MN 55337
(952)890-8553
As The Rivers Runs
July 2016
In a previous Resident Council meeting we reviewed with you the results of the
Resident Satisfaction survey, and soon after that we reviewed the results at our All
-Staff meetings. Since then the managers of each department have discussed and
developed action plans that will help us to obtain more detailed information from
you and to increase your level of satisfaction overall!
Jan
Palmer
Executive
Director
As a reminder, the top score for satisfaction was in the area of Supportive
Services, specifically the helpfulness of the Front Desk/Concierge staff. The
next highest score was in the area of Team Members, specifically that they treat
the residents with dignity and respect. And the third highest score was related to
Environmental Services for the cleanliness and attractiveness of the community.
The areas for which we have developed action plans are in Dining Services for specific
food related recommendations, in Health and Wellness regarding assistance coordinating
the health needs of the IL residents, and in the area of team members anticipating
resident needs.
We welcome any specific recommendations that you may have to help us identify exactly what
we can do to increase your satisfaction level. Thank you so much for your participation in this
survey – your opinions make a difference!
The Rivers
Night To Unite
Tuesday August 2nd 7:00
Music by Gloryland Gospel Band
Our Mission:
Our mission is to be committed to make a difference in our Resident’s life by providing quality services that
promote a healthy, active and caring environment through excellent customer service.
Page 2
Memories
Twin Cities
Show Chorus
Hot Dish
St. Croix River Boat Trip
Bill Cagley
The Rivers Staff and Rivers Healthcare are here to serve you!
Jan Palmer, Executive Director …………………………...
Catherine Steinbach, Director of Sales and Marketing ...
Ellie Braun, Director of Resident Relations ………………
Jim Rowland, Director of Plant Operations ………………
Cheryl DeVowe, Business Office Manager ………………
Kim Bendickson, Director of Culinary Services ………….
Joe Johnson, Director of Life Enrichment ………………..
Ashley Clift (RN)……………………………………..……...
LPN Office …………………………………………………...
The Rivers’ Beauty Salon …………………………………..
952-890-0173
952-703-2949
952-890-8174
952-703-2941
952-703-2942
952-703-2940
952-703-2945
952-895-5808
952-703-2982
952-703-2943
Emergency Phone Numbers
Maintenance Cell: 612-867-8051
The Rivers’ Healthcare: 952-895-5805
On-Call pager: 763-544-0315
Office Telephone: 952-890-8553
Page 3
Resident Spotlight - Myrt Hasslinger
I am lucky to call Myrt family. She has
seven children and one of her daughters is
married to my brother-in-law.
Myrt was born in Amery, WI to C.V.
and Till and has an older sister named
Gert. Myrt and George were married in
1958 in the St. Paul Cathedral right after she finished her
RN degree. George had another year of college for
business accounting.
They started their family immediately in 1959 with twin
girls, Mary (husband Don) and Terry (Craig) then in 1960
came George (Tammy) and in 1962 Mark (Jolene). Then in
1966 they had Barb (Rich) then in 1967 came Mike (Julie)
and finally in 1972 came Chris (Jill). They lived in
Burnsville for 39 years. Myrt stayed home until all the
kids were in school. Myrt lost her husband to cancer in
1987 at the young age of 52.
Her pride and joy is, of course, her beautiful large
family. She has seven children, twelve grandchildren and
a new great granddaughter.
Her favorite hobbies include many travels around the
world, hiking, biking cross country (Holland was her
favorite), and skiing. Many times with a group she
belongs to called “The Over The Hill Gang” They also
enjoyed hot air ballooning and hanging out at a dude
ranch.
Myrt is a die hard Vikings fan and had season tickets
for 19 years. She still has her season tickets to the
Orpheum and the Ordway and enjoys bringing her
grandchildren. She moved to The Rivers in May 2015.
She chose The Rivers because of the variety from haircuts,
podiatrist and church, groceries, dinners and outings. You
won’t see much of her on nights or weekends because her
grandchildren are in sports and dance and trips to her
cabin for golf cart and pontoon rides and playing card
games with her family
Louise Anderson
My family wants to let everyone know
how much we appreciate your diligence in
saving the soda can flip tops means. My
great granddaughter August Lynn was
born at Children’s Hospital without a
pulmonary valve. She has had two open
heart surgeries and many more procedures
in her 11 years regarding the pulmonary valve that was
made of pig and cow intestines. As she grows they do
not. They did a new procedure instead of open heart
surgery on Wednesday July 27th. She was at Children’s
again. This is where your contributions help her parents.
They can stay free at the Ronald McDonald room at
Children’s so they can be close to her while she recovers.
Other parents of children can stay there too. We want
you to know how much your efforts really do help many
others. Thank you, the Betty Holm family.
The River's Convenience Store has RE-OPENED!
After several months of the Store being closed, and bananas in the front
hallway, the Convenience Store has Re-Opened!
We have stocked the shelves and await your visit. Come on down and visit the
Rivers Convenience Store! It is located on the First Floor by the Main
Entrance, next to the Concierge's Desk. We have Snacks, cards, various
sundries, and in the Refrigerator some Milk, Juice, Pop and Water. You can
either pay in cash or charge it to your apartment. Come on by and say "Hello"!
Page 4
Thank you for your service, dedication and inspiration…
Employee
of the Month
Jasmine Lindquist
Back
Angel
of the Month
Volunteer
of the Month
Betty
Holm
Louis
D’Souza
Most Inspiring / Healthcare Employee
Star of the Month
of the Month
Donovan
Reimer
Judy
Chang
Please Welcome Our Newest Resident…
Pat
Warren
Ethel
Florence
Shepley
Shepley
Thurman
Koll
8/10 Del Rose
8/24 Beverly Jacobs
8/10 Susan Johnson 8/26 Mary Holloway
8/18 Ginny Taft
8/28 Stan Sienko
8/19 Florence Koll
8/30 Juanita Switzer
8/20 Shirley Kraft
8/31 Catherine Ryan
Page 5
Psoriasis Awareness Month
Every August is Psoriasis Awareness Month. For those who are unfamiliar with the condition, it
is an autoimmune disease that causes red and scaly bumps to appear on the skin. These lesions can
appear anywhere including hands, legs, face, back, etc. Doctors and scientists do not know what exactly
it is that causes psoriasis, but there is a definite genetic link involved. The skin of people with psoriasis
grows at a much faster rate than other people, causing the buildup of lesions. Typically, this condition
Ashley Clift
will develop between the ages of 15 and 35, but can begin at any age. And not to worry, if you have a
Director of
loved one with psoriasis, it is not contagious. Treatments typically consist of moisturizers, over-theHealth Services
counter prescriptions and shampoos, and for some people, phototherapy. Up to 30% of people who have
psoriasis will develop psoriatic arthritis. This is an inflammatory arthritis that causes swelling, stiffness,
and pain around and in the joints. It can also cause nail changes and generalized fatigue. Serious joint damage can occur if
left untreated.
Psoriasis Awareness Month seeks to help people with both psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis get support and resources
they need to make life a little easier. Can you imagine going through your day with lesions and welts on your face and
scalp and arthritis in both knees? For many people, it is a daily battle. The
National Psoriasis Foundation provides support groups, financial resources, and
helpful information for tips to cope and thrive. Simple things that can help to
deal with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis include water exercises, walking,
NSAIDS, meditation, moisturizer, cool showers, and antihistamines.
August is National Eye Exam Month
August is here and although the summer is shortly coming to an end, the UV Rays are still high and it’s
important to take proper precautions to protect yourself from the sun. August is National Eye Exam
Month, a month dedicated to the importance of eye health and safety. Sears Optical founded National
Eye Exam Month in 1989 and since then, most ophthalmologists promote eye safety throughout the
month. Most sponsor Eye Care America, a campaign for seniors ages 65 and up that can qualify for a
free eye exam.
Ellie Braun
Director of
Resident Relations
Eye exams are not only important for maintaining clear and focused vision, but they can also give your
eye doctor a better glimpse into your overall health. You may think you have healthy eyes and have no symptoms of vision problems, but if you are between the ages of 40 and 65, you should have your vision checked every 2-4 years; and
at 65+, every 1-2 years. Some individuals may have a family history of eye disease or a chronic
illness that can affect your vision. This puts you at a greater risk of vision problems, and therefore
it is vital that you get your eyes checked more often than most.
Although seniors are more prone to eye issues, there are ways they can protect themselves and prevent long-term issues: When washing your face, use a clean towel and water to wipe the lid are to
prevent infection; Do not use others eye medication or glasses; NO Smoking!!; Be sure to get a
healthy amount of rest; Consume Vitamin A and proteins (nuts are perfect!); Do not use sprays (i.e.
hairspray) close to the eyes; When watching TV, on the computer and/or reading, be sure to have
good lighting, take short breaks to rest the eyes and make sure the print is large and clear; Do not
read in a moving vehicle or bed; Use UV protected sunglasses.
If you would like to receive a free eye exam, check EyeCare America to see if you qualify. For
more information, please visit EyeCareAmerica.org.
Page 6
Drink water during the “Dog Days” of Summer
Depending on where home is, the month of August can often bring most of us hot and humid days making it very important to remain well hydrated. Staying well hydrated helps maintain adequate blood volume, energy levels, and other body functions. The average adult should consume eight 8 – ounce glasses
of water or water-based beverages every day. This recommended amount may be lower or higher depending on your health status, physical activity level, exterior temperature, and body muscle mass. (If
you have more muscle than fat, your body will need more liquid.) Water is essential for assisting in the
Kari Stolz RD, LD
transportation of nutrients to cells and waste products away from cells, regulating body temperature,
Dietitian
building tissues, and replacing daily water losses through respiration, urination, and perspiration. How
Consultant
do you know if you are well hydrated? One quick and easy way to estimate your hydration status is to
check the color of your urine. A pale to colorless urine usually will signify an appropriate hydration level. Getting in the
habit of drinking more fluids may take time. Here are some helpful tips in incorporating more water / non-caffeinated beverages into your daily routine.
Start each morning with at least 8 ounces of non-caffeinated fluids.
Drink a glass of water before each meal.
Keep a clean water bottle with you throughout the day and fill it frequently.
Drink water before, during, and after physical activity.
Try sparkling water, fruit smoothies, or water with a fresh lemon or lime.
Notice the difference in how you feel after you have made an effort to increase your daily fluid intake!
The August Theme Night Dinner is: Caribbean
Menu for the Dinner is…
Appetizer- Jamaican Pumpkin Soup, Garden salad,
or Mango
Kim Bendickson
Director of
Culinary Services
Entrées:
Mild Jerk Chicken- Marinated and grilled chicken legs, served with
Caribbean sweet potato salad, and a vegetable blend
Or
Caribbean Crab Sandwich- Cilantro lime avocado crab blend in a hoagie roll, served with
coconut jasmine rice, and a vegetable blend.
Dessert- Rum Cake
Page 7
National Audio Book Month
As many of you know, I am a strong
advocate for reading. We are blessed in
the country to have access to books both
for sale or rent or free. With our
freedoms we can read about anything our
human minds can think of. Reading is not
Joe Johnson
only a great way to pass time but they
Director of
Life Enrichment enlighten us and make us better people.
Anyway you can get your hands on a
book, take advantage of it.
August is National Audio
Book Month. Audio books, of
course, are books that are recorded
onto records, tapes and CD or
even digital files. With our busy
lives, many of us don’t have time
to sit down and read but want to
enjoy the pleasure that books give.
Nowadays we can listen to books as we take a walk, drive
our cars, clean the house or sit in the park. The sales of audio
books have greatly increased. In 2009 sales of audio books
reached $900 million.
Today many of the audio books are downloaded off
the internet. 30% of audio books sold last year were digital
copies downloaded from such websites as itunes.com, amazon.com or audible.com. Of course you need to purchase a
listening device such as an IPod or Kindle. Even local
libraries have gotten into audio books. You can borrow
many popular titles on cassette or CD and some even have
digital books and players for your use. Even here at The
Rivers we have a number of audio books available in our
libraries.
For some people, audio books are the only way to
enjoy books due to their low vision. One of the best
programs in Minnesota is the Talking Book program to
provide players and audio cassettes to those residents with
low vision. If you would like to take advantage of that
program, contact me and I can help set you up. With today’s
technology all of us can take part in the joys of reading.
Whether it’s the latest murder mystery, historical biography
or even a great classic, you will find audio books as a great
way to enjoy the blessing of books.
News from the
Maintenance Shop
Welcome to August and the dog days of
summer. The heat is on and so is our air
Jim Rowland,
conditioning season. I have completed the
Director of
cleaning of all your air conditioners. That
Plant Operations was me on the ladder and the roof washing
out each unit. It’s a hard and time consuming job that has to get done every year because of all the
cottonwood trees surrounding The Rivers.
With all the steady rain we’ve been having, the landscaping looks great this year. We are working on some
bridge repair projects and getting more rocks by the ponds
and mulch on the gardens. Bids have been submitted and I
am looking forward to getting these things in the works.
As Summer wanes, the evenings will begin to cool
down enough so please take a stroll outside and see all the
flowers and trees around The Rivers property. Several
residents have placed bird feeders and houses outside this
year and we have more species of birds than ever before.
Our local coyote had moved on now that the geese and
ducks have grown up. I called the DNR to ask them what
to do about him and was told that when his food source
left then he would too. I guess they were right about that.
I would like to thank all the residents that help me out
here with different gardening tips and advice and volunteering their time around the campus. Everything is
greatly appreciated.
-Jim Rowland
11111 River Hills Drive
Burnsville, MN 55337
Phone: 952-890-8553
Fax: 952-890-9320
theriverslcs.com
LifeSTYLE Promise™
In a effort to go green, you can now view this newsletter and
current activity calendars online!
Go to theriverslcs.com
Are you ready for Action?
As we age we notice (or ignore) changes taking place in “our world”. One we share often it seems,
is the loss of feeling steady on our feet, in other words our balance seems out of whack.
Without balance the possibility of falling becomes more real and of course, dreaded – we no longer “bounce back” as we were able to do in “our younger years”!
Here at The Rivers we have Morning Stretch, Chair Yoga, Exercise with Dave (FUN!), as well as
an Exercise Room, Pool Spa and lovely grounds to walk in all Seasons. All of these help us with
Johanna Mohwinkel one important component to balance our muscle tone.
Director of
Community
Outreach
The primary purpose of muscle tone is to keep our muscles primed and ready for action! The
activated state of partial contraction of muscles helps to maintain balance and posture. Also, our
muscles function as a safety mechanism that helps us to react quickly – our reflex reaction to any
sudden muscle fiber stretch. Think about how our head automatically jerks up straight when we are falling asleep in
a sitting position. That is an unconscious reflex reaction which is made possible by muscle tone.
What can we do to improve our muscle tone? Well, here are two things that can be done to help us in our pursuit to
acquire muscle tone;
The first thing one can do is to reduce overall body fat. Reducing body fat will thin out the fat layer under
your skin, bringing it closer to and pulling it tighter around your muscles.
The second thing that can be done is to develop muscle tone. This can be done with Strength-Training. This
type of training may require that you lift weights.
So, a “Call to Action” to get started (or continue what you already are doing) is the next step.
Look over what we do have available here at The Rivers – more importantly talk with your Doctor about how best to
work on building your muscle tone.
Remember we all have different physical abilities, the will is there, however we need to be sure we are physically
able to exercise safely!