For supporters of the mission and vision of the Anne Carlsen Center

Fall/Winter 2012 www.annecenter.org

Fargo teen and his family thankful to

ACC for experience of a lifetime

Page 12

Golf tournament shines spotlight on

two young adults serve by ACC

Page 7

Page 4

The world watched as the 2012 Olympic Games unfolded in London this

past summer. But even before the first medal was won, the students at the Anne Carlsen Center (ACC) showcased their abilities July 23 in Olympic-style events on the ACC James-town campus, in honor of the world’s foremost competition of athleticism.

There were the team events of tug-of-war and relay races (with wet sponges, instead of batons, to help everyone stay cool), and three indi-vidual events: discus throw, shot put and softball toss. Students also participated in Opening and Closing Ceremonies.

The event was inspired by Richard and Rose Ann Splitter of Springfield, Mo. – faithful supporters of ACC who provided students with a tangible way to celebrate the 2012 Olympic Games. They gave each student a navy blue, Team USA Olympic Games jacket. “We

wanted to pass along some of the excitement that centers around the Olympics,” says Richard. “We have always cared deeply about the Cen-ter. It goes back to my mom, Margaret, being a life-long friend of Dr. Anne Carlsen’s.”

ACC purchased gold medals to distribute along with the jackets. It was a fun-filled day that provided plenty of smiles and a tremendous sense of accomplishment.

“Richard and Rose Ann Splitter have been wonder-ful supporters of the Center for many years, contributing time, talent and treasure in many areas of our organiza-tion,” says Anne Carlsen Center CEO Eric Monson. “We are extremely grateful for the relationship with them.”

Gift to ACC Inspires Event of OlympicProPo rtions

Arianna enjoys the fresh air and sunshine.

Saige participates in the relay race, and crosses the finish line in record time! Karmel, an ACC teacher, cheers her on.

Joseph pulls with all his might during the Olympic Games held at ACC in July.

Jonas and Donna team up to try to win the tug-of-war contest during the ACC Olympic Games.

Sander looks out to where his discus throw might land.

Brady prepares to give it all he’s got at the softball throw.

Many students, including Jaxon, were excited to receive their official Olympic jackets.

CEO Eric Monson starts off the Games by welcom-ing participants and thanking Richard and Rose Ann Splitter, who donated the Team USA banners and official Olympic jackets.

Tyler says “thank you” for his Olympic gold medal, and shares a smile with Donna.

M E s s A G E F r o M t H E C E o

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Building social skills enriches holiday celebrations

The holiday season is quickly approaching, and with it, innumerable ways to celebrate and savor this special time of year. While food, gifts and decorations may each play a role in your festivities, all pale in comparison to the other tangible ingredient: people.

The warmth and meaning of the season is best shared with others — family, friends, classmates, coworkers and community members. From caroling to Christmas shop-ping, the activities that characterize the holiday season are rarely performed in isolation.

At one time, individuals with disabilities were limited in their participation during this time of year. Issues such as limited mobility, communication impairments, sensory overload, or behavioral disorders often got in the way.

Thankfully, the story is different today; the Anne Carlsen Center is a leader in equipping individuals with the skills, tools and experiences they need to participate fully in the activities and celebrations of life. The Center recognizes and taps into the talents of each person we serve, tailoring our services to maximize abilities.

One of the many ways we accomplish this is through our TechnoCamp. Working in partnership with Elks Camp Grassick, we provide unforgettable adventure and fun each summer to about 25 teens with disabilities from across the state. Participants enjoy a host of traditional camp favorites — like campfires and talent shows — and have access to an amazing array of adaptive tools and assistive technology.

The confidence and skills gained at TechnoCamp have helped these individuals succeed in many areas of their lives. One of the marvelous benefits is the number (we’ve lost count) of friendships made. I encourage you to read Adam VanCamp’s story on page 12 of this issue. Though a little shy his first year at camp, he has really come out of his shell!

One of childhood’s great-est joys, camp is a vehicle for providing unique, hands-on experiences that promote fun, enhance learning

and build important skills. This summer, the Anne Carlsen Center held our first social skills camps in North Dakota for children with autism and autism-related disorders. Held in Fargo and Dickinson, these camps provided opportunities for children to interact with each other, strengthening their social and communica-tion skills. Highly-trained staff guided children through activities like field trips, arts and crafts, horticultural therapy, and technology-supported learning.

The Center held these camps in response to a growing need for autism-related services across the state. Fami-lies and professionals, hungry for additional services and support, have been proactive and persistent. This has certainly been the case in Dickinson (page 4), where residents raised funds and awareness to bring a social skills camp for children with autism to their city. We were honored to help make their dream come true.

Kristi Schallmo of Dickinson knows all about dreams coming true. Her 8-year-old daughter, Haley, has an autism-related disorder that has impacted her ability to make friends. At camp, Haley learned socially appropriate behaviors and — much to her mom’s delight — experienced the gift of friendship.

With your support and encouragement, the Center plans to expand our social skills camps next summer, while also continuing to expand our Community Based and Autism Services across the state.

We are so thankful for you, our faithful donors, for supporting us financially as well as in prayer. Your commitment enables us to nurture abilities all year long, helping make the holiday season more enjoyable and memorable for the remarkable individuals we serve. The entire Anne Carlsen Center family wishes you and yours a Christmas filled with joy and peace.

With gratitude,

Eric M. Monson Chief Executive Officer Anne Carlsen Center

The need to express oneself is a fun-damental part of daily life. How we express ourselves to others not only dictates the fellowship and intimacy we experience within our personal

relationships, it plays a major role in determining our overall health and happiness.

People with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are no different. But due to varying challenges in the way they process language and information, these individuals need the right tools and support in place, so they can develop the social skills necessary to express their personalities and develop meaningful relationships.

That’s why the Anne Carlsen Center (ACC) has begun offering social skills summer camps for children with autism and autism-related disorders. ACC held four weeks of camp in Dickinson (see story on pages 4–6). Another camp was held for Fargo-area children in August at the Prairie Heights Community Church Ministry Center in West Fargo. Administered by highly-trained ACC staff, the two-week curriculum for preschool-aged children focused on developing social skills and peer interaction in a fun, traditional camp format.

The results of the camp were nothing less than extraordinary. Wade Nagel, whose 2-year-old son Watson was diagnosed with autism last winter, said the camp exceeded his expectations. “[Watson] benefited by being introduced to new people and new social situations,” he explains. “We’ve seen huge improvements in the last week. It’s a huge

load off. We weren’t sure which services would help. Now we feel like no stone has been left unturned.”

Through field trips, music, playground time, technology, arts and crafts, and other enriching and educational programs, campers had the opportunity to interact with one another, honing their social skills in a variety of environments. Becky Cheney, a Mapleton resident and grandmother of 3-year-old

camper Ryan, says the camp was a very positive experience. “Ryan loved the social interaction with the other children. He’s made wonderful gains. He now is able to control him-self in situations better … He’s turned into a com-pletely different child.”

There was a picnic cel-ebrating the conclusion of camp, with food provided by Prairie St. John’s in Fargo, the co-sponsor of the camp. In addition to the banners, barbeque and wonderful artwork adorning the tables, there was a tremendous feeling of pride and accomplish-ment that hung in the summer air. “Because of camp,” says Kristin Sharbono of Fargo, their 3-year-old son Jens is “now greeting other people. He will say ‘hi’ to his siblings and use their names.”

According to Program Coor-dinator Dave Kemper, “All the parents stated that they wanted their child to be able to interact appropriately with people familiar to them, as well as strangers.” By that measure, the camp (and more important-ly, the campers) delivered.

EqUIPPING

Social for

S U C C E S S

Ryan plays with fellow campers on the playground following the picnic celebrating the conclusion of camp. His grandmother, Becky Cheney, says the Anne Carlsen Center has helped transform 3-year-old Ryan “into a completely different child.”

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Haley Schallmo

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United in PurposeNick Gates doesn’t have a lot of free time. He’s a busy family man, and a Senior Patrol Officer with the Dickinson Police Department. But he had a dream – to one day see a summer camp for children with autism come to the Dickinson area.

Gates has a lot of experience seeking answers about autism. His 10-year-old son, Noah, was diagnosed in 2006. He and his family have dealt with a lot of frustrations along the way, not always finding the programs that fit Noah’s specific needs, and — at one point — fearing they might lose their house because of the out-of-pocket expenses for services for their son.

These challenges have prompted Gates to look out for the interests of others in similar situations. A summer program, he figured, was the perfect way to start.

“I started a nonprofit organization, the Southwest Child Enhancement Center, with the goal of it establishing and running a summer camp for children with autism,” says Gates. “We even had an advisory panel for this nonprofit.” The advisory panel was made up of Gates, an attorney, a teacher (who has a child with autism), a therapist, a doctor and an accountant. Gates wrote a business plan and testified before a committee of the North Dakota Legislative Assembly. Their primary fundraiser was a benefit golf tournament at the Bully Pulpit Golf Course, three miles south of Medora, N.D.

“We couldn’t quite pull it together,” he says. “We wanted to make the camp free or very low-cost for those attending. We found, however, the costs were great in putting on the kind of camp we envisioned. We just didn’t have the resources.”

That’s when the Anne Carlsen Center (ACC) entered the picture. Earlier this year, Gates and his group met with CEO Eric Monson and COO

Community Rallies for Children with Autism

ften called “The Western Edge,” Dickinson, N.D., is known as the gateway to the great American West. It is strong economically, with energy, agriculture and manufacturing taking the lead. But there’s something else that should come to mind when considering this

community of about 20,000 people: relentless determination and compassion.

When community members wanted a summer camp and other enriching opportunities for area children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), they took action. There were meetings, fundraisers and countless phone calls and emails. No obstacle would leave them daunted or dispirited. And a man who had been personally impacted by autism would lead them in their mission ...

Marcia Gums. “The Center liked our plan, and they clearly have the resources to implement it,” says Gates. “They have been providing autism services for years, and they are — without a doubt — the best choice for bringing this experience to Dickinson.”

Gates’ group gave ACC a donation to help cover the costs of staffing and materials, and other Dickinson residents took notice. The organizers of an annual memorial volleyball tournament in Dickinson donated the funds they raised to the summer camp as well.

It wasn’t long before the Anne Carlsen Center started hir-ing camp staff from around the Dickinson area for ACC’s first-ever social skills camp for children with autism.

Dream Becomes RealityThe four weeks of camp began July 9. The focus of each daily session was to provide op-portunities for children with autism to interact with peers, enhancing their social skills, communication abilities and confidence. There were two dif-ferent age groups, each consist-ing of five children. A one-week camp was for children ages 3 to 5, followed by a three-week camp for children ages 6 to 11.

Activities each day included playground time, gym time, music, arts and crafts, technology (iPads were incorporated into many learning activities) and snacks. The grade school campers also took field trips, which gave them opportunities to apply their new skills in the community setting. Each week of the grade school camp there was a theme, such as “Horticulture.” During that week the campers learned the parts of a plant, made a collage out of leaves and twigs, and — thanks to a Dickinson florist who donated carnations — learned all about how flowers absorb water.

“During ‘Camping Week’ we had a large tent in the gym that campers would sit under and read stories and have snacks,” says Martha Erickson, the opera-tions manager for ACC Community Based Services in Western N.D. “They also worked together to help assemble a small tent. It was such a fun time for everyone involved.”

Erickson says the camps also provided an assess-ment of each child’s skills and needs. “Before the camp started,” she explains, “we met with each of the families to identify areas to work on for each child. We asked parents what kind of results they would like to see.” Once camp started, a letter was sent home each day detailing the progress each child was making and the projects in which he/she was participating.

Throughout the summer, the positive response by the community made a big impression on the

Anne Carlsen Center. “Heart River Elementary let us use their building free of charge for all four weeks of camp,” says Gums. “We have been so grate-ful for the amount of support and generosity the Dickinson community has shown.”

Nick Gates, meanwhile, couldn’t be more pleased with the results of what started as a grassroots effort. “I talked with parents and staff, and I watched some of the activities,” he says. “Parents got some re-ally good ideas, better access to resources, and the opportunity to connect with each other.”

The camp would make a huge difference for the family of an eight-year-old girl who had already faced more challenges than most people will experience in a lifetime.

Hope for HaleyEight-year-old Haley Schallmo is a survivor. Born with a rare birth defect known as Heterotaxy syndrome, she has undergone multiple surgeries since birth to correct abnormalities in the structure of her heart, specifically the heart walls, valves and great arteries. The problems with her heart have strained her lungs, and like others with Heterotaxy syndrome, Haley was born without a spleen, which affects her ability to fight infections.

Because of complications from a heart surgery she had when she was 11 months old, Haley experi-enced trauma to the brain that resulted in a seizure disorder. Thankfully, medication has helped to control the seizures that were previously having a negative effect on her learning and memory.

Eight-year-old Haley was diagnosed with atypical autism in January. Her mom, Kristi, says

ACC’s camp provided much-needed guidance.

Kyrie Brenneise enjoys an arts and crafts activity during one of ACC’s social skills camps.

Continued, next page

In January of this year, Haley was diagnosed with atypical autism, also known as Pervasive Developmental Disorder — Not Otherwise Speci-fied (PDD-NOS). Haley struggles with many of the same challenges as do those with classic autism, such as sensitivity to loud noises, aversion to cer-tain textures and foods, and ritualistic behaviors.

“She can be extremely inappropriate socially. She has no boundaries,” says her mom, Kristi. “She loves people and wants to have friends, but every-thing must always be on her terms. The end result is that no one wants to be her friend.”

Haley is a 2nd grade student at Heart River Elementary. Unlike many others with autism-relat-ed disorders, this eight-year-old is extremely verbal and has a large vocabulary. Some mis-understandings arise, however, because Haley doesn’t always under-stand the meaning of the words she uses.

When Kristi found out about Anne Carlsen Cen-ter’s social skills camp in Dickinson, she couldn’t wait to sign up her daugh-ter. Haley also was eager. “She was very excited about camp,” remembers Kristi. “She had the oppor-tunity to enjoy activities that she wouldn’t normally have the chance to do. She had exposure to kids similar to her in many ways. The staff was great — she knew the camp staff really cared about her.”

The camp staff, Kristi explains, provided constant and consistent reminders of what is appropriate behavior and how to treat friends. As a result, there have been improvements in Haley’s behavior in a variety of settings.

Kristi adds that the camp also helped her as the parent of a child with an autism-related disorder. “As a parent this can be a very frustrating road,” she says. “You feel helpless. Sometimes it feels like nothing will work. This camp put me in contact with people who are experienced. The staff at the Anne Carlsen Center understands the challenges and the complexities, and they have a lot of valu-

able advice. Talking to other parents was also helpful. I feel less alone now, knowing that others are going through the same things.”

Haley brought home photos, paintings, gardening projects, and more from camp. But Kristi says what meant the very most was “the day she came home and said, ‘Mom, I made a new friend.’ I could tell that brought her so much happiness.”

Changing LivesPlans are in progress to expand the Dickinson camp and also offer additional camps around the state. In addition to Dickinson, ACC held a

successful camp in Fargo (see page 3) this summer which was attended by five pre-school-aged children.

“We couldn’t be more pleased with how the camps went this year,” says Gums. “We saw dramatic improvements in language skills and social skills. The campers really blossomed.”

Gums and Erickson both credit the Dickin-son community for their persistence and passion. “They are very proactive

and determined to find what is best for their kids,” says Erickson. “They trust the Anne Carlsen Cen-ter to implement these services. They knew ACC would provide the highest quality camp because of the reputation that preceded us.”

Most of the families with children enrolled in camp expressed an interest in receiving autism services from the Anne Carlsen Center year round. Those services could begin as early as next spring.

“I would love for Noah to be involved with that, especially the social component. We really need those services,” says Gates.

And Kristi is hopeful her daughter will receive additional services from ACC, to continue progress made during the three weeks of camp: “More than anything I want Haley to have the ability to be as independent as she can be. I want her to have a happy, fulfilling life.”

During “Horticulture Week” at camp, Haley learned all the parts of a plant and, here, how to make

a decorative planter.

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In the game of golf, every serious player can speak the language of the sport. A “bogey,” for example, is when a player shoots one-over par. An “eagle” is when he or she scores

two-under. A golfer’s “short game” refers to their performance between the drive and the putt. Their “handicap” is … a term that seemed out of place during the 30th annual Anne Carlsen Center (ACC) Benefit Golf Tournament in August.

That’s because the focus was on the abilities of the golfers, including two talented individuals served by ACC who joined the 132 players on the links at the Jamestown Country Club.

Adam, an 18-year-old ACC student, was one of them. Undaunted by a brisk wind swaying the 9th hole pin flag like a pendulum in a clock, Adam used adaptive equipment to help sink putts for teams. Using just his keen eye and a modified putter wired to an automatic ball returner, Adam would wait as players loaded their ball into the device. Then, pushing a button mounted on his putter, Adam would activate the returner and watch in delight as the machine spit out the ball, following its way into the cup and earning each team one stroke off their scorecard. What a natural!

And then there’s Ty, a 21-year-old ACC Day Sup-port client from Grand Forks. Ty inherited his love for the game from his dad, who was so passionate to share the sport with his son that he customized a special seat in his golf cart so they could enjoy a round together. An active volunteer, Ty can be found most summer weekdays at King’s Walk Golf Course in Grand Forks, where he donates his time greeting fellow golfers with a happy spirit and an infectious smile. “I would say, on average, at least half of the golfers know him by name,” says Rachael Buss, an ACC Direct Support Professional who works with Ty. “He is so popular!”

Ty is also something of an entre-preneur. “Ty’s Tees,” a business

Ty set up to raise money for local charities, supplies quality plastic golf

tees in a bag branded with the official “Ty’s Tees” logo (which Ty personally designed). And those tees would come in handy for Ty’s golfing party; clad in their matching T-shirts, “Ty’s Tee-mates” traveled all the way from Grand Forks to play in the golf tournament and cheer Ty on. “Ty’s Team members sported yellow T-shirts and were a force to be reckoned with,” says ACC Interim Development Director Donna Zimmerman. “Our Grand Forks staff truly raised the bar this year — it was awesome to have them participate.”

All in all, 33 teams took part in this year’s tourna-ment, which also featured a hole-in-one contest, putting challenge, raffle prize giveaway, and dinner banquet. More than $30,000 was raised to help send teens with disabilities to TechnoCamp, making it one of the most successful tournaments in the history of the state’s longest-running benefit golf tournament.

So on behalf of Adam, Ty, event organizers and staff, the Anne Carlsen Center would like to personally thank all the generous sponsors, volunteers and players who participated in this year’s tournament. Your dedicated support empowers the wonderful individuals we serve to grow, succeed and play!

To watch one of Adam’s incredible putts, visit the Anne Carlsen Center’s Youtube Channel:www.youtube.com/annecarlsencenter.

Abilities Shine at ACC Benefit Golf Tournament

Adam, an ACC student, gets set to sink a birdee on the illusive 9th green.

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G i v e n B y i n M e M o r y o f G i v e n B y i n M e M o r y o f G i v e n B y i n M e M o r y o f

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Ms. Deborah A. SandfordIrwin and Judy SwansonMrs. Nancy MosserMrs. Anna L. AdixMrs. Mary Ann EngebretsonGary and Arlys MathisMilton and Danene McLaenMr. Oscar R. AndersonMrs. Margarete E. SkurdalRenee and Royce NelsonSenster and Janet VangsnessMrs. Hulda E. AnfinsonGlen and Nathlie MillerMr. Dennis R. MurphyMs. Marcia HoplinMrs. Muriel HoplinMs. Harriet E. OlsonDave and Kay KruegerMr. Warren H. ErnieArnold and Mary KnightWilliam and Rosene FaulGerald and Elenore BorstadKarter and Vernis KroghScott and Rhonda DonaldsonMrs. Sherry Mischke

Rev. Gordon N. BerntsonC. William and Patricia DennertMrs. Marjorie AndreMrs. Betty A. WhitmoreMr. Arvid DalbyNancy FrankelWayne and Janet ClingmanMrs. Sherry MischkeGary and Arlys MathisAlvin W. BerndtFrancis and Alice KuehnMelvin and Ruth SkjersethMrs. Velma P. MartinKermit and Arlys SorbyMelvin and Ruth SkjersethMrs. Alice BlomsMrs. Lorraine J. BoehlerMr. James D. NowatzkiMrs. Mertis HillMrs. Velma P. MartinMrs. Lorna J. BoresonLarry and Carmen Svenningsen

Gerald and Elenore BorstadGerald and Elenore BorstadCurtis and Betty Mc CabeCharles and Mary BoveeArne and Janie BoyumMrs. Alma A. JohnsonGerald and Loy StutrudOrville and Sheryl KjellandRalph and Carol KingRichard and Sandra ChecelAmerican Legion Aux. Post # 96James and Linda KimballRobert and Donna LageinNorman and Donna LorentzsenMrs. Audrey BarnesMarvin and Laverne SchulzBeverly L. FrericksThomas and Sandra SheetsSenster and Janet VangsnessBrian and Kim EngstromScott and Janet DavisAmerican Legion Post #116Mrs. Velma P. MartinDale and Bev BrunschMrs. Martha ColemanJudy and Gerald RingdahlKarl and Linda HagenDave and Kay KruegerMrs. Ardeth E. CowardMr. Warren H. ErnieMrs. Mary Ann EngebretsonMs. Judy L. KullaGlenn and Connie SchwinkendorfErnest and Shirley HansonVera and Frank FraassMrs. Eloise A. BoppreOrville and Sheryl KjellandRenee and Galen LarsonRenee and Galen LarsonCraig and Alane GroszMrs. Magdaline L. GiesenMrs. Juanita J. DuraErnest and Edith JellebergC. William and Patricia DennertMs. Delma DykMrs. Juanita J. DuraMr. Dennis L. AndersonMrs. Joyce S. RudelHarvey and Marlene SkaareGregory and Hilda EldevikLowell and Amy AndersonByron and Ardyce EllingsonDonald and Carol OdenbachDale and Arnola SavelkoulKarter and Vernis KroghGlen and Nathlie Miller

Ms. Ione J. QuenzerMr. Clarence J. MartinMrs. Katherine PaschkeOrville and Sheryl KjellandJames and Kathryn JohnsonVernon and Eileen VigesaaMrs. Donna L. EspesethJames and Linda KimballRobert and Donna LageinMrs. Lois LundgrenMr. Kenneth D. FandreyMs. Correen K. BrewsterFrank and Stephanie JensenMs. Judy L. KullaRachel and Ryan SchaferGreg and Darlene ShanenkoBob and Evanda StaigleDean and Sylvia FatlandMrs. Sharon I. SullivanMr. Rodney L. TennysonMrs. Lorraine KirschenmannMrs. B. Sophie LoftsgardMrs. Juanita J. DuraJack and Marcene MaluskyVera and Frank Fraass

James and Judy EngstromIrving and Janice ThompsonPaul and Lois FranzAlvin and Emma BluhmC. William and Patricia DennertMrs. Jacqueline FroehlichMs. Shirley JensvoldMrs. Donna E. GaffaneyScott and Janet DavisGladys S. GagePaul and Marilyn GageReta M. GageMrs. Marilyn F. GalazenApollo Hair ClinicsLarry and Edith RaatzDonald and Elizabeth ShawDaris and Mabel BittnerMrs. Joyce S. RudelMrs. Lorna J. BoresonMrs. Velma P. MartinDavid and Cecelia CollinsRay and Elaine GerlingerMs. Wanda V. NissenCraig and Alane GroszRoy and Esther Peterson

Dale and Arnola SavelkoulReed and Ruth DanuserBette and Robert JohnsonMs. Esther R. Grabanski Mrs. Donna L. Collins Lynn and Jeanette KieperGary and Phyllis TorskeRichard and Ethel GriesonMrs. Thelma L. DeBiltScott and Janet DavisMrs. DiAnn L. LollMs. Shirley JensvoldC. William and Patricia DennertTom HaffnerVernon and Eileen VigesaaMrs. Carol Rinde-LewisAnonymousRoger and Patty SkarpholMrs. Irene B. MeyerC. William and Patricia Dennert

Mrs. Beatrice OverleeNorm and Sue GoehringLarry and Edith RaatzGordon and Ida Mae SmithDennis and Margaret LonskiMs. Susan K. HarrisLyle and Lois BordersRex and Wilma CarnesLenore ColpittsSteven and Lynda EgeJ.L and Betty FenstermakerGerald and Joanne HartLaurie KellyMary Lou KroghJane KruegerDan LarsonDave and Treena MilanoPaul and Gail MillerSheila MotzkoSonja NelsonBarbara and James OlsonMary SchlagelG.H and Hilda SchlutzMaridee and David SchroederJanet and Robert TurnerMs. Betty L. NelsonMs. Mary A. HillMrs. Lucietta HashbargerMrs. Lucietta HashbargerMr. Rodney L. TennysonGordon and Ida Mae SmithMrs. Irene HaugaardMs. Irene ReinhardtMrs. Pauline KoehlerJames and Kathryn JohnsonApollo Hair ClinicsMs. Myrtle Henrichs

Ernest and Shirley HansonRobert and Becky HermanRobert and Becky HermanMrs. Juanita J. DuraArdelle I. HillerudErnest and Shirley HansonGene and Brenda GuthmillerMargaret SamMrs. Mary L. JohnsonMrs. Lucille A. RotzDennis and Judy GumkeMrs. Mary Ann EngebretsonKicBac Bar & GrillMrs. Lucille H. OlsonMrs. DeLores UstMrs. Patricia BahrMrs. Muriel HoplinMs. Marcia HoplinMs. Harriet E. OlsonMrs. Amie TorgersonScott and Rhonda DonaldsonRobert and Betty HoveyCalvin and Loretta IsaakDale and Bev BrunschMrs. Juanita J. DuraC. William and Patricia DennertMrs. Carol Rinde-LewisOrville and Sheryl KjellandMs. Jacquelyn R. SchulteMrs. Mavis EnochsonAmerican Legion Post #116James and Linda KimballMs. Ruth N. HallMrs. Mavis A. WoldMichael and Bonita EnsrudeMrs. Carol Rinde-Lewis

Dean and Carol OenMs. Artha TraversJerald and E. Bonnie EricksonMrs. Alma A. JohnsonGerald and Loy StutrudMrs. Velma P. MartinGlen and Nathlie MillerVernon and Marcy GrantAllen and Donna KellerLarry and Carmen SvenningsenMr. Charles C. KennedyMr. Alvin KesselMs. Eloise A. EricksonRoy and Esther PetersonRichard and Marlene QuanrudMr. Dennis L. AndersonCharles and Eileen EricksonReuben and Shirley SmithDoug’s Auto Body, Inc.Stanley and Sophie BellVernon and Marcy GrantLarry and Carmen SvenningsenMs. Marcia HoplinMrs. Muriel HoplinSusan and Gerald SimonsonMrs. MarJean SchauerCheryl and Mitchell GussDeb KritzbergerMs. Dolores DavisWillmar and Janette PetersonMrs. Dorothy B. StoverMrs. L. Elvira LokkenMrs. Joan LindvallMrs. Phyllis M. BethkeMs. Jacquelyn R. SchulteReed and Ruth DanuserJames and Linda KimballGudny LarsonWaldo and Marion PlatteMs. Virginia JeanotteMrs. Mavis A. WoldMrs. Lois LundgrenRenee and Galen LarsonEric and Amy AndersonMs. Shirley JensvoldR. L. and Betty WoodWalter and Beatrice ReinkeSenster and Janet VangsnessLois D. LeomMrs. Mary SeimMs. Joy R. KundertPaul and Alice JankeThomas and Sandra SheetsEldon and Clara Jo ConantMrs. DiAnn L. LollC. William and Patricia Dennert

M E M o r i A l G i F t s

The Anne Carlsen Center is honored to receive gifts from donors in memory of family members, mentors and friends. These memorial gifts help support the Center’s work of nurturing abilities and changing lives.

Thelma AarestadThelma AarestadRodney AdamsCarlyn A. AdixClaude J AlbersIngvald AndersonArden AndersonOscar & Beatrice AndersonOwen AndersonRobert L. AndersonMrs. Adeline AndvikMervin AnfinsonJerry ArensonRoger ArnesonOlga C. AsheimOlga C. AsheimOlga C. AsheimLeroy C. BackbergMary Ann BackerWallace BacklundKristene BaierFrank BaileyKatie D. BakkumJohn BanishJames Barnes

Elaine D. BaronEvalyn C. Bauer Larry BekkedahlJean BenedictDarcy G. BennettDarcy G. BennettOle and Ella BergSynnove BergeKenneth BergersonDarlene BerndtRoy BerndtRuth BinaSimon BjerkeSimon BjerkeHarold BlanchardMartin BlomsClaryce BoehlerClaryce BoehlerGeorge BonnettAnna K. BonnettDuane BoresonWinnifred A. Borg

Bill M. BorstadCharles W. BorstadMargaret A. BotnenSteven C. Bovee Jr.Cecilie J. BoyumMargaret BraniffMargaret BraniffDorothy K. BratlieMary L BraunEvelyn BrausBetty Breding Selma BrorbySelma BrorbyJohn and Clara Broten Syble J. BrownFern BueligenCheryl A. BuiskerRobert BurchillRobert BurchillJoyce ByeTom E. CameronDwayne CarlsonDarlene M. ChesleyWilliam H. ClarkKenneth ColemanSheila ColemanGerry CollinsJack CoonerStuart CowardJoan CysewskiDorothy Y DahlGerald D. DahmGladys A Dailey Margie M. DalenMarion DartmanEverett DavisLeRoy DelMainDorothy DietrichDonald DietrichWillard DietzTilile T. DobrinskiLeonard DodgsonChristian DrangsholtGlenn Durr

Arlo W. DykPorter EddyDaniel L. EgstadEllery EhniBob EhrensFrances EldevikAgnes EllingsonAgnes EllingsonEunice EmoMilton EngebretsonBrenda EngerAlfred Engle

David EnyartFlorence ErethDoris O. EricksonJeremy J. EricksonRichard EricksonRichard EricksonVernon EspesethMarlyn EvensonMarlyn EvensonDarlene FallgatterLurline D. FandreyJasmine N. FarsdaleJasmine N. FarsdaleJasmine N. FarsdaleJasmine N. FarsdaleJasmine N. FarsdaleJasmine N. FarsdaleJan M. FatlandDarcy J. FeickertWilma FelandMarvin FiechtnerStephen E. FlatenAllan FletcherCyril F FlicekFrank, Duane & Billy Bradley FraassHarold FragodtHarold FragodtMarcella I. FranzAnna E. FranzenGregory Freeland Leo FroehlichJoe FukaJohn GaffaneyEdward F. GageYvonne GageYvonne GageYvonne GagePaul B. GalazenBlanche M. GarlandBlanche M. GarlandIrene W. GarrettDouglas GeierMarion GeistMarjorie D. GeiszlerPatricia GemarFred and Kay GerberAnna GerlingerHenry J. GervaisBill GilbertMarguerite and Reade GilbraithMarguerite GilbraithEric GilsrudRandy GoldadeIsabelle and Vincent GrabanskiDorothy GrafMarie GranerRonald E GravgaardSharol A. GriesonJeannette GundersonErnst M. GunkelGary GutzmerHarold E HaalandRuth Haas Janice HaffnerHarlow R. HagelKristin HagenGerry HallbergOscar HalvorsonMartha H. HankelArlis Hanson

Erwin HansonBill HansonBill HansonRamona J. HansonPatricia HarringtonLarry HarrisMildred HartMildred HartMildred HartMildred HartMildred HartMildred HartMildred HartMildred HartMildred HartMildred HartMildred HartMildred HartMildred HartMildred HartMildred HartMildred HartMildred HartMildred HartMildred HartMarilyn HartRae F. HarveyKelley N. HashbargerLucy HashbargerKaren HaskinsKaren L. HassHarry M. HaugenLucile. HeatonMartha M. HeihnHarry HelmstetlerDolores HenningerMr. and Mrs. Henry Henrichs Sr.Travis E. HerdebuSharon G. HermanTodd HermanMillard HillStener HillerudRodney HirschkornFrances W. HoerschFrances W. HoerschEvelyn V HoffeltAlvena HoffmanDarlene HoganMarguerite A. HollandHoward HolmgrenKermit HolteLaVerne A. HolteJohn HoltenGlenn C. HoplinGlenn C. HoplinGlenn C. HoplinRobert HosethAnna HosfordDonald & Jeanette HoveyDean HowellBetty B. HussAlvina J. HystadWillie Jarvi Donald E. JasterBridgette JehlickaJoseph Johnson FamilyBetty J. JohnsonClarence V. JohnsonClarence V. JohnsonKathy JohnsonJerry JohnsonLorraine C. JohnsonLorraine C. Johnson

Lorraine C. JohnsonLorraine C. JohnsonOlive JohnsonTheresa JordanTheresa JordanJune JorgensonChad E. JutzDillion KapaunHelen and Amos KellerAlys H. Kennedy Roselynn KennedyEmma KesselLouise M. KimbelVerland KissnerRobert KjellandMary KlinickeLorraine L. KlundtGerald and Helen KnoteDuane KnudtsonIda KoesterKen KohlerKen Kohler Walter KozojedWalter KozojedLois H. KozojedJean KringenLynn KritzbergerLynn KritzbergerJames R. KruseBonnie La CrosseRichard LaBaumbardLester LalimRobert J. LambSarita Ann LanningAlfred & Eva LarsenCynthia LarsonErling LarsonErling LarsonLeRoy LarsonMayo LarsonNorman LeeGeorge LeeSonia LeeMary V. LehmanClayton LehmannJoseph C. LeierDelores LeiniusLamae C. LemleyKenneth M. LeomClifford L LerudJoan LillestolSharon LippertLouise LobergDonald LoderLillian R. LollGene E. Longden

G i v e n B y i n M e M o r y o f G i v e n B y i n M e M o r y o f

G i v e n B y i n M e M o r y o f

Memorials continued on page 14

Gifts given between March 1 and August 31, 2012

Donors Respond Generously to Back to School Appeal

Earlier this year, 244 donors stepped forward to double their impact, and help provide amazing learning tools in the Anne Carlsen Center classrooms. Their Back to School Matching Challenge dona-tions were matched, dollar-for-dollar, up to $10,000. Donors gave a total of $28,351.

These financial gifts are be-ing used to purchase additional technology tools for our learning environments … such as computer hardware and software, iPads and iPod touch devices, and desktop and laptop computers. This technology is enhancing the learning experience and helping maximize the abilities of students

of all ages — from those in ourEarly Childhood classroom to our high school students.

Thank you for opening your hearts to help provide outstanding, specialized care and schooling. Your generosity is making a lifetime difference for the remark-able individuals we serve!

Lloyd and Phyllis AndersonMarcia and James GumsMrs. Murriel A. CarlsonMary A. CoryMarcia and James GumsMr. Steven R. SarafoleanJulian and Emily BraatenMs. Sandra FrankeMr. Douglas SchnaseAnnetta and Larry KnechtNoren and Audrey MelandMs. Colleen M. MorelandRandy and Penny GenglerMr. Gary GlassMr. Steven R. SarafoleanValerie and Dustin BakkenSheila and Peter DeweyDana and Justin KoldenMrs. Erin J. Zalumskis-SandMarcia and James GumsLori PalmquistEugene and Marilyn HinmanRaydon and Betty WorkinAmbra and Daniel WarckenMatthew FormanMarcia and James GumsMs. Martha K. BarkerDoug’s Auto Body, Inc.American Legion Post # 37Roger and Patty SkarpholJerry and Kay GnoinskyWilliam and Margaret LeechRaydon and Betty WorkinLeif and Cynthia PetersonMarcia and James GumsMs. Alice M. AlexanderLeon and Dawn HelstadMs. Reesa WebbOlivieri Birthday BashRobert and Elizabeth GibbMike and Denise HeglieMario and Elaine OlivieriKenneth and Ellen SimmonsDouglas and Marcia OlsonGary and Debra HobertRichard and Dorothy HomstadMrs. Katherine PaschkeGregory and Brenda TappertMs. Reesa WebbSt. Jerome’s Catholic ChurchDr. and Mrs. Robert R. Tangsrud Jr.Lynn and Jeanette KieperMrs. Gloria I. Fuhrer

JoAnne AndersonVal BakkenMs. Jeannine K. ColburnOlivia CorySheila DeweyDiane & Doug and granddaughtersMrs. Nina EricksonNatashaMs. Joan FitzgeraldMs. Phyllis FletcherAubrey FredricksonMrs. Evelyn GaltJordan GenglerTyPatricia GromakMarcia GumsMarcia GumsMarcia GumsMarcia GumsMs. Ramona GundersonMs. Gail HansonMr. Michael E. HinmanLester and Shirley JohnsonLuke Mrs. Carol L. KahnStefanie KaiserCharlesMcKenzie KostChristopherChristopherRomaKayMs. Sarah M. LeechVerna’s 85th BirthdayKeatonMs. Gail LoftsgardSaigeSaigeBob MontgomeryLucasLucasLucasLucasLucasJune Olson4 healthy grandchildrenGrandchildren and Great-grandchildrenMrs. Charlotte PayetteArletta PennyDr. Myra QuanrudCaseyEunice TangsrudJalynn VollmerAllen and Robyn Wagner

Gifts given between March 1 and August 31, 2012

i n H o n o r o F

Living tributes to the Anne Carlsen Center honor family members and friends on special occasions, such as birthdays, weddings, anniversaries and holidays.

Recognizing loved ones in this special way helps the Center provide comprehensive care to individuals of all abilities, equipping them to experience life to the very fullest.

Given By in Honor of

10 tHE AMbAssAdor tHE AMbAssAdor 11

Leaving aLegacy

There are a variety of ways to give financially to the Anne Carlsen Center (ACC) and positively impact the lives of individuals with

disabilities. Donors enjoy a growing number of giving options that help them achieve their charitable giving goals, while also aiding in tax planning and wealth management.

One of these giving options is an alternative to direct giving or starting a private founda-tion. Donor-advised funds (DAF) are quickly becoming one of the most popular methods for charitable giving in the United States. A DAF is a charitable giving vehicle administered by a public charity, and according to the National Philanthropic Trust, entails the following:

1 You make an irrevocable contribution of personal assets.

2 You immediately receive the maximum tax deduction that the IRS allows.

3 You name your donor-advised fund account, and identify advisors, successors and/or charitable beneficiaries.

4 Your contribution is invested and can grow tax-free.

5 At any time afterward, you can recommend grants from your account to qualified charities.

The donor-advised funds can be set up immedi-ately, and donors do not incur the expenses of establishing and administering a private foundation — including the staffing and legal fees. Account holders can take a federal income tax deduction up to 50% of adjusted gross income for cash contributions and up to 30% of adjusted gross income for appreciated securi-ties. Because DAFs are managed by sponsoring public charities, account holders have minimal administrative responsibilities.

Establishing a DAF, as opposed to a one-time gift, enables the donor to leave a legacy. The donor may name an account successor who takes over the account after the donor’s death. The successors, in turn, can name future successors to someday take over the account.

For more information about donor-advised funds and other methods of giving to the Anne Carlsen Center, contact ACC Interim Development Director Donna Zimmerman at 701-952-5108 or toll free at 1-800-568-5175, ext. 108.

Your gifts help provide an array of meaningful experiences for individuals of all abilities, ensuring a future of greater independence and success.

The Anne Carlsen Center reminds you to always seek the advice of a competent financial advisor with any questions you may have regarding a financial matter.

The Anne Carlsen Center’s New Year’s Gala will take place Jan. 5, 2013, at the quality Inn in Jamestown. The evening of elegance will begin at 6:00 p.m. with a social hour, and at 7:00 p.m., the dinner and entertainment will begin. Magic by Nicholas, the strolling magician, and the band Hollywood Nights will share their musical talents with gala attendees.

“This year’s event is going to have a very different look than in years past, but it’s sure to please,” says ACC Interim De-velopment Director Donna Zimmerman. “Save the date and join us to celebrate another amazing year of growth and providing services that continue to change lives all across the state!”

There will be a variety of fun raffles and games in which gala attendees can participate. Each activity will include chances to win great prizes donated or sponsored by businesses from across the state that support the mission of the Anne Carlsen Center.

All of the gala proceeds will go toward helping purchase additional medical equipment for the River’s Bend home living area at the Center. This is where we provide state-of-the-art care in a comfortable environment for children and young adults with complex medical disorders.

Make sure to reserve your spot for this great event today! For tickets, contact Donna Zimmerman at (701) 952-5108.

Mark Your Calendars!

Ask Adam VanCamp the num-ber of days until TechnoCamp 2013, and he’ll immediately provide the answer. The 15-year-old Fargo resident has been looking forward to next year’s camp since the moment

TechnoCamp came to a close this summer with hugs, tearful goodbyes, and promises of ‘see you next year.’

Adam, a high school freshman, joined 24 other campers from around the state for a memorable time at TechnoCamp — a part-nership between Elks Camp Grassick and the Anne Carlsen Center. Highly-trained staff, assistive technology and adapted equipment combine to empower campers to fully par-ticipate in the summer camp experience and become more proficient in their communication and computer skills. The camp, held every summer near Dawson, N.D., also gives teenag-ers the opportunity to enjoy traditional camp activities like hayrides, campfires, pontoon rides and talent shows.

“Adam loved the talent show,” says his mom, Mendi. “When he came home, he told me all about it and how they all dressed up.”

Fishing was a highlight for Adam, too, and he

didn’t mind one bit that his biggest catch wasn’t a fish at all. “He enjoyed getting teased by his friends and the counselors about what he pulled out of the water,” says Mendi with a laugh. “It was actually a big stick!”

To look at Adam this year, you’d never guess he was a little uncertain about things his first year of camp. “He did really well last summer, but

naturally, it was some-what difficult for us all since it was the first time he had been away from family for that long.”

Mark Coppin, ACC’s assistive technology director, noticed a big difference in Adam’s outlook: “Last year, there was some hesitation and uncertainty. This year, he was so enthusiastic and couldn’t wait to come to camp. He had a wonder-ful time. We’ve enjoyed seeing how he has really come out of his shell!”

Adam’s parents weren’t sure what to expect when dropping him off at camp this summer, but his parting words were music to their ears. “We told him goodbye, and he said ‘see ya!’ He couldn’t wait for us to leave,” his mom remembers.

Adam has cerebral palsy, and his parents used to

wonder if their young-er son would ever

Assistive Technology Designer has “Amazing Experience” at TechnoCampOf all those who played a role in the TechnoCamp experi-ence this past summer, Hilde de Wit traveled the farthest. The Interaction Designer for AssistiveWare, an assistive technology software company, lives in Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Designing applications (apps) that are user-friendly is de Wit’s specialty. To gather ideas on how to improve current applications and gain inspiration for developing new ones, she traveled to North Dakota to spend time working with teenagers and young adults with disabilities at Techno-Camp, a joint effort by the Anne Carlsen Center (ACC) and Elks Camp Grassick.

“Hilde designed the interface for one of the top apps for communication,” says Mark Coppin, ACC’s assistive tech-nology director, who leads the technology-based activities at camp. “We were very excited and honored to have her at camp with us. She has a real interest in seeing how indi-viduals interact with the soft-ware she designs. She wants to make sure the applications work in a user-friendly way.”

In addition to observing how campers were using the vari-ous technologies, de Wit — along with Mark Coppin and other camp staff — made sure everyone had access to the proper equipment and knew how to use it. “It was an amazing experience, and I learned a lot,” she explains. “I spent a lot of time getting to know the campers and figuring out what they like to do, how they would like to use technologies, and what their capabilities are. It was great for me to see how enthusiastic and motivated they are to learn new technologies.”

Campers made movies, music and art using iPads, iPods, MacBooks and digital cameras. And they made a big impres-sion on this renowned software designer.

“Now when I’m working on a new design, and I’m not sure what the perfect solution is, I think about one of the campers and how they would use it,” says de Wit. “I hope I will have the opportunity to come back next year!”

12 tHE AMbAssAdor tHE AMbAssAdor 13

Technocamp is a Dream Come True for Fargo Family

receive the same opportunities for summer fun that had been available to their older son. “We are so thankful for this camp,” says Mendi. “Adam and the other campers aren’t miss-ing out on anything. They’re experiencing every aspect of camp, and not just watching others do it.”

The VanCamps also appreciate the technology component of camp. “Mark Coppin does an incredible job of showing the campers how to make the most of different technology tools,” says Mendi.

The one-to-one camper-to-staff ratio is also important to the VanCamps, along with the depth of training that camp staff receives. “It was a little overwhelming at first,” admits Mendi, “to put 100 percent of my son’s cares in the hands of someone else ... to put my trust in someone else. But they are so responsible and capable at TechnoCamp. We’re so glad we did it — it has truly been life changing!”

Adam, a 15-year-old student from Fargo, and a camp counselor smile as they spin around the dance floor. The dance is one of the highlights of TechnoCamp.

Adam has made many new friends at TechnoCamp. Here, he and fellow camper Justin Meyer enjoy some conversation and the great outdoors.

Hilde de Wit, an Interaction Designer for an assistive technology software company, spends some time working with Alex, a TechnoCamp participant.

Dale and Bev BrunschMrs. Muriel HoplinMs. Marcia HoplinC. William and Patricia DennertJoel and Lynette SchmitzMs. Irene ReinhardtLeif and Cynthia PetersonMs. Shirley JensvoldBeverly A ManleyCurtis and Betty HahnMr. Clarence J. MartinMr. Clarence J. MartinDale and Bev BrunschMr. Clarence J. MartinMrs. Mary M. MartinMrs. Mary M. MartinMr. Allan W. HankelValerie and Jerome DelzerSen. Timothy J. FlakollQuentin and Sharon BangenBosard, McCutcheon & Rau, Ltd.Mr. Warren H. ErnieJohn and Ardyce ArgentUnited Methodist Women of Des LacsMr. Ross ArgentReed ArgentMs. Ruth BorlaugJames and Gwen BorlaugMrs. Judy BorlaugLarry and Linda BorlaugJay and Alice CarrDennis and Tabitha CorneliusMrs. Marjorie DavyRobert and Susan DuskyMr. Leslie T. EvansMrs. Patricia FegleyMs. Ruth M. GroningerKaren and Delwyn GroningerMrs. Shirley D. HintzCraig McCormackSteven and Penny McCormackLyla G PaulsonBurt and Margo RiskedahlGonzalo and Lois SanchezGlen and Diane StevensJim and Sharon TranbyMrs. Natalie WadeRobert and Donna LageinRoger and Patty SkarpholMrs. Mary Ann EngebretsonJames and Judy EngstromAmerican Legion Post #195Reuben and Shirley SmithCharles and Yvonne Link

Cynthia Schreiber-BeckDonald and Inez OlsonMelvin and Ruth SkjersethEdwin and Maxine KallanderMrs. Mertis HillAmerican Legion Aux. Post # 96Gereld and Marian GerntholzJerald and E. Bonnie EricksonThomas and Kim MonsonLarry and Carmen SvenningsenMs. Janice LarsonDon and Yvonne WilliamsBruce and Connie SmithDeborah RinkelErnest and Shirley HansonJames and Linda KimballJames and Linda KimballArlin and Karen OasMrs. Della J. HoffMs. Shirley JensvoldAmerican Legion Post #116Daniel and Brenda AndersonMr. Dennis L. AndersonMr. Orville A. NelsonMs. Vivian KuipersGordon and Ida Mae SmithJames and Kathryn JohnsonHerbert and Donna NolteByron and Ardyce EllingsonGerald and Elenore BorstadCandice and Gary RudenGary and Arlys MathisJames and Linda KimballMs. Lorraine TisdelJames and Judy EngstromJoel and Lynette SchmitzRaymond and Beverly HubbardJames and Judy EngstromJ. Gene and Betty DuraM. Keith and Barbara JohnsonMrs. Muriel HoplinMs. Marcia HoplinMs. Harriet E. OlsonJames and Linda KimballMrs. Olive OlsonMrs. Frances BarnardGlenn and Charlotte OlsonScott and Rhonda DonaldsonMrs. Iris BighleyDuane and Gayle BurchillC. William and Patricia DennertMr. Meryl T. HanseyMs. Carol L. NessDon and Yvonne WilliamsMarilyn and William HughesGeorge and Muriel VigesaaWilliam and Nancy OllenburgerAlvin and Emma BluhmLois WeeksVernon and Marcy GrantHarvey and Marlene SkaareMs. Judy L. KullaRodney and Fayne BellMilton and Hannah PaulsonMs. Wanda V. NissenMr. Bruce G. PentlandMr. Wesley PeppleMs. Kathleen M. KiddMs. Helen M. PayneMrs. Frances Peterson

Willmar and Janette PetersonC. William and Patricia DennertTurtle Mountain Retired TeachersMr. Rodney L. TennysonRed River ElectricTerri FrappierKevin and Nanette PeuserJames and Debra SchumacherMrs. Sherry MischkeErnest and Shirley HansonCurtis and Betty HahnMr. Dennis L. AndersonMr. Charles D. StromsodtMilton and Hannah PaulsonMr. Allan W. HankelMrs. Elaine F. NielandMrs. Lucille A. RotzMyron and Kathryn EidsmoeC. William and Patricia DennertMarilyn and William HughesJames and Linda KimballAlvin and Emma BluhmRoger and Patty SkarpholGary and Phyllis TorskeJoel and Jane HashbargerMrs. Lucietta HashbargerMichael and Amy SteinkeRobert and Norma RichardsonRay and Janet ThielmanJames and Linda KimballMs. Shirley JensvoldMrs. Glenna Mae E. LarsonLarry and Edith RaatzDonald and JoAnne PriceMr. Dennis L. AndersonMrs. Lucille A. RotzMrs. Bernice P. RudnickMilton and Danene McLaenClarence RudyDean and Kathy RuegerCraig and Alane GroszMrs. Alice F. JohnsonMrs. Velma P. MartinMr. Dellas R. SailerGordon and Ida Mae SmithBette and Robert JohnsonRandy and Linda MyhraScott and Janet DavisLarry and Carmen SvenningsenDale and Arnola SavelkoulDonald and Mildred AbernatheyMark and Julie AdamsBruce and Carolyn AdamsHelen and Carroll AlbrightsonRoger and Connie BackesRobert and Charlene BangenMrs. Alice BlomsJoel and Debbie BlomsGerald and Elenore BorstadTheodore and Peggy BrownBlain and Gail ChristiansonJeffrey ClineLee and Gayle CunninghamDonald J. DeGreeMrs. Ava M. DufnerLaVonne and Keith ElliottDuane and Janell Feiring

Glenda FeiringSteve and Dorothy FeiringLyle and Ellen FoxLee and Karen GaraasEugene and Carol HansonKyle and Marianne HansonKeith and Janell HauckGeorge and Gail HellerMs. Mary A. HillLonnie and Ardis HusebyGordon and Linda KruegerHarlen and Evelyn LahtiTimothy and Laura MihalickMrs. Pearl D. NelsonMr. Terry W. NelsonCharles and Roberta RambergPam RasmussenJim and Ellen ReddingBernice L. ReddingPhyllis and John RichardsonKathy RichterJames and Bonnie RipplingerClyde and Judith RoutledgeCandice and Gary RudenMargaret and Henry SavelkoulDale and Arnola SavelkoulMrs. Audrey SavelkoulMs. JoAnn SavelkoulJack and Theresa SavelkoulLeonard and Blanche SchaanAlan and Cheryl ScherrMs. Julie M. SteffensMr. Phillip T. Swenson and Mrs. Sharon S. Edwards- SwensonBrent and Carolyn TalleyWesley and Marlene TossettFredrick and Janaan TylerRonald and Peggy UndlinBonnie Van SickleSteven and Julie VerryDonna and Dean WawersByron and Ardyce EllingsonMrs. Hazel SchlichtingC. William and Patricia DennertBonnie PapachekWaldo and Marion PlatteGregory and Hilda EldevikDr. Curt and Margret WagnerStan Puklich Chevrolet, Inc.Mrs. Juanita J. DuraHarvey and Kathleen HuberMs. Judy L. KullaMrs. Eunice MilneMrs. Velma P. MartinDale and Bev BrunschMrs. Elda BrunschMrs. DiAnn L. LollMs. Judy L. KullaLeslie and Carma BranchMrs. Phyllis R. LuraEdith A. AndersonSidney and Ruby PetersonMrs. Ruth SiegertLesley C. Magnus, Ph.D.Owen and Judy RandleClair and Nancy SimonsonJames and Linda KimballMrs. Gladys M. SlabyMrs. Gladys M. SlabyC. William and Patricia Dennert

Robert and Kathleen JodsaasMs. Viola TangsrudJames and Lois AaslandDavid and Beverly CrossMrs. Edna DanielsonTed and Rachelle FimreiteMs. Dorothy Janisch Karen K. KuhnMrs. Jean R. LaskowskiDonna NibbeJames PoppeDan and Linda SchaeferJacky SmithStanley and Kathleen SolbergMs. Sheryl SolbergJulian and Nijole FossenIrma RobinsonLowell and Amy AndersonByron and Ardyce EllingsonRichard and Rose Ann SplitterMr. Allan W. HankelMrs. Mary Lou StavrosJoseph and Dorothy ZdebMrs. Jean AlsakerMrs. Eloise A. BoppreC. William and Patricia DennertMelvin and Ruth SkjersethRandy and Linda MyhraMrs. Virginia A. StrobelMrs. Lillian StrommeRhoda and Ed MickelsonGlenn K. SwansonGlenn K. SwansonGlenn K. SwansonMrs. Mary L. JohnsonMrs. Ruth J. JohnsonMrs. Alma SwensonMs. Virginia JeanotteMarvin and Helen JohnsonMrs. Della J. Hoff

Lawrence LoosePaul LundinPaul LundinWayne Lunzman Leo LyonsMary MalsamMelvina F. MandigoJohn ManikowskiLee ManleyDelilah I. MarquardtAnna MartinSister Audrey MartinMerlin MartinAngeline MartinEdward MartinRichard G. MartinClifford MartinJosephine MartinsonJosephine MartinsonDarlene MauerMrs. June E. Mc Cutcheon Scott B. Mc MillanFred McCormackHelen L. McCormack Helen L. McCormackHelen L. McCormackHelen L. McCormackHelen L. McCormackHelen L. McCormackHelen L. McCormackHelen L. McCormackHelen L. McCormackHelen L. McCormackHelen L. McCormackHelen L. McCormackHelen L. McCormackHelen L. McCormackHelen L. McCormackHelen L. McCormackHelen L. McCormackHelen L. McCormack Helen L. McCormackHelen L. McCormackHelen L. McCormackHelen L. McCormackHelen L. McCormackHelen L. McCormackHoward MelbyGene MelgaardKenneth MellandBernard MeyerAlan MichelNoreen MillerRebecca Miller

Rebecca MillerJoseph MiltonKelsey M. MisialekAlicia MittleiderHelen MlnarikLucille Moen Harold L. MollMylo MonsonRobert and Adele MonsonLowell Monson Dorothy MooreAdaire MooreDelores MoserRandy MotzGloria A. MuschaMrs. Margaret A. MyersCal MyersCal MyersDavid NelsonEarl M. NelsonLyle M. NelsonNancy NelsonNancy NelsonLila NelsonMarion L. NessHarold NeukomRose M. NihillDuane A. NolteMarvin NorellGladys L. NorstedtGladys L. NorstedtKevin NyboJoan OaklandGerald OdegaardWayne OeffnerPearl H. OehlkeClyde Olson Ardell E. OlsonMichael OlsonCraig Olson Evelyn M. OlsonEvelyn M. OlsonEvelyn M. OlsonRoger OlsonRodney OlsonJulian OlsonMark OlsonBillie OlstadLoved onesMargaret Abraham’s motherMother of Yvonne Torala All Veterans Martha Johnson’s motherTessa & MerleRussell R. OnstadGeraldine OstbyVirginia Oster Louis Osterbur Jana OverboErma G. OverbyGordon OverlandDiane M. PateneaudeEythel PateraLars and Minnie PaulsonFrank PedersonVirginia PentlandAlice PeppleOscar PetersonOscar PetersonOscar Peterson

Lisa D. Peterson Perry A. Peterson Ruth Peterson Shelly R. PetersonArdith L. PeuserArdith L. PeuserArdith L. PeuserArdith L. Peuser William F. Pfingsten Jr.Edward PiatzSam PlorinBill PorterCheryl PrattJohn and Bertha PrinceJames B. PrintzDorothy RanceLulu RaskAdis A RasmussenKatie Rasmussen James Rathert Mary RatzlaffEmma RaupJack RedmondJack RedmondMarion RichardsMarion RichardsMarion RichardsAaron K. Richardson Aaron K. Richardson Opal L. RivelandJeff RomanClara RonningenMarilyn RossRobert RothBenora RothenbergerGeorge RotzRobert RudnickMarcella C. RudolphElizabeth RudyKateLynn A. RuegerEldon RundCarl and Agnes RustenErnest SaewertCarol SailerBettie J. SampsonVerne SandrySadie M. SargentJeanette SatromJeanette Satrom Brian L. SavelkoulCorinne Savelkoul Corinne SavelkoulCorinne SavelkoulCorinne SavelkoulCorinne SavelkoulCorinne SavelkoulCorinne SavelkoulCorinne Savelkoul Corinne Savelkoul Corinne SavelkoulCorinne SavelkoulCorinne SavelkoulCorinne SavelkoulCorinne SavelkoulCorinne SavelkoulCorinne SavelkoulCorinne Savelkoul

Corinne SavelkoulCorinne SavelkoulCorinne SavelkoulCorinne SavelkoulCorinne SavelkoulCorinne SavelkoulCorinne SavelkoulCorinne SavelkoulCorinne SavelkoulCorinne SavelkoulCorinne SavelkoulCorinne SavelkoulCorinne SavelkoulCorinne SavelkoulCorinne SavelkoulCorinne Savelkoul Corinne SavelkoulCorinne SavelkoulCorinne SavelkoulCorinne SavelkoulCorinne SavelkoulCorinne SavelkoulCorinne SavelkoulCorinne SavelkoulCorinne Savelkoul Corinne SavelkoulCorinne SavelkoulCorinne SavelkoulCorinne SavelkoulCorinne SavelkoulCorinne SavelkoulCorinne SavelkoulCorinne Savelkoul Corinne SavelkoulCorinne SavelkoulCorinne SavelkoulCorinne SavelkoulCorinne SavelkoulCorinne SavelkoulCorinne SavelkoulEvelyn SchlenkerDorothy M. SchlichtingArthur Schlosser Shirley A. SchmaltzVasie P. SchmidtAnthony J. SchneiderWilko SchoenbohmSherrill F. SchorschSherrill F. SchorschDan & Sherrill SchorschSherrill F. SchorschDan & Sherrill SchorschVune SchreinerLeonard SchultzLeonard SchultzConnie SchultzFrances L. SchulzAlma and Carl SchwarzMaryLee ScottMargaret L. ScurlockSharon F. SenekerMarvin SiegertElizabeth A. SiglohElizabeth A. SiglohMrs. Mabel SimonsonGudrun SkalickyGeorge SlabyThomas L. SlabyWard L. Smalley

Carol SmithMarlyn SoholtBernard J. SolbergBernard J. SolbergBernard J. SolbergBernard J. SolbergBernard J. SolbergBernard J. SolbergBernard J. SolbergBernard J. SolbergBernard J. SolbergBernard J. SolbergBernard J. SolbergBernard J. SolbergBernard J. SolbergCyril SolinBabe SorensonRuth B. SorensonRuth B. SorensonEd Splitter Franklin Stahlecker Athena StavrosJulia and Henry SteidlDylan SteigersEllen Stewart Perry R. Stoddard Ruth StokkeLara Le StrandHarold StrobelMorris StrommeOliver R. StutrudEllard S. SwansonBedvi SwansonGregory K. SwansonTom Swanson Fern SweeneyRobert SwensonC. Morris TangsrudNora J. TemanMelvin R. Teske

G i v e n B y i n M e M o r y o f G i v e n B y i n M e M o r y o f

G i v e n B y i n M e M o r y o f

Donors Help Provide Spiritual Nourishment

The Chaplaincy Care Program at the Anne Carlsen Center is a blessing to our students, clients, staff and families. It’s a vital facet of care that relies on continued donor support.

Students Jonas and Saige could show you what a difference the spiritual component of services at ACC makes! Just spend 5 minutes in Chapel, and you’ll see both stu-dents completely absorbed in the beauty and meaning of worship. Perhaps one or both of them will even be leading worship, micro-phone in hand! Chaplain Lindy is helping students like Jonas and Saige realize their God-given

potential and grow in their faith each day.

Recently you received a special mailing sharing these joyful stories and inviting you to partner with us in this important program. Please consider, if you have not already, supporting the Chap-laincy with your financial gifts and prayers. It is one of the most important programs here at the Center, helping us continue our tradition of holistic care — mind, body, and spirit.

Mr. Charlie D. ThompsonValborg ThompsonRandy and Linda MyhraGerald and Marion OlsonJerald and E. Bonnie EricksonMs. Shirley JensvoldMrs. Gladys Jondahl-MortonDeLores E. TurnquistGayle KeeneyRonald and Marilyn Mc LeanKevin and Eileen RutherfordDeLores E. TurnquistHarvey and Marilyn BurleyCheryl and Mitchell GussNaomi ViningDavid and Nance BrowdieDavid and Nance BrowdieDavid and Anabeth VoigtsJim and Ellen ReddingMrs. Beva C. StringerMr. Thomas A. HeieMs. Virginia JeanotteMs. Virginia JeanotteGeorge and Muriel VigesaaWallace and Emilee MillerMs. Joan L. MorrisMyron and Gertrude PryorMr. Rodney C. AndersonMrs. Delores M. BlairMrs. Betty D. JohnsonMyron and Kathryn EidsmoeMrs. Edith JohnsonMrs. LaVera M. EdickGary and Jan WysockiDavid and Geraldine YaggieJerald and E. Bonnie EricksonGlenn and Connie SchwinkendorfRenee and Galen Larson

Mary Thompson Valborg ThompsonMarvin ThorsonMarvin ThorsonLorrin TiegenHarley TrinkaHenry F. TuengeAlice TurnquistCarl TurnquistCarl TurnquistCarl TurnquistCarl TurnquistMyron UllandEdna L. VettelWilliam ViningMaarja K. VogelMart N. T. VogelCaryl VoigtsBarb L. WagnerPaul WallerDonald WalmannCurt WardGlenn WardMyron WatneDelbert WescomDelbert WescomDelbert WescomJames WesterRuth M. WestfieldDarla WestphalMildred P. WienbarClarice WistromPaula WoodringJulian and Rowena WysockiTanya K. YaggieGreg YoungMelvin Zerr Rita C. Zimprich

G i v e n B y i n M e M o r y o f G i v e n B y i n M e M o r y o f G i v e n B y i n M e M o r y o f

14 tHE AMbAssAdor tHE AMbAssAdor 15

16 tHE AMbAssAdor

Tim FlakollFargo, N.D.

Joel FremstadMoorhead, Minn.

Harvey Huber Treasurer Jamestown, N.D.

Bruce Iserman Vice ChairFargo, N.D.

Pat McCullough SecretaryEdina, Minn.

Robert Montgomery, M.D. Fargo, N.D.

Sue Offutt, Ph.D.Arlington Heights, Ill.

Thomas Rohleder Immediate Past ChairFargo, N.D.

Janet SeaworthBismarck, N.D.

Pat Traynor ChairFargo, N.D.

Reesa WebbEnglewood, Colo.

Myra Quanrud, M.D.Ex OfficioJamestown, N.D.

boArd oF trustEEs

Eric MonsonChief Executive Officer

Marcia GumsChief Operating Officer

Judy KullaChief Financial Officer

Margie JohnsonHuman Resource Director

Sam BrownellIT Director

Allan HartmannFinancial Services Director

Donna ZimmermanInterim Development Directordonna.zimmerman@annecenter.org

Jeannie CamarilloAssociate Development Directorjeannie.camarillo@annecenter.org

Rachel SchaferFoundation Operation Coordinatorrachel.schafer@annecenter.org

Naomi GrueneichFoundation Support Specialistnaomi.grueneich@annecenter.org

Logan LittleCommunications Managerlogan.little@annecenter.org

Brittany LipetzkyDevelopment Coordinatorbrittany.lipetzky@annecenter.org

sEnior MAnAGEMEnt

dEvEloPMEnt dEPArtMEnt —foundation • 701.952.5167

tHE AMbAssAdor

Published by:Anne Carlsen Center701 3rd St. N.W. P.O. Box 8000 Jamestown, ND 58402 1-800-568-5175www.annecenter.org

Brenda Tappert, Editor brenda.tappert@annecenter.org

Brittany Lipetzky, Assistant Editor brittany.lipetzky@annecenter.org

Logan Little, Assistant Editor logan.little@annecenter.org

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The Ambassador is mailed, free of charge, for supporters of the mission and vision of the Anne Carlsen Center.

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o u r C o M M u n i t y P A r t n E r s

The Anne Carlsen Center partners each year with area businesses who share our passion for empowering children, adults and families to lead lives of greater independence and inclusion. We are grateful for the commitment and compassion demonstrated by these Community Partners.

This year the following businesses are helping continue the rich tradition the Center began

more than 70 years ago — nurturing abilities and changing lives forever.

You hear them, before you see them ...

And when the low-pitched rumble of motorcycle engines becomes audible, the students and staff of the Anne Carlsen Center (ACC) smile and cheer. The excitement grows until

moments later, the first motorcycle appears around the corner. Much to the students’ delight, it’s Santa! Behind him, a long, steady line of motorcycles makes its way into an ACC James-town Campus parking lot, marking the beginning of the 15th annual Christmas in July.

On July 21, the members of the Jamestown Individu-als and Ladies Individuals Motorcycle Clubs held their special event for ACC stu-dents. The first Christmas in July drew about 100 bikers; this year, 200 bikers from all over the area took part.

The motorcycle club mem-bers shared some early holiday cheer and gifts with

some very happy and appreciative stu-dents. They presented each child with a $50 Visa gift card, as well as a tote bag containing a blanket, movie ticket, and a variety of lighted, sensory toys.

“The Individuals are so generous. They go all out every year!” says Denise Jensen, the ACC Activities

Coordinator. “They also gave each home area a water toy, such as a slip ‘n slide or a sprinkler toy.”

The stop at the Anne Carlsen Center is part of an all-day run that involves stops in numerous commu-nities. The bikers enjoyed lunch at ACC before con-tinuing on their journey.

“There were smiles ev-erywhere,” says Jensen. “Everyone was overjoyed. Watching the kids as they experience that joy is overwhelming ... I’ve had tears in my eyes a couple of times.”

The most precious gifts the Anne Carlsen Center family receives during the Christmas season are not found under the Christmas tree or hung on the mantel. They come from our faithful supporters and friends, and don’t require any special packaging.

It’s become a tradition here at the Center to ask donors for a special Christmas gift, to honor the determi-nation and resolve of the remarkable children and young adults we serve. You’ll soon receive a special mailing from us with inspirational stories

about what your dedicated support is making possible each day at the Anne Carlsen Center. We’ll introduce you to three amazing individuals who were not afraid to dream big, and whose dreams are coming true right before our eyes! What an inspiration it has been to see them accomplish their goals!

Thank you for helping make these beautiful dreams — and future dreams — come true for the incred-ible children and young adults we are privileged to serve.

On the Cover:Five-year-old Kyrie Brenneise of Dickinson participates in an activity during a social skills camp held by the Anne Carlsen Center.

Jingle Bells in July

Bring Joy to ACC Students

Santa poses with some of the bikers and ACC staff who helped put together the Christmas in July event.

Making Dreams Come True

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Adam (left) and Justin (right) share a laugh during TechnoCamp 2012 with Mark Coppin, the assistive technology director at the Anne Carlsen Center. The two campers, who have been bunkmates for the last two years of camp, helped Coppin shoot footage for a video before picking a spot under a tree for some time to talk and relax.