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

Winter 2011www.annecenter.org

Growing Up StrongYoung boy continuing to flourish at ACCPage 10

Caring Through SharingCoin containers provide easy way for you to be involved with ACCPage 8

Lives changing through community-based services in Fargo, Grand Forks Page 4

Anne Carlsen Center went camping at Elks Camp Grassick this summer, displaying their artistic abilities with assistive technology.

Through both adapted and traditional equipment students from ACC and from around North Dakota were empowered to achieve new creative plateaus. Each summer, TechnoCamp combines these unique experiences with traditional camping adventures.

Campers got to sing by a campfire, take in the scenic countryside at Elks Camp Grassick, just south of

Ben gets another exciting day off to a ringing start as he announces it is breakfast time.

Anne Carlsen Center Stakes Claim to Artistic Adventure

TechnoCamp campers utilized adapted soft-ware to help create their own music.

Jonas carefully helps his art project take form by patting its exterior layers.

Kim McGarrah, the Home Life Services Coordinator for Horse-shoe Park, helps Adam try on a summer hat.

Dawson, N.D., during a hayride, and swim in Lake Isabel. Each day begins with camp fare—such as pancakes fresh off the griddle—filling tummies and powering the energetic teens having the time of their lives.

The summer camp experience is one of many unique experiences the Anne Carlsen Center provides—but it is only through the heartfelt generosity of donors we can continue to make such impacts on these remarkable lives.

Anne Carlsen Center Stakes Claim to Artistic Adventure

For many campers, swimming in a lake—in this case Lake Isabel—is a unique experience they can only experience through this amazing summer camp experience.

Marissa spreads a layer of paste across one of her arts and crafts projects.

Michael beats the heat with a class of icy water and an ice cube along his neck.

2 The AmbASSAdor

Mark Coppin’s year as an Apple Distinguished Educator (ADE) has helped prepare the Anne Carlsen Center toward a new level of national recognition.

The Center’s Assistive Technology Director is posi-tioning ACC to receive an Apple Distinguished School designation. This distinction is reserved for schools that have achieved a 21st century vision of education utilizing Apple technologies. Only schools that have demonstrated vision, leadership and successful imple-mentation of technology that supports teaching and learning are honored in this way.

“We have a set of expec-tations—for our staff to achieve a higher level of expertise. This allows us to be recognized as a center of excellence,” said Coppin, who has worked at ACC for over two decades. “We will be using cutting-edge technologies at the Cen-ter as one of the tools for delivering curriculum and enhancing lives.”

Apple Distinguished EducatorIn March 2009, Coppin learned he had been honored by Apple with an individual award. The 20-plus year employee of the Center received confirmation he was selected as an Apple Distinguished Educator. He was just one of 52 ADEs named in the United States, that year and was the only North Dakotan represented in his class.

As part of the group, Coppin participated in an ADE institute with the rest of his nominated class. He networked with other ADE alumni and learned new ways to combine creativity and cutting-edge technol-ogy. During this week-long training session the ADE community also worked on a number of projects that integrated Apple technologies in the classroom.

The collaboration between ADE members is an impor-tant component of the ADE community. The ADEs fuel

each other’s creativity by working together on various projects and sharing information from their specific schools and regions. Together they provide leadership in best practices for educators.

Apple Distinguished SchoolShould the Anne Carlsen Center achieve its goal of becoming an Apple Distinguished School, it could allow the Center to develop relationships with soft-ware developers—through the hands-on testing of new software and hardware. By testing hardware and software the Center will have influence on the development of new technologies. This collaboration with developers supports the Center’s belief that

technology opens the door to greater independence and learning.

Such is the case with Apple’s iPad. Released in April 2010, this portable technology component has limitless potential for education.

“We know putting tech-nology into classrooms is important,” said Coppin. “Now our staff will be collecting data to prove technology interation makes a difference.”

Technology use and documentation will keep the Center on the cutting edge of learning and communication advancements. “This

approach will strengthen our program,” said Coppin.

Each of the eight classrooms at the Center’s campus in Jamestown will be impacted, but these technologies are not limited to ACC’s home campus of 70 years. Clients served through ACC’s Community Services will benefit from these projects.

“We will be able to expand our mission outside our four walls,” said Coppin. “We will be reaching students all over the world.”

ACC Assistive Technology director Working on School’s National Program

Coppin’s Apple

Mark Coppin works with Ben to create music and art at TechnoCamp.

The AmbASSAdor 3

It’s a sight that takes your breath away this time of year, no matter your age: shiny, perfectly wrapped presents under the Christmas tree, and colorful stock-ings—plump with treats and trinkets—hanging on the fireplace mantle.

Yet some presents you won’t find topped with a bow and nestled among the fir, spruce or pine branches. In fact, many of life’s most meaningful, life-changing gifts cannot be contained in a box or bag.

Generous friends of the Anne Carlsen Center have, over the years, contributed to many of these intan-gible gifts. Certainly, there have been the building enhancements and equipment needs that have been met (which we are so grateful for!), but there are also the gifts of learning, achievement and hope celebrated daily at the Center.

When a child with a Traumatic Brain Injury regains the ability to laugh and play—it’s with the help of your financial support.

When a young adult with autism establishes relation-ships and achieves success in his community—you have played a major role.

And because of your love, students and clients of the Center will utilize assistive technology and adaptive tools to perform their annual Christmas program, which features music, classroom performances, and colorful costumes and displays.

With your dedicated support, the Anne Carlsen Cen-ter has become a leader in improving accessibility in education, recreation, vocation and technology—among other areas—for individuals with disabilities.

The Center’s work, however, is not limited to acces-sibility but extends to the broader realm of inclusion. This means an individual is embraced as a member of society and participates—using his or her abilities—in daily activities as a community member. From the playground to the workplace, inclusion is critical and commendable.

While working to prepare those we serve for the path ahead, the Center is also “preparing the path” for the

individual. In other words, in addition to teaching and training our students and clients, we work to help commu-nities become equipped to meet the diverse needs of their members. It is a collaborative, interdisciplinary approach … and it’s thrilling to see the results, as communities learn to in-clude these individuals in their midst.

In this issue of The Ambassador (begin-ning on page 4), you’ll read about Courtney, an Anne Carlsen Center Community Services client in Fargo who is overcoming significant obstacles in the quest for a more fulfilling life. The Center is helping her elimi-nate physical and psychological barriers to her success. What courage she has demonstrated, as she develops meaningful relationships and participates more fully now in a variety of activities!

On page 10 you’ll meet Sander, a young student who came to the Center for rehabilitative services following a hemispherectomy of his brain, done to treat severe spasms and seizures. The Center’s team of therapists is working with the boy to help him overcome chal-lenges with eating, language and movement. Just wait till you see what he’s accomplished so far, as he builds skills and strength on the path to a productive and fulfilling life!

The Anne Carlsen Center relies on the support of friends like you to help provide Sander, Courtney and so many others with compassionate and individual-ized services. It is with grateful hearts this Christmas season that we thank you for the gifts of belonging, meaning and purpose that are enriching the lives of those in our care.

May your Christmas be warm and bright with love. We pray you are blessed with many happy memories as you celebrate God’s gift to the world—his Son.

Warmest regards,

Eric Monson Chief Executive Officer Anne Carlsen Center

T h e g i F T o F b e l o N g i N g

A m e S S Ag e F r o m T h e C e o

4 The AmbASSAdor

The Anne Carlsen Center launched its Community Services in 2008 with the desire to bring the organization’s resources and professionals closer to individuals and families affected by disabilities across North Dakota. The

Center—in addition to providing services at its well-established Jamestown campus—now provides indi-vidualized support in the areas of daily living, self-care and behavior management in and around Jamestown, Grand Forks and Fargo. The following is one Fargo client’s story. This young woman is overcoming significant obstacles on the path to greater independence, fulfillment and hope.

More than 4,000 people were present for a proud moment in Courtney Penas’ life. The setting was Newman Outdoor Field in Fargo where a thrill-ing RedHawks baseball game was underway. The fans in the stands, the mascots on the side-lines, and the players on the field were not aware of Court-ney’s presence in the crowd, but that did not at all lessen the significance of what the young woman accomplished that day.

For Courtney … and those who love her … the outing marked a major victory in a battle against severe social anxiety. She would have missed out on an event like this just one year before, too fearful and unsure to enter the stands, or possibly, even get out of the car. But on this day, she sat calmly, smiled brightly, and looked right at home as one of the team’s loyal fans.

The baseball game was an out-ing taken during the summer by staff and adult clients of the Anne Carlsen Center (ACC) Community Services. Courtney became a client in early 2010, with ACC providing vocational skill training, guidance in daily living and self-help skills,

community-based programming, and leisure training and support. She’s gaining meaningful experiences while learning to be more productive and social. Little by little, the anxiety that has controlled her life is beginning to loosen its powerful grip.

Courtney was born with Down syndrome—or, trisomy 21—a genetic condition that causes intellectual disability, distinctive physical traits and some medical issues. However, having three copies of chromosome 21 had not prevented Courtney, as a child, from lead-ing a happy and full life.

A Tough TransitionShortly after beginning high school, Courtney began suffering from social and general anxieties that were extreme, persistent and disabling. Her mom, Patti Penas, says the transition from middle school to high school was too overwhelming for Courtney. “She quit sleeping and eating,” says Patti. “She began experienc-ing major depression and anxiety. Social situations and public places she once en-joyed now brought on panic and agitation.”

The Anne Carlsen Center worked closely with Court-ney’s school throughout the first part of 2010 to help en-sure that the young woman’s transition from high school to adult services was not as traumatic as the beginning of high school.

“We worked as a team with her school,” explains Danielle Remmick, a Family Resource Coordinator with the Anne Carlsen Center Community Services. “The Center has experience helping young people like Courtney become comfortable with settings, people and routines that are different from what they experienced at school. They

Facing her fears

Fargo woman is overcoming social anxiety with support

from ACC

The AmbASSAdor 5

are going from something they had done every day to something else. What are they going to do for the rest of their lives? You have to plan ahead and help ensure that the learning continues.”

Staff introduced themselves gradually to Courtney, who was leery of new people or any other sudden change to her environment. In March, an ACC Life Skills Assistant (LSA) began spending just half an hour in Courtney’s classroom at school, sitting toward the back. A few weeks later, the frequency and length of the visits grew, along with the amount of interaction.

By late April, when Courtney’s comfort level with the LSA had increased, she became accustomed to car rides home with the staff member, in addition to her mom. The Anne Carlsen Center began filling more of Courtney’s day with enriching programs and train-ing. Patti—upon whom Courtney had always greatly relied—gradually stepped back to help her daughter gain greater independence and confidence.

Building for SuccessNow that Courtney has finished high school, her days are spent developing skills for future success. She gains a variety of vocational skills at Fargo area businesses and packages pasta and puts labels on cans of food at the local food pantry. She goes grocery shopping, prepares her own lunch, cleans house and does laundry, and walks and swims at the YMCA. There’s also a host of satisfying social activities— including taking in a RedHawks baseball game with some of her friends.

“We wanted the trip to the baseball game to be a positive one for Courtney,” says Remmick. “We went to the stadium each day for several days leading up to the event to help her become familiar with the

surroundings. The day of the game, we took the back entrance, so that it would be less overwhelming. In the end, she didn’t mind all of the people and the noise. It’s very impressive because, not so long ago, she wouldn’t have even gotten out of the car.”

Today, Courtney enjoys outings, along with fellow clients, to museums, parks and restaurants. Every Friday she participates in the ACC Olympics, which features a variety of fun athletic activities, adapted so that everyone can fully participate.

Courtney has two Anne Carlsen Center staff (LSAs) who now work separately with her, and provide a variety of specialized services and support. They spend a total of 40 hours each week with her in the commu-nity, at vocational training sites, and at the home she shares with her parents. “Their biggest role is to step back and let Courtney be as independent as possible,” says Remmick. “They support her in what she can do. For instance, in the morning, one LSA is present to help her get ready for the day. Courtney gets dressed on her own, but the LSA is there to coach her through breakfast preparation, providing support if needed.”

LSAs also provide transportation and time manage-ment support. Courtney relies on staff to help organize and keep a variety of appointments, from vocational training sessions to social outings with friends. In addition, because Courtney rarely communicates verbally, they function as communication partners, vocalizing for her in certain situations. “Courtney is superb in communicating non-verbally,” says Remmick. “Life Skills Assistants read her cues, and they know when she needs assistance.”

Job Well DoneIt’s the middle of the morning at the Blockbuster video store on 13th Avenue in Fargo. This is a quiet

Courtney spends several hours each week helping out at a Blockbuster video store in Fargo.

Here, Courtney participates in the public celebration and unveiling of the Anne Carlsen Center’s Commu-nity Services in the Fargo area. As part of the festivities, Courtney demon-strated how she has helped bake cookies for Senior Connections at the Hjemkomst Center.

6 The AmbASSAdor

time of day when the number of customers tends to be small. Employees stay busy, though, as there is a lot to do, including re-stocking the videos that have been returned.

Since July, Courtney has gone to the video store for vocational training, spending a few hours each week putting movies back on the store shelves. When she ar-rives, store manager Sheri Gustafson greets her cheer-fully. Courtney’s eyes sparkle and she smiles broadly. Her red hair shines as she moves about the store, carefully putting movies—organized alphabetically on a cart—back where they belong. The video store is an excellent fit for Courtney, according to ACC staff, because Courtney loves mov-ies, enjoys the visual stimula-tion of the colorful movie cases, thrives doing structured work, and feels comfortable in the quiet surroundings.

“Mornings are good because I am available if she needs help or has questions,” says Gus-tafson, who answers Court-ney’s questions, verbalized by the LSA. “She is cautious early on,” says Gustafson about Courtney, “until she gets to know someone, and then she really enjoys being around that person.

“Courtney is very loving,” Gustafson adds. “She does a really good job and is very dependable. She always gets the job completed.”

There are plans at the store to give Courtney more responsibility, such as putting price stickers on movies that are for sale, or other more detailed work.

Remmick says Courtney is now more relaxed and productive in a variety of settings. Her demeanor is calmer—a dramatic improvement from when her anxiety was at its worst. Before, if Courtney became unsure or afraid, she would be very vocal, dart back and forth, and move her hands rapidly. Then, she would try to find the door in order to leave.

“When the anxiety began,” says Patti, “it was difficult for Courtney to stay on any one task.”

“Now, we are very in tune with her thoughts and emotions,” explains Remmick. “We know what she can tolerate and structure to meet her needs. We are

still working on transitions and continuing to help her cope well. She is doing more meaningful work now, for longer periods of time.”

Looking Forward “Before Courtney suffered from anxiety, she was so happy,” Patti remembers. “We want her to enjoy life again. She is letting go of some of the anxiety and getting comfortable. In a flexible and gradual way, she is being introduced into the community.”

As Courtney’s comfort with members of the community grows, Patti hopes her daughter will start to verbalize more—something she used to do fairly often, until the anxiety set in. Most often, she relies on nonverbal

communication, such as ges-tures, facial expressions, or circling a response on a piece of paper.

Courtney’s parents envision that, as their daughter gains important skills and abilities, she will eventually be able to live more independently.

“We want Courtney to enjoy life more and depend less on us,” says Patti. “We want her to have more confidence in other caregivers and be able to go into a group living situa-

tion eventually—to be independent of us during a time when we can still be around. We want the transition to happen during a positive time in her life.”

Courtney’s parents have more hope of that happen-ing since they have become involved with the Anne Carlsen Center. They can picture their daughter someday living semi-independently, having an active social life, contributing to the community in meaning-ful ways, and not being tied to everything that mom and dad do.

“The Anne Carlsen Center’s Community Services program is wonderful. There is such a need for it in North Dakota,” says Patti. “Individuals are treated with dignity and respect. That’s something we some-times overlook with individuals with behavioral challenges, because we are so busy trying to control the behavior, we forget. The Center staff encourages Courtney without pressuring her. They stretch her wings … without pulling too hard.”

Courtney is pictured here with her parents, Bruce and Patti, and her sister, Nicole. Her family, thankful for the Anne Carlsen Center’s services,

is pleased to see Courtney so happy and productive

The AmbASSAdor 7

In Memory Of... The Anne Carlsen Center is blessed each year with gifts given in memory of parents, grandparents, friends, mentors and many others. These memorial gifts help the Center fund services, programs and projects that have a life-changing impact on children and young adults with disabilities. By remembering your loved ones in this special way, you are helping create meaningful and lasting memories for the individuals we serve.

Memorials gifted between May 1, 2010 and August 31, 2010:

Given By In Memory Of Given By In Memory Of Given By In Memory Of Given By In Memory Of

Ms. Mary Ann BrennanMr. Rodney C. AndersonMrs. Darlis ShortClifford and Velma MartinRodney and Betty HansonIrving and Janice ThompsonJ. Thomas and Jeanette AndersonRobert and Eunice TangsrudLou Jean KelleyRaydon and Betty WorkinMs. Shirley JensvoldKarter and Vernis KroghBert and Helen EgstadMrs. Beulah M. HavelickRandy and Linda MyhraMr. Robert W. MartinsonDr. Rock L. ClapperOscar and Joanne ClapperDaris and Mabel BittnerMr. Robert W. MartinsonRodney and Fayne BellCynthia Schreiber-BeckMrs. Mary L. JohnsonGordon and Loretta DomierMr. Robert W. MartinsonTurtle Mountain Retired TeachersMr. Robert W. MartinsonMary L. GrindeMr. Robert W. MartinsonLarry and Edith RaatzKermit and Arlys SorbyGordon and Ida Mae SmithMrs. Lucille A. RotzRobert and Mary MuhsMrs. Lorna J. BoresonGerald and Elenore BorstadGerald and Elenore BorstadMr. Robert W. MartinsonMr. Barry A. BourquinMr. Robert W. MartinsonMr. Robert W. MartinsonMrs. Janene NordloefMs. Shirley JensvoldMrs. Kathleen WyumNorman and Donna LorentzsenMrs. Katherine PaschkeEdward and Elaine NafusC. Norman and Sharon RehovskyMrs. Anne HausauerEldon and Clara Jo ConantJoseph and Elizabeth AndersonMrs. LaVera M. EdickHarley and Gloria SchmidtRoy and Esther PetersonMrs. Darlis ShortMr. Robert W. MartinsonMs. Shirley JensvoldJames and Linda KimballDean and Patricia BahrMs. Helen E. BakerCarl and Lynne ChristiansonRodney and Betty HansonMrs. Elaine F. NielandMr. Robert W. MartinsonDonald and Carol OdenbachMr. Robert W. MartinsonRev. Ernest W. CollardMr. Lloyd O. CookMrs. Carole J. KvammeApollo Hair ClinicsMr. Rodney C. AndersonC. William and Patricia DennertMs. Mary E. Bailey-DaceGerald and Donna CollinsCurtis and Susan FallstromMr. Robert W. MartinsonDennis and Judy GumkeMr. and Mrs. Richard PokornyMr. Theodore J. DonleyMr. Robert W. MartinsonMr. Robert W. MartinsonDavid and Faye BernsteinMrs. Sherry MischkeMr. Robert W. MartinsonDonald and Carol OdenbachMrs. Elaine EicholtzGregory and Hilda EldevikMs. Dorothy A. BrissEldon and Clara Jo ConantMrs. Judy HunterMrs. Darlis ShortMrs. Dolores LandblomMrs. Evelyn DelmoreMrs. Muriel B. SmithMr. Brian EngstromMrs. Jacquelyn R. SchulteMrs. Betty WalockRandy and Linda MyhraJerome and Evon PrausMrs. Sherry MischkeJerald and E. Bonnie EricksonMr. Warren H. ErnieMrs. Mabel DahlAnthony and Jean PeszkoMr. Kenneth D. FandreyRandy and Linda MyhraDean and Sylvia FatlandMrs. Anna DrangsholtRoy and Esther PetersonMr. Robert W. MartinsonC. William and Patricia DennertMelvin and Ruth Skjerseth

C. William and Patricia DennertBill and Marilyn HughesMorris and Edna Mae EricksonLt. Col. Harry and Sharon SherlockMrs. LaVera M. EdickC. William and Patricia DennertGerhard and Irene KarlstadMr. Robert W. MartinsonRichard and Linda Mc BrideMs. Dorothy A. BrissMr. Virgil H. FredricksMs. Judy L. KullaMr. Robert W. MartinsonG. G. and Millie HenneMrs. Irene B. MeyerLarry and Edith RaatzMr. Robert W. MartinsonMrs. Marilyn F. GalazenMr. Robert W. MartinsonMrs. Lorna J. BoresonLarry and Edith RaatzMrs. Margaret A. GenungMr. Lloyd C. SheldonRay and Elaine GerlingerMr. and Mrs. Leslie P. SorensonMr. Robert W. MartinsonMr. Robert W. MartinsonMrs. Darlis ShortDaris and Mabel BittnerMr. Robert W. MartinsonRichard and Ethel GriesonBradley and Mary GrimMs. Judy L. KullaJon and Margaret TennessenDonald and Rita LundMrs. Sherry MischkeMrs. Thelma L. DeBiltMrs. Alma A. JohnsonKeith and Rebecca SolbergDwight and Kay BlikreTerry and Sonya BendicksonEldon and Clara Jo ConantMrs. Joan LindvallMrs. Marilyn F. NissenMr. E. Bruce HagenKent and Bonnie EicholtzMrs. Hazel SchlichtingRaydon and Betty WorkinEvelyn BrandvoldMr. Allan W. HankelRoger and Patty SkarpholMarjorie KrabbenhoftMrs. Mary Ann EngebretsonRoger and Patty SkarpholRobert and Eunice TangsrudBob E. and Dee HansonMs. Dorothy A. BrissMr. Martin R. HarnischWaldo and Marion PlatteMrs. Mary Ann EngebretsonEldon and Clara Jo ConantRaydon and Betty WorkinGordon and Loretta DomierMs. Mary Ann BrennanDean and Kellie BjornsonC. William and Patricia DennertAnonymousMs. Dorothy A. BrissMr. Melvin H. HavenMyron and Bonnie PapachekMelvin and Ruth SkjersethMrs. Ruth TweedGeorge and Muriel VigesaaLarry and Edith RaatzMr. Robert GambleMrs. Dorothe Jean HetlandMs. Shirley JensvoldMarvin and Laverne SchulzMarvin and Laverne SchulzMs. Alice M. AlexanderMrs. Katherine PaschkeMrs. Rosanne M. FarrellGerald and Elenore BorstadHugh and Jo Ann PattersonMr. Robert W. MartinsonRobert and Becky HermanMrs. Ardyce GregersonLarry and Edith RaatzMrs. LaVonne M. RauhauserMs. Betty L. NelsonDonald and Carol OdenbachMr. Robert W. MartinsonC. William and Patricia DennertMr. Robert W. MartinsonLoren and Margie JohnsonMs. Shirley JensvoldMrs. Evelyn M. BoscheeJames and Colleen WeyrauchMrs. Emma E. HolmesMrs. Rachel A. HoovestolMr. Robert W. MartinsonC. William and Patricia DennertDarwin and Mary Ann BitzMr. Robert W. MartinsonMr. Robert W. MartinsonStanley and Susan JohnsonMrs. Marlene ArnesonMrs. L. Elvira LokkenGary and Phyllis TorskeMrs. Elise T. JacobsonMrs. Bunny Du ChampMr. Robert W. MartinsonMichael and Loretta McConnellMrs. Theresa AnkenbauerGereld and Marian GerntholzClifford and Velma Martin

Byron and Ardyce EllingsonMrs. Dolores LandblomLandon KimballLynn BaileyNathan Kjelland and Britt JacobsonRichard and Marlene QuanrudGreg and Marcy SvenningsenMr. Robert W. MartinsonMrs. Mary SeimMrs. Katherine PaschkeMr. Robert W. MartinsonMrs. Lila RauMs. Shirley JensvoldCraig and Julie SandstromMs. Irene Ann LinsethMs. Mary Jane LowMr. Robert W. MartinsonWayne and Lois SwensonJohn and Shirley WilsonMr. Robert W. MartinsonJim and Pam FossMr. Robert W. MartinsonMr. Charles C. KennedyMr. Alvin KesselMs. Judy L. KullaDonald and Myrtle LiebingGrant and Donna SchmidtWesley and Luella Ten PasRobb and Deone KullaMr. Robert W. MartinsonJames and Alice SchwabClarence and Fern RauLarry and Carmen SvenningsenGlenn and Beverly FrericksMr. Robert W. MartinsonMs. Shirley JensvoldDarwin and Mary Ann BitzMs. Judy L. KullaMs. Kathy A. KvislenGrant and Donna SchmidtRobert and Bette JohnsonMrs. Alma A. JohnsonMrs. Elizabeth KalhagenVernard and Bernita FrederickSenster and Janet VangsnessMr. Brian EngstromMrs. Phyllis M. BethkeMr. Brian EngstromDaris and Mabel BittnerMrs. Muriel B. SmithMrs. Ivy E. JohannesenMrs. Shirley LedahlMr. Robert W. MartinsonMr. Robert W. MartinsonMr. Robert W. MartinsonEldon and Clara Jo ConantMs. Mary L. MilbrathMrs. Jacquelyn R. SchulteMike and Geraldine PaczkowskiMr. Robert W. MartinsonOrville and Sheryl KjellandMr. Ralph J. LileksCynthia Schreiber-BeckMr. Robert W. MartinsonMrs. Eva O. SkarpholTurtle Mountain Retired TeachersMs. Alice M. AlexanderLeon and Dawn HelstadMr. Robert W. MartinsonMs. Dorothy A. BrissMrs. Sarah LuithleChar FeldmanMrs. Elizabeth J. SteinbergerMrs. Swanhild M. MorrisonJames and Colleen WeyrauchMrs. Annetta NiesMr. Robert W. MartinsonMr. Robert W. MartinsonDarwin and Mary Ann BitzDavid and Sharon HolwegC. William and Patricia DennertLoren and Marian RichardsMrs. Helen MastroiannaBosard, McCutcheon & Rau, Ltd.Mr. William W. Mc MillanC. William and Patricia DennertLawrence and Connie AndersonMr. Robert W. MartinsonMr. Robert W. MartinsonRobb and Deone KullaMr. Robert W. MartinsonMr. Robert W. MartinsonRobb and Deone KullaLt. Col. Harry and Sharon SherlockMr. Robert W. MartinsonCynthia Schreiber-BeckMrs. Thelma L. DeBiltMr. Robert W. MartinsonMrs. Joyce A. MeyerMr. Raymond E. MielkeC. William and Patricia DennertAlvin and Marie StorbakkenRaydon and Betty WorkinTrinity Lutheran ChurchMrs. Diane M. BrownPastor Bradley P. EdinMrs. Esther FandrichMarcia and James GumsErhart and Patricia HehrDavid and Sharon HolwegRobert and Bette Johnson

Vernon AlbrightRonald A. AldredGene AlleyKimberly J. AmbuehlBert AndersonElwood AndersonEvelyn and Hank AndersonAlton AndersonMarilyn O. AndersonThomas BakerAldon BakkenKatie D. BakkumLionel E. BarrettPaula BarrowsIleen M. BauerMark BauerMarlys BauerMarlys BauerDwight A. BeanLaura BeckerGeorge D. BellPatrick E. BenedictMyrtle O. BergLaurie BerryHerman BertschAlwyn Biberdorf Terry BiechPamela C. BigelowErwin BitzDarlene BjerkeDarlene BjerkeRoy BjordahlJoshua J. BlahnaMargaret E. Muhs-BlixtDuane BoresonBill M. BorstadCharles W. BorstadFrank BoschNathan A. BourquinFloyd N. BoutrousWillie BraunLisa BredingMelvin BrekerMelvin BrekerJohn and Clara Broten Elaine BrunerMarion BrusvenMary E. Buchanan Lorine BuechlerRobert D. F. BundeDane A. Bundy

Ronald J. BurnsDaniel BushMary E. CameronGeorge CanarisAileen E. CarlsonLori CarlsonBland CarterEvelyn C. ChapaWalter ChristianCarl and Evelyn ChristiansonBuddy ChristophersonStuart L. ClarkDarlyne ClausnitzerLillian C. ClemensonSteve CochraneRuth CollardMarie CookBrian CoxGregory G. CraycheeCalvin L. CrosbieKeith W. CutlerVernon W. DaceJames D. DahlMyron W. DahlChrist DelzerAlton DeutscherGrace DocktorMary Ann DonleyMarcia M. DonlinKeith DoughtyHelen E. DunbarJames D. EberhardtLaVonne L. EckrothFrieda A. EhrmanEarl EicholtzFrances and Norman EldevikIda E. EliIda E. EliIda E. EliIda E. EliRenola H. ElligClayton ElmVivian L. EnanderElaine EngstromJohn W. EnnisJohn W. EnnisRose ErhardtDeloris J. EricksonRaymond EricksonAlbert B. ErieRuby ErnieIrene F. EslingerIrene F. EslingerLurline D. FandreyElijah C. FandrichJan M. FatlandOvalt A. FelandOvalt A. FelandWilfred M. FetchMaxine FiekensEvelyn E. Fisk

Sharlot Fluke-ScherfGlenn FogelCharles FontaineGordon G. Forester Boyd G. ForsterAgnes B. ForstingGerry FosenKeith FosterHarley A. FrantsenPaul FrappierMildred FredricksGerald A. FredricksonMaxine B. Fricke-EvansMarvin FuellerAllan FuglAllan FuglDarrell B. FuhrmanPaul B. GalazenPat GalvinMarjorie D. GeiszlerCarolyn GemarJames GenungBeulah V. GeorgeAnna GerlingerBeatta GilbertsonEdna GoebelWilliam G. GrabarGrace L. GrafsgaardEdna GreenStella L. GreigSharol A. GriesonBarbara GrimBarbara GrimBarbara GrimBarbara GrimPaul GrommeshVernon E. GroverMarlys GundersonThelma GyltenKermit O. HaakensonPaul HagenPaul HagenPaul HagenPaul HagenMildred T. HagenMax HagerLuella HaggeCole S. HallandMarianne HallwachsLuella A. HankelRobert P. HankeyEvalyn M. HansenHolly HansonHolly HansonHolly HansonKathlene A. HansonAnn F. HardingThe Brothers HarnischDolores M. HaroldsonRich HartmanEldren HaugenClair O. HaugenMaynard HaugenMyron HaugseMuriel M. HautMarguerite HauthBorghild E. HavenBorghild E. HavenBorghild E. HavenBorghild E. HavenBorghild E. HavenBorghild E. HavenBorghild E. HavenKathryn HeckGenevieve M. HeieDonald HeinzeFrank HejtmanekMarvin HeldWillard HeldAlfred W. HelstadAlfred W. HelstadPery HenningsLorraine O. HenryAlice HermanChuck HermanSharon G. HermanDoris HintzmanDoris HintzmanDoris HintzmanDoris J. HoefsGardell HoffGenevieve HofferLeo HoffmanGladys M. HoflandNyra HofmannJanice HoganMartha M. HoheiselMarilyn G. HollandRobert HolmesRichard HoovestolGenevieve HornerFloyd C. HouseOlive HurleyBernice A. HussMarcella IbachTom IhryMarlin IngebretsonAlice J. IversonEsther A. IversonLeon JacobsonJerry JenkinsClarice JensenPeter L. JensenLouise JohansenBertha M. JohnsonKeith Johnson

Delores JohnsonJean. JohnsonJim JohnsonDennisJohnsonDennisJohnson DennisJohnsonDennisJohnsonMyrna A. JohnsonJerry JonassonEsther G. JoreDennis KaneReuben KappesJames R. KastnerBill KeeganLiz KeithLiz KeithLiz KeithLiz KeithLiz KeithRoger KellerLouis J. KellerMary E. KelschRoselynn KennedyEmma KesselJoan C. KeyesJoan C. KeyesJoan C. KeyesJoan C. KeyesTodd A. KlipfelValance J. KlusmannManley KnutsonJoseph KobleCharlotte KomroskyFloyd M. KramerIsadore KramerLowell L. KrizDennis K. KuskaDonald KvislenDonald KvislenDonald KvislenEileen LaBarreEileen LaBarreEileen LaBarreJason K. LachenmeierJudith E. LahrenMegan B. LaMotteSarita Ann LanningBud LarsonHarold LauttHazel S. LawrenceMarie M. LayGina LedahlEdna I. LeeFiremann LegreidEsther LeichtmanMike LeiningerWilliam F. Lemke Jr.Otto LennickKaren Lentsch Patricia LidstromIdella L. LienEloise LileksArt LinkMargert A. LinnertzSteve LivdahlAlice Lodoen LeRoy LokkenLeRoy LokkenDonald C. LovegrenAvis P. LoweJohn LuithleKaren LundbergLila M. LundeSamuel LykkenDorothy A. MagnusonAnna M. MaierSamuel G. MaragosAnn MarkouichDoris E. MartinDoris E. MartinJohn MarttilaMarion MaslesJerry MastroiannaE. Hugh Mc Cutcheon Floy. Mc MillanEarl McCullochJoan L. McDonnell Delphine McLeanStephen McLeishRussell L. McMillanSean P. McQuadeJames McWilliamsRobert MessmerRobert Messmer Jacob MeyerMary Lou MeyerGeraldine MeyerGeraldine MeyerAllen MeyerThera MielkeLuCille N. MitchellAbbie L. MoeAbbie L. MoeHelen E. MoellerHelen E. MoellerHelen E. MoellerHelen E. MoellerHelen E. MoellerHelen E. MoellerHelen E. MoellerHelen E. Moeller

Mrs. Blanche M. JohnsonRev. Jo Anne MoellerGrant and Donna SchmidtEugene and Audrey SmithMrs. Gayann Van BruggenRaydon and Betty WorkinRobb and Deone KullaHerb and Phyllis HuberMs. Vivian KuipersLarry and Edith RaatzMr. Robert W. MartinsonHugh and Jo Ann PattersonMrs. Karen Hinman-ZajicClinton and Nancy KeeKenneth and Marlys PearsonMr. Walter H. MummMrs. Fern A. OlsonMr. Robert W. MartinsonRandy and Linda MyhraLawrence and Lynn ParettaMarvin and Mary SiedschlagMrs. Marvel LindstromCarl and Almira NelsonMr. Manley D. LokkenMrs. Janene NordloefMrs. Janene NordloefMrs. Katherine PaschkeRay and Marlene GragerMs. Viola TangsrudMr. Robert W. MartinsonErvin and Beverly EnnisRaymond and Colleen SigurdsonJerome and Evon PrausCynthia Schreiber-BeckMarlin and Lois NessMrs. Evelyn DelmoreEldon and Bonnie OlsonMrs. Amie TorgersonKenneth and Marlys PearsonMr. Robert W. MartinsonMichael and Amy SteinkeMrs. Ruby M. DeLairMrs. Sherry MischkeMr. Albert MaierMrs. Lillian G. RostCynthia Schreiber-BeckMr. Robert W. MartinsonJoel and Lynette SchmitzMrs. Norma E. GroetheEvelyn BrandvoldMrs. Esther FandrichRobert and Elizabeth GundersonMs. Judy L. KullaGrant and Donna SchmidtBernice and Emanuel SukoRobert and Ruth WedmanMs. Judy L. KullaMr. Marvin L. RappAlan and Dorothy LommenDale and Marian WesternMrs. Charlotte PayetteMr. Robert W. MartinsonMr. Harvey H. PedersenMr. Robert W. MartinsonMrs. Carol PedersonMrs. Dorothy L. PedersonMrs. Mabel DahlLynn and Jeanette KieperKenneth and Lorna CrowellDale and Marian WesternMrs. Elizabeth J. SteinbergerMr. Robert W. MartinsonMr. Arthur J. SilsethLisa A. Carabba-VolkHarold and Beverly FragodtAndrew and Wanda NikitenkoJudith K. SiegleMr. Bradley S. PladsonMs. Lois J. FannonMr. Robert W. MartinsonMrs. Muriel HoplinBill and Marilyn HughesMs. Harriet E. OlsonMrs. Marilynn E. JohnsonMrs. Beatrice T. GroveMrs. Borgni EdinRichard and Janet LongDouglas and Shirley RadtkeGeorge and Norma SturgeonMs. Shirley JensvoldKenneth and Ruth UrdahlMr. Marvin L. RappMrs. Lucille A. RotzMrs. Delores M. RathRoger and Patty SkarpholHerbran and Lorraine ReadDale and Arnola SavelkoulMrs. Marilyn GarreltsKeith and Rebecca SolbergMrs. Janet E. RemmersMrs. Helga RetzlaffRay and Janet ThielmanEldon and Clara Jo ConantMr. Robert W. MartinsonJames and Judy EngstromMr. Brian EngstromMr. Robert W. MartinsonBill and Marilyn HughesLowell and Amy AndersonMrs. Lillian G. RostMrs. Marlys A. BergeneMrs. Lucille A. RotzMrs. Jean RubbertMr. Robert J. Rudolph

Helen E. MoellerHelen E. MoellerHelen E. MoellerHelen E. MoellerHelen E. MoellerBeverly MoenKenneth J. MoenHarry MoosDorine MorrisonDorine MorrisonLola J. MorrisonJeanette MosbyDonna MosbyChristopher MuheimChristine L. MullenWilma MummEugene L. Murphy Jr.Barbara MutzenbergerHarvey B. MyhreMargery NelsonMarion NelsonMike NelsonWilliam R. NelsonBill NewellMyron NordloefLucas NordloefEmy NorgardEsther OaseHarvey and Clarice OfferdahlSandra OgrenValora L. OklandValora L. Okland

Bonnie OlheiserBlain OliphantEverett OlsonVince OlsonElveida H. OlsonElveida H. OlsonRandal D. OlsonHarold OlsrudHelen O. OlstadGary OmanRoss OmbergLoved onesParentsKathyGene OrsonClifford G. OslieDawn A. OstendorfSusan OvindSusan OvindSusan Ovind Susan OvindSusan OvindSusan OvindSusan OvindTerry OwensLydia ParrottAlice PaulsonMarlys PaulsonMilo PayetteMurray PearceShirley PedersenErvin PedersonErvin PedersonLloyd PedersonHelen A. PeszkoRoger PetersDennis H. PetersonMildred A. PetersonBorghild PetersonVernon F. PetersonLenny PhersonDr. Warren PiersonDr. Warren PiersonDr. Warren PiersonDr. Warren PiersonMary Lou and Amos PladsonMarian PlessMary K. PlogJoseph M. Prosby Jr.Joseph M. Prosby Jr.Joseph M. Prosby Jr.Edna and Clarence QuanbeckJerru J. QuesnellDoris RadtkeDoris RadtkeDoris RadtkeDoris RadtkeEthel RanceEthel RanceRuth RappSevert and Lulu RaskAlvin RathDonald A. Raveling Sr.Kristi Jo ReadLoren ReddingRobert RefsellDick ReganRev. Le Roy RemmersRonald RetzlaffAaron K. RichardsonHelen B. RickfordDiane RiegerJames RittermanJames RittermanLedores RobeyKaren RobideauNora and Selmer RodneArt RostRuth E. RostadGeorge RotzMyron RubbertLenora Rudolf

In Memory Of Continued Page 12

8 The AmbASSAdor

Lorie Klein has met many heroes to the Anne Carlsen Center (ACC) over the years. They are also her customers. She and her husband, Frank, own and operate the Chieftain Con-

ference Center in Carrington, N.D. They have one of ACC’s coin-collection containers featured prominently in their business, and numerous times throughout the day, someone drops in a handful of change, or a dollar or two, into the container.

Lorie says a visit to the Center years ago sparked a lifelong love and respect for the way the Center teach-es, trains and nurtures individuals with disabilities. “I’ve toured the Anne Carlsen Center,” she says. “It is such a worthwhile, loving and warm environment. The students—I could tell as I was watching them interact with staff—were happy and appreciative of their sur-roundings.”

The Kleins knew a carefully-positioned coin container, provided by the Anne Carlsen Center, would provide a convenient way for guests to their conference center to make a difference for a worthy cause. They have been pleased by the number of cus-tomers who have chosen to give. “All of that loose change really does add up,” says Lorie. “The Anne Carlsen Center is a great cause—and it’s local! We can see the impact the Center is having throughout area communities.”

Shelley Nannenga, ACC Major Gifts & Planned Giving As-sociate Director, says the coin containers bring in about $8,000 each year for the Center. There are 40 containers at a variety of business across the state, from grocery stores to gas stations—and even craft, bread and hardware stores. Soon, the number of collec-tion sites across the state will double, with canisters being distributed throughout the Red River Valley.

The owner of Arrowhead Tesoro in Bismarck says he has been amazed by how quickly the container at his business fills up. “We have multiple collection boxes for different charities,” says Charles Gitter, “and the one for the Anne Carlsen Center always seems to fill up the fastest. It is such a good cause. My wife is a social worker, and she has spoken highly of the Center. A lot of people feel that way.”

Spreading the WordWhile working to boost the Center’s fundraising ef-forts, the businesses participating in the Anne Carlsen Center coin-collection campaign help people become more aware of the Center’s services.

“In just a moment, we can tell our story,” says Nan-nenga. “The front of the containers features the photo of a student, along with a few words about the Anne Carlsen Center. Perhaps someone has seen these containers who has a family member or friend who could use our services. It might prompt them to ask questions and to try to find out more.”

Communities with coin containers are often the hometowns of stu-dents who receive therapeutic, edu-cational and residential services at the Anne Carlsen Center campus in Jamestown. In many other cases, communities have residents who receive the Center’s community-based services, with experts provid-ing support close to home.

At the Perkins Restaurant and Bakery on U.S. 281 in Jamestown,

employees are very familiar with the Center, with its cam-

pus only about two miles away. Managers and serv-ers interact with the ACC students who eat breakfast together once a week as part of their community integra-tion training.

“A week ago, someone asked me what the Anne Carlsen Center was,” says Mike

loose Change is helping Change lives at the Anne Carlsen Center

Caring w i t h c o i n s

The AmbASSAdor 9

Vettel, the Perkins manager. “I was able to tell them a little about the Center and help educate them about what the Center does. We feel it is important as a business to be familiar with and support local entities. It is a priority for us to support our own.”

Volunteer RecruiterOne of the biggest allies in the coin-collection campaign has been a retired U.S. Navy recruiter. Jerry Fjeld of Minot has spent countless hours searching for possible collection sites, approaching the business owners, plac-ing the containers, and then—when the containers get full—making sure the do-nated funds get to the Anne Carlsen Center.

Fjeld says he is pas-sionate about helping the ACC—a com-mitment that began in earnest after he and other AMVETS (American Veterans) held a Christmas party for students at the Center in 2003. “I got to visit with the boys and girls,” he says. “Those kids are so great! They really touched my heart. I love to hear them laugh-ing and giggling. If I lived in Jamestown, I would want to visit them every day.”

But since he lives 170 miles away, his role in the coin collection is his way of showing the students how much he cares. ACC staff members say Fjeld has really taken the lead in helping distribute and maintain coin containers throughout the north-central part of the state. Because of his efforts, there are containers in the Minot area, Rugby, Ryder, Parshall, New Town, Max and Wilton. Fjeld stops by each business once or twice a month in case the containers need to be emptied. For the most part, donations consist of pocket change, but at times, he has seen gifts as large as twenty- and fifty-dollar bills.

One of the businesses recruited by Fjeld to participate in the Center’s coin-collection campaign is Homesteaders Restaurant in Minot. Owner Dean Aberle says he is proud

of the way his customers are supporting the Anne Carlsen Center. “We just emptied the container the other day—it was pretty full!” he says enthusiastically. “What I see a lot of is when customers pay the cashier, the coin container catches their eye. If they get back a dollar, or a dollar and some change, they very often put it in the canister. It fills up quickly, and we have to empty it once every three to four weeks.”

Nannenga says there are canisters avail-able for businesses interested in helping ACC touch the lives of individuals with disabilities. She can be reached for more information at 1-800-568-5175 or shelley.nannenga@annecenter.org.

“The loose change in people’s pockets really does make a difference,” she says. “Thank you to the

businesses who are partnering with us. Thank you to so many who have taken a mo-ment to drop some coins into our containers. The Center and the individuals we serve are humbled by this simple act and the impact it makes.”

Funds are raised for the Center in a variety of ways and help the non-profit organization continue to provide highly skilled and com-passionate care. Students and clients are becoming more independent through a wide variety of individualized services, ranging from physical therapy to assistive technology. Donations have also helped make additions to the campus in Jamestown possible, such as the solarium, the Nature Trail and the therapeutic swimming pool.

People of a variety of ages and backgrounds are opening their hearts, their wallets … and their pockets (every penny counts) … to make a lifetime difference for the chil-dren and young adults served by the Anne Carlsen Center. With each dollar you give, you help provide quality care to remarkable individuals, while partnering with the Center in our legacy of hope.

Thank you to the following businesses for utilizing our coin containers and giving their customers the opportu-nity to make a difference!In Bismarck:• Arrowhead TesoroIn Burlington:•J’sStop-N-GoIn Carrington:•HiWayDriveIn•ChieftainConference

Center•AlcoDiscountStoreIn Cooperstown:•U.S.PostOffice•PizzaRanchIn Harvey:•PizzaRanch•BuechlerOilCompany

(Tesoro)In Hillsboro: •UniquelyYoursCraftsIn Jamestown:•PerkinsFamilyRestaurant

& Bakery•Gun&ReelSports,Inc.•Hugo’s•JamestownI-94Clark•CountyMarket•DepotFamilyRestaurant•CARQUESTAutoParts•MasterBread•Superpumper•PantryCafé•PizzaRanchIn LaMoure:• Good Oil CompanyIn Max: •CenexCStoreIn Minot:• Roll-N-Pin•Harley’sArrowhead•Conoco•Behm’sTruckStop•Kmart•Charlie’sMainStreetCafé•HomesteadersRestaurant•RuthvilleStoreIn New Town:•CenexofNewTownIn Parshall:•ParshallCenexIn Rugby:•Cenex-C-StoreIn Ryder:•Plaza-MakotiC-StoreIn Sykeston:•JockeyClubIn Valley City: •CentralAvenueHealth

Mart Pharmacy•John’sI-94TesoroIn Wahpeton:•WahpetonAceHardwareIn Wilton: •CenexIn Wimbledon:•WimbledonCafé

& Grocery Store

Through the generosity of donors, the Anne Carlsen Center is able to provide a number of unique opportunities such

as the solarium and learning about plants year-round.

There is no greater feeling than accomplishment for Sander.

For one so young, the accomplishment of simply being alive wasn’t good enough. This youngster has gotten a taste of achievement and wants more.

Born with a cyst growing inside his skull and on the left side of his brain the young boy was faced with a variety of health concerns early in his life. The cysts caused life-threat-ening spasms and seizures just eight months into the little boy’s life.

These symptoms began to accelerate throughout the latter parts of the boy’s first year of life and he would require surgery that removed the left hemisphere of his brain. This procedure, called a hemispherectomy, is where Sanders journey through therapy begins.

The human brain is characterized by its two hemispheres—with the left hemisphere dictating logical thought (i.e. rationality, analytical thinking, sequencing) and the right hemisphere focusing on creativity (intuition, subjective thinking). Without the left hemisphere of his brain, Sander was guaranteed a life that would always include more challenges than a typi-cal one-year-old. The family needed to come together and form a plan for not only Sander, but how they would also take care of twin brother Jonas.

Also part of the challenge for the family was finding specialized therapy in the rural community of Edinburg. Living about 75 miles from Grand Forks meant the boy may have to go without certain therapies on a regular basis.

“We have done the month-long therapy stints,” said Aaron, Sander’s father. “We have seen the benefits of therapy every day. Then we would bring him home and try to fit our local providers into our needs.”

The family needed some help.

Finding ACCAaron and Rebecca first learned about the Anne Carlsen Center in 2009, and began investigating their options immediately.

“We definitely talked about it for a while,” said Rebecca, Sander’s mother. “What we decided is we couldn’t com-

pare what is done at the Anne Carlsen Center with what we could get at home.”

The specialization ACC offered included therapy specific to eating. This was important for Sander as early on he was not able to eat age-ap-propriate food. ACC Speech-Language Pathologists work with vocalization as well as techniques that develop the muscles involved in eating.

“There are a few different people that were very important in Sander’s life,” said Rebecca. “The neurosurgeon, neurologist and (ACC SLP) Ann Albrecht. He has improved so much with eating.”

The therapist and Sander formed a special bond right away. Albrecht had worked with one prior student who had a hemispherectomy, and while that gave the therapist some back-ground, Sander operated at a higher function than the previous student.

“Sander had worked with Ann during the summer and he looked up to Ann,” explained Aaron. “They went through a period where he improved a lot because he was trying to impress her.

Then he reached a plateau and regressed a little bit.”

Progress became slower, but steady and Sander reached a milestone with his eating. He no longer had to eat baby food, but was able to eat food that was pureed and semi-pureed.

As Sander’s pallet has become more complex, he was able to enjoy more and more foods and even ate a Cajun meal his grandpa prepared including beans and minced vegetables.

Sander began with therapy 10 times a week and now has therapy sessions seven times each week. During five of those sessions he works on language. This language counteracts a behavior associated with the hemispherec-tomy: sudden outbursts of screaming.

“We are working on using a word versus screaming his needs,” explained Albrecht. “He is learning lots of words. In two or three months he has learned words and imitating and starting to put two words together in some situations.

“It is kind of amazing what he is doing. When you look at his diagnosis on paper, you may think this boy is not

Eye of the Tiger

Young boy learning life Skills Following Surgery

10 The AmbASSAdor

The AmbASSAdor 11

able to do much. What he is doing is amazing and shows how flexible the brain is and that parts of it can take over the abili-ties normally handled by the left side. At this point we are not putting any limits on him and we will take the next step and the next step until he reaches his potential.”

Physical Well-BeingPart of the reason Sander is able to learn so many new skills is due to his young age.

“The brain is very plastic—bendable, malleable, change-able,” said pediatrician Dr. Myra Quanrud, the Center’s Medical Director. “The younger you are, the more plastic it is. If you take out a hemisphere in a 22-year old, they will lose the personality of the left or right part of the brain. But in a 2-year old, the brain can re-pattern. You always have a goal of early intervention. Before the age of three, those are the golden years. By the age of three the brain has learned so much and established pathways are made.”

Typically someone who has had a hemispherectomy procedure will experience some delays, but the brain is a remarkable organ that has tremendous recuperation abilities.

“The brain duplicates itself,” said Quanrud. “You have backups for a good reason. In the right and left hemi-spheres there is a lot of duplication.”

Following the procedure the brain also forms a defense in response to the surgery. The missing part of the skull fills with fluid to act as a cushion for the brain. However, the possibility of injury is all the more dangerous because there is only one hemisphere remaining.

“We accepted that he would have more challenges than a normal child,” said Aaron. “But we also cherish the gains.”

“Sander’s diagnosis is similar to someone with a stroke as he tends to neglect the right side of his body and the muscles are a lot weaker from not using them,” explained ACC Physical Therapist Natalie Lonnberg. “In therapy, we work on balance activities, lower extrem-ity strengthening, standing while holding on something in front of him, and weight shifting.”

“It is absolutely amazing how the mind and body can compensate for that missing piece and make new connec-tions with the help of therapy,” said Lonnberg.

April 17 was a special day for the family as Sander put together components of his physical therapy and moved

himself for the first time. These first movements were made all the more memorable as a young child moved to be closer to his grandfather.

“We set him on the floor and said ‘Look, there is Grandpa,’” said Rebecca. “Then he started scooting on his back.”

“It was really hard not to cry at a time like that,” recalled Aaron.

Since that memorable day, Sander has begun working on motoring around from a seated position.

“For Sander to sit up, on his own, it is a huge accom-plishment,” said Rebecca. “You see him just wanting to get up. A year ago he was not interested in seeing what is on top of things.”

“In therapy, we work on walking with a gait trainer and now he will walk down the hallway while holding onto the railing with his left hand and someone helping him with his balance,” said Lonnberg. “He has been one of our first clients to use the Lite Gait Trainer, which is a partial body weight supported treadmill training system that is basically a harness system that goes above the treadmill to work on walking.”

“Sander is an absolute blast to work with,” continued Lonnberg. “He loves silly games, singing songs, cheers, chants, and counting. One of his favorite toys is a tiger that sings the Rocky theme ‘Eye of the Tiger’—it is so fitting.”

Looking ForwardThe ups and down of the last few years have cemented the family’s bond.

“There have been big life changes right in front of you,” said Rebecca. “But we feel good about the experiences and that has allowed us to be stronger family unit. If we felt differently about it, it could have ripped us apart by the things that were happening or not happening.”

And the family shares that much more joy with Sander as part of their family.

“Sander is such a happy boy,” said Rebecca. “He is able to laugh so easily.”

“He has only improved with more contact,” added Aaron. “The more he gets the more he gives back.”

Sander touches Santa’s hair and beard as he says hi to St. Nick.

12 The AmbASSAdor

Ahh…the holidays. The wonderful memories, traditions—all of the togetherness. When I reflect back on my childhood, this time of the year has provided countless poignant memories I will forever cherish.

Every child deserves the chance to experience the joys of the season and build their own memories. As I walk down the halls of the Anne Carlsen Center Campus in Jamestown, I see artwork telling the stories of the season. The halls of the campus allow you to feel the buzz of excitement in the air and gathering students raise their voices with a cherub quality of music celebrating the birth of our Lord. It is truly a unique experience to have the spirit of our clients nourish my own soul in immeasurable ways. What a wonderful, fulfilling place to be!

There is no comparison to the experiences I have gleaned since beginning my work with the Center in October. The paramount lesson I have learned in my short time here is that our donors are what create so many opportunities that are unmatched.

It is because of your graciousness that our clients get to experience these extras that make their lives as rich and as full as is possible. Traditional government programs and private insurance sources generally cover the most basic of needs for children and young adults with highly-specialized needs. Adding pro-grams—like our solarium that offers plant-growing experiences even as snow is on the ground—and providing opportunities through enriching curriculum helps our nurturing staff spotlight the skills of bud-ding individuals.

Your support has blessed our clients and our orga-nization with the opportunity to develop their own seasonal memories. In turn, may you and your family experience the blessing that is created during this sacred holiday season.

Robin Nelson ACC Development Director

Dustin and Valerie BakkenTara FieldRobert and Bette JohnsonMs. Judy L. KullaEric and Patricia MonsonMs. Juliann G. ColePete and Lois Perry Orville and Lilly BratvoldMr. Robert W. MartinsonDarwin and Mary Ann BitzJames and Colleen WeyrauchMrs. Mary Ann EngebretsonMr. Robert W. MartinsonRandy and Linda MyhraMrs. Pearl D. NelsonJim and Ellen ReddingHoward and Melvena BierC. William and Patricia DennertMrs. Elaine EicholtzRobb and Deone KullaMr. Elroy SchlenkerG. G. and Millie HenneMr. Edward E. SchmidtMr. Robert W. MartinsonMrs. Elizabeth J. SteinbergerRaydon and Betty WorkinMrs. Mabel F. TunbyRaymond and Beverly HubbardMr. Robert W. MartinsonKermit and Arlys SorbyMr. Brian EngstromArthur and Grace DietzeCynthia Schreiber-BeckMs. Shirley JensvoldCarl and Almira NelsonMrs. Betty A. WhitmoreDonald and Inez OlsonMs. Mavis SlindC. William and Patricia DennertMrs. Margaret HeiseMr. Robert W. MartinsonMr. Robert W. MartinsonMr. Robert W. MartinsonMrs. Arlene OlsonClarence and Fern RauMr. Robert W. MartinsonMrs. Donna L. TompkinsJoseph and Dorothy ZdebEugene and Marjorie KraszewskiMrs. Swanhild M. MorrisonMr. Lloyd C. SheldonKermit and Arlys SorbyRev. Henry G. StolzMrs. Sherry MischkeMr. Robert W. MartinsonCynthia Schreiber-BeckHarley and Gloria SchmidtGordon and Ida Mae SmithOrlo and Shirley SundMr. Glenn K. SwansonMr. Robert W. MartinsonMr. Glenn K. SwansonMr. Glenn K. Swanson

Mrs. Muriel B. SmithMs. Rosemary TanbergMr. Robert W. MartinsonMr. Robert W. MartinsonScott and Janet DavisRandy and Penny GenglerMrs. Marilyn A. HarbaughDuane and Lois KnudsonRobert and Larita KruegerLynn and Gale LarsonConnie and Ken RoseGary and Sharon ThrolsonOrlin and Jule Ann WillMs. Shirley JensvoldMrs. Dorothy B. CrandallLandon KimballEldon and Clara Jo ConantMr. Robert W. MartinsonMrs. B. Sophie LoftsgardGerald and Marian RasmussenCarl and DeLores TurnquistMelvin and Ruth SkjersethMr. Robert W. MartinsonDavid and Sharon HolwegHarvey and Darlene KluversRobb and Deone KullaMrs. Elizabeth J. SteinbergerGordon and Ida Mae SmithCharley and Ruby DowningDavid and Nance BrowdieDavid and Nance BrowdieMr. Robert W. MartinsonEldon and Clara Jo ConantJerry and DeAnn KetchumOrville and Sheryl KjellandMr. Robert W. MartinsonElmer and Shirley AndersonMrs. Mary Ann EngebretsonMr. Robert W. MartinsonGordon and Ida Mae SmithJim and Ellen ReddingMs. Harriet E. OlsonMr. Robert W. MartinsonMrs. Dorothy B. CrandallMrs. Lois LundgrenByron and Ardyce EllingsonDale and Marian WesternMr. Robert W. MartinsonGerhard and Irene KarlstadRaydon and Betty WorkinOrlo and Shirley SundMrs. Evelyn O. WilliamsMrs. Zona G. VickMrs. Marlys A. BergeneMs. Betty L. NelsonMr. Robert W. MartinsonMs. Jeannette F. WrightMrs. Mary SeimDavid and Geraldine YaggieMr. Robert W. MartinsonMrs. DiAnn Loll

In Honor Of...Living tribute gifts to the Anne Carlsen Center honor family members and friends on special occasions, such as a birthdays, anniversaries or holidays.

Through these generous gifts, the individuals and families served by the Center beat the odds, develop meaningful relationships, and experience life to its fullest.

Living tributes gifted between May 1, 2010 and August 31, 2010:

Given By In Honor Of Given By In Homor

ACC CooksACC StaffACC Students, Staff & VolunteersKaitlin AndersonAdabelle M. AthertonWallace and Irene BacklundJeannine K. ColburnNatasha N. EschRussell FiechtnerKurby D. FreyDenny and Sheila FryEvelyn GaltEldore and Lylas GiljeTy GlassRaymond and Joan GrabanskiPatricia GromakMarion HarrisScott and Adrianne HobertIrving and Mildred HolmLuke J. JohnsonCharles KennedySylvia KylloLloyd LawSarah M. LeechKeaton Lewis

Saige B. MeyerYour five childrenYour grandchildren & great-grandchildrenYour grandchildren Katie MarieJana OverboClint and Susan RodningenIvan and Erna SchwartzGregory and Brenda TappertRaydon and Betty Workin

KateLynn A. RuegerKateLynn A. RuegerKateLynn A. RuegerKateLynn A. RuegerKateLynn A. RuegerRuth M. RutherfordChester and Ethel RyumDavid SagdahlLucille A. SahliEileen M. SailerRodney W. SalvesonBob SandNancy SandeDonald SavelkoulDonald SavelkoulDonald SavelkoulClaude SavilleIrl H. SchaunamanBetty L. SchimmingBetty L. SchimmingLaura SchlenkerElsie SchlenkerArley SchmidtBill SchmidtMyrtle SchmidtLois SchmitLester J. SchnaibleRichard J. SchneiderLucille SchonertGary W. SchultzMarie P. SchumacherBobby ScodellaroMiriam H. ShelstadPete SiemieniewskiTreasure L. SimsLyle SiversonAnnis D. SkurdahlReuben SlindJon A. SmalleyLois J. SmedshammerHans SorensenHelen L. SorliePaul SpringanMelva StanleyMelva StanleyMonte SteeleBernard SteeleJulia and Henry SteidlHerman and Marie StenderDorothy StetsonJane H. StevensAngeline E. A. SticeAmelia StolzCharlotte E. StorsteenSolveig L. StrandHelen C. StregeLillian P. StrubeLillian P. StrubeOlga M. SundEllard S. SwansonGeorge W. SwansonBedvi SwansonGregory K. Swanson

Nettie A. SwansonVernon J. TanbergMelgard B. TangenMarshall TaylorMary ThorstadSara J. ThrolsonSara J. ThrolsonSara J. ThrolsonSara J. ThrolsonSara J. ThrolsonSara J. ThrolsonSara J. ThrolsonSara J. ThrolsonHarold W. TinsethHarriet TisorHarriet TisorCarrol TorgersonBenjamin L. TownerHarold J. TroftgrubenCarlye R. Tryan

Alice TurnquistEarl UllandRoy P. Van BerkomRena Van BruggenRena Van BruggenJohn O. Van DeusenWilfred VandemarkPatricia VaughanDollie VickersMaarja K. VogelMart N. T. VogelMary D. WagnerDorothy E. WagonerHilda A. WahlVirginia E. WaithJohn WalkerDennis M. WamboldMary F. WareGlen R. WarnerGlen R. WarnerLaura WatersHjerdis E. WatsonRuth M. WatsonAnne WenkoLorraine A. WentzIrwin WestbyLeRoy W. WesternMichael WickstromEleanore WielunskiPalmer WigtilMathilda WilenGriffith WilliamsWilma WilliamsMartha M. WorrelFlorence I. WoznyNorlyn WranghamJames WrightMarion O. WylieTanya K. YaggieEdward N. YunkerEarl Ziegelman

Given By In Memory Of Given By In Memory Of

Lions ClubRichard and Donna KingMrs. Margaret SamOrval and Elaine BensonMr. Lowell E. Colby Sr.Arnold and Mary KnightGregg ColburnMs. Sandra FrankeRussell and Delores FiechtnerTom and Margie HolmesOrville and Sheryl KjellandMs. Colleen M. MorelandKenneth and Anne DalstedVernon and Delores MartinJulian and Emily BraatenMr. Steven R. SarafoleanMs. Susan K. HarrisGary and Debra HobertRaydon and Betty WorkinFirstGivingMr. Charles C. KennedyRaydon and Betty WorkinMrs. Frieda SteinkeWilliam and Margaret LeechLeif and Cynthia Peterson

Ms. Karrie HuberMrs. Iris BighleyRichard and Dorothy Homstad

Mrs. Gladys LarsonMrs. Lucille A. RotzDwight and Gloria OlsonMrs. Jean C. WixoWilliam and Naomi ViningMarcia and James GumsRichard and Bunny Workin

In Memory OfContinued from Page 7

Thomas Rohleder Chairperson Fargo, N.D.

Tim FlakollFargo, N.D.

Joel FremstadMoorhead, Minn.

Harvey Huber Jamestown, N.D.

Bruce IsermanFargo, N.D.

Pat McCullough Edina, Minn.

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

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

Janet SeaworthBismarck, N.D.

Pat Traynor Vice ChairpersonFargo, N.D.

Reesa WebbDenver, Colo.

Myra Quanrud, M.D.ExOfficioJamestown, N.D.

boArd oF TruSTeeS

Eric MonsonChief Executive Officer

Marcia GumsChief Operating Officer

Judy KullaChief Financial Officer

Margie JohnsonHuman Resource Director

SeNior mANAgemeNT

The AmbASSAdorPublished by:Anne Carlsen Center701 3rd St. N.W., P.O. Box 8000Jamestown, ND 584021-800-568-5175www.annecenter.org

Lori Gress, Editor lori.gress@annecenter.orgKalen Ost, Assistant Editor kalen.ost@annecenter.orgPaul Johnson, Designer paul@pauljohnsondesign.com

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

Notice of Non-Discrimination Policy: Anne Carlsen Center does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age or disability in employment or services.

If you would like to be removed from our mailing list, please call 1-800-568-5175, ext. 167.

On the cover: Courtney demonstrated how she helped bake cookies for Senior Connections at the Hjemkomst Center.

Eco-friendly AmbassadorAt the Anne Carlsen Center, we are taking steps every day to be kind to the environment.

The Forest Stewardship Council logo you see here means we are printing on an environmentally- certifiedpaper.Eachpagehasa10%post-consumerwaste content, and the inks utilized are Soy Inks.

our CommuNiTY PArTNerS

Here at the Anne Carlsen Center, we believe every individual deserves to experience the richness of life, lived to its fullest potential. We thank our Community Partners for their wholehearted support of this mission.

Nine area businesses have partnered with us in 2010 to empower individuals affected by developmental disabilities. Thank you, Community Partners, for helping further the tradition of our namesake, Dr. Anne Carlsen, while raising awareness and support for our life-changing services.

Make a Lasting Impact I would like to visit with an Anne Carlsen Center representative about: __ Making a retirement plan gift. __ Establishing a Charitable Gift Annuity.

Name ___________________________________________________________________

Address _____________________________________________________________

City, State, Zip _________________________________________________________

Phone _______________________________________________________________

E-mail ________________________________________________________________

SAVE THE DATE

Given By In Memory Of Given By In Memory Of

Look for your chance to share your love and generosity with the Anne Carlsen Center in February during Giving Hearts Day.

During this special day, Feb. 10, online donations of $10 or more to the Anne Carlsen Center will be doubled by the Dakota Medical Foundation. Look for more information at www.annecenter.org in the coming weeks to learn how you can give back with impact.

701 3rd St. N.W.P.O. Box 8000

Jamestown, ND 58402

Non-Profit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDFARGO, ND Permit #684

Arianna smiles at Santa and Santa’s Elf (Jerry and Kim Pederson).