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

Spring/Summer 2013 www.annecenter.org

Meet a 3-year-old boy with the boots and bravery of his soldier father Page 10

After 40 years apart, a West Fargo woman and the Anne Carlsen Center reunite Page 14

Page 4 Our newest team member is helping students with autism explore the

“paws”ibilities

Champ is no ordinary dog. This Labrador Retriever began preparing for his special job when he weighed only 1 pound and fit easily in the palm of a hand. After more than two years of

in-depth training, he is now an Autism Assist Dog at the Anne Carlsen Center, working with students ages 4 to 21.

Champ can be spotted around the Jamestown campus helping out in a variety of ways. For students who struggle with transitions, he’s by their side to encourage them every step of the way. A great listener, he’s become the preferred audience when students work on their reading skills. And for children and young adults with the tendency to become withdrawn, Champ has the unique ability to draw them out of their shell and help them interact with the world around them.

You’ll fall in love with his brown eyes. But what will really touch your heart is seeing the impact Champ has on the lives the remarkable individuals we serve, as this very special dog provides the gifts of peace, encouragement and friendship.

M e e T C h A M p !

Teacher Tom Kenna gives Champ some much-deserved affection after the Chocolate Lab puts in a full and productive day of assisting students.

Champ playfully shakes his head during his break time.

Trenton and Champ shake paws.

Champ plays fetch with a Can Do Canines trainer at the training center in New Hope, Minn. Can Do Canines has supervised every aspect of Champ’s training.

Champ and Jonas, an ACC high school student, play fetch with a tennis ball.

M E S S A G E F R O M T H E C E O

2 THE AMbASSAdOR

Four-legged friend helps continue tradition of personalized solutions

We have a new face on the Anne Carlsen Center (ACC) campus—one that’s easy to distinguish from those of the students and personnel. Floppy, v-shaped ears hang on either side of a broad forehead. Big, brown eyes reveal kindness and intelligence. And then there’s the dark, wet nose. This loveable face belongs to Champ: the Chocolate Lab who now calls the Anne Carlsen Center home.

Champ is a bit of a miracle worker here on campus. his special role is that of “Autism Assist Dog,” but you’ll hear the students describe him as “friend.” On pages 4 – 7 of this issue, you’ll read more about this remarkable dog and his special connection with students.

Champ has a lot to teach us—so much, in fact, that his life-changing work on our campus is part of a collaborative research project that we sought out the University of Minnesota to conduct. The university has partnered with us to gain information about, and insight into, the human-animal connection. While there is a great deal of anecdotal evidence of the benefits dogs provide to individuals on the autism spectrum, there has been little research done in this specific area.

We are currently in the midst of collecting qualitative data through direct observation. ACC team members are noting the impact of Champ’s work: a reduction in negative behaviors and an increase in healthy and socially-acceptable be-

haviors. eventually, we will gather quantitative data, such as heart rates and stress-related hormone levels, to measure how Champ and the people he works with respond in different situations. professors and students at the university will organize and analyze the resulting data.

efforts like this have kept the Anne Carlsen Center on the cutting-edge as a service provider for individuals with disabilities. Our dedication to improving the quality of programs and supports for children and adults has gained the attention of The Council on Quality and Leadership (CQL). An international accrediting organization known

as innovators in the human services field, CQL has accredited us for another four years.

The CQL reviewer commended the creative approaches the Anne Carlsen Center takes in our person-directed solutions. One of those ways is through technology: ACC identifies the technology that will work best for

each individual and then develops ways for that individual to access these tools at school, in the home living environment, in vocational settings and at places of recreation.

Our technology solutions include computer hardware and software adaptations, SMART Board interactive whiteboards, eye-scanning technology, switch adaptations (in which users tap a switch with their head or hand to interact with a device), and portable devices like the ipad™.

THE AMbASSAdOR 3

From high- to low-tech approaches, our talented professionals find the most effective ways to maximize growth and learning for every individual we serve. We leave no stone unturned.

The individualized services of our KIDS program have made a big difference for the Johnson family of Fargo. Doctors said 3-year-old Isaac would never walk, talk or see. But this remarkable little boy is showing the world the power of determination! Meet Isaac and his family on pages 10–11.

This issue also contains the story of a special reunion. A woman who once studied under Dr. Anne Carlsen is once again receiving our personalized services. Barbara’s story begins on page 14; I promise it will make you smile.

Your love and support help make these amazing success stories possible! You empower us to deliver high-caliber services with a compassionate, personalized touch. On behalf of all the lives you’ve touched—thank you!

With gratitude,

eric M. Monson Chief executive Officer Anne Carlsen Center

Generous Response to Giving Hearts DayThe online fundraising effort known as Giving hearts Day was a tremendous success for the Anne Carlsen Center (ACC). Giving hearts Day fell on February 14 this year, and the Center was once again selected by Dakota Medical Foundation (DMF) and Impact Foundation to participate in this innovative fundraising event.

For a 24-hour period, gifts of $10.00 or more to select nonprofit organizations, including the Anne Carlsen Center, were matched by DMF. This year ACC set the goal of surpassing the amount—roughly $30,000—raised last year. With your help, we raised more than $64,000! The Center will use the funds for many different projects, including new equipment to benefit individuals with medically-fragile conditions.

“We exceeded our goal here at the Anne Carlsen Center, and the overall Giving hearts Day also exceeded expectations by a very wide margin,” says CeO eric Monson. “We’re extremely thankful that so many individuals chose to take part.”

Donations came in from a handful of states, including Arizona and Texas this year.We thank you—from the bottom of our hearts—for your compassion and dedicated support. You make a difference!

He’s three years old, loves to help others, and looks very sporty

in a red vest. His name is Champ—and after one look into his deep brown eyes, you’ll never want to leave his side.

Champ is a Labrador Retriever, and the Anne Carlsen Center (ACC) is both his new home and a special assignment for which he has spent many months training.

‘Can-Do’ Attitude

Champ’s story begins with Can Do Canines—a non-profit organization based out of New hope, Minn. It began operations in 1989, training assistance dogs for deaf and hard-of-hearing clients. Today, Can Do Canines also trains dogs to assist individuals with physical disabilities, seizure disorders, diabetes complicated by hypogly-cemia unawareness, and—much to the delight of the Anne Carlsen Center—children with autism. Since 2007, Can Do Canines has trained Autism Assist Dogs to provide security, peace of mind and a calming presence.

ACC first contacted Can Do Canines in the fall of 2011. A group of ACC team members, including COO Marcia Gums, toured their training center in

4 THE AMbASSAdOR

Keith, an ACC student, finds a comfortable spot to read a book to his new friend, Champ. Champ has helped motivate students to learn and achieve during the school day.

The Anne Carlsen Center family has welcomed its newest member.

THE AMbASSAdOR 5

Minnesota that October. “When we were there, we saw about 30 puppies and dogs,” says Gums. “They ranged in age from about 18 weeks old to 1½ years old. It was fascinating to get an up-close look at the training process. Can Do Canines has an amazing operation. The trainers are very thorough, knowledgeable and kind.”

The Anne Carlsen Center was one step closer to finding the newest team member to help guide and nurture students on the autism spectrum.

Training for Greatness

While many of the Can Do Canines trainees come from shelters, the organization recently began its own breeding program. Champ is a member of one of the inaugural litters.

Champ began training for his future responsibilities when, weighing only 1 pound, he fit easily in the palm of a hand. The volunteer breeder who raised Champ for the first nine weeks of his life didn’t waste any time before beginning work. “Our volunteers start working with the dogs when they are very young—actually, just a few days old,” says Julianne Larsen, the director of train-ing at Can Do Canines. “We do exercises with them, tickle their toes, and turn them this way and that. There’s lots of handling—a lot of stimulation and socialization.”

When Champ was 9 weeks old, he went to live with his volunteer puppy raisers who attended classes at Can Do Canines, receiving in-depth instruction on how to train Champ in the home environment and out in public. “They took Champ with them into public daily—malls, restaurants, movie theatres and even their work places,” says Larsen.

When Champ had learned all the basics, such as retrieving objects and opening doors and drawers, he went on to fine-tune his skills with several others, including a family operating an in-home daycare. “That was an invaluable experience for him,” says Larsen. “he got a lot of exposure to child-like activities, behaviors and sounds. We want to make sure that when he’s around kids, there’s nothing that fazes him.”

The final stop in Champ’s training was back at Can Do Canines’ training center, where he received enhanced, autism-specific training. he would soon meet an ACC team member with a very special calling.

A Perfect Fit

Adele harrington grew up around horses, cows, cats and dogs. Throughout her life she has had many animal-related vocations, including horse trainer and dog groomer. Caring and skilled in her interactions with animals, she was a natural fit for the position of Champ’s handler.

harrington also brings to the position 20 years of classroom experience at the Anne Carlsen Center. In addition, she is the mother of a child with multiple disabilities, giving her additional insight into working with indi-viduals with impairments.

Last fall harrington spent several days in Minnesota at the Can Do Canines training center, receiving in-depth handler training. eileen pfarr, Champ’s back-up handler and a veteran ACC team member, also attended the training. Trainers showed them the commands Champ knows, from basic to advanced, and then took them and Champ into a variety of public places, to ensure that each handler could work comfort-ably with the dog in all settings.

Continued, next page

Champ spends some quality time with Michael, a high school student at the Anne Carlsen Center.

On October 10 Champ returned to Jamestown with harrington. She brought him to the Anne Carlsen Center campus daily “for odds and ends” to help him get acclimated to the new environ-ment. Champ also got accustomed to harrington’s home, where he sleeps and spends his non-work-ing hours. harrington quickly discovered that “Champ is a smart dog—it doesn’t take him long to learn something new!”

Over the next several months, Champ gained new experiences and friends throughout the ACC campus. Then, in mid-January, Larsen came to ACC for several days of observation and guidance. “This was the first full week of us working intensely with the students, and she was there as back up, in case we had questions,” says harrington. “She was able to steer us in the right direction.”

Four-legged Friend

Champ now works directly with 12 Anne Carlsen Center students, ranging in age from 4 to 21. he also spends time with groups of students during physical education class in the gymnasium. “There is a male student who had been extremely quiet and withdrawn during physical education,” says harrington. “Since Champ arrived, this student will come over to me and ask if he can walk with Champ. After they walk around the gym together a few times, the student will come back and ask if he

can play ball with Champ. It’s been wonderful to see this student come out of his shell.”

Champ wears a bright red vest with a handle on it. When working with Champ, a student can hold onto that handle, or hold onto a leash, depending on preference. While harrington always holds onto the primary leash, she can attach a second leash for those who want to help out in that way. “Our students love taking hold of that handle or leash,” says Michele Well, ACC’s education Ser-vices Director. “It gives them so much confidence, and it also helps develop independence. It’s wonderful to see how excited the students are about Champ being here.”

Gentle, friendly and eager to please, Champ is providing a calming influence to students struggling with behavioral, social and/or sensory impairments. Those working directly with him were selected after careful consideration. parents and ACC personnel were surveyed to gauge each child’s level of experience with animals as well as ability to interact well with animals. Also, to work with Champ, a student cannot have any dog-related allergies.

Good Dog!

“One of the goals of having Champ here on campus,” says Gums, “is to help students become more inde-pendent in their transitions: from the home area to school, from school to therapy, and from school back to the home area. We have students who have meltdowns during these transitions, and Champ will help ease the frustrations.”

Already, Champ has made a big difference for a young female student who had extreme difficulty with transitions. Until recently, she would scream and collapse to the floor instead of moving on to the next activity. With Champ by her side, however, she has handled transitions smoothly, progressing without incident and enjoying her new role as Champ’s “helper.”

Another goal is for Champ to help children engage and interact during therapy sessions, as well as increase their level of motivation. There’s the residential component, too: “In the residen-tial setting, we have some students who—upon

6 THE AMbASSAdOR

Champ, a 3-year-old Chocolate Lab, is the newest team member at the Anne Carlsen Center working to empower students with autism.

THE AMbASSAdOR 7

getting done with school—have a habit of self-imposed isolation,” explains Gums. “We’re hoping Champ will help encourage these students to be more social after school.”

And during the school day, Champ is helping improve the desire to learn and succeed academi-cally. “We have a male student who previously did not enjoy reading books,” says Well. “Nothing we did or said seemed to work in this area. One day, we asked him to read a book to Champ. This student selected a book about a dog, and then proceeded to read it to Champ. he read two books to Champ that day, and he did a fantastic job! Champ has helped open up a world of literacy for this child.”

In addition to spending time with students on campus, Champ is going out into the community with them, helping them maximize their experiences with the world around them. he has already accompanied students to a restaurant and a movie theatre.

each day at the Anne Carlsen Center, Champ makes new friends and helps make new achievements possible. This gentle and loveable lab is—in every sense of the word—a champion for the remarkable individuals we serve.

ACC Therapy horse Receives Top honorsOver the years, a variety of four-legged friends have had a life-changing impact at the Anne Carlsen Center. One of those animals is receiving a special honor, 11 years after his death.

pharaoh’s Fire (1979–2002), a purebred Arabian gelding, was a therapy horse for the Anne Carlsen Center for 13 years. he assisted with occupational, physical and speech therapies.

Fire developed a special connection with riders of all abilities, and he was especially sensitive to riders with autism. his level of devotion earned him the prestigious title of 1994 National Therapy horse of the Year. Now, he and the other horses who have received that honor over the years are being inducted into the horse Stars hall of Fame, established by horse Charities of America and United States equestrian Foundation.

Although Fire had a fiery disposition as a stallion—earning him his name —he became a calm and reliable horse as a gelding. he will always be remembered as easy to handle, tolerant and focused in all situations. Many riders found strength and greater independence through his healing touch.

Champ shares a moment with (left) Julianne Larsen, the direc-tor of training at Can Do Canines, and (right) Adele Harrington, his handler at ACC.

8 THE AMbASSAdOR

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 12

Memorial Gifts The Anne Carlsen Center is honored to receive gifts from donors in memory of family members, mentors and friends.

As you remember and celebrate the lives of your loved ones, you enrich the lives of the children and adults we serve. Thank you for your role in shaping beautiful success stories.

Gifts given between September 1 and December 31, 2012:

Mrs. Betty J. AarhusMrs. L. Elvira LokkenJeff and Drenda HallDoreen AlbohmPaul and Kathleen LarsonGary and Linda MahlochDr. Linnea M. AndersonRay and Sandy AndersonMary L. GrindeMr. Dennis L. AndersonMr. Dennis R. MurphyMrs. Anna DrangsholtRoy and Esther PetersonMr. Rodney L. TennysonRaymond and Marilyn MyersMary and Clarence Steffen

United Methodist Sunday S.James and Linda KimballMrs. Kay J. KvasagerKarter and Vernis KroghMrs. Sherry MischkeMrs. Vivian J. BartlettRichard & Josephine BeitzelRodney and Fayne BellMrs. Lois A. BelsvikMs. Esther StrausburgMrs. Dorothy L. BentleyMelvin and Ruth SkjersethMrs. Joan LindvallRev. Gordon N. BerntsonMrs. Carol J. Bertelsen

Myron and Gertrude PryorMr. Ken F. BlackDonald and Sara LindbergMonica MillsMrs. Alice BlomsDouglas M. BonsnessMrs. Bonnie JorgensonGerald and Elenore BorstadGerald and Elenore BorstadMs. Patricia L. BossertC. William & Patricia DennertVernon & Charlotte BaenenMrs. Velma P. MartinDonna and Grant SchmidtC. William & Patricia DennertCalvin and Loretta IsaakNorman & Donna LorentzsenMrs. Mary Ann EngebretsonMichael and Amy SteinkeMrs. Sherry MischkeMr. Delmar R. HagerottMrs. Phyllis B. AnderslandMs. Arlene B. WellsRaymond and Elaine WillowsCalvin and Maxine ShockmanWayne and Anna HaverlandRobert and Chris HorineMs. Delma SchmidtRichard and Rose Ann SplitterMrs. Fern L. WatkinsRobert and Chris HorineKeith and Rebecca SolbergJames and Linda KimballMrs. Katherine PaschkeMrs. Katherine PaschkeMs. Joan Y. RedmannGlenn and Connie SchwinkendorfMr. Carl T. ChristiansonMr. Carl T. ChristiansonKim and Gail ChristiansonDave and Kay KruegerMs. Judy L. KullaDonna and Grant SchmidtMrs. Martha ColemanRev. Ernest W. CollardMr. Lloyd O. CookJerome and Barbara CremersAlan and Dorothy LommenHon. Lyle A. PodollCalvin and Loretta IsaakMs. Doris E. DesautelsAl and Judy DoschLewis J. DuffeySteven and Melissa DuinMrs. Mabel DahlMrs. Mavis A. WoldDaris and Mabel BittnerHon. Lyle A. Podoll

Olav AarhusMarion AbrahamsonCarlyn A. AdixTristenAmanda W. AlmerGloria J. AltringerLucinda AndersenOscar & Beatrice AndersonRebecca J. ArichetaFred ArnasonRoger ArnesonSally ArtzSally ArtzSally ArtzCharles B. AskewJane Aune

Dillan R. BaderJohn BakerIda and Roger BakkeKatie D. BakkumRichard BarnesRobert BartlettChristian H. BeitzelGregory D. BellLoren BelsvikWilliam I. BennettDonald BentleyMonrad BergSynnove BergePam BerntsonCharles Bertelsen

Edna BjorkCarole BlackCarole BlackCarole BlackMartin BlomsSharon BonsnessDr. Joan D. BonsnessBill M. BorstadCharles W. BorstadRobert BossertBurt BoussardDelores I. BoyleBetty A. BraistedSue BrandauHelen BreitkreutzJames BrobstJohn and Clara BrotenLynn BrudevoldLynn BrudevoldErnest E. BuchholzFern BueligenHenrietta & Thomas BurgessAlyce M. BurkeAlyce M. BurkeMuriel E. CarlblomDr. Anne H. CarlsenDr. Anne H. CarlsenDr. Anne H. CarlsenDr. Anne H. CarlsenDr. Anne H. CarlsenPaul CarlsenVern CaseyEdna CasteelPat CaykoAndy CaykoLorraine M. ChristensenFloyd Christianson

Carl and Evelyn ChristiansonLynne ChristiansonEldora & Russell ChristiansonAlwin ChristophersonGordon T. ColburnGordon T. ColburnKenneth ColemanRuth CollardMarie CookMichael CremersLeonard Crouse Jr.Val D. CutlerRon DavisFred and Joan DesautelsKaren Jane DoschNancy DuffeyPeter and Leora DuinGrayce DvirnakRonald EdbergWallace EdingerDean A. Eichler

Chaplaincy Program receives SupportOur Chaplain, Reverend Ethelind “Lindy” Holt, weaves fun, love and meaning into each and every Chapel service at the Anne Carlsen Center. She gives children and adults the opportunity to be part of a congregation, growing together in faith and sharing their gifts and talents with others. There are also the pastoral visits and Vacation Bible School!

It’s a privilege to be able to offer our Chaplaincy Care Program through the support of friends like you. This is such an important component of care at the Center. We don’t receive government funds

or corporate support for this work, instead relying on your love and support.

You showed how much you care during our recent Thanks-giving Appeal. Nearly $16,000 was given by 203 donors. Thank you for supporting and enriching our vital Chaplaincy Care Program. We are grateful for your partnership with us!

MaryAnne Bitz has always lived close to the land. The Dickey, N.D., woman says she “grew up” in a tractor, help-ing her dad raise crops. Today, she and her husband run a farm and a

herd of cattle. She’s a farm girl through and through.

Now MaryAnne’s agricultural expertise is being used to plant seeds of kindness at the Anne Carlsen Center (ACC). Since June 2007, she has been a volunteer in one of the elementary school classrooms, working with students in grades 3 – 6. Much of that time is spent outside of the classroom, helping students gain skills and experience in the ACC gardens and state-of-the-art solarium.

“MaryAnne has so much patience,” says teacher Mary Lewis. “She doesn’t get frustrated with the students. She comes alongside them with a caring and calming presence. If a student becomes uneasy or needs extra attention, she’s able to redirect and calm that child.”

This dedicated volunteer and mother of two (a daughter in high school and a son in college) was encouraged by a friend six years ago to consider vol-

unteering at ACC. Doubtful at first that she would have something to offer, she now can’t imagine volunteering anywhere else. “I fell in love with the place and the kids,” she says. “I love watching the students. It’s so much fun to watch their expressions as they react to the sunshine and the breeze. Some-times they’ll spot a ladybug or a butterfly. It’s such a joy to watch their delightful expression as a bug crawls up their arm.”

MaryAnne, along with ACC personnel, guides and assists children as they gain hands-on experiences tending vegetables, herbs and flowers. She also performs tasks that help keep the gardening program running smoothly, such as fertilizing and weeding the gardens … and helping keep the solarium tidy.

“She has spent hours digging up thistle!” explains Lewis. “She does the heavy labor that would be difficult for kids to do, and we—the staff—don’t have time to do all of it. She needs very little direction and is very hard working and dependable.”

And while many agree this volunteer is a special blessing to the students and the gardening program, MaryAnne focuses instead on what a blessing the Anne Carlsen Center has been in her life.

“I love that when I walk into the classroom, the students say, ‘Good morning, MaryAnne!’ They know my name! That really touches me,” she says. “Volunteering here has taught me to pay more attention, to use people’s first names, to slow down, and to enjoy the simple things in life. I’ve learned that when communicating with someone, to watch that person’s eyes. That was a huge discovery for me.”

MaryAnne hopes others will decide to get involved as a volunteer, experiencing what her mom taught her many years ago: “Giving is living, and living

is giving.”

There are many ways to make a difference in the lives of the children

and adults served by the Anne Carlsen Center. You can dedicate

your time and talents as a volunteer and/or provide financial gifts that help make our exceptional programs and services possible. To learn more about how to empower individuals with disabilities, visit www.annecenter.org.

Harvesting

plantingK I N D N e S S

Hope

THE AMbASSAdOR 9

ACC Volunteer MaryAnne Bitz helps Saige feel the different textures of the leaves. Saige, who has a vision impairment, benefits from a multi-sensory approach to experiencing the plants.

10 THE AMbASSAdOR

ou never do chores in the military without your boots on,” says N.D. National Guard Staff Sergeant Nathan Johnson, “unless

you’re unable to put them on during an attack.”

Stationed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Warhorse near Baqubah, Iraq, the possibility of an attack on the gritty U.S. stronghold where Johnson served with the 188th Air Defense Artillery Regiment was a real one. During the course of Nathan‘s tour, Baqubah had emerged as a scene of intense guerrilla activity.

As Nathan laced up his boots each morning in preparation for the duties and dangers he’d confront as an Officer in Charge of Air Defense and Air Management, his wife, Christina, was roughly 8,000 miles away in Bismarck, N.D., helping their one-year-old son, Isaac, do the same.

Isaac’s “boots” are actual-ly orthopedic leg braces, designed to help him walk. But since they are printed in the same desert camouflage his dad wears, putting them on each morning becomes a ritual of tribute, instead of a chore.

That’s because Isaac is his father’s son. “A dad-dy’s boy for sure,” Nathan says with a smile.

Iraq will always be here”

Mounds of melting snow lined the streets of Bismarck the night Isaac was born. It was March 18, 2010.

Nathan was in Iraq, and his Chief Warrant Officer ordered him to call his First Sergeant on the double. Nathan immediately thought of his friends in Afghanistan with whom he had served

during his initial deployment from 2005–2007. “At first I thought something went wrong in Afghanistan with a few of my close friends,” Nathan recalls. “he told me about a Red Cross message, saying Christina had to have an emergency C-section. he assured me everything was okay, but the situation sounded bad enough for me.”

Nathan’s fears were warranted. Christina had been rushed to the hospital, and was very ill with a serious pregnancy complication called pre-eclampsia. After an emergency C-section, a tiny baby boy was delivered … seven weeks premature.

Isaac weighed exactly 3 pounds when Christina held him for the first time. Doctors determined that

he’d had a stroke before he was born, affecting a part of the brain that controls vision and motor skills. Three days later, Isaac suffered a brain hemorrhage. Doctors placed a port in his head, to create a reservoir where fluids could collect and be drained to relieve pressure on his brain. Isaac was fighting for his life.

Making matters worse for the young family was Nathan’s deployment. “The day they found the hemorrhage was difficult, but there wasn’t much I could do from Iraq,” Na-than says. “I just wished I could have been there for Christina. I stuck it out for a few weeks with everything going on back home … until they decided to put the port in Isaac’s head. The best advice any-one told me was, ‘Johnson, Iraq will always be here, go home and make sure everything is good there.’”

Impossible Questions

For the next seven weeks, Isaac remained in the

“Y

“

THE AMbASSAdOR 11

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, and the Johnsons grappled with the profound questions surrounding the future of their fragile son.

As a Special education teacher, Christina felt the same agonizing frustration that so many of her students’ parents must have experienced. “We were told on one end that he may simply need a therapy here or there, and at the other end, that he may never walk, talk or see. Will it get better? Will he still get to play sports? Why us?” Christina wondered.

Meanwhile, Nathan—now home to stay after a year in Iraq—was in denial over his son’s delayed develop-ment. “I just pretended it wasn’t real for the longest time,” he admits. eventually, the missed milestones could no longer be ignored. “We were sitting in the living room one night,” remembers Christina, “and Nathan looked at me and said, ‘This is never going to go away, is it?’ That was our moment of reality.”

Helping Hands

The Johnsons were determined to do all they could to help Isaac reach his full potential. Nathan, Christina, Isaac, and older brother Carter moved from Bismarck to Fargo in 2011. From there, they assembled a team of dedicated experts that would empower Isaac to reach their high expectations.

Michelle peterson, a Developmental Specialist with the Anne Carlsen Center KIDS program, would work with the family at home, providing support, instruction, information and resources to help Isaac realize his full potential. Beyond Boundar-ies Therapy would help with developing motor and speech skills, and the North Dakota Vision Services/School for the Blind would work to help Isaac maximize his limited vision.

The first step in plotting out a course for Isaac was a clear evaluation of his potential. peterson (known by many as “Micki”) was there to provide the straightforward assessment the Johnsons needed. “Micki was the first person not to sugarcoat things for Christina and me,” says Nathan. “She laid every-thing out for us and explained that ‘this was wrong, he needs to do this better, work on this, watch for this, he will struggle with this.’ To me it was like someone beat down the elephant in the room.”

Working with peterson and other KIDS program per-sonnel, the Johnsons have had the support system in place to focus on Isaac’s overall development within his natural environment. In the process, the family

has learned that not all therapies require trained experts; in fact, four-year-old brother Carter also plays a major part in Isaac’s continued success. “hands down, Isaac could not have a better big broth-er,” says Christina. “Carter is a very strong-willed, independent 4-year-old, which has helped push Isaac in his development. Carter loves to help Isaac walk and has taught him most of the words he knows.”

A Bright Future

Isaac, who turned 3 years old on March 18, is a “happy, mischievous, talkative child,” say his proud parents. “But if there was one word to describe him, it would be determined,” adds Christina. “he loves being able to do things on his own.”

These extraordinary qualities have made a big impression on the KIDS program team members. “If you were to just look at Isaac’s medical file,” says peterson, “You would think that this little boy would have significant impairments. But spend just five minutes with Isaac, and you easily forget that he has challenges. his strong will, determination and the support of his parents and brother have already brought Isaac further than most of the experts would have anticipated.”

As Christina puts it, “We cannot wait to see what the future holds for Isaac. each day is a blessing. he continues to amaze us each day.”

To be sure, not every day is going to be easy. Isaac does have his challenges; the stroke he suffered left him with cortical vision impairment—a neurological issue that causes his brain to incorrectly interpret what his eyes see. Cerebral palsy affects his legs and feet. But more noticeable than the walker Isaac sometimes relies on … or the brown-and-tan “boots” strapped to his legs … is a tremendously happy little boy, whose march towards independence is proceeding with the strength and resolve of a soldier.

Just like his proud daddy.

An army of four: (from left to right) N.D. National Guard Staff Sergeant Nathan Johnson with sons Isaac (3) and Carter (4) and wife Christina.

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

Dwight and Suzanne EikenStewart E. Ekstrom & Suzanne MalyGregory and Hilda EldevikOral and Ruth ElhardMr. Elmer EllweinC. William & Patricia DennertJames and Carol ErkensMrs. Glenna Mae E. LarsonMrs. Shirley D. HintzMr. Kenneth D. FandreyMrs. Rosanne M. FarrellMrs. Cordy FarsdaleGloria and Bryan JonesDean and Sylvia FatlandErnest and Shirley HansonMrs. Irene L. FinkAlbert and Solveig BartzKeith and Beth LiudahlMerle and Eunice MunsonMrs. Eleanor Forseth

Mrs. Eleanor ForsethVera and Frank FraassMs. Dorothy A. BrissDaniel and Brenda AndersonHon. Lyle A. PodollDonald and Marian SavageMr. Arlon E. FuchsMrs. Muriel HoplinMs. Harriet E. OlsonWilliam and Marilyn GackleMrs. Donna E. GaffaneyReta M. GagePaul and Marilyn GageGeorge & Michelle GagnonGeorge & Michelle GagnonMrs. Marilyn F. GalazenRev. and Mrs. Quintin C. SchowalterDuane and Barbara ButtsMrs. Anna M. SlaterCurtis and Betty Hahn

C. William & Patricia DennertHon. Lyle A. PodollJames and Linda KimballMrs. Kathleen WyumDonald and Carol OdenbachCandice and Gary RudenGloria and Bryan JonesFloyd and Evelyn FergersonMrs. Agnes R. StewartMs. Ida SchmittMrs. Donna L. CollinsMrs. Leah W. GuderjanMrs. Darlis ShortMs. Virginia JeanotteMs. Judy L. KullaDonna and Grant SchmidtC. William & Patricia DennertNorman and Belle KvaleMr. Tom HaffnerCurtis and Betty HahnRev. Delwayne HahnNoren and Audrey MelandStanley & Phyllis DolbinskiValerie and Dustin BakkenSheila and Peter DeweyGloria and Bryan JonesDana and Justin KoldenMs. Judy L. KullaDonna and Grant SchmidtMrs. Erin J. Zalumskis-SandMrs. Mary L. JohnsonGerald & Marian RasmussenMr. Kenneth J. HaraldsenJerry HaralsonMs. Ruth N. HallArdean and Diana HarstadMr. Arthur G. HaskinsMrs. Erna HaufLenora & Leona DohrmannJames and Linda KimballKeith and Rebecca SolbergMr. Charles D. StromsodtMr. Dennis L. AndersonMrs. Katherine PaschkeRobert and Becky HermanMrs. Lilly JohnstonJames and Judy EngstromMrs. Yvonne HildebrandMs. Judy L. KullaDonna and Grant SchmidtGary and Arlys MathisLowell and Amy AndersonDaris and Mabel BittnerDennis and Myrna WoldKeith and Rebecca SolbergMrs. Mary Ann EngebretsonKent and Bonnie EicholtzMrs. Mary L. Johnson

Vernon and Eva EikenCarl and Mary Ekstrom

Frances and Norman EldevikIrene L. ElhardAlber and Margaret EllweinMarvin J. ElsenThomas J. ErkensJohn A. Evers Jr.Dagmar A. EversonLurline D. FandreyGerald FarrellWade FarsdaleJasmine N. FarsdaleJan M. FatlandAgnes K. FerdererOtto FinkErick FissThresse FolkJensina and Hilmer ForsbergBarbara Forseth

Richard ForsethDuane and Billy BradleyJoann FrappierDonald M. FreemanRuth FrerichsRonald FrydenlundJeanette FuchsLowell FuglebergLowell FuglebergDon GackleJames GaffaneyYvonne GageRev. Wells H. GageEd GagnonGeorge and Renee GagnonPaul B. GalazenAlvin Geisler

Mavis GerrellsCarroll GilbertsonIone Glinz

Steve GloverSteve GloverBeulah GoebelMabel GoehringBernice GoldsmithJames D GrayMarie GreenshieldsRyan GregoryAmber GrindelandCharles GrumboZenner GrzegorekTheodore GuderjanRick GulstadMarvin G. GundersonSarah GundersonSarah GundersonDean HaalandJason C. HaasJanice HaffnerDoris HagenMarilyn HahnRay HamanHelen HandtmannEmlin HansenEmlin HansenEmlin HansenEmlin HansenEmlin HansenEmlin HansenEmlin HansenClarice J. HansonClarice J. HansonOpal HaraldsenRose O. HaralsonAlfred V. HarstadMerlin C. HarstadKaren HaskinsPaul HaufElaine HaugenRegina HauglandOlga H. Hayen-HeisingerRobert HedstromFern V. HerbeckElmer HerdtSharon G. HermanVanita L. HermanRick HermannDennis HerrmannDennis HerrmannDennis HerrmannRandy HetlandLeo L. HibschLeo L. HibschLeo L. HibschCecil E. HilesCurtis HodenfieldRuth I. HoeraufMarvin K. Hoff

During the Christmas season we brought you the amazing stories of three remarkable individuals whose dreams are coming true right before our eyes— because of your wonderful love and support!

You met go-getter Sander with his smile that lights up a room … Sady, our future award-winning film editor … and Tieranny, who has transformed into quite a social butterfly!

Thank you for honoring the determination and resolve of these incredible young people. We are so grateful for your response to the Christmas Appeal, as 389 donors gave more than $49,500.

You give all the individuals we serve the opportunity to dream ... and then you help prepare them with the skills and support they need to make those dreams come true. Thank you for your important role in nurturing these precious smiles and success stories!

Making Dreams Come True!

12 THE AMbASSAdOR

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

John and Karen HolienCharles and Eloise JonesDavid and Carol HoplinDaris and Mabel BittnerLavonne Horowitz Char FoundationLarry and Edith RaatzJames and Judy EngstromMs. Mary A. LongMari G. IrvinReed and Ruth DanuserHon. Lyle A. PodollMr. Daniel L. JasperMrs. Sherry MischkeMrs. Elaine K. JohnMarilyn F. NissenMary L. GrindeMs. Jacquelyn R. SchulteBen and Patricia JohnsonMrs. Darlis ShortRonald & Sandra BendewaldMs. Judy L. KullaMrs. Geraldine E. JohnsonGlen and Nathlie MillerDon and Charleen SchermerhornMs. Carol L. NessMrs. Mona R. JohnsonMrs. Mary L. JohnsonMs. Andrea MorenskiErnest and Shirley HansonMrs. Blossom G. SchnabelMrs. Anna M. PrichardC. William & Patricia DennertC. William & Patricia DennertBison 6 CinemaErhart and Patricia HehrApollo Hair ClinicsTom and Rita KennedyHon. Lyle A. PodollMrs. Sharon L. HeilDonald and Inez OlsonMs. Sharon L. RanceMs. Joy L. KjellbotnJoel and Karen NelsonSteven and Janell Mc LaenMrs. Katherine PaschkeMrs. Frances BarnardMrs. Della J. HoffMr. Mitchell L. KochSusan and Gerald SimonsonGregory and Hilda EldevikLynn and Jeanette KieperAnthony & Kathleen EnglandDeb KritzbergerMs. Esther StrausburgMr. Henry L. KuceraMrs. Jane Y. KullaHon. Lyle A. Podoll

Reed and Ruth DanuserRichard CavanaughJames and Linda KimballMrs. Judy GoettleRoger and Patty SkarpholCharles & Priscilla AnklamCandice and Gary RudenArlene and Gary GranErvin P. LangholzMs. Jacquelyn R. SchulteHubert and Joan BlegenJames and Judy EngstromVictor and Arlene LybeckMrs. Ivy E. JohannesenMs. Mary L. MilbrathMs. Susan M. LenderLeonard and Doris LereMrs. Katherine PaschkeMs. Lynda L. FaithMs. Lynda L. FaithSi and Martha LiechtyDr. Charles L. LindbergJulie and Ken SlagKermit and Arlys SorbyMrs. L. Elvira LokkenJacquelyn SenfMrs. Mary Ann EngebretsonMelvin and Ruth SkjersethMrs. Anna M. SlaterVernon and Marcy GrantLeif and Cynthia PetersonKevin and Cynthia RoordaRichard & Janice HuebnerMrs. Elizabeth HagenMr. Allen V. MartellDavid and Fay FalkDr. & Mrs. Larry K. HoffmanNicholas & Jean NeumannMrs. Velma P. MartinMarvin & Mary SiedschlagMrs. Arlene E. SimpsonArdina and Elmo BentzArdina and Elmo BentzTom and Beth McCauleyBosard, McCutcheon & Rau, Ltd.Larry and Edith RaatzKnox Presbyterian ChurchLawrence and Connie AndersonJames and Judy EngstromMr. Duane L. MeiersHon. Lyle A. PodollC. William & Patricia DennertDurward & Phyllis OtternessMr. Vernon H. MeyerJames and Judy EngstromMrs. L. Elvira LokkenHarvey and Darlene Kluvers

Mavis StrindenDr. David E. MillerMrs. Marlys A. BergeneLarry and Edith RaatzMarian E SaterenCarl and Leona NelsonMs. Anna V. MoranSylvia MorganSylvia MorganPatricia and Frank PaulaCalvin and Loretta IsaakDavid and Patricia MuellerRichard MurrayMs. Margie A. LaneAllyson PetersonMrs. Lilly BratvoldMrs. Lilly BratvoldMrs. Lilly BratvoldMrs. Beaulah SearsFrances HansonMs. Wanda V. NissenPaul and Gail BueglerMr. Richard A. NovakMs. Lorraine TisdelWilliam and Lois O’HaraDennis and Myrna WoldVernon and Marcy GrantMrs. Kathy R. AsheErnest and Edith JellebergArden and Judith OmlidLyle and Deloreis BlunckMrs. Lorna J. BoresonMr. Meryl T. Hansey

Mr. Meryl T. Hansey

Ms. Karen L. Hunt

Lawrence and Irma RathbunEllen D. OrrMrs. Sharon L. HeilDurward & Phyllis OtternessGary and Jan WysockiMr. Marvin L. RappMrs. Anna BeauclairMrs. Katherine PaschkeMr. Harvey H. PedersenMrs. Marlys A. BergeneSenster & Janet VangsnessSi and Martha LiechtyMr. Bruce G. PentlandKent PetersonWayne and Diana JacobsonDon and Yvonne WilliamsDebbie and George GreshikBette and Robert JohnsonMs. Judy L. KullaDonna and Grant Schmidt

Bradley J. HolwegerJoanne and Floyd HomuthGlenn C. HoplinCharles L. Hoppe Sr.Lavonne Horowitz Char FoundationDavid HoushWilliam G HowardEva M. HuckBruce IrvinMyra G. JaekelViola A. JasmerBeverly JasperChester JensenKent JohnBernice JohnsenAlbertine Johnson

Beatrice & Kenneth JohnsonDean JohnsonEvalyn M. JohnsonSarah JohnsonSarah JohnsonAlfred JohnsonLevi Johnson

Levi JohnsonMartha JohnsonRobert JohnsonSean A. JohnsonTrista F. JohnsonJohn JohnstonHelen JustusElla I. KalinowskiVictor A. KammRichard W. KarlenLoren KeimIda C. KelloggEileen KennedyEileen KennedyGeraldine KippleyBernard KirschmannCarol J. KiserRobert KittermanMargaret and Carl KjellbotnMyrtle B. KjonaasLyla J. KlefstadIrene KnelsJeanette M. KnoteJeanette M. KnoteJohn and Lydia KochLois H. KozojedStephanie A. KrehlikRuth L. KreinElaine KreutzLynn KritzbergerGerald KruegerMary and Henry KuceraMargie KullaHiram Kusler

Tom LacopiniRobert LageinRobert LageinDale E. LalimDale E. LalimWillard LambAllen E. LandersTheodore and Helen LangCarrie LangholzEva and Alfred LarsenLee O. LarsonLee O. LarsonLee O. LarsonMarie M. LayWilliam F. Lemke Jr.Ruth LenderFlorence I. LereAdeline C. LeyGeorge and Dorothy LiebeJames LiebeClara and John LiechtyLoren and Mabel LindbergLillian E. LindemannBentley A. LindvallMargaret E. LokkenKathy LomsdalBruce A. LubbersHazelle LundDoris LysneDarin MalecMelvina F. MandigoLouise C. ManstromMary MarksStanley L. MarkwardtAugust & Katherina MartellMary M. MartinMary M. MartinMary M. MartinPaul L. MartinPaul L. MartinVictoria B. MarvelPaul and Bertha MayerWallace L. MayerMichael T. McCauleyE. Hugh McCutcheon

Paul McBrideIda McCannJoan L. McDonnell Pearl A. MedhusEmilie J. MeiersAlbert MerkelAllen MettlerMarvel & Herbert MeyerMary Ellen MeyerRussell MichaelsLavon MickelsenNorma Miedema

Norma MiedemaViola and Clement MillerEsther B. MoenLillian M. MoenMartha MonkeRobert MonsonGerald MoranCaroline MorganMike MorganTheresa & Hank MorthJohn S MosbruckerBarbara M. MuellerJoyce E. MurrayRandy R MyersTayib NashVernon NelsonArchie NelsonRaymond W. NelsonRuth A. NelsonMary E. NeubertLoretta NissenDavid R. NoremBernice NovakJames OdegaardBrenda K. O’HaraCharles E. OlsonConnie M. OlsonHelen A. OlsonShirley A. OlsonEdith OmlidFamilyLoved onesThose who have lost their life from cancerAll those who gave their life so we may be Free26 people killed in school shootingLoved onesFloyd OrrTommy OsterOscar & Myrtle OtternessKathleen E. PageLydia ParrottBob PattonElizabeth J. PaulsonShirley PedersenRonald PedersonPalmer R. PedersonRudolph and Erna PeltzVirginia PentlandDale PetersonLisa D. PetersonLuVerne PetersonJeff PfarrJeff PfarrJeff PfarrJeff Pfarr

THE AMbASSAdOR 13

Memorials continued on page 17

40 years later, ACC once again helping West Fargo woman live a full life

A sk Barbara Beaton about movies, and her eyes will light up. The 60-year-old West Fargo woman is especially fond of

films that tickle her funny bone—the sillier the comedy, the better. And when it comes to adrenaline-packed action, this movie buff says the James Bond series is adventure par excellence.

But what has provided the most satisfy-ing experience for Barbara is a sequel she first discovered in December 2011. This sequel takes place in real life, and Barbara is the main character. The setting is her home in West Fargo —and many other locations near and far. It is the continuation of a story that began more than 50 years ago.

A Challenging Start

Barbara was born into a hard-working North Da-kota family in 1952. her father chased cattle at the West Fargo Stockyards, and her mother was head cook at a nearby school. Wally and Violet (“Vi”) Beaton were now the parents of five children, but they quickly discovered that Barbara’s needs were very different from those of her four older brothers.

Barbara was born with cerebral palsy (Cp), a condition caused by abnormalities in portions of the brain that control the muscles. The disorder affects muscle control, coordination and tone, as well as reflexes, balance and posture. In Barbara’s case, it interferes with her ability to stand upright and walk. The muscles that control her mouth, tongue and pharynx also are affected, causing her speech to be slurred.

early on, Wally and Vi became aware of their limi-tations in caring for their daughter. When Barbara was 4 years old, her parents brought her to live, study and receive therapy at the Anne Carlsen Center (at that time, the Crippled Children’s School) in Jamestown, where Dr. Anne Carlsen was the superintendent.

The transition was not an easy one, and Barbara was often in tears. “Dr. Anne called us and told us that Barbara wasn’t quite ready to be at the school,”

remembers Vi. “So we brought her back home and enrolled her in the public

school. When she was 8 years old, the principal called to

tell us the school was no longer able to meet her

needs. That’s when we began to consider (the Anne Carlsen Center) again.”

This time, Barbara was ready.

Succeeding at School

Barbara thrived as a student and made

many friends. She great-ly admired Dr. Anne—a

quadruple congenital am-putee who refused to let her

physical impairments prevent her from living life to the fullest.

“Dr. Anne would always greet all the students and families at the start of school in the fall,” remembers Vi. “There has never been a woman like her. She was determined to do everything that anyone else could do, such as driving. She once showed us the car that had been adapted for her with all its gadgets. She got around so well!”

Dr. Anne inspired the students at the school to take a similar approach to life: believe in their God-given abilities and pursue as much independence as possible. Barbara recalls of Dr. Anne, “She was so nice to me!” Through this kindness and example, the Center’s namesake helped guide and encourage Barbara until, at age 18, the young woman from West Fargo graduated from the school and began her next major transition in life.

14 THE AMbASSAdOR

THE AMbASSAdOR 15

Next Step?

Barbara was eager for adventure and independence but was faced with a lack of appropriate services for someone her age with her needs. She ended up returning home to live with her parents. But while Wally and Vi provided a loving environment for their daughter, they did not have the training and expertise needed to maximize their daughter’s abilities and opportunities.

Many years went by, and Barbara remained at home with her parents. Most of what she learned about the world came through books and movies. As her parents grew older and less mobile, her exposure to the outside world was further diminished.

Barbara’s four older brothers grew concerned. They knew their 88-year-old mother and 95-year-old father needed some help caring for their sister. They also saw that Barbara was not reaching her full potential, and it pained them to see her missing out on many of life’s meaningful experiences. So, in June 2011, Carol Beaton—wife of Barbara’s oldest brother, perry—called the Anne Carlsen Center. What she was told brought tears to her eyes—tears of joy.

Danielle Remmick, the Operations Manager for the Anne Carlsen Center (ACC) Community Based Services in the Fargo area, explained to Carol what the Center’s services would entail. Carol’s excited response was, “That’s exactly what we need!” Remmick told Carol how ACC helps individuals participate fully in the activities of life, make contributions to their community, and hone critical skills for daily living.

The Fargo area is among dozens of North Dakota communities where ACC now provides home- and community-based services to individuals and families affected by a developmental disability. ACC began its expansion into Community Based Services in 2008, while continuing to operate the Jamestown campus where Barbara received services as a child.

Anne Carlsen Center professionals met with the Beaton family in November 2011 and began providing services the following month.

Rewarding Reunion

At first it was not easy for self-reliant Wally and Vi to accept help. But that initial reluctance has been replaced by a palpable reassurance.

“I think (Community Based Services) is wonderful,” says Vi. “My only regret is that Anne Carlsen isn’t here to witness it. She would really enjoy this.”

Three ACC team members spend time with Barbara throughout the week, working individually with her to meet needs, interests, and desired outcomes in many areas of life. Many of those hours are spent out in the community. “We are empowering Barbara to be an integral member of her community,” says Remmick. “She is now exploring the world and making her own decisions. It’s such a joy to see how inquisitive and observant she is. She loves to be around people and is very interested in the world around her.”

ACC professionals tap into each person’s interests and abilities, providing assistance and accessibility tools to help provide the best possible vocational

and volunteer experiences. Barbara has always loved animals, so helping out

at a local pet store was a natural fit. She has spent time socializing

with kittens and helping keep the area tidy.

When asked about her other vocational interests, Barbara expressed a strong desire “to work in an office with other ladies.” ACC has ar-ranged several opportunities

to work in an office setting, including the church office at

prairie heights Community Church in West Fargo, where she helps out every Thursday shred-

ding papers. Barbara smiles while holding her hand

out to demonstrate how tall the pile of papers is that she shreds. She also folds bulletins, which isn’t

Barbara Beaton, born in 1952, became the youngest of five children. Her parents quickly discovered their daughter’s needs were much different from those of her four older brothers.

Continued, next page

16 THE AMbASSAdOR

always easy, given the effects of cerebral palsy. Vi says she’s proud of her daughter: “It’s hard work with her hands, but she digs right in!”

On Tuesdays at the YMCA, Barbara folds towels, greets people as they come in the door, distributes healthy snacks to members, and helps out with children’s activities.

A Positive Attitude

No matter the task, Barbara can be counted on to have gump-tion and a positive attitude. “She is a hard worker,” says Genieve Thayer, an ACC Direct Support profes-sional who works with Barbara. “She won’t give up until the task is done. She never quits!”

In addition to gaining vocational skills and experiences, Barbara is now a patron at a wide variety of businesses. An avid reader (especially of books about animals), she loves to visit book stores. She has a passion for and is especially skilled at Find-A-Word puzzle books. One of her favorite activities is to go to stores in search of the best bargain on these puzzles. She enjoys dining at restaurants and looks forward to going to the movie theater to see the latest blockbuster. “There is joy in her face when she’s out in the community,” says Thayer. “She loves to make new discoveries, and I’ll often hear her say, ‘I’ve never seen that before!’”

While a big emphasis is on spending time in the community, ACC professionals working with Bar-bara also spend time in the Beaton home in West Fargo, assisting Barbara with primary needs such as maintaining proper hygiene. Getting in and out of the bathtub, for instance, is often difficult for someone with cerebral palsy. When people without Cp perform a movement, some groups of muscles “turn on” while other groups “turn off.” But for those like Barbara, with spastic Cp, conflicting groups of muscles may “turn on” at the same time, resulting in stiff and jerky movements.

In addition, Barbara also endures headaches and rapid muscle spasms, both of which are often

painful. “We know she’s hurting when her muscles bunch up,” says Thayer. “She won’t admit that she’s in pain, though. She never complains. We help make sure she gets to be out and about with as little pain as possible.”

Life to the Full

Barbara has never forgotten what Dr. Anne taught her many years ago in

Jamestown about the value of determination in the pursuit

of independence. The passage of time has not dampened

the West Fargo woman’s enthusiasm for emulating her childhood mentor. And while the services she receives now may be different from the services she received as a child,

the Anne Carlsen Center’s philosophy of care and

support remains the same. “What hasn’t changed is the

Center’s core approach: the indi-vidual comes first,” explains

Remmick. “It’s the same level of love and compas-sion that she received more than 40 years ago.”

With every adventure Barbara takes, she gains

more self-sufficiency and a greater sense of self-worth.

“She is happier now,” says Vi. “We couldn’t take her to all of those places. At our age, we have trouble getting out ourselves. She’s been places we have never been!”

Barbara celebrated her 60th birthday in October at a bowling event organized by ACC Community Based Services in Fargo. There was a cake and singing, and Barbara—content to be a spectator at past bowling events—decided to join the others on the lanes. her final score was 147—the high-est score of the day! The frosting on the birthday cake, much to Barbara’s amusement and delight, turned her mouth and teeth blue. She laughed and laughed and laughed. “I had blue teeth today,” she said with a smile—a smile that continues to tell us “the possibilities are endless!”

Pictured here with ACC’s Genieve Thayer, Barbara enjoys a tour of the Red River aboard the SS Ruby Pontoon.

THE AMbASSAdOR 17

Roger and Patty SkarpholMs. Delila M. HeinrichWilliam & Paulette McCannRobert and Ruth WedmanErnest and Neva MiesselMr. Lloyd C. SheldonMr. Harold F. PriddyGary and Phyllis TorskeDennis and Joan BangenMs. Judy L. KullaMrs. Mary Ellen KullaJames & Debra SchumacherMrs. Muriel ChristophersonMrs. Mary Ann EngebretsonErhart and Patricia HehrMr. Marvin L. RappMr. Kurt D. RasmussenGerald & Marian RasmussenMrs. Donna L. CollinsMs. Joan Y. RedmannBruce and Lucinda VantineWayne & Coleen RehovskyMelvin and Ruth SkjersethMrs. Donna L. CollinsMs. Dorothy A. BrissKarter and Vernis KroghMrs. Evelyn R. RientsMarvin and Helen JohnsonMrs. Mertis HillMrs. Velma P. MartinWilliam and Alpha RoeszlerDennis and Myrna WoldClayton and Karen RomfoMrs. Della J. HoffMrs. Mavis A. WoldTimothy RudnickRudnick ElectricMr. Robert J. RudolphClarence RudyMr. Dennis L. AndersonElsie SaewertJames & Sharon HatlewickGary and Arlys MathisMr. Steven R. SarafoleanMr. Steven R. SarafoleanGloria and Bryan JonesRoger and Patty SkarpholMs. Marilyn J. CollierMyron and Lois SchmidtLeonard and Doris LereErnest and Shirley HansonMs. Jacquelyn R. SchulteMarvin and Laverne SchulzJeff & Doreen SchumacherDavid and Maxine SyhreBert and Diane AndersonMrs. Vivian J. BartlettLeslie and Carma Branch

Mr. Manley D. LokkenMr. Manley D. LokkenRaydon and Betty WorkinStanley and Donnis BensonMrs. Mary Ann EngebretsonErnest and Shirley HansonMrs. Clarice C. WeigelKeith and Rebecca SolbergRichard and Nancy ShermoenHon. Lyle A. PodollMrs. Darlene BenzelMrs. Marlys A. BergeneJulian and Emily BraatenRaydon and Betty WorkinJames and Kathryn JohnsonJames and Kathryn JohnsonMrs. Mary Ellen KullaMs. Judy L. KullaMarian E SaterenHerb and Diane MittelstedtEleanor M. HesseHarold and Alvina SchlenkerMs. Betty L. NelsonMrs. Frances SmithDennis and Myrna WoldJames and Linda KimballMrs. Ivy E. JohannesenMarie C. StorbakkenMrs. Marilynn E. JohnsonMr. Rodney L. TennysonMs. Unamae S. StoykaMs. Unamae S. StoykaMichael and Loretta McConnellJames and Judy EngstromMichael & Loretta McConnellGary and Ingrid LaneLarry and Mary SelleMrs. Lola JanKeith and Rebecca SolbergNorman and Carol CarlsonMs. Virginia JeanotteBetty and Dennis SteeleMichael and Amy SteinkeWaldo and Marion PlatteMarvin and Helen JohnsonMrs. Gloria KnutsonLarry and Janet SchaafDonald and Carol Odenbach

Eldon and Clara Jo ConantVernon and Marcy GrantMr. Keith ThomteKermit and Arlys SorbyJames and Judy EngstromTim Dwyer Farm Trust

William and Doris SchmitzErling and Elizabeth TufteErling and Elizabeth TufteC. William and Patricia DennertCleo and Claire BerdahlJudy and Gerald RingdahlDaniel & Brenda AndersonArthur & Glorianne HiltnerJohn and Erna VinjeMary L. GrindeMarian E SaterenC. William and Patricia DennertRobert and Loretta FleckensteinMr. John R. SakariassenMr. Arthur WallMrs. Katherine PaschkeC. William and Patricia DennertMs. Virginia JeanotteArlene and Gary GranJon L. Way, D.D.S., M.S.Mr. Dennis L. WebsterRobert and Ruth WedmanRobert and Ruth WedmanRobert and Loretta FleckensteinHon. Lyle A. PodollC. William and Patricia DennertHon. Lyle A. PodollReed and Ruth DanuserDonald and Barbara WengLowell and Amy AndersonJames and Judy EngstromKeith and Rebecca SolbergMs. Shirley JensvoldMr. Barrett J. WilliamsMrs. Katherine PaschkeMrs. Marlys A. BergeneGregory and Hilda EldevikIrwin and Judy SwansonClarence & Ardella WiedrichLandon KimballJames and Linda KimballMrs. LaVera M. EdickDanny and Laurel AlberMrs. Eunice WunderlichDavid and Geraldine YaggieKeith and Rebecca SolbergMrs. Dorothy B. StoverTwyla K. ZimmermanJames and Linda KimballMrs. Donna Lagein

Les PfauLarry S. PiatzEudora J. PieterickCarol Ann Wedman-PioskeBill PlaggeMargaret PlastererBertie Jo PriddyJoAnn C. QualeAnna S. QuickMargaret E. QuigleyMargaret E. QuigleyMargaret E. QuigleyGerda QvaleGerda QvaleAlfredo RamirezRuth RappRuthanna & Fred RasmussenPhyllis M. RasmussonJohn RedmanRobert E. RedmannAgnes ReedCheryl RehovskyDick ReinekeGladys R. RenshawMary H. ResslerSylvia C. ReynoldsTjark RientsJoseph O. RiseMarvel P. RobinsonMarvel P. RobinsonMazie A. RoeszlerMazie A. RoeszlerBrandilyn Y. RomfoJoseph RonningNorman RosholtRobert RudnickFrank L. RudnickAugust and Mary RudolphElizabeth RudySuzanne RyanErnest SaewertRachel D. SahrTruman SandlandLynne L. SarafoleanRika L. SarafoleanSadie M. SargentKenneth W. SchafferMarius & Elsie ScheldrupRev. Russell C. SchmidtMarsha SchmittLeonard SchneibelKenneth A. SchulteFrances SchulzBobby SchumacherMathilda SchumacherDella and Delton SchwanzCarol SchwartzAlma and Carl Schwarz

Donald ScoreJames ScoreJames ScoreDoris P. SelanderJames SelbyMildred SeltvedtHerbert ShaferRaymond O. SheetsClarence and Margaret ShermoenBette J. SieberGeraldine SmithLorraine R. SpelhaugLorraine R. SpelhaugLorraine R. SpelhaugDuane SpitzerReed J. SpitzerReed J. SpitzerReed J. SpitzerArthur StangerRobin StantonSteven G. StavesEsther SteinwandtDale L. StenbergDale L. StenbergWalter StensonJames StewartRuth StillingsAlvin StorbakkenGrace StorhaugBjarne StouslandErnest StoykaReta StoykaCraig A. L. Straabe Maxine S. O. StraabeMaxine S. O. Straabe Leona StrouseTyler StuartJohn StuckArnold SundquistEdna SwansonC. Morris TangsrudElsie TateElsie TateElmer TatgeJohn K. TemanWesley Ten PasGertrude L. ThomDarold and Margaret ThompsonRobert ThomsenRobert ThomsenDarlene ThomteLeif ThorfinnsonAustin P. ThorpTim Dwyer Farm Trust

Irving TraiserAmanda B. TufteOlivia C. TufteMerle C. Turnquist

Glenn UdellDorothy Van OrnumGene VatnsdalGene VatnsdalDonna and Edward VinjeBeverly A. VollaWebb VoorheesWalter Wagemann Sr. Roland Wagner Roland WagnerInga WallMyrtle A. WallaGlennice Walth Curt WardMargaret L. WattsHelen Wong WayJean D. WebsterJulius WedmanGordon WedmanHulda Weigum Henry J. WeinreisLeRoy Weismantel LeRoy WeismantelDean WendelKim R. WengWillard L. WestadWillard L. WestadDennis WhitmanAlice M. WieberLynn K. Williams-EstradaArt WindenShirley WindlossTracy WirtzHerbert A. WitthauerAlbert WittmayerKathy WollKathy WollDee WoodringMyrtle WranghamVernon WunderlichTanya K. YaggieDuane W. ZeislerSarah E. ZielkeLeRoy A. ZimmermanRoland P. ZimmermanRoland P. Zimmerman

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

Living tributes to the Anne Carlsen Center honor family members and friends on special occasions, such as birth-days, 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.

In Honor Of

Randy and Penny Gengler

Mrs. Orvella P. Anderson

Pastor Bradley P. Edin

Mr. Orville R. Ose

Mrs. Marlys A. Bergene

Amanda and Scott Brekhus

Alvin and Carol Abbott

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

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

Mrs. Marlys A. Bergene

Lyle and Jean Sevre

Mary A. Cory

Dr. and Mrs. Lewis M.

Cowardin

Peggy Shouse

Ms. Wendy Davis

Ms. Virginia Eastmo

Ms. Sandra Franke

Mrs. Lois A. Estrem

Tom and Margie Holmes

Gregory and Brenda Tappert

Valerie and Dustin Bakken

Sheila and Peter Dewey

Dana and Justin Kolden

Mrs. Erin J. Zalumskis-Sand

Paul and Betty Haverluk

Lori Zeman

Rev. and Mrs. Harold O. Vold

Frank and Marvel Fischer

Jay and Emma Schnell

Mrs. Carol Rinde-Lewis

Daniel Gunderson

Ms. Judith Bell

Thomas and Mariol Knapp

David and Carol McCarthy

Ms. Sharon L. Rance

Corby’s classroom

ACC Staff

ACC Staff

Marie Anderson

Kent and Mardell Bartl

Anniversary

Lenny and Karen Behm

Cleo & Marie 75th Wedding

Anniversary

Margo Bergene

Muriel Christopherson

Olivia

Ted Cowardin

Duane Davenport

Wendy Davis

Jacob Eastmo

Natasha

Peter Estrem

Kurby

Jean L. Griffin

Marcia Gums

Marcia Gums

Marcia Gums

Marcia Gums

Jade

Gail Hanson

Hank & Sandy 50th

Wedding Anniversary

Kari and Marc Hoe

Kari and Marc Hoe

Chloe Hopkins

Josh and Yvonne Jones

Nicholas

Shirley M. Jones

Charles

Dorothy Kitterman

Gifts given between September 1 and December 31, 2012:

18 THE AMbASSAdOR

Gala Provides Magical Start to new yearThe Anne Carlsen Center (ACC) rang in 2013 with the theme “Music, Magic and Memories” at the 10th Annual ACC Gala. eighty guests attended the event at the Quality Inn in Jamestown. Traditionally coinciding with New Year’s eve, the gala this year was scheduled for January 5—the first Saturday of the year.

There were also some changes to the entertainment, which this year included a magician. Imaginick (Nick Bretz) provided endless laughter and fun while juggling and performing magic tricks. Many gala participants commented that the magician was a great addition to the celebration.

During one of the magic tricks, as eric Monson, Anne Carlsen Center CeO, was attempting to put a straight jacket on the magician, the whole room was rolling with laughter. “I don’t think I’ve laughed that hard in a long time!” said Margie Johnson, the Center’s human Resources Director.

Couples hit the dance floor as the band hollywood Nights took the stage, playing an

assortment of music including rock, country and swing.

The gala raised about $6,000. proceeds will go toward the purchase of medical equipment to benefit our students with complex medical conditions.

Two large raffle prizes were up for grabs: a fully-stocked wine cooler and two round-trip airline tickets from Jamestown to Minneapolis. The silent auction items were also a big hit and included night stays at the holiday Inn on the Lake in Detroit Lakes, NDSU Men’s Basketball tickets, UND hockey tickets, and an array of symphony and theatre tickets.

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

Mrs. Lillian M. Clemens

Mrs. Carol Rinde-Lewis

Mrs. Barbara J. Klein

Peggy Shouse

Jerry and Kay Gnoinsky

William and Margaret Leech

Krist and Taryn Kjelstrup

Bob and Helen Lewis

Leif and Cynthia Peterson

Mr. Kenneth J. Haraldsen

Mr. Aaron R. Gaffrey

George and Elizabeth

McCallum

Dr. Linnea M. Anderson

Ms. Alice M. Alexander

Leon and Dawn Helstad

Mr. Jeremy R. Paulson

Mrs. Mary Ann Pedersen

Mrs. Mary Ann Pedersen

Mr. Robert B. Mitchell Jr.

Arthur and Esther Bender

Stutsman County

Abstract Company

Mrs. Carol E. Anderson

Mrs. Iris Bighley

Gary and Debra Hobert

Mrs. Gladys Larson

Lawrence and Irma Rathbun

Margaret Sam

Martha and Guy Rosenberg

Kara L. Geiger

Les and Gloria Reister

Mrs. Muriel Christopherson

Mrs. Mary Ann Engebretson

Cory and Andrea Rolstad

James and Colleen Weyrauch

Mrs. Mary Ann Pedersen

Bruce and Carolyn Adams

Peggy Shouse

Gregory and Brenda Tappert

Ted and Agnes Hoversten

Matt and Jane Van Ray

Vernon and Geraldine Glass

Ms. Sharlene Paquette

Sander

Sander

Ruth A. Klein

Harvey and Darlene Kluvers

RomaKay

Sarah M. Leech

Deb LeRoy

Keaton

Keaton

B. Sophie Loftsgard

Mary J. Mann

Alexandria

Pat

Saige

Saige

Saige

Ruth Michaud

Rachel Mickelson

Stuart

Brady

Employees

Kaylee and Kayla

Five children

Maddie, Easton, Xavier,

& Henry

Grandchildren and great

grandchildren

Loved ones

Bischke’s, McCarty’s & Sam’s

Mary Ann Pedersen

Marc

Brian and Brenda Reister

Jaxon

Jaxon

Jaxon

Jaxon

Martha Rosenberg

Casey

Lorraine Stephenson

Sally Tappert

Terry Tiseth

Alex

Gabriella

George and Carol Zenk

THE AMbASSAdOR 19

Celebrating Expansion of ServicesNeither sleet nor snow could stop the Anne Carlsen Center (ACC) family from celebrating the grand opening of the new ACC Community Based Services office in Bismarck and the expansion of services into western North Dakota. Supporters from across the state gathered at the BpS Career Academy on March 7.

Originally planned to be held at the new office on Kavaney Drive, the ribbon-cutting event was moved to the BpS Career Academy due to wintry weather. even with the change in venue, excitement remained high. “It’s been our goal to make sure we are a partner in the life of a child with disabilities,” explained Janet Seaworth, an ACC Board Member. “Not just when they’re young—as they grow in life, as their interests expand, and as their needs change. It’s a great day when we can accommodate the unique needs of these individuals right here in Bismarck.”

Surrounded by members of the Bismarck Chamber of Commerce, Anne Carlsen Center CeO eric Monson acknowledged the Bismarck team members for their dedication before cutting the ceremonial ribbon. The open house included a video presentation and remarks by Lorena poppe, the ACC Autism Services Operations Director, and Andrea peña, the Director of Community Based Services—West.

“It’s just a privilege to serve this area,” peña said. “To be fortunate enough to do what we do…to say that we work for the Anne Carlsen Center…it’s a tremendous privilege.”

Surrounded by ACC personnel and members of the Bismarck Chamber of Commerce, CEO Eric Monson cuts the ceremonial ribbon during the grand opening celebration.

20 THE AMbASSAdOR

The Anne Carlsen Center will be hosting the 31st Annual Benefit Golf Tournament this summer (date TBD) at the Jamestown Country Club. The tournament is the longest-running golf event of its kind in North Dakota.

Funds raised by players and sponsors help support the summer camp experience for about

20 teens with disabilities from around the state. During ACC Week at Elks Camp Grassick near Dawson, N.D., youth enjoy functional learning activities paired with traditional camp favorites like hayrides, bonfires, swimming in the lake and talent shows.

Tournament play is limited to 36 teams of four. Player registrations will be in your mailbox soon. If you are interested in being a player and/or sponsor in the tournament, contact Rachel Schafer at 701-952-5167 or rachel.schafer@annecenter.org.

New Development personnel at ACC

Patrick KirbyChief Develop-ment Officer

Originally from the Twin Cities area, patrick spent nearly six years as the Senior Development Director at the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation – MN/Dakotas Chapter. Two years ago, he and his wife, Shannon, moved to West Fargo, where they now reside with their 15-month-old son, Spencer, and a dog named Grover.

Jeannie Camarillo Associate Development Director

Jeannie lives in West Fargo with her husband, JJ, 4-year-old son Ryan, and a Shih Tzu named Nikko. Originally from Grafton (where her parents still live), she earned her degree in Mass Communications at Minnesota State University Moorhead. prior to coming to the Anne Carlsen Center, she was an account executive at WDAY.

Michelle WalkerAssociate Development Director

Before joining the team at the Anne Carlsen Center, Michelle served as the Tobacco preven-tion and Control program Direc-tor at the North Dakota Depart-ment of health. She and her husband reside in Bismarck with their three children.

patrick, Jeannie and Michelle are looking forward to visiting with donors and friends of the Anne Carlsen Center in the weeks ahead.

Watch for your 2013 Save the Date Card!

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

Allan HartmannDirector of Financial Services

Judy KullaChief Financial Officer

Margie JohnsonHuman Resource Director

Sam BrownellIT Director

Patrick KirbyChief Development Officer

Patrick KirbyChief Development Officerpatrick.kirby@annecenter.org

Donna ZimmermanAssociate Development Director donna.zimmerman@annecenter.org

Jeannie CamarilloAssociate Development Director jeannie.camarillo@annecenter.org

Michelle WalkerAssociate Development Director michelle.walker@annecenter.org

Rachel SchaferDevelopment Operations Coordinatorrachel.schafer@annecenter.org

Naomi GrueneichDevelopment Systems Coordinatornaomi.grueneich@annecenter.org

Logan LittleCommunications Managerlogan.little@annecenter.org

Brittany LipetzkyDevelopment Coordinatorbrittany.lipetzky@annecenter.org

SENIOR MANAGEMENT

dEvElOpMENT dEpARTMENT701-952-5167

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

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

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

Paul Johnson, Designerpaul@pauljohnsondesign.com

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 businesses that share our passion for em-powering children, adults and families to lead lives of greater independence and hope. 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.

Connect with the Anne Carlsen Center on FacebookBecome a fan, learn about upcoming events, and share your memories with fellow friends of the Center.

Brady, an ACC student, poses with Denise Jensen, Recreation Coordinator, and Pat Albrecht, a Direct Support Professional, with his winning artwork for the 2012–2013 school yearbook.

With assistance from Albrecht, Brady cut out ridges in a piece of cardboard to make a comb-like utensil, which he used to paint the beautiful design. His art was voted by his friends and ACC personnel to be featured on the cover of this year’s yearbook.