BEMIDJI — Throughout the holiday season, the staff at Havenwood Care Center are hard at work making the skilled nursing facility as homey as possible.
Administrator Laura Erickson played piano for the Christmas luncheon, and Activities Director Kim Sundquist decorates at least a dozen Christmas trees every year.
The luncheon on Dec. 11 was just the start of the festivities, according to Sundquist.
“There's going to be another Christmas dinner, but it won't be as big as this one,” she said.
“But a lot of families come in that day, so people are pretty busy. That's why we kind of do a separate party designated for the residents.”
The party included music, a Polaroid photo booth, desserts and a staff member — or perhaps one of Santa’s elves — even donned the red and white suit.
“[I like] just them enjoying the meal and the look on their faces when they see Santa,” he said with a signature chuckle. “It probably brings them back to their childhood. It does for me.”
Havenwood’s social worker designee Lisa Morton is in her first year in her position and has made plans to include her family this holiday.
“My kids and I will be here Christmas Day,” she said. “Dressed up, doing the Christmas presents and stuff for the residents.”
Morton said her adult children are happy to help bring joy to the residents this year.
“We're all a little family here, and for those that don't have family coming, we're their family,” Morton explained. “And so, we make it as special as we can for them.”
Sundquist said many gifts are coordinated through an Angel Tree program, where community members can purchase presents for residents.
“These guys, they don't want to ask for things, but you know they need things,” Sundquist said.
She said the Angel Tree program started at Havenwood during 2023.
Activity aide Elizabeth Karratti acts — and even dresses up — like an elf for the season.
“It makes them happy and me happy, so I like doing it a lot,” she said. “Just dressing up and making everything look cute so everybody's happy.”
Sundquist’s holiday planning extends to everyone at the facility.
“This year we're also going to do a party for the staff, too,” she said. “We're doing an ugly sweater party.”
The Christmas season is a nostalgic one, and resident Karen shared one of her favorite holiday memories.
“You know, the one I remember the most — I was probably 7 or 8 years old — and I got five trucks, because I never played with dolls,” she said. “I remember that, all those trucks.”
Resident Ann Hayes also shared a story of her most memorable present.
“I wanted a pink cat with rollers in its hair,” she said while sharing her story around a crowded table of women. “And that's just the most dumb thing that I can think of.”
Hayes did receive the stuffed pink cat that year for Christmas, but it appeared another household member had other plans.
“My guinea pig ate its pajamas,” she said with a sigh. “It's a sad story. It might be too sad to put it on the radio.”
Hayes, who founded Headwaters School of Music and Arts as well as built out Brigid’s Pub with her late husband Michael, offered a holiday toast with her ladies-in-waiting.
“May those who love us, love us. And may those that don't love us, may God turn their hearts,” she said.
“And if he doesn't turn their hearts, may he turn their ankles, so we'll know them by their limping.”
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Chelsey Perkins/KAXECrow Wing County's Eric Klang said agents worked out of the sheriff's office while temporarily stationed in the lakes area, asking him for guidance on "what's off limits." -
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