Senior Connections March / April 2024
Spirit of Aging Awards awarded to Lakeside residents who are aging gracefully
BY MASHELL BJORGE
Staff Writer
PHOTO BY MASHELL BJORGE
Ray Jensen is awarded the Spirit of Aging Award for his hardworking attitude and persistence when it comes to gardening .
When Ashleigh Webb-Wyze thought about seniors in her care who deserved the Spirit of Aging Awards , she struggled to decide because she had so many deserving people . But two of her residents , Ray Jensen and Bev Danielson , stood out .
The Spirit of Aging Award is given to seniors who embody the concept of active aging by engaging in a variety of activities that may defy stereotypes . They make a positive difference in the lives of others .
The Spirit of Aging Award was created to celebrate the wonderful people who live full lives , have experienced ups and downs , and continue to inspire . Ray ’ s gorgeous tomatoes Ray was born and raised on a farm in Hoffman . He had three brothers and two sisters . He said he lost a brother to polio when he was a teenager , and it nearly drove his mother mad ; it was so hard on her to lose a child . Ray , too , contracted polio and was hospitalized . He grew up to buy a farm , raising beef cattle and rotating corn , soybeans , and wheat crops .
Ray came to Lakeside during the Covid pandemic , and the journey in the deep cold of winter was rough . When he talked about his life , he said his favorite time of the year was growing tomatoes , usually starting the seeds in the spring and planting over 100 tomato plants yearly . So , after he settled into his new home , he started his tomato seedlings in the activity room and eventually planted them in a raised garden on the grounds .
The following year , Ray convinced his hospice care staff that it would be good for everyone to put in other raised beds , and through his persistence and the help of the activity team and his son , Larry , they added four more raised beds .
Ray would water what he planted every morning , taking great pride in his hard work and tending to every plant with care . When he was sick and unable to , the staff watered for him until he could do so again , wheeling his chair out to the gardens with his watering can .
Because of Ray ’ s perseverance , Lakeside residents and staff could reap the benefits of the gardens that Ray shows each summer . He plants cucumbers , tomatoes , and cherry tomatoes . He spends time gardening and preparing the produce for pickling , canning , and sharing with everyone . Staff member Kindra Foley said , “ Ray is our ray of sunshine in our Lakeside Garden !” Bev ’ s beautiful soul Bev Danielson has spent her entire life in Dassel , starting as a Gilmer . She went to a country school , then to Dassel-Cokato High School . After graduating , she went to Minneapolis and worked for a while but came home nearly every weekend to date her “ guy .”
Ralph Danielson was the high school football captain , and she was a cheerleader . She married the love of her life , Ralph , and came home , working at a local dentist ’ s office and raising four kids in Dassel .
Bev is known for her beautiful smile and bubbly personality . She actively participates in morning fitness classes and is the resident council president . She befriends everyone she meets and has spent time talking with residents who need a friend . She is a cancer survivor and loves spending time with friends and family , “ making the world a brighter place .”
Steven Schiroo said , “ She is constantly curious about the world and reacts to change with humor and optimism . Her wide-eyed smile brings joy to all those around her .”
At 86 , upon moving to Lakeside , Bev met someone who became her companion and dear friend . David Munsinger , a former Marine , spends daily with Bev , whom he finds “ glamorous , and a special lady .” They watch special shows
PHOTO BY MASHELL BJORGE
Bev Danielson is also awarded the Spirit of Aging Award for her bubbly personality and friendly nature .
together and eat meals on the patio in the summer , enjoying the fresh air .
Miranda Melberg summed up her thoughts on Bev in a letter . “ Bev , you embody the true definition of aging with grace . Thank you for sharing a part of your life right here at Dassel Lakeside . We cherish you !”
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Senior Connections March / April 2024
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