MNRAAA Announces New Member to Board of Directors

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The Minnesota River Area Agency on Aging (MNRAAA) is excited to announce a new addition to their Board of Directors, Kellian Clink.

Kellian Clink, of Mankato, currently serves as a Professor at Minnesota State University-Mankato within the library and has been an active member on campus and in her communities. She has experience volunteering with hospice and at the Connections Ministry. Ms. Clink also works with the Blue Earth County Social Services Task Force and acts as a liaison between the student government and the faculty association. A member of the American Library Association and the Minnesota Library Association, Ms. Clink has received awards from Minnesota State University-Mankato and the Being a Difference Award from the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy Center for the Public Trust.

When asked why she was interested in serving with MNRAAA, she responded with, “As with other marginalized populations, it is hard to get it right. Is it hard to age? Yes! Is there much to celebrate in aging? Yes. What are the struggles? How do we, as a community, respond to the needs? With strong listening and research skills, concern and sensitivity, we can discern the needs, celebrate the triumphs and lived experiences and make our community the best place to age!”

“Absolutely delighted to begin working with Kellian Clink as she begins her journey on the Board of Directors. Her enthusiasm is contagious, and she brings a wealth of knowledge from her volunteer role and her university role,” stated Jason W. Swanson, Executive Director.

“The MNRAAA Board of Directors is fortunate to add another member with the qualifications that Kellian Clink has. We look forward to her contributions to our board in the future,” stated Robert Roesler, Board Chair.

Ms. Clink joins the MNRAAA Board of Directors, which feature professionals from the twenty-seven-county area, ranging from a retired hospital administrator to a registered nurse. 

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Happy Holidays from MNRAAA 2020

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Greetings:

We want to take this opportunity on behalf of the Minnesota River Area Agency on Aging organization to wish you and yours happy holidays and Merry Christmas.

The year 2020, as has been stated numerous times since the calendar flipped from 19 to 20, has been a difficult one. We can sit here and reflect on all the negatives and get nothing accomplished. Or we can find that positive item, that take-away, that one glimmer of hope and be grateful for that.

The challenges have been immense and have taken a toll on every facet of our lives; however, we believe that we have been able to shift to meet our communities’ needs and this has only made us stronger. And with this strength, we shall continue growing and building into a prosperous new year!

We wish you, your loved ones, organizations and your communities the same hope for 2021.

 

All the best,

The Minnesota River Area Agency on Aging

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Adapt Your Holiday Plans

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Places are closed, organizations have drastically shifted their service delivery, and plans have been canceled. This has become the norm during the pandemic of 2020. One thing that is not  canceled is the holiday season. Many of us look forward to either going to a loved one’s house, hosting people in your neighborhood/community or celebrating with a new family member. How we celebrate will be different this year; however, we still need to stay connected now more than ever. Here are a few ways to stay connected:

  • Host a virtual gathering where you can visit with loved ones;
  • Prepare frozen meals for friends and neighbors and deliver following health guidelines;
  • Write letters or emails, bring back the pen pal system; and/or
  • Spend time talking over the phone. Yes, you can still call people with cell phones!

If you are gathering in your home, health officials have guidelines to help people stay safe:

  • Make a meal for those that live within your household;
  • Indoor gatherings are difficult; try meeting outside around a bonfire;
  • Clean hands often, either washing or utilizing hand sanitizer; and,
  • Arrange chairs and place settings that encourage social distancing.

If you or someone else is feeling ill or has been exposed, please stay home and take care of yourself or your loved one. There will be opportunities to gather later; your health is the most important.

Do not cancel your holiday plans; make adaptations. We have an opportunity to improve how we communicate; letters, emails, virtual conferencing, video calling (Jetson style) and more! This year’s holiday season is one that we won’t soon forget but let us make it a season we won’t forget on a positive note. Explore new ways to celebrate and, most importantly, stay safe.

Jason W. Swanson, HSE
Executive Director

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