The Lodge of Howard Lake

09/17/2025

🎲♠️♥️ Casino Day Fun! ♦️♣️🎰

Last week we brought the excitement of the casino to our residents with roulette, blackjack, a horse racing game, and even instant scratch-offs! Our staff went all out by dressing up in fun dresses and even a King of Hearts . The residents loved the games and had just as much fun seeing the creative outfits.

A big thank you to Joe’s Sport Shop for donating poker chips, and to our special dealers Javan and Hunter for making the games even more exciting! And of course, thank you to our amazing team for always going above and beyond to make our activities extra special!

09/17/2025

Looking for a rewarding career close to home? Good Samaritan in Howard Lake is hiring a Building Maintenance Technician! This part-time, weekday position offers employee benefits and the chance to put your skills to work across two buildings.

Apply today and join our team! 👇

https://sanfordcareers.com/howard-lake-mn/building-maintenance-part-time/464DBB5BDEC9477D9670370456549A9A/job/

09/12/2025

Day 2 of Assisted Living Week was “Harvest Day” at The Lodge!

Our residents looked festive in their flannels, enjoyed a cozy lunch of chili and cornbread, and had lots of fun playing bingo for a chance to win some beautiful fall sign décor. It was the perfect way to celebrate the season together!

09/10/2025

Ahoy, mateys! 🏴‍☠️ We kicked off Assisted Living Week with a swashbuckling Pirate Day! Our crew had a blast dressing up as pirates, enjoying a feast of fish & chips, pirate-themed cupcakes, and rum punch. The adventure continued with a treasure hunt that led our residents to their very own treasure chest! What a fun way to start the week of celebration together! ⚓

09/08/2025

Happy National Grandparents' Day to all our grandparents across Good Samaritan!

These gorgeous grandparents from Good Samaritan Society - Heritage Grove recently participated in a fun photoshoot, thanks to Tina March Photography. 📸

09/08/2025

It’s National Assisted Living Week! 💙 This week we are celebrating the wonderful residents who make our community so special. Each day is filled with laughter, stories, and moments that remind us why we love what we do. We’re looking forward to making this week extra meaningful with fun activities, delicious treats, and quality time together. Here’s to honoring and cherishing the amazing individuals who call The Lodge home!

09/08/2025

Did you know you might be at risk for a fall as you get older?

One in four Americans falls every year, and 20% of them are injured when they fall.

Learn the common causes and risk factors: https://san.fo/3JkpfMK

09/07/2025

"We try to make them feel like they're family because we feel like we're a family here."

Known as the "Welcome Ladies," Good Samaritan residents Carolyn Retzlaff and Diane Geis are helping to ease the transition for assisted living newcomers at Grand Island Village in Nebraska.

Watch the story: https://san.fo/3UxBOqv

American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living |

09/06/2025

Artificial intelligence dominates pretty much any conversation on technology today, but its role in healthcare, and in skilled nursing in particular, is still being defined.

“We’re developing a frailty prediction tool specifically for assisted living residents, designed to help them remain safe, healthy and independent longer,” said DeeAndra Sandgren, chief nursing officer for Good Samaritan - Sanford Health. “Creating this tool in-house ensures it is tailored to the people we serve, rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all solution.”

Learn more: https://san.fo/47zU1eV

Saying yes — or no — to new AI offerings isn’t simple when technology and threats evolve almost daily. The wrong choices can be costly on multiple levels.

09/04/2025

One in four Americans ages 65 and older falls each year and 20% are injured. More than 95% of hip fractures are caused by falls.

Protect your hips and every other part of you by making your home safer. Learn more: https://san.fo/4oK0cmv

While some falls that happen at home are caused by health-related issues such as poor eyesight, medication interactions and weakened muscles, many falls in the home happen because of environmental oversights and are easily preventable.

09/03/2025

Spreading joy and holiday spirit with a festive Christmas in July celebration at Good Samaritan Society - Heritage Grove!🎄✨

09/01/2025

Falls are the leading cause of injury for adults ages 65 and older.

Knowing your risk is the first step to preventing falls. Good Samaritan is holding screening events throughout September to help you stay safe and remain as independent as possible.

Find a screening event near you: https://san.fo/41XASQf

08/29/2025

“The fact that they all found their home at Good Sam is pretty amazing.”

Siblings Christina Mahoney and Anthony Arroyos found their calling at Good Samaritan Society - Bloomfield. After a start in nursing, both have grown into leaders in their community.

Watch their full story: https://san.fo/47Y8f9g

08/28/2025

A legacy of faith and care continues. ❤️

The Benedictine Sisters have devoted their lives to service, and now their mission lives on at Good Samaritan - St. Martin Village.

Watch the story unfold and see how Good Samaritan is helping preserve this legacy for generations to come: https://san.fo/45AGwds

08/28/2025

Summer fun and big smiles during water balloon games at Good Samaritan Society - Ambassador! ☀️

08/28/2025

Happy National Dog Day! 🐾

Assisted living residents from Cedar Lake Village loved getting to meet puppies from Pawsitive Tails Pet Rescue. ❤️

08/27/2025

Residents at Good Samaritan Society - Grand Island Village had a fun and informative session at the Wellness & Walking event. Thank you to Amy for sharing about all the benefits and services that Good Samaritan has to offer!

Following the session, residents enjoyed a walk around the indoor walking track. 👟

08/18/2025

Our residents had such a wonderful time enjoying live music from The Goldenaires! 🎶 Thank you for sharing your talent and filling our home with music, smiles, and toe-tapping fun!

07/25/2025

A Big Thank You to Munson Lakes Nutrition!

We are so grateful to Munson Lakes Nutrition for their thoughtful donation of bird feeder supplies! Our residents truly enjoy bird watching around the building—it brings joy, calm, and a little extra beauty to each day.

Thanks to your generous gift, we’ll be seeing even more feathered friends visiting The Lodge. It’s the perfect donation, and it means a lot to us!

07/24/2025

Mark your calendars!

**Dementia 201 Education Event – You're Invited!**
Join us at **The Lodge of Howard Lake** on **Wednesday, August 13th at 1:30 p.m.** for a free educational session presented in partnership with **St. Croix Hospice**.

This session is led by experienced professionals, Katelyn Roiland and Erin Veches, and will focus on helpful strategies for communicating with individuals living with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Learn about the possible meanings behind behaviors, explore effective intervention techniques, and gain tools to better support your loved ones.

Whether you're a family member, caregiver, or community member, all are welcome. Let's learn and grow together

📍 **The Lodge of Howard Lake**
🕜 **Wednesday, August 13th | 1:30 p.m.**

07/23/2025

Today our residents enjoyed a wonderful painting class where they created beautiful lake view scenes! 🎨 Thank you to Pam Kaskinen Art for generously donating your time and talent — your guidance brought out the artist in everyone. We shared lots of laughs, smiles, and made some great memories along the way. What a fun and creative afternoon!

06/19/2025

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us for the first session in our Caregiver Stress Series! 💙

We had a great group, shared some truly meaningful conversation, and walked away with new tools, insights, and support for the important role caregivers play.

We are especially grateful to St. Croix Hospice for speaking at this event and helping guide the conversation with such care and expertise.

Your presence and participation made the event a success — we’re already looking forward to the next one, stay posted for future dates snd feel free to join us!

06/13/2025

Caring for someone else? Don’t forget to care for yourself.

Join us for a special free educational event on Wednesday, June 18th at 1:30 p.m. right here at The Lodge of Howard Lake.

“Understanding Caregiver Stress” presented by St. Croix Hospice will provide insight into the emotional impact of caregiving—and offer tools to manage it with compassion and confidence.

All are welcome—this event is open to the public!
Enjoy coffee, treats, and an opportunity to connect with others who understand the journey.

📅 June 18, 2025
🕜 1:30 p.m.
📍 445 1st St. E, Howard Lake, MN 55349

06/11/2025

We had some sweet surprise BINGO callers yesterday! Nurse Emily’s kids, Logan and Aurora came and called treat BINGO for our residents and everyone had a fabulous time! They did an amazing job and we can’t wait to have them back!