Elevate

02/20/2026

We had a great time learning from Amy at Dancing Sky Area Agency on Aging and we all become Dementia Friends! This education helps have a better understanding of memory loss, things to look for and also tips on ways to communicate with someone experiencing memory loss.

02/20/2026

Cooking Club is a simple, enjoyable way to eat well and connect with others. Each month we choose a healthy theme, and everyone brings a dish and the recipe to share. No single cookbook, no pressure. Just real food and real conversation.

In February, we’re leaning into Heart Health Month with a chicken theme. Bring a heart-healthy or feel-good chicken dish and your recipe, and be ready to swap ideas, troubleshoot common kitchen challenges, and leave with a few new favorites.

RSVP appreciated: https://elevateotc.events/cooking-feb2026

02/20/2026

There’s something powerful about a room full of voices singing together. 💙

Research shows the parts of the brain connected to music and singing are often among the last affected by Alzheimer’s disease. While recent details may feel out of reach, once the music begins, lyrics often come back. And with them, the memories tied to those songs. It’s something you truly have to see to understand.

Elevating Voices Memory Loss Chorus starts back up on Tuesday, March 17, and we can’t wait to gather again. This chorus was created for people living with memory loss and their care partners to experience joy, connection, and confidence through music.

If you or someone you love could benefit from an afternoon of music and meaningful connection, we’d love to welcome you. Learn more at elevateotc.org or call 218-347-1974.

02/19/2026

Have you seen the 2026 Lakes Area Care Guide out and about? It is FULL of great resources from around the area. Check it out!

Flipsnack is a digital catalog maker that makes it easy to create, publish and share html5 flipbooks. Upload a PDF or design from scratch flyers, magazines, books and more.

02/19/2026

Discover the secrets behind Arvig's innovative services on our Nosey Neighbor tour! Experience their team environments, uncover fun Arvig facts, and witness the technology driving home and business connectivity. Join us for an exclusive peek into the heart of cutting-edge technology.

RSVP Required: https://elevateotc.events/arvig

02/19/2026

Next week, our Memory Cafe topic is Preparing for Future Care. Caring for a loved one with dementia comes with many uncertainties, but planning ahead can bring peace of mind. This talk will gently guide you through the financial considerations of future care, helping you feel more prepared and supported when it’s time to make important decisions.

Presented by Cheryl Wiskow, LSW from Otter Tail County, Minnesota.

An RSVP is appreciated, so we can make sure we have enough snacks and materials for everyone! Sign up at https://elevateotc.events/memory-cafe ❤

02/19/2026

Ready to make lunch a breeze? Join us for Exploratory: Make-Ahead Salad Jars where our favorite home chef, Peggy Rutten, will share simple techniques for building salads in the versatile mason jar. We'll sample three hearty, meal-prepped salads, and then get the opportunity to assemble your own grab-and-go salad jar to bring home!

On the menu:
🥗 Thai Chicken Salad with peanut sauce
🥗 Southwest Chicken Salad with honey chipotle vinaigrette
🥗 Cranberry Wild Rice Salad with creamy vinaigrette

Cost: $20
RSVP Required: https://elevateotc.events/salad-jars

02/18/2026

Sounds like a great little gig for some of our retired friends! ☀️

Seasonal Watercraft Inspector Position
"This job has given me a chance to share my love of our lakes with boaters and have conversations about keeping them healthy for future generations." – Abby, former Seasonal Watercraft Inspector

Otter Tail County is hiring Seasonal Watercraft Inspectors to help protect our 1,048 lakes from Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS). Apply: https://ottertailcounty.gov/jobs/

Ideal candidates include:
• Teachers and college students seeking meaningful summer employment
• Retirees looking to stay active and give back
• Anyone passionate about Minnesota's lakes

Position Highlights:
• Educate the public on AIS prevention best practices
• Conduct watercraft and trailer inspections at lake accesses
• Work outdoors across Otter Tail County's stunning lakes
• Flexible seasonal schedule (Summer 2026)
• Join a dedicated team making measurable environmental impacts

02/18/2026

Microplastics. We hear the word all the time… but what’s the big deal?

They’re tiny pieces of plastic that break down and end up in our air, water, soil, and even the human body. Scientists are paying attention. So should we?

Join us on Monday, February 23 from 6–8pm at Perham High School for a free community screening of Plastic People: The Hidden Crisis of Microplastics, followed by a short, facilitated conversation about what the research is showing and what practical steps might actually make a difference.

🍿 Popcorn provided
🥤 Bring your own beverage
🧠 Come curious

⚠️ The film includes sensitive content and is not recommended for anyone under 13.

Watch the trailer below 👇 and then grab your seat.
https://youtu.be/WhOgnzuYkLM

RSVP appreciated: https://elevateotc.events/microplastics

Plastic People is a landmark feature documentary that chronicles humanity’s fraught relationship with plastic and one woman’s mission to expose shocking new ...

02/18/2026

Get ready to twist and shout at our Sock Hop with Leslie! Leslie will be bringing the fun with classic love songs in celebration of Valentine’s month. Come enjoy the music, memories, and a toe-tapping good time with friends.

No RSVP needed. See you there!

02/18/2026

We had a great crew for the Mixer tonight at El Vallarta Mexican Grill! The food was a hit. We’ll definitely be returning! 😋

02/17/2026

Big things are rolling into the Mobility Market… literally.

Mindi is pictured here with some of the newest equipment that just came in and a few popular items that made their way back so someone else can use them. That is how this works. Gently used. Greatly needed. Passed on to the next person who could use a little extra support.

If you or someone you love needs a walker, wheelchair, shower chair, grab bars, or other mobility gear, take a peek at what is currently in stock.

👉 Check the live inventory here: https://my.elevateotc.org/mobilitymarket