Elevate

10/15/2025

We are thankful to be a recipient of these funds from Minnesota Board on Aging to continue to provide innovative ways to support early detection and support to those living with dementia.

Read more here about key objectives here:
https://www.perhamfocus.com/news/local/143-393-grant-to-boost-dementia-resources-in-perham?fbclid=IwY2xjawNckXJleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHhD3w4RS-Pt_sA7oit51bjYxSg8RAas1tHQ3-PTyp5PNAFt9tBL5ru5nVjad_aem_lM0SZZ09oqPXmwu47v74Uw

Perham Health and Elevate team up to secure grant to increase resources for those with dementia and their caregivers.

10/14/2025

Elevate Spotlight: Scooting Through Recovery with Al Matzke

When Al Matzke needed help after an Achilles repair, he didn’t have to look far. His wife, an Elevate volunteer, pointed him toward the Mobility Market, Elevate’s free community resource for gently used medical and mobility gear. The Matzkes had even donated a walker in the past, so it felt natural to turn to the program when Al needed equipment himself.

Al borrowed a knee scooter, which quickly became a game-changer. “It’s made life so much easier since I can’t put any weight on my foot,” he shared. “It’s so much easier than crutches—and now my wife has to race to keep up with me!”

Beyond making daily life more manageable, Al sees the value of having the Mobility Market available to the community. “It’s a great resource when something is needed short term and an easy process to navigate,” he said.

Thanks to the Mobility Market, Al is scooting his way through recovery with a little more freedom… and a lot more speed.

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Need a piece of medical or mobility equipment? Or have gently used gear you’d like to donate? Visit https://my.elevateotc.org/mobilitymarket to see what’s available and learn how you can support this valuable community resource.

10/13/2025

Join us for a relaxed and informative Coffee Talk as we dive into the story of 549 Media, the official media source for Perham Public Schools. Come join us to learn about how it got its start, how to utilize it, and some fun facts and milestones!

10/12/2025

Your weekly roundup of Elevate happenings! See you there 😎

10/10/2025

Amanda is a collaborator who supports Elevate behind the scenes from her home in New Mexico. She learned of a need we had for equipment for Mobility Market and was quick to offer support. She understands first hand the challenges that come with equipment when caring for her husband. Donations like Amanda's ensures that we can support others when they need it most.
Would you like to support the Mobility Market or other Elevate pillars? Every donation helps us continue the mission of living your best life in your own way.

Click here:
https://elevateotc.org/donation/

10/09/2025

🧩 Did you know your library has dementia-friendly resources?

Perham Area Public Library offers a variety of free resources to support both caregivers and those living with dementia — all available to borrow with your library card!

📚 Memory Kits & Puzzles: Thoughtfully designed to spark conversation and encourage memories of favorite hobbies and past interests.
💡 Books & Guides: Full of insight, research, and practical tips for caregivers navigating this journey.
❤️ Connection Tools: Great for meaningful moments together, whether it’s reminiscing through photos or enjoying a shared activity.

Stop by and explore these resources. They’re a simple, beautiful way to support memory, connection, and understanding in our community.

10/09/2025

Wahl's Wellness Wisdom: How to Make Healthy Food Choices

What we eat has one of the biggest impacts on our overall health. But with so much debate over what’s “good” or “bad,” it’s no wonder people feel confused. Marketing adds to the noise, too. Slapping “health food” labels on some items while demonizing others.

At its core, though, making healthy choices doesn’t have to be complicated. Think of it this way: soda is obviously less healthy than water, and broccoli is a clear win compared to chips. The real question is how to judge the foods in between.

A simple rule of thumb: the closer a food is to its natural state, the better it is for you. Fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, fish, and lean meats are nutrient-rich and minimally processed. On the flip side, packaged foods usually come with long ingredient lists full of unpronounceable additives... and those extra chemicals don’t do your body any favors.

So here’s the goal: eat mostly foods that come straight from nature, and limit the ones that come from a factory. Reach for apples, tomatoes, or almonds instead of candy bars, soda, or donuts. The more natural your plate looks, the healthier you’ll be.

Provided by Perham Health’s Dr. Sean Wahl, DC

10/08/2025

Ready to play with some paint? Come hang out for a fun, laid-back night of pottery painting! We’ll have all kinds of pieces to choose from — mugs, bowls, and more — plus everything you need to make your masterpiece.

Once you’re done, we’ll fire it up in our kiln so it’s shiny and food-safe. You’ll be able to pick up your finished piece in about a week.

No skills needed, just show up and get creative. Bring a friend and let’s make something awesome together! 🖌️

🎨 Exploratory: Fall Pottery Painting Night
Monday, October 13 | 5:30–7:30pm
Elevate | $22 | RSVP: elevateotc.events/fall-pottery
Hosted by The Crafty Otter Art Studio

10/08/2025

This afternoon we all enjoyed one of the best movies ever made, Grumpy Old Men! 🍿🎟️ Thanks to the Comet Theater for having us for another dementia friendly movie. All are invited to join us for these occasional outings!! Your attendance helps support all those living with and caring for our community members with dementia.

10/08/2025

Beautiful Costa Rica was today's destination at Coffee Talk, "Passport Series"! 🦜 Thanks to Laurine and Daidre for the presentation and juicy pineapple!

10/08/2025

We've recently made the shift from Sanford's Zoom to hosting our own in-person sessions, which means you'll now hear directly from guest speakers. The group meets on the second Tuesday of the month from 2:30-3:30pm at Elevate.

On Tuesday, October 14, a Perham Health pharmacist will share valuable information on common Parkinson's medications. We'll also explore how these medications may interact with diet, food changes, or sensitivities, with time for questions and conversation.

Whether you're living with Parkinson's or caring for someone who is, this group offers time to build relationships and find encouragement from others who understand.
RSVP Appreciated: https://elevateotc.events/parkinsons

10/07/2025

Stop #1 for our Manufacturing Month Nosey Neighbor series was at Showcase Homes! We enjoyed learning how this unique process works and were able to tour a few homes as well!

Otter Tail County, Minnesota
Fergus Falls Area Chamber of Commerce
Discover Perham
Tri-State Manufacturers' Association