A local family recently visited with Pleasant View residents for a random act of kindness to deliver smiley face balloons and to spread good cheer.  They hand delivered balloons to each resident and wished them a good day.  The floor was filled with bright yellow balloons and the residents loved the cheery offering.

Several Pleasant View residents recently made clothing items and blankets for the Cup of Cold Water Ministries (CCWM).  CCWM provides oversight and support to missionaries in several locations around the world.  Director of CCWM, Dan Hennefent, visits with the Pleasant View Bible study group on a regular basis and recently delivered the handmade goods to farmers in Mongolia.

Twenty-one employees with fifteen or more years of service at Pleasant View were honored on January 17, 2013 at Hanks Farm Restaurant.  Lutheran Life Communities President/CEO Roger W. Paulsberg and Senior Vice President of Corporate Operations, Jim Holbrook were in attendance for the celebration. Pleasant View’s truly difference-making professionals enjoyed dinner, shared experiences and received gifts of appreciation. Healthcare Services Director, Suzann Armstrong, has been one of Pleasant View’s finest since 1982.

On Sunday, December 9^th, Pleasant View held a 75^th anniversary celebration in honor of being part of the Ottawa community for 75 years. Pleasant View began in 1896 as Pleasant View Luther College, a teacher preparatory school, but closed during the hardships of the Great Depression. One of its unoccupied dormitories began being used as a residence for female senior citizens who were able to live fairly independently.  Eventually the residence welcomed two gentlemen, Harley Schmidt and Charlie Osmond, and they became residents as well.

A local pastor, Rev. TJ Knutsen, began actively soliciting the area’s Lutheran congregations for support to fully convert the college to a home for the elderly. He ultimately received that support and in 1937 Pleasant View Luther Home was born.

In 2005, Pleasant View became a part of the Lutheran Life Communities family and in 2011 added 24 Hearthstone Assisted Living residences and redeveloped the Health Care Pavilion, which includes spas on each floor, private residential rooms, and expanded dining rooms. 

 Pleasant View will expand even further in 2013 with the addition of 17 Hearthstone Assisted Living apartment homes, a therapy gym, gift shop, bistro, activity room, and a courtyard memory garden.

Every other Wednesday, instructors from the Ottawa YMCA come to Pleasant View and offer all residents a chance to participate in free chair exercise classes as an active way to stay healthy.

Classes utilize a combination of stretching and poses in which all fitness levels can benefit.  Benefits include relaxation, improved flexibility, strength, and balance.

Residents have been enjoying the fun and beneficial classes – we look forward to continuing this partnership with the Ottawa YMCA.