The welfare of old people who no longer can care for themselves has long been a problem. The Icelandic communities throughout the century have had a problem of how best to take care of their aged people.

A Home for the Aged was a project suggested by Dr. B.J. Brandson, an outstanding Winnipeg physician and philanthropist, who was a native of the Gardar community. He was Chairman of the Icelandic Evangelical Lutheran Synod Old Peoples Home Committee at Gimli, Man. In 1944, he submitted to Harald Sigmar, then pastor of the ND Icelandic parish, the idea that a Home for the Aged should be built somewhere in Pembina County. Dr. B.J. Brandson said the Icelandic Synod of Winnipeg would donate $15,000.00 out of the funds belonging to the Old People’s Home at Gimli, Man. As a result of this suggestion the seven congregations decided to sponsor the project. There was one member from each congregation elected to serve on a committee, to find out to what extent the people in the respective congregations would support such a project. After a thorough survey had been made, the committee was convinced that it was the desire of the people that a modern home should be built.

It took unusual optimism, to say the least, to undertake such a project under the prevailing conditions, as the country was at war and a serious material and labor shortage coupled with the fact that the success of the project depended on voluntary donations of about $80,000.00.

At this point it was decided to make the present committee, a board of directors, and add the Upham Congregation of Bottineau County to the sponsorship, with one director representing them. The Board of Directors were instructed to organize and incorporate an Old People’s Home Association under the sponsorship of the following congregations: Vikur, Gardar, Hallson, Eyford, Vidalin, Fjalla, Peters, and Upham.

The following are the names of the directors chosen:  Chairman – F.M. Einarson – Mountain, Treasurer – J.E. Peterson – Cavalier, Secretary – Victor Sturlaugson – Langdon, Alvin Melsted – Gardar, Alli Magnusson – Milton, Einar Einarson – Hallson, G.J. Jonasson – Eyford, Asmundur Benson – Bottineau, Dr. H. Sigmar – an ex-officio member. P.S. Snowfield – Cavalier was retained as Attorney for the Association.

During the next three years much time was spent in soliciting funds and planning for the general construction of the Home. Where to locate the home was a major problem. Many favored Mountain; others favored Cavalier as the proper location. The city of Cavalier offered to donate the site. Locating the home at Mountain seemed to be out of the question, as there was no water system there.

To make it possible for the home to be located at Mountain, the City Council applied to the State Geological Department for a ground water survey to determine where and how much water would be available. The result of the survey showed ample supply of water, one half mile west of the town. So great was the desire of the people of Mountain to have the home located in the center of the Icelandic Communities, that they authorized the City Council to go the expense of installing a modern water system for the town and home. With the assurance that ample water would be provided, the committee selected a six acre plot overlooking the beautiful Red River Valley. Five acres of this plot were later donated by Mr. & Mrs. Haraldur Olafson. Maria Olafson was the daughter of Mattusalem Einarson, an early settler of the community, and one acre was donated by Mr. & Mrs. Walter Hannesson. John B. Stephanson of Moosejaw, Sask., a son of Hensel, was given a cost plus contract for the construction. Carl Hanson, Winnipeg, Man. was retained as construction foreman.

June 24, 1948, was set for the construction to start. On June 22, a telegram was received informing the committee that the cement order had been canceled and could not be filled. The committee forthwith contacted lumber yards in Walsh, Cavalier, and Pembina Counties. In 36 hours, they had purchased and delivered 2900 bags of cement and the work started on schedule. Men from the various communities volunteered their services in clearing the ground, pouring of concrete and hauling of material.

Fifteen hundred people attended the Cornerstone ceremony, Sunday, September 19, 1948. Among the well known persons present were Governor Fred G. Aandahl, Attorney General Nels Johnson and Clifford Williams – head of the Old Age Assistance Division, all of Bismarck, ND.

The program for the day with Reverend E.H. Fafnis, acting chairman, was as follows:  F.M. Einarson, who was committee chairman, gave the address of welcome. Mayor M.F. Bjornson extended greetings. F.S. Snowfield, attorney for the committee, then introduced the Governor. Personal greetings were then extended by Judge Grimson of Rugby, ND, Judge H.P. Thompson of Cavalier, Attorney Asmundur Benson of Bottineau, Arni Eggertson and Dr. B. Olson both of Winnipeg, Man.

A solo, “Drottin Vakir, Drottin Vakir”, was sung by Reverend Fafnis. The above title means in English “Bless This House”, Mrs. G.S. Goodman also sang the song “Trees”. Music was furnished by the Langdon Band. The cornerstone ceremony was then opened by the singing of a hymn by all present and a Bible reading and prayer by Reverend Fafnis. Gamaliel Thorliefson, a pioneer of the Gardar community, and who was 83 years of age, then laid the stone and addressed the people in the Icelandic language. Congratulations and greetings from distant friends, who could not be present, were then read by Victor Sturlaugson. The singing of the National Anthem closed the program for the day. The stone was given by Carl Hanson of Winnipeg.

The Ladies Aids of the respective communities had charge of the lunch, which was furnished by the women of the area.

In late October, the building had been closed in and work suspended for the winter. In January, we heard the shocking news Thos. Jordan, the building contractor, had been killed in an aeroplane accident. Word, however, was started in the spring under the supervision of the committee. Graham and Sons were given the contract for plumbing and Kyele Electric Co. for the electrical work, both of Grafton. W.H. Harris of Hibbing, Minn. furnished the plaster, mill work and roofing material at cost. John Axdal of Cavalier furnished Rusco Windows at cost. The following subcommittee of women were appointed to assist Mrs. B.F. Olgeirson, nurse in charge, in purchasing furnishings for the home:  Mrs. F.M. Einarson – Mountain, Mrs. Victor Sturlaugson – Langdon, Mrs. Allie Magnusson – Milton, Mrs. Einar Einarson – Hallson, Mrs. J.E. Peterson – Cavalier, Mrs. G.J. Jonasson – Eyford, and Mrs. S.J. Olafson – Gardar. Dave Davidson of Cavalier offered to assist the committee in purchasing the necessary furnishings through a wholesale house at cost. The Ladies Aids and different organizations of the communities donated money to furnish a room apiece. Other rooms were furnished in memory of loved ones. S.J. Bjornson, Jeweler of Devils Lake donated a $300.00 clock. The Icelandic League donated money for the dining room furnishings in memory of Johannes Jonasson, Homeopath, who gave so much of his time and energy in administering to the sick in the early pioneer days. The living room furniture was donated by Mrs. Leonard Folson – Hoople, Mrs. Harold Dougherty – Park River and the daughters of Dan Laxdal, attorney, who gave much needed legal advise to emigrants who were bewildered by the language and laws of this country, and were often the prey of unscrupumen (promoters).

Mr. & Mrs. Emil Walters of New York presented the home with four beautiful pictures, painted by Mr. Walter:  “Land Blink in the Badlands of ND”, “Duchess County, New York”, Kalfa Strund” a residence in Iceland, and “Delphiniums”.

In order to complete the building and pay for all material and labor, and yet avoid the necessity of putting on a drive for funds, the following men loaned the institution $16,500.00. Theo Thorleifson, Helgi Laxdal, Hall Bros., Alvin Melsted and Joe Gestson, $1,000.00 each, all of Gardar. Melsted Bros., O.G. and H.G. Gudmundson, C.I. Gudmundson, Wm. Halldorson and F.M. Einarson, all of Mountain, $1,000.00 each. Grimson Goodman – Milton - $1,000.00, J. Snydal – Crystal - $1,000.00, Ted Vatnsdal – Hensel - $1,000.00, Einarson Bros. - $1,000.00, H.K. Halldorson – Eyford - $500.00. John Bjarnason had previously offered to loan $5,000.00 without interest at a time when construction money was being used up faster than donations were coming in and that offer was accepted with gratitude. Asmunder Benson – Bottineau - $1,000.00, C. Geir – Eyford - $1,000.00 each.

The Home was opened for occupancy with the following staff members in charge. Mrs. Gudrun Olgeirson – R.N., Miss Olina Paulson – Assistant, Miss Bertha Asmundson – Cook and Helgi Reykdal – Janitor.

The names of those who had been admitted for residency January 1, 1950 are as follows: Gudridur Thorfinnson, Helga Bjornson, Adalheidur Sigurdson, Kristin Halldorson, Osk Johnson, Thuridur Johnson, Thorbjorg Oddson, Una Sturlaugson, Gudbjorg Snowfield, Thorbjorg Eyolfson, Johanna Thorun Johnson, John H. Bjarnason, S.K. Johnson, Ogmundur Swanson, Bjarni Peterson and Sveinn Th. Gislason.

The dedication ceremonies were held Sunday, October 23, 1949. That brought 500 people, two hundred persons crowded the living-dining room. Three hundred listened in the halls and rooms through loudspeakers to the dedication ceremonies. Reverend E.H. Fafnis presided and led the dedication service. A community choir sang Icelandic and English hymns and anthems. Dr. H. Sigmar of Vancouver, B.C., pastor here when the project was originated, gave the dedication sermon in the Icelandic language. Dr. Richard Beck of the University of North Dakota Faculty, represented North Dakota Governor, Fred G. Aandahl, and as vice consul of Iceland, gave the official greeting of that country.

Victor Sturlaugson of Langdon, secretary of the building committee, gave the principal address. Other program features were a duet by Mrs. W.K. Halldorson of Mountain and Mrs. G.S. Goodman of Milton and a solo by Reverend E.H. Sigmar of Glenboro, Man,. accompanied by his Mother, Mrs. H. Sigmar. At the close of the program, Mr. & Mrs. F.M. Einarson were honored for their part in bringing the project to a successful close. Mr. Einarson had been chairman of the building committee since its organization in 1944. He was presented with a gold watch by Rev. Fafnis on behalf of his friends, and Mrs. Einarson was presented with a corsage by Mrs. Fafnis. Judge G. Grimson of Bismarck, one of the communities native sons, was introduced; he is now on the State Supreme Court Bench.

The community choir under the direction of Theo. Thorliefson, son of Gamaliel Thorliefson, who laid the cornerstone June 24, 1948. Lunch was served by a group of Ladies Aids of the Icelandic Parishes. Thus there was brought to a successful close the erection of the Borg Pioneer Memorial Home, dedicated to the memory of the Pioneers of North Dakota.Description text goes here

Because of the dedication and concern of the founding fathers, the home was deemed to be a great success, from the start, in providing the comforts and care to the elderly. “Borg” has indeed lived up to its Icelandic meaning of “fortress” or “castle” which provides shelter and care for its people.

In reviewing our records since the time of Borg’s Incorporation to the present day, we have found that the home has provided over one-half million patient days of care to the elderly (as of the year 1978), not only of this community, but throughout the state. To provide the names of all the people who have resided at the home during the past 30 years would be difficult in a short article and it would require the listing of well over one thousand names.

We would like to include a listing of all the Directors who have represented the Mountain Lutheran Parish in providing leadership and guidance in the continued success and well being of the home:  F.M. Einarson, J.E. Peterson, Victor Sturlaugson, Alvin Melsted, Alli Magnusson, Einar Einarson, G.J. Jonasson, Asmundur Benson, William Sigurdson, H.K. Halldorson, Joe Northfield, Theodore (Dori) Thorleifson, Chris Gudmundson, W.B. Johnson, G.S. Goodman, B.T. Bjornson, Matt Bjornson, Sig Bjornson, K. F. Gudmundson, Armann Bjarnason, Joe Hillman, Clarence Anderson, Johann Geir, Palmi Hannesson, Gisli Sampson, Alli Magnusson, Glenn Laxdal, Krist Kristjanson, Ingvi Jonasson, Chris Bjornson, Fred Johnson, Allie Paulson, M. Magnus Olafson, Albert Widme, Orville Bernhoft, Franklin Grimson, Melvin Kristjanson, Ray Becker, Fred Olafson, Andrew Eastman, Arni Johannesson, Barney Dinusson, William Olgeirson, Arnold Christianson, Everett Hillman, Bjorn Olgeirson, Albert Shephard, Orval Holliday, Alfred Byron, Margaret Johnson, Bob Sturlaugson, Lynn Bjarnason, and Leslie Geir.

The Administrators who have served with the Directors at Borg from the beginning are:  Gudrun Olgeirson, Johanna Olson, Gudrun Thompson, Gertrude LaFrance, Juna Lohse, Barbara Fontaine, Aldis Magnusson, Gertrude Thordarson, Loretta Lawson, and Lyle Hoverson.

Throughout Borg’s early years of operation, it increasingly became apparent that the home fulfilled a vital need, not only to Pembina County, but also to other surrounding counties in northeastern North Dakota. Many winters found an influx of 50 to 55 people who decided to make their living quarters in the comfortable atmosphere of the home. Not only Icelanders came to live in the Home, but many other nationalities also shared Borg’s hospitality through the years.

In 1974, Borg celebrated its 25th Anniversary with a special recognition ceremony set on Sunday, September 29, 1974. Reverend Valdimar J. Eylands, Chaplain at the Sunset Home in Grafton, gave the main address with Everett Hillman, President of the Borg Board of Directors, officiating. At that time, three of the original directors who incorporated the home were living. Alvin Melsted of Gardar, G.J. Jonasson of Eyford and Einar Einarson of Hallson took part in the program.

In January of 1977, the Borg Board of Directors were presented with a special gift of $5,000.00 from the estate of Valdimar Bjornson to be applied to any major building improvements to be undertaken at the Home. The gift, along with other building funds already on hand, raised the building assets in excess of $10,000.00. The Board once again entertained thoughts of an elevator addition to the Home, as has been needed down through the years. The Board initiated a fund drive campaign through the mails and in several short months, we were blessed with an additional $20,000.00 in support and pledges from people who had long remembered and been very faithful to the Home. The Board voted to begin building plans in the late spring of 1977 and contracted with the architectural firm of KBM, Inc. of Grand Forks to provide the design and drawings for the project. In July, bids were let and Adamsen Construction of Grafton, North Dakota was awarded the building contract with Minn-Dak Elevator Company of Fargo contracted to provide the elevator and equipment necessary for its installation.

Construction began in late August and before freeze up, the new addition was completely enclosed. In February of 1978, the new addition was introduced on the west end of the existing building, and the elevator proved a very useful asset in helping provide care to the residents. In addition to the elevator, a new activities center, hairdressing room and storage room were also included in the design with an enclosed stairway complementing the elevator.

The total cost of the project was $101,626.48 and at the time of this writing, over 60% of the costs have already been pledged or received. The Board of Directors who brought about and carried through with the elevator project are:  Bjorn Olgeirson – Chairman, Alfred Byron – Vice Chairman, Margaret Johnson – Secretary, Orval Holliday – Treasurer, Bob Sturlaugson, Lynn Bjarnason and Leslie Geir. A very special thanks is in order the Directors for their efforts and accomplishments.

At the present time, an active program of activities with the residents is carried on by the Activity Director and volunteers from the area. Weekly church services are also held for the residents of the Home.

In 1977, the Borg Home initiated a Curtain and Bedspread Fund Drive Project to replace all the existing curtains at the Home and to decorate the rooms with bedspreads to match the curtains. Letters were sent to many different Ladies Aids and clubs in the area and we received a very generous response. The combined total of their contributions is $1,953.13.

The Borg Pioneer Memorial Home of Mountain will long remain in the service of the elderly, and in this Centennial year, we are looking to the future with optimism and excitement for another 30 good years of operation.

In 1948 when the Borg Memorial Home opened for occupancy it was deemed one of the nicest and most up to date facilities relative to health care. However with time comes change. Standards, values, rules, and regulations all enter in and updating of facilities becomes necessary. The Directors of Borg for the past few years have set a steady, charted course to transform the Rest Home into one of the finest senior retirement centers in North Dakota. In 1985 a three point plan was set in place and in December of 1986 the plan was completed.

Phase I of the plan was to design and construct a new service addition to better serve the needs of the residents and community. With the assistance of consultants a 6,800 square foot addition was designed. New dietary facilities were of primary concern as well as a new living-dining area. A conference room which also would serve as a heritage room complete with glass display cases and a library area were considered very important as well. An office area for the Pastor of the community and of Borg and a small convenience store for the rest home and community were also needed. In September of 1985 Stegman Builders of Langdon were awarded with the contract for just such an addition. In May of 1986 the addition was completed and occupied. The addition proved to be an immediate success providing the spacious room that was desperately needed. The main dining-living room totaled nearly 3,000 square feet in area and could adequately seat over 300 people for any special event that might occur. The Heritage Room serves well as a conference room for the Borg board and staff, the Auxiliary and the Pembina Hills Evangelical Lutheran Church Council. Other community groups meet there as well.

The new Kitchen and the new furnishings and fixtures therein were a very welcome addition which greatly assisted in meal preparation. The capability to serve larger numbers was now inherent.

It seemed only appropriate that the Parish offices would be located within the new service center. Borg was established and incorporated in 1948 by the then seven churches comprising the Parish. The Parish office has had a very positive effect for all of us who live and work at Borg.

Phase II addressed the needs of seniors in the community who would like to live in an apartment setting. Mountain Housing Corporation was formed in late 1985 and set about the task to research and survey the community to identify the specific needs. The Board consisting of Craig Thorfinnson, Alfred Byron, Sr., Mike Kotchman, David Hillman and Lyle Hoverson found that a definite need for low cost housing was prevalent. FmHA was petitioned for the construction of a 12-plex to be built in close proximity to the Borg Memorial Home. During the process that followed, FmHA concurred with the documented need but due to available funding and landscape a six-plex apartment building was found to be the viable option. Porter Architects of Grand Forks were retained to design the building. Design characteristics found that the individual rooms were 625 square feet and contained one bedroom, kitchen, living room, bath and walk-in storage room. A central laundry and visiting area/entrance were also incorporated. In May of 1986 the formal bid letting was held and Adamsen Construction of Grafton was awarded the successful bid. In mid December the apartments were completed and occupied. Services available to the residents of the apartment provided through the Home include meals, medical, activities, and other related services. The Borg Memorial Home is the managing agent of the apartment unit and as such is responsible for the building and grounds as well as the office management.

Phase III is a continuation of an on-going process implemented by the Directors in the 1970’s. The updating and renovation of the existing rest home has proved necessary through the years but never as much as in 1986. The current Life Safety Code of which the Borg Memorial Home is subject to, had found many areas of concern that would have to be immediately addressed. Also with the new kitchen and dining area created in the new addition, space had now become available within the former dietary area that could be wisely utilized. Good fortune was with us in the spring of 1986 when Borg was awarded a $52,000.00 grant that was to be matched with $10,000.00 of local funds. With this money the Directors immediately addressed the regulation concerns. New solid core doors on all the resident’s rooms were installed, new smoke and heat detectors were included in the fire safety needs. With the old kitchen, a new nurses’ station was constructed which would prove to serve a very valuable need. Within the station, new med cabinets, chart racks, counters, and a bathroom for the staff were installed. A control panel containing an annunciator alarm for the newly installed fire system was located central in the station.

An apartment call bell system for the six-plex was installed right beside that. The current door alarm was redesigned and located there as well. With this system the seven exterior doors of Borg are monitored with an alarm system which signals if any of the seven exterior doors of Borg are opened. The dining room was transformed into two double occupancy rooms with bath. The rooms on the top floor were renovated to include the bathrooms as well. The living room was redesigned as the new office area which would contain the reception area, the administrators office, and an office area for the Director of Nursing and the Activity Director. The old office formerly located on the first floor became a double occupancy room. The former nurses’ station was reclassified as a single room. The grocery store room on first floor was changed into a supply room for the cleaning girls and also was divided to accompany an additional resident room. The resident room structure of the Borg Memorial Home was reclassified to 20 privates, 13 doubles, and one triple occupancy room.

The renovation construction was all completed in December of 1986. August Nupdal and Son were the general contractors. Minor improvements still from time to time will have to be addressed within the facility. The directors have set in place an adequate funding depreciation program which will serve to repair and replace furnishings and fixtures as is warranted.

As has been consistent with Borg policy much of the improvement costs have been undertaken by private contributions and fundraisers. A mortgage exists for all the work undertaken at Borg and the immediate concern of the Directors is to secure debt retirement as soon as possible. A five year goal has been examined and set as a realistic timetable to once again achieve a debt free status.

The Directors of the Borg Memorial Home now feel that the Borg Memorial Home and the retirement center has been equipped adequately to handle the needs of Seniors well into the Twenty-First Century. The original foresight of the first incorporators to meet the needs of a growing community and land have been steadfastly maintained. We all admire their consistent dedication and commitment and are thankful that the support of Borg has never waivered through the years. Authentic concern and high regard for friends and neighbors has been one value that has always been evident by a concerned and supportive community. To this we attribute the growth and success of the Borg Memorial Home.

As the Borg Home celebrates 50 years of caring for the elderly, one is constantly reminded of the important role that our community and churches, volunteers and friends have played in the development and maintenance of this great facility. Our deepest thanks to so many who have donated both time and money to help Borg grow and flourish. Some examples of larger projects undertaken because of this generosity are as follows.

Each year many of you have donated generously to the Borg Home Fall Fund Drive. In the 1990’s these funds were used to totally or partially fund the following projects:  new addition project, remodel bathrooms, new resident room furniture, 1992 Buick Roadmaster, laundry room remodeling, and developing more private rooms.

In 1991 the Borg Home began to receive donations from the Wedge Trust Foundation. Their donations were used to fund the following projects:  ambulance entrance (partial fundings), call light system, gazebo, whirl pool tub & room, Wandering Resident Alert System, family room, private room project ($25,000.00 – partial funding), and beauty shop remodeling. The Wedge Trust Foundation grants money that can only be utilized to improve resident lives. These projects certainly helped to improve the services offered to our residents.

The Charitable Gaming Association and Byron’s Bar/Minot’s Elk Lodge also made donations to our facility. These funds were utilized to purchase a medication cart, four air conditioners, new dining chairs, retiling 1st floor, resident room and doorway signs and a new dishwasher for the kitchen.

The Borg Home Ladies Auxiliary continues to be a generous and hard working group whose support has been instrumental in so many ways. Numerous donations were made in the 1990’s – the largest projects being partial funding for remodeling first floor resident rooms, fire ramp project, and new dining room blinds. In addition the Ladies Auxiliary gave the Home a digital piano (a $5,300 gift) as a 50th Anniversary Gift. This gift will be dedicated during our anniversary celebration program. Since their inception in 1966, the Ladies Auxiliary has donated approximately $53,000 as well as many, many hours of volunteer time!

Borg also received strong support through memorial gifts to the Home. During the 1990’s these memorial gifts were used to help fund or partially fund the following projects:  fire ramp project, ambulance entrance project, landscaping, private room remodeling, hallway decorating, popcorn popper, several beautiful pieces of furniture and pictures.

Our largest projects in the 1990’s was remodeling three floors of bathrooms ($108,000.00) and providing more private rooms ($90,000.00). Currently Borg has 37 private rooms and 3 double rooms.

November 26, 1995 was a day of celebration as a Mortgage Burning Celebration was held. Former administrator Lyle Hoverson was the guest speaker at the ceremony. The mortgage burning celebrated our ability to pay off our loan on the new addition project

That Lyle headed up in the 1980’s.

Borg was able to pay off its mortgage due to receiving $200,000.00 from the Gunlogson Trust. Also received in 1995 was $60,000.00 from the Erlendson Estate and $50,541.00 from the Benediktson Estates. The additional funding was used to partially pay for the bathroom remodeling and to provide a savings. In 1999 Borg received the Erlendson Trust. This gift will be used as a nest egg to help meet whatever challenges are in Borg’s future.

The 1990’s new services were also added. The Borg Home is now approved to provide Adult Day Care and Respite Care. These new services and improvements will carry Borg into the 21st Century while providing the same care and support for Borg that it was originally developed for.

Borg has served hundreds of residents in the last 50 years. It has been both an honor and a privilege to serve these fine residents and work with their families. Unfortunately we were unable to compile a complete list of residents served by the Borg Home.

Equally important has been the excellent and dedicated employees who have worked at Borg through the years. I have been so impressed through the years with the dedication and quality of work performed by Borg employees. They are truly outstanding individuals.

None of this would have been possible without the support of the Borg Home Board of Directors. This Volunteer Board of Directors founded the Home and have worked to maintain it for 50 years. Although the names and faces have changed, the dedication to the elderly and to our fine Home remain. Lyle Hoverson had a complete list of Board of Directors up to 1978. Members who have served since then include:  Rosa Thorfinnson, Jon Johnson, Marino Steinolfson, Norma Thorlakson, Lorraine Simundson, Robert Thomasson, Dean Olafson, Craig Thorfinnson, Kathy Thorlakson, Doug Wessels, and David Hartz. This volunteer Board often has difficult decisions to make and they deserve to be commended for their hard work and dedication.

Lyle also provided a complete list of administrators up to 1978. Lyle continued at the Borg Home for a total of 12 years, resigning in 1987. Earl Paulson then served until 1991. Sharon Laxdal assumed the position in August of 1991 and is still currently serving in that position.

Borg has a wonderful history of 50 years, thanks to the love and support of so many. Your prayers, your volunteered time, and your donations built Borg and continue to remain a vital link to our future. Our deepest thanks to everyone who has helped Borg reach such a tremendous milestone and accomplishment. We ask for your continued prayers and support, such that Borg will be celebrating many more anniversaries.

The year 2024 marks a major milestone for Borg Pioneer Memorial Home as we celebrate our 75th anniversary. Since Borg Home was established in 1949, it has faithfully continued our mission “to meet the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs of residents, recognizing the importance of preserving the dignity of each person we serve and offering individual choices that afford the greatest independence in the least restrictive environment.”  We celebrate Borg's 75th anniversary this year, but now we pause to remember the past 25 years, acknowledging those individuals that had a significant impact on the growth and success of Borg.

Borg Home is licensed by the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services to provide basic care to 39 residents. Borg is truly humbled and honored for the residents entrusted to our care by families and guardians through the years. Residents of all ages come with a variety of needs. Employees work hard to provide personal care and meet the needs of each individual resident. The meaningful relationships between residents and staff are a testament to the care provided at Borg.

We owe gratitude to our Board of Directors - many of whom have volunteered over the course of decades. We consider ourselves fortunate to have their support. The volunteer board of directors spends countless hours each month making financial decisions for the home while putting the interests of residents, families, employees, community, and Borg's future at the forefront of their rulings. Thank you to the current Board of Directors Kelly Johnson, President, Doug Wessels, Robert Thomasson, Craig Thorfinnson, Susan Vivatson, Sandra Wright, and David Hartz. Suzanne Ashpole is the current Borg administrator. Other administrators since 1999 include Sharon Laxdal, Mike Dells, Alyson Olson, Pam Byron, and Sara Stevenson.

The Borg Auxiliary volunteers their time and talent to raise funds to enhance the lives of Borg residents. The auxiliary is involved in countless projects- Christmas gifts for residents, Christmas gifts for staff, acknowledgment of resident birthdays, Bingo money and prizes, and flowers that adorn the campus during the summer. The auxiliary supports Borg fund drives as well as developing and implementing many of their own projects.  The annual Borg Bazaar is their primary fund raiser and is a special event throughout the area. The pandemic did not deter the auxiliary from hosting a bazar; the auxiliary just came up with a different venue and continued the important work they do. 

During the past 25 years, Borg has experienced a significant increase in services from the area medical community. Dr EJ Lawson, Debra Vivatson, NP, and Dr Susan Thompson have served as Borg's volunteer medical directors and provided wonderful care on routine rounds at Borg.  Referrals from area primary providers play a significant role in the success of Borg.   Psychiatric rounds at Borg were made possible by Dr Steven Hill, Heather Snell, PMHNP-BC, and most recently Dr Amber Deer, Psychiatric NP. Mental Health care is an invaluable service for the residents.      

Outreach programs such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy provided services in-house.   Eye exams were made available in-house with the use of optometry equipment. Borg completed hospice certification and began providing hospice in conjunction with Hospice of the Red River Valley. Borg also provides adult daycare and respi te care. With the onset of the pandemic, telemed visits from Borg have increased significantly.

The mission of Borg's founding churches continues through the work of the Pembina Hills Lutheran Church in Mountain, ND. We are grateful for the Icelandic Heritage and Christian Faith the Pembina Hills Lutheran Church shares with Borg. Area clergy volunteer their time to provide for the spiritual needs of residents with chapel services, Mass, communion, Bible study, music, and friendship. Area churches, organizations, schools, businesses, communities, families, and individuals volunteer time, talent, treats, monetary gifts, flowers, and many other gifts to Borg- we are grateful for all that support Borg. Volunteers play an important role in everyday life at Borg.

Much of Borg's success is attributed to those that support Borg with monetary gifts in the form of memorials, donations, grants, and fund drives. The Fall Fund Drive continues to be Borg's largest fund drive each year. Here is just a glimpse of some projects Borg accomplished over the past 25 years with fall fund drive, donations, memorials, and general funds:

·         2000: 1st floor remodel resident rooms with new flooring, painting, wallpaper, and lighting ($9389.54), North Entrance ($6922.77), computer system ($1713.90)

·         2001: 1st floor remodel resident rooms with new floorings, paintings, wallpaper, and lighting ($11 ,000), paint exterior ($7900), lounge furniture ($6517), Vital Sign Machine ($3858)

·         2002: Gas Dryer ($3338.75)

·         2004: 2004 Chevrolet 1 2 passenger bus ($42,215), resident room furniture ($7688), floor scrubber ($3980)

·         2005: Computer ($2628), Handrails ($6623.52), Paint stairwells and hallways ($4395), Activity room cabinetry ($4050), Dry head sprinklers ($9500), Kitchen improvements ($11,768.0 1)

·         2006: 12 Fire Doors ($11,641.94), Street Repair ($3500)

·         2007: Air conditioning 3rd Floor ($8288), Dry Valve Replacement ($5556.75), Kitchen Stove ($5761.64)

·         2008: Nurse’s Station Cabinets ($10,941), A/C 1st & 2nd Hallway, Kitchen, & laundry ($31,2324.93), Fire Prevention Maintenance ($8497.39), Resident room Furniture ($6445)

·         2009: Call light System ($14,985)

·         2010: Pass through dishwasher ($27,199.58), Exterior painting ($11,800), bathroom ($7805)

·         2012: Flooring ($11,305.75), Automatic door west entrance ($8702.19), washer ($9750), Disklavier piano ($18,500)

·         2013: Elevator ($115,866.45), water heater laundry room ($6284.90), water heater boiler room ($4792.30), A/C Kitchen ($4769)

·         2014: Flooring 1st floor hallway and laundry ($12,244), 2014 Chevy Equinox ($25 153.50). 2015: Whirlpool ($16,680), Ice Machine ($6399)

·         2017: New Garage ($43,573), Time clock ($4640.91), stackable dryers ($5021.36), Kitchen counter ($4000), Generator loan ($73,545.19)

·         2019-2023: West addition floor project (flooring $29,049.42 and installation ($30,565.45)

·         2021: Combi-oven ($ 15,436.56), HVAC ($18,734.58), 2000 Dodge Caravan Van with ramp ($4000)

·         2022: Wanderguard ($46,513.60)

·         2023: Security cameras ($8037.99),

·         2024: Replace fire panel ($10,384)

Partial listing of funds received in addition to fund drives and donations:

·         Hugh Chambers Estate $12,286.57

·         Patricia Whelan Estate $50,000

·         Catherine Davidson Estate $12,569.59

·         Morris Sletvold and his sister Julie Prochaska $7500.

·         Rural Relief Fund $101,801

·         2020 PPP Loan $166,200

·         2021 PPP Loan $178,102.55

·         2023 Mountain Gaming Fund - $2300 for AED

·         2024 Icelandic Community Associations- $500

By looking back over the years, we recognize Borg has encountered many obstacles and had to overcome them. Since the Covid-19 pandemic, workforce shortage has been the main issue in long term care facilities throughout the nation. The top issues facing North Dakota basic care facilities, including Borg, are workforce shortage and low occupancy. Work force shortage and low occupancy lead to financial challenges in long term care. Building on the same foundational principles that led to the first 75 years  of success, we ask you to join us and support Borg as we move forward to the next 75 years.