Your life, your choice, your way
Arabella Manor is a locally-owned, independent living, senior community for 55+ in Alexandria
By Rachel Barduson
With so many options in senior living the choices can seem overwhelming. There are apartments, senior communities, assisted living and many levels of care. Finding the right fit often comes down to one simple question: Where will I feel most at home?
For Vickie Gutknecht, she knew almost immediately.
“I knew the minute I walked into Arabella that this was the place to be. It’s home,” she said.
Four years ago, Vickie and her husband, Kenneth, made the decision to leave the Bemidji home where they had spent 22 years together.
“Kenneth wanted me to be settled before he died, and we knew we couldn’t stay in our house. We chose Arabella together,” she said.
Today, Vickie enjoys the independence she has at Arabella, as well as being close to her daughter in nearby Glenwood.
“Everything is taken care of and as far as activities, it’s all about choice. I do what I want to do,” said Vickie. “And I’ve met new friends.”
The location was another part of the decision.
“We are surrounded by wildlife! Arabella is located in a natural setting. Watching the birds, it’s beautiful,” she said. “On top of that, I have easy access to grocery shopping and other things. Everything seems to be only five minutes away. My church, First Lutheran, is close by and their outreach team comes here. This is home.”
For adults 55 and better, “home” can mean many things. It can mean independence, convenience, new friendships, activities, or simply having people around who know you.
That is part of what makes Arabella Manor truly unique.
As shared by Mariah Hanson, Executive Director, Arabella Manor is the only locally-owned and operated senior living community in the Alexandria Lakes Area that offers independent living in a serene setting while creating a strong sense of community.
More Than a Place to Live
Joyce Odegaard moved from Evansville to Arabella in October 2014 and has been a tenant since the 1812 Community opened its doors. She makes coffee in the community room most mornings and enjoys the many activities offered.
“I have lots of friends and lots of fun,” Joyce said. She still drives and enjoys taking friends with her. Rainbow Rider provides transportation for tenants who do not drive.
Potlucks, Bingo, happy hour and monthly birthday celebrations are just a few of the activities that bring tenants together. There are also educational and enrichment speakers, wellness presentations, communion and special events throughout the year which Mariah takes great pride in scheduling.
Another convenience is weekday catered lunches from locally-owned Fat Daddy’s Bar & Grill, which provides six meal options each day. Tenants can choose the option that appeals to them rather than having to prepare lunch every day. Having a beauty shop, fitness center, library, laundry and guest suites on-site are additional bonuses.
The activities and sense of community don’t happen by accident. Arabella’s staff play an important role in creating an environment where tenants feel welcomed, included and known.
RoxAnne Thompson is one of the staff members who helps make that happen. After more than 20 years with the United States Postal Service, RoxAnne began working part-time at Arabella after Mariah and Joni Neal, President, approached her to assist with special events and projects.
“It was an easy transition to retire and then begin working here part-time. I knew the tenants by name from delivering mail, I knew the staff—and everyone is friendly and welcoming,” RoxAnne said. Joni added, “We knew she shared our team’s values and genuinely cared about our tenants.”
“Our staff truly want to be here and they have fun making connections,” added Mariah.
Donna Berry, Activities & Special Projects Coordinator, contributes to tenant’s experience adding custom-themed party creations, outdoor activities, games, crafts and seasonal décor that the coffee table buzzes about for days afterward.
Other special events include Arabella’s annual Witches Ball on Halloween, when tenants dress in costumes and the parking area is transformed into a place for local families to stop for candy and treats. Veteran’s Day activities, the Arabella Marketplace, Christmas celebrations and activities with the Let’s Go Fishing group are just some of the other events throughout the year.
“The tenants appreciate all the little things,” RoxAnne said. “The weekly and monthly events are creative and well planned. We work as a team.”
That teamwork—and the personal attention from staff—is something tenants notice and their families appreciate.
Independent Living -- Less Worry
Arabella’s apartment homes offer eight floor plans, including one-, two- and three-bedroom options. Apartments feature full-size appliances, glass-top stoves, bay windows, large walk-in closets and washer and dryer hookups.
Arabella Manor takes care of maintenance throughout the property and apartments. When a repair is needed, tenants enjoy reaching out to Connie Hohn, Community Quality Coordinator, who ensures repairs are completed and takes the time to visit with tenants along the way.
Arabella also offers month-to-month leases, with no additional charge for a companion, providing flexibility for tenants and their families. As an added convenience electricity, central air, central heat, garbage, recycling, selective TV, common area Wi-Fi and access to all amenities and activities are included in the monthly rent.
A Place Where You Belong
Carolyn Carlstrom and her husband moved to Arabella from their farm north of Garfield.
“After 62 years on the farm, moving into town was a big change,” Carolyn said.
Arabella gave them peace of mind knowing they had found a worry-free and secure place to live. Since her husband passed away, the friendships she has made have become even more meaningful.
“I’ve met many new friends. Magical things happen at Arabella and you just know you are home.”
Arlene Besserud had a similar experience when she moved to Arabella from northern Minnesota to be closer to her daughter.
“I didn’t know a soul,” Arlene said.
That quickly changed.
“When I moved in, Joyce came to me and said, ‘I’m your neighbor!’ She welcomed me immediately—and here we are!”
It is those simple moments that help define Arabella Manor. It isn’t simply about moving from a house into an apartment. It is about finding a place where people know you, friendships grow and there is always something to look forward to.
And independent living doesn’t mean doing everything alone.
At Arabella, services such as RN nail trimming, housekeeping and laundry, home health, medication management, bathing assistance and other support when needed are available from the provider of the tenant’s choice.
From maintenance and meals to activities and celebrations, many of the everyday details are handled by a team who genuinely know and care about the tenants. “We’ve been blessed over the years with employees that truly have our tenants in their hearts,” Joni reflected.
For Vickie, Joyce, Carolyn and Arlene, Arabella has become much more than a place to live. It has become a community where you meet a neighbor over coffee, laugh with friends, celebrate birthdays, learn something new and enjoy the simple moments that make each day special.
At Arabella Manor, there always seems to be another friend to greet, another activity to enjoy and another reason to look forward to tomorrow.
Want to experience Arabella for yourself? Call 320-763-1763 and ask to schedule a tour.
Arabella Manor is located at 1810 & 1812 Darling Avenue East, Alexandria. They can be reached by email at arabellamanor@hotmail.com. Learn more at www.arabellamanor.com.
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