Perspectives Magazine: Spring 2011 - Presbyterian Homes & Services

A conversation with two PHS Board Members
“PHs has proven itself able to
adapt well and be creative”
~allen olson
8
SPRInG 2011
Members of the Presbyterian
Homes & Services board of
Directors are volunteers who
bring their faith, experience and
leadership to the helm of PHS.
Harold Wiens, board vice chair, is
a retired engineer and international
executive with 3M, and member
of Eaglebrook Church. Allen Olson
is the former governor of north
Dakota, retired from public and
private law practice, and member
of Christ Presbyterian Church. They
recently talked with Perspectives
about how they understand their
service, the board’s work and the
mission of PHS.
Perspectives (P): When and why did you join
the PHS Board?
Harold Wiens (HW): I served with Dan
Lindh on the bethel university board, and
respect him and his work. He asked me to
consider being on the PHS board in 2006.
I have a passion for the care of older adults.
Jesus taught that faith works itself out in
caring for people, specifically for widows
and orphans, so for me, it just fits.
allen olson (ao): bob Dunbar (board
Chair) and I were fraternity brothers
at the university of north Dakota. bob
said, “I want you to have lunch with
someone named Dan Lindh because I’m
recommending that you be elected to
the board.” So, we had lunch and I was
elected 6 years ago. I had just come to
know SummerWood of Chanhassen where
my wife’s parents lived, and saw how PHS
impacted the surrounding community and
influenced standards of senior care. I can’t
imagine refusing the invitation.
P: Have you both had family living
in PHS Communities?
ao: My in-laws, George and Lois
benner, came from South Dakota to a
senior apartment at SummerWood of
Chanhassen, and then moved to assisted
living until the end of their lives. They were
in their 90’s and needed to be near us. It
was a perfect situation for them.
HW: My mother, Marie Wiens, moved to
assisted living at Timber Hills in January
2010. She celebrated her 100th birthday
in September. Last December, she moved
to boutwells Landing to receive a different
level of care. The people at Timber Hills
and boutwells did a wonderful job. (note:
Marie Wiens passed away in January 2011.)