On Thursday, September 27, 2018, Minnewaska Community Health Services (MCHS) hosted an open house at its newly completed Holly Ridge Manor facility in Starbuck. Several hundred people attended the event, including the Director of the United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development Brad Finstead, Minnesota State Senator Torrey Westrom, Minnesota House of Representatives members Jeff Backer and Paul Anderson, Jacki Anderson, representing United States Representative Collin Peterson, and Starbuck Mayor Gary Swenson. Representatives from Compeer Financial, Eagle Bank, TWP Architects, and Miller Architects & Builders were also present.

After a prayer and dedication, Christopher Knoll, CEO/administrator of MCHS started the program by thanking the many people involved with the transformation, including all of the above mentioned, the board, staff, and numerous other supporters. “With the new and renovated Holly Ridge Manor, MCHS is poised to continue its rich history of being the preferred provider in the area,” Knoll said.

Holly Ridge now consists of 41 units of assisted living and is designed for the future of senior care. It has 11 rooms that will have ceiling lifts, a device to help staff and loved ones transfer the resident from a bed to a wheel chair. Holly Ridge Manor is the only assisted living facility in the state that has this capability. The apartments consist of one-bedroom units varying in size and amenities. MCHS is very proud of its accomplishments and will continue to look for ways to serve its senior community population and those in other rural areas throughout the state.