Fenske retires from CHC Auxiliary

Three decades of service to the greater Carrington community and region as Director of Volunteers for the Carrington Health Center Auxiliary will be coming to an end on June 30.

Dorothy Fenske's warm smile, comforting personality and ever-enduring passion for her job at CHC will be missed, and her example one to emulate.

"When I think back to 30 years of service here, I'm overwhelmed," said Fenske. "The changes have been dramatic over the years."

She recalls her times at what is now Summit Physical Therapy in the CHC West wing of the complex from what was then Holy Family Villa, filled with many residents and much activities.

The new addition, at that time, was dedicated, and an open house held in February 1986.

When she first started at CHC, the Sisters of the Presentation were involved in many areas, said Fenske.

"They were quite influential in my early years, as I served on boards and committees with them. With God's help, the Sisters and many other people, I have gained much appreciation and compassion for others."

Fenske took over for Bette Jerde in the Activities Director position at Holy Family Villa. Bette's husband, Duane, was CEO of Holy Family Villa at the time.

"I volunteered and worked with Bette a lot," she says. "At the time, I was president of the Auxiliary, and then Duane was offered the CEO position at the Williston hospital. They didn't have much time before moving to Williston, and they asked me to take Bette's position."

"I was delighted, and immediately said yes."

Some of the projects Fenske was a part of that resonate with her include "Trauma Tremors" to benefit the hospital's trauma room, which she says got the community involved and were quite successful, along with bring the Medora Musical to Carrington for an evening and "Quilt Bingo."

"All of these projects involved hundreds of hours and the support of great numbers of Auxilians, volunteers, and community members."

Fenske will be succeeded in her position by Kelsey Carr. Even if she's not physically in her office anymore, she does not plan to be a stranger.

"At the present time, I plan to take it easy for awhile, work in my yard, clean up all my boxes of pictures and enjoy my family," she said. "There are many other organizations I would love to be a part of, and volunteer in new and different areas. Naturally, I would still volunteer at CHC."

She expresses her gratitude and appreciation to CHC for all the years of support.

"The opportunity I've had to work at Carrington Health Center has been gratifying and rewarding for me," she said. "I've met many wonderful new people and made new friends both in staff, Auxilians and volunteers. I will definitely miss everyone and thank each one for the support of all our projects and activities."

"I have been truly blessed to be a part of Carrington Health Center and the Auxiliary."

A root beer float social was held last Tuesday afternoon, June 21, to enable CHC staffers, volunteers and others to express their thanks to Dorothy Fenske for her years of service.