MID-COUNTY MESSENGER
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NYA farm family wins $ 2,500 grant from Monsanto
When Duane and Elaine Wolff of Norwood Young America were selected as Monsanto ’ s 2011 Grow Communities Program winners , Elaine knew exactly where she wanted to donate her $ 2,500 grant .
“ It wasn ’ t hard to decide ,” she said , explaining that the Ridgeview Foundation has always had a special place in her heart .
“ I used to work at Ridgeview Medical Center , in the environmental services department ,” Elaine said . “ They have a lot of good things going in the community .”
Ridgeview Medical Center has a partnership with Ridgeview Foundation , an independent , non-profit organization with a mission to make a positive difference in the quality of life for people in the community .
One of the foundation ’ s recent initiatives was the Marie Steiner Kelting Hospice Home , which opened in the fall of 2009 . Located on Lake Bavaria in Chaska , the end-of-life care facility features private patient suites , a spa room , outdoor patios and gardens , and much more .
Another recent endeavor is the da Vinci Surgical System . Until recently , patients in the west metro needing a prostatectomy or hysterectomy were referred for surgery away from home and family .
Now , Ridgeview will be able to serve them close to home , in six technicallyequipped surgical suites . Through the new robotic platform , surgeons have the ability to work with unparalleled precision , dexterity , and control .
A few other current Ridgeview Foundation projects include a specialty clinic focusing on pediatric integrative medicine , a center for women and children , and a comprehensive heart center .
Hundreds of volunteers have contributed to the foundation ’ s success . Current board members include David Adinolfi of Eden Prairie , Jean Buller of Chaska , Dermot Cowley of Watertown , Stacy Desai of Eden Prairie , Laura Flemal of Watertown , Tim Foster of Wayzata , Michael Gresser of Eden Prairie , Katherine Hackett of Excelsior , Darla Holmgren of Waconia , Brian Mark of Excelsior , Peter Nelson of Waconia , Keith Rachey of Waconia , Kate Roehl of Maple Plain , Randy Schneewind of Waconia , Charles Spevacek of Shorewood , and Larry Wilhelm of Victoria . Helping others
Elaine ’ s first taste of the medical field was as a nurse ’ s aide , before her three daughters were born .
After raising her family , Elaine returned to health care , this time in environmental services at Ridgeview Medical Center .
Her husband Duane , son-in-law
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Submitted photo
Duane and Elaine Wolff ( center ) of Norwood Young America won a $ 2,500 grant from Monsanto , which they chose to donate to the Ridgeview Foundation .
Bruce Clark , and grandson Jeremy Meuwissen all work together on the family farm .
Elaine , who is now retired , first heard about the $ 2,500 contest because her family purchases Monsanto products for their family farm .
Monsanto is a company that sells seeds , traits developed through biotechnology , and crop protection chemicals .
Through Monsanto ’ s America ’ s Farmers Grow Communities Project , the company allowed farmers to register to win $ 2,500 for their favorite community non-profit organization .
One winner was selected in each of 1,204 eligible counties in 38 states .
For every farmer who applied , Monsanto donated $ 1 to the local United Way to help food banks , food pantries , Meals on Wheels , and other charitable organizations dealing with hunger .
To learn more about the program , go to www . growcommunities . com .