It's time to celebrate the successes of a hometown enterprise. The public is invited to Horizon Health's 15th anniversary birthday party on Tuesday, Aug. 1 for a free picnic lunch from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Pierz park. There will be old time music, games for the kids and door prize drawings every 15 minutes. For Party Line listeners, the popular morning show will broadcast live from the park shelter beginning at 10 a.m.

By the numbers, Horizon Health headquartered in Pierz, is one of the major success stories of the decade. From a one-room, two-man office in a store front shoe shop on Main Street in 1991, the non-profit corporation today employs over 220 people in seven divisions involving six Central Minnesota communities.

According to Barbara Rebischke, company president and charter employee, the health care and senior housing provider has a budget of over $5 million, 60 percent of it paid out in wages and taxes. Professional staff serves over 330 people on a daily basis throughout Morrison County alone.

Over the past 15 years, a total of 3,700 area residents have benefited directly from the company's health related services, including 82 memory care/assisted living units, 64 independent living apartments, housing for 30 veterans with mental disorders and a comprehensive home care agency. In addition, Horizon Health sponsors multi-county volunteer opportunities through its Faith In Action, respite and caregiver services, the RSVP program and senior advocacy.

"Come and enjoy the day," said Rebischke, by way of a personal invitation to Record readers. "It's our way of saying thank you to the community for partnering with us the past 15 years. The collaborative support of the community is so important in this business. Enjoy the music, friendship and lunch in the informal setting of the park. Also, see how Party Line operates from a live remote."

The picnic is a convenient way to learn more about Horizon Health and its impact in the community. Division managers will be present to answer questions about the wide array of services for seniors; it also presents residents a chance to meet the board of directors. Currently seated on the nine-member board with Rebischke are Phil Force, Rob Ronning, Julie Zupko, Jerry Peterschick, Floyd Mathiowetz, Julie Woitalla and Lorae Vardas. The directors, who created a shared vision for the future, welcome inquires from anyone interested in filling a vacancy.

The company, which operates out of a 125 year old convent slated for demolition, has experienced a wellspring of activity this year with the launching of a capital campaign to further expand and boost services. In its initial stages, over $350,000 in cash and pledges has already been raised toward the $850,000 goal. To date, employees themselves have contributed over $37,000, a testament to continued first-rate care for the area's aging population. Another reason to celebrate.

"Horizon Health's success is due in large part to everyone gathered here today, everyone working to improve life and lives here in Morrison County," Gary Block, campaign chairman, told the audience at the kickoff luncheon last month in Little Falls. He is joined by honorary co-chairs Herb and Elvira Stumpf and Les and Maxine Wolff in assuring an ongoing commitment to providing healthy living options for people within the communities served by Horizon Health.

According to Pam DeMorett, funds development coordinator, "The public phase of the campaign is scheduled to continue through December. It will entail gatherings, fundraising events, socials and a possible direct mail appeal." While Partnership In Life campaign material will be available at the picnic, organizers stress the get-together is not a platform for raising money, but a celebration for all that has already been accomplished.

The primary focus of the capital campaign at this time is a combination Harmony House and Horizon Health Services Center to be located on County Road 251 near the county maintenance shop. The building will be tucked into an existing hillside with the upper level designed for 22 memory care/assisted living units and the lower walkout level housing corporate offices for management, home care, caregiver and advocacy staff.

Ground breaking for the estimated $2.975 million complex is planned for this fall, said Rebischke. For more information regarding services or the building project, one may call Horizon Health at 800-224-6451 or locally at 468-6451.