Weekly Update May 15, 2026

May 15, 2026

‍To: Solheim Employees, Residents, Family Members and Stakeholders
From: Sam Oden, CEO of Solheim Senior Community

This Monday, we are excited to celebrate Syttende Mai, Norway’s Constitution Day, with our Solheim community! Residents, families, and staff will enjoy a special musical performance by Norwegian singer Ann-Marita Garsed along with delicious Norwegian treats prepared for the occasion.

This celebration is especially meaningful because it honors the heritage and compassionate vision that gave birth to Solheim more than 100 years ago. In 1922, members of the Men’s Brotherhood of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Los Angeles, led by A. Larson, Sr., were moved by concern for elderly individuals who had little money, no safety net, and nowhere to go. Their efforts led to the establishment of The Norwegian Lutheran Society for the Aged in 1923, and by the spring of 1924, the first home was dedicated and renamed Solheim Lutheran Home.

From the very beginning, Solheim’s mission included compassionate care for older adults, including charitable care for those in need. While our community has grown and evolved over the decades, we continue to cherish the values of kindness, faith, hospitality, and community that shaped our foundation. Celebrating Syttende Mai is a joyful way to honor those roots, reflect on the generations who built this community, and enjoy some wonderful Norwegian treats along the way!

This week we also share news of an important transition within the Solheim family. After nearly 6 years of dedicated service, Meg Spurlin, Director of Operations, has made the decision to step down from her role at Solheim.

Meg has been a trusted and dependable leader whose commitment to Solheim’s mission, residents, staff, and community has made a lasting impact throughout the organization. Beyond her leadership, Meg’s warmth, compassion, and genuine care for others have touched many lives across our campus, and she will be deeply missed.

‍While we are sad to see her leave, we are grateful for all she has contributed to Solheim and the many ways she has helped strengthen our community over the years.

As we reflect on faithful leadership and service, Galatians 6:9 reminds us:
“Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.”

Please join us in thanking Meg for her years of faithful service and in wishing her God’s blessings and continued success in the years ahead. Her last day at Solheim will be May 29th, and we look forward to celebrating and honoring her during her final week with us.

Masks for all visitors to our campus will be available upon request.

Questions may be directed to Tina Antypas at 323-257-7518 extension 225 or at tantypas@solheimsenior.org.