On September 23, Tri-County Health Care staff, administrators, advisory members, and board members participated in a special time capsule ceremony.  

The daylight turned grey, and the rain left a fresh shine to the almost finished rural health care center of the future. While huddled under a small tent, speakers placed special items one-by-one in the round time capsule container, emblazoned with the new Astera Health logo. The time capsule was organized in conjunction with community leaders and Mortenson Construction. The time capsule will be opened 50 years from now, in 2073. 

A special document showcasing current Tri-County Health Care board members was the first item placed in the capsule, followed by a year in review historical record. Then COVID-19 vaccine vials were placed in the capsule to give future generations a glimpse at one of the most important advancements of our time. A Tri Patient Partners pamphlet and t-shirt representing the employee voice committee were added, as well as a copy of the Wadena Pioneer Journal showing the topical news affecting the community at the time of the ceremony.  

The final item placed in the time capsule was a scroll signed by Tri-County Health Care staff members. All staff members were invited to sign and leave a special message for the future staff that dig up the capsule. President and CEO Joel Beiswenger shared words of hope for the future just before placing the scroll into the time capsule. This event is one of the remaining milestones taking place before the grand opening of the new facility in the Spring of 2023.  

“We are an organization that celebrates legacy and those that came before us. The time capsule is an opportunity to reflect on our triumphs and challenges and share them with a future generation in hopes they can be inspired by our fortitude,” said Beiswenger.