I hope everyone had a wonderful Labor Day. We are slowly moving into fall as we enjoy weather that is still so summerlike. The Elders are enjoying the many tomatoes, squash, cucumbers and varieties of lettuce that the ENP has been receiving from SNAP Ed, SHIP and community gardens. We are grateful for this delicious and tasty food. It is wonderful to see the community support for these projects and to witness the benefits they provide, such as lower food costs, access to locally grown, organic, fresh veggies and our ability to make healthier food choices. Miigwech!
We are saying goodbye to our friend and great supporter of ENP programs, Darlene LeGarde. She will be moving to Iowa to be closer to her daughters. The ENP will be hosting a cake and coffee reception on Friday, September 16 at 12:30 p.m. at the ENP. Everyone is invited to come and wish her well.
September 7, Amy McClellan, Out Reach Worker for the State Service for the Blind, visited the ENP during lunch and provided an interesting program about low vision techniques to help us with cooking, cleaning, home organization, going to restaurants etc. She also was able to do a few home visits. Anyone interested in more information or to schedule a home visit can contact Amy at 218-302- 8418 or Amy.McClellan@ state.mn.us.
Dana Logan and Elder Ellen Olson taking advantage of surplus veggies at the Cache Crop Market on Tuesdays at the Grand Portage Clinic parking lot.
On Thursday, September 22, the ENP will be holding an evening Medicare presentation with Marjori Bottila from the Senior Linkage Line, about Medicare enrollment, questions, answers and changes. A light meal will be provided. Watch for posters and call the ENP if you need a ride. Open enrollment for Medicare Part D begins October 1 and is open until December 31. Now is a great time to check your coverage and make any necessary changes to your insurance due to changes in your medicine, income or health. Marjori will be here to answer your questions and to help you sign up.
Anyone turning 65 in the coming year has the three months before or the three months after to enroll in Medicare. Failure to do so could result in a higher fee for Medicare.
Above: Rendezvous Days Elder volunteers enjoyed the annual appreciation BBQ. Left: Elvis with his best fan, Darlene LeGarde, who is moving to Iowa to be closer to family.
Active Aging week is the last week of September. The ENP will be offering special presentations that week as well as starting Ti Ji Quan A Matter of Balance exercise program. This is very exciting and will be offered during the day as a modified program with chairs and in the evening without chair assistance. The classes will be held two times a week for an hour each session. The program will run for two 12-week sessions and if the interest is there we will continue the classes. These are very gentle yet effective strength and balance building exercise. Watch for the flyers—we hope to see a large turnout.
Cook County has a vibrant and active community of elders. Each week we will offer Senior News to highlight our senior citizens. This week’s submission is about the Grand Portage Elder Nutrition Program courtesy of Patty Winchell-Dahl.
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