It seems like I was just saying “It’s almost June” and now it is almost July! This summer is going fast. Let’s make the most of it and join in on the classes, events and programs.
We are always looking for volunteers. If anyone has some free time or a skill they would like to share, such as writing, drawing, painting, quilting, basket-making, we always appreciate it. I know I want to get my creativity recharged and it helps so much being stimulated by a group of people with similar interests.
The most improved attendance has been in Pickle Ball. Thank you to Carroll Peterson for being so enthusiastic! I believe it is his favorite sport besides hatchet throwing. There have been about eight players between Thursday and Saturday mornings. If you would like to try this fast, fun sport, contact Carroll at Carrollpeterson3435@yahoo.com.
Our W.E. Pizza Night got off to a wet start in June. The rain seems to love to visit on Wednesdays. We are on track and are prepared for baking Hearth Oven Pizza every Wednesday through the fall from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. The crust, sauce and cheese are provided for a $5 donation. You may bring additional toppings and make it your own. Bring your own beverage and have a pizza picnic under the pavilion!
Craft ‘n Stamp was wonderful this month. There were seven creative women here with paper, stencils, special textile papers, sparkles and beads. I get so excited to see what they create. They do magical things I have never seen before!
The CPR/AED class (which included child and infant) was held on June 14 and First Aid Class was held on June 16. Each class was conducted under the American Heart Association curriculum. Thank you to Jon Sage of Hovland, who has been instructing for 16 years and is a local ambulance member and an EMT and serves on a local fire department. There may be another set of classes in August, call if you are interested.
We were fortunate on June 20 to be provided with a Crockpot Cooking class sponsored by Sawtooth Mountain Clinic’s outreach program. Hartley Newell-Acero instructed a wonderful class with information about everything you thought you knew about a crockpot and a lot you didn’t know. She brought fantastic samples. Who knew you could make the Best Ever Granola in a crockpot?
The third Wednesday of each month the nail/ footcare clinic is offered by Sawtooth Mountain Clinic. Appointments are available from 12:30 – 4:00 p.m. The next clinic is July 20. Reservations begin at 12:30 and are approximately 30 minutes. Please bring a foot basin, towel and $10 cash. Denise Axtell will bring those winter feet back to life so you don’t have to be embarrassed to put on those cute sandals!
Senior Lunch is always a hubbub of good food, news and chitter-chatter. The past two weeks Barb Merritt and her husband took a well-deserved and long-awaited vacation to Alaska to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. Congratulations!
This left me in the position of preparing senior lunch. I was nervous about pleasing my diners. I made spaghetti with red meat sauce. I hid a few things in there and it was good! I was very excited to see lots of second helpings and recipe inquiries. I am so glad they love me, just wait until tomorrow…roast beef and my gravy, mashed potatoes, cooked carrots, fresh bread and cookies. Oh yes!
Anyone not a regular yet, give a call in advance 663-7977 and join us!
The Round River Farm has started deliveries. Each week into fall fresh veggies will be available on Friday mornings. We purchase two shares to distribute a wonderful variety of produce based on the current growing season. Currently there are beautiful greens, such pretty lettuce, spinach, cilantro, and bok choi. Stop in from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. at community room No. 2 fridge. A donation is appreciated.
The Lutsen 99er is this coming weekend June 25. W.E. Connect/Birch Grove Community Center volunteers will be manning the Aid Station on Sawbill Trail and Pancore Lake Road. We will be setting up on Friday night and be there all day Saturday. This is my first experience with this event so I am so thankful to all the volunteers for helping this work!
The 4th of July is upon us. The 37th Annual Tofte Trek starts at Birch Grove Community Center in the morning. This is a 10k wilderness run/walk with events for runners, walkers and children. W.E. Connect Breakfast Pizza will be baking in the Hearth Oven from 8 to 11 a.m. Don’t worry about breakfast on this busy day, we will get you fed and you will love it!
There will also be surprises at our booth at the celebration in Tofte, at this point it will also be a surprise to me…. balloons and prizes, how about a twister contest?
Well, it’s 7 p.m., time to go home and now I don’t have to worry about sharing the West End Senior News because it is done. As always thank you to all who contribute, participate and donate!
See you at Birch Grove Community Center!
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 Birch Grove Community Center in Tofte courtesy of Brenda Melin, program manager.
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