We celebrated Cinco de Mayo with a cultural celebration. We had four guest speakers this month and learned a great deal about Mexican Heritage, library services, the Northwoods Food Project, and Care Partners of Cook County.
We also worked on a very important intergenerational art program. Two children were paired with a senior and found out what hands have done through time. We are very grateful for everyone who participated and shared their history to help young minds grow!
The Senior Circle Tour bus trip by “Road, River, and Rail” is scheduled Aug 16 – 21. People should contact us for more information or to place a $100 security deposit to register.
Our West End community, recreation, and senior center weeks are now filled with fun for all ages! On Monday and Wednesday there is Go4Life Fitness at 10:30 a.m. – $2; Zumba Friday at 10:30 a.m. – $2; Pickle Ball Thursdays starting at 2 p.m. $2. Scrap, stamp, and card making is the second Sunday of every month 2-7 p.m., $5.
The seniors at Birch Grove Community Center have had a busy month, which they kicked off with a special Cinco De Mayo lunch.
Senior Lunches are Wednesdays at 11:30 a.m. – $5 and community hearth oven pizza parties are Wednesdays 5-8 pm – $5; We request RSVPs at 663-7977 or bgf@boreal.org to make sure we have enough food for lunch and pizza nights.
We are seeing an increase in use of programs and services. We had a record-breaking 402 individual lunches from January – April.
Our new computer lab, tablet, and laptop were installed this week. We are excited that the WI-FI has really seen increased use by residents, visitors, and guests.
In June, Round River Farm, a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture), is working with us to provide two shares of food. Friday pick-up is 9:30 – 10:15 a.m. before Zumba in June – September. We are asking people to bring their own bags and make a donation to purchase the food at a level that works for them.
It is very exciting to be able to bring local farm fresh food to people 55+ who may not otherwise be able to use or afford a whole share. This initiative will help us gain understanding about vegetable and food needs in the West End. The information we gather this year will help us in our greenhouse and community garden project for 2016.
As always, our programs have suggested donation amounts that people place in a secure donation box. Donations are based on ability to pay and we appreciate everyone’s contributions.
Help us have a fantastic summer and volunteer to help us staff the Lutsen 99er Sawbill Aid Station on June 27. We need volunteers for the 4th of July Tofte Trek Breakfast Pizza from 8-11 a.m. and also at the Tofte Park festivities. Please call to sign up today. The more support and volunteers we enlist the better our fundraising days will be!
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 Caroline Wood.
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