The Grand Portage ENP Elders are in full-on holiday mode. The Elders had a successful holiday craft sale on December 2, selling two kinds of soup and homemade Christmas cookies. Miigwech to our soup makers Ellie Olson and Carol Hackett and all the Elders who donated cookies and volunteered.
Money earned helps offset the costs for our annual Duluth trip. This year 17 Elders traveled to Duluth for their overnight shopping trip. We really did shop till we dropped as Doris Blank stated. Gifts, cards, wrapping paper and all things Christmas were purchased. Now the work begins. Everyone had a good time and enjoyed themselves. A Chi Miigwech to the ENP staff for organizing this trip and especially to David Deschampe for driving us safely to and from in our new handicap bus.
The Elders enjoyed a lovely Christmas party on Sunday, December 17 at the Grand Portage Community Center. The Elder Advisory Board did a wonderful job decorating the gym turning it into a sparkling, festive room fit for visiting and enjoying a delicious meal. Music was provided by “Portage” and included Christmas carols, the buffet was catered once again by Missy and Ed Altman, and the gifts were thoughtful and seasonal. Many people went home with goodies, poinsettias and our top three gift winners were Sylvia Manthey who won the air fryer, Tess Bailey won the countertop oven, and Doc Simmons won the big screen TV. Congratulations to all!
Carol Hackett and Missy Altman selling Christmas cookies at the craft sale in Grand Portage on December 2.
This annual celebration is made possible by all the Elders and community members who volunteer during Rendezvous Days and throughout the year at our fundraising events. We look forward to this each year and this year was great!
A small group of Elders was able to attend the annual Native Craft Sale in Thunder Bay last week. Miigwech to Bill Meyers for driving. I was told many beautiful things were available for purchase with Canadian natives traveling from far north to sell their wares. This is an annual event and well worth taking in. Elders continue to volunteer twice a week listening to the children from Oshki Ogimaag charter school practice their reading and during this season have added gift wrapping and bagging Christmas candy for the community program to their efforts. We stay active and enjoy giving back to the community as we appreciate all they do for us.
As we close out 2017, we remember those who have passed on, our friends and family in the Care Center or who are dealing with illness, those of us who are away serving in the military, the Tribal Council for their continued support, and the community of Grand Portage for your love, kindness and generosity! The ENP wishes everyone a very Merry and Blessed Christmas and A Happy and Healthy New Year!
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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