The Elders have been enjoying the holiday season. The Elder Advisory Committee supported the efforts of Mr. Kieth’s upper grade class with a donation for their service project food drive. This was a very worthwhile project and helped several families right before Thanksgiving. Great job, kids!
We had a busy holiday craft sale at the lodge on December 6. The Elders sold three kinds of soup, Christmas cookies and donated handmade items. Several women volunteered during the day making soup and selling items. The proceeds from this event paid for lunch for everyone at the Old Country Buffet on our Duluth Christmas shopping trip. This trip was Tuesday, December 9 and 10. We spent an overnight at Black Bear with “shop til you drop” on both days. Fifteen Elders enjoyed this annual trip. Lodging and transportation were provided from the funds raised at the annual chili cook off held in November.
This year the chili cook off winner was Rick Johnson. Janice Deschampe won the coverall last game, which was a whole turkey dinner. Congratulations to both of you! Rick now has won both the chili and stew cook offs.
Elders had fun making goodie bags to be given to the Oshki Ogimaag kids at the children’s Christmas concert and program. From left, Ellen Olson, Tim Anderson and Ellie Altman bagged candy.
The Elders had a wonderful time at the Elder Christmas party held on Sunday, December 7 at the Grand Portage Lodge. There was delicious food, visiting, wonderful door prizes and music provided by the band Portage. Miigwech to the Elder Advisory Committee, Dido Swader, Bill Meyers and Carol Hackett as well as Bill Hackett who provided transportation. You all did a great job!
Several Elders volunteered helping wrap presents and bagging candy for the children’s Christmas program held on December 18. The Elders help every year with this event. Also, this year they provided a shopping day for the grade school children. Several Elders donated small gifts for the children to pick out to give to family members. We set up a store, assisted the children with their choices and then wrapped the gifts. This is fun and helps the children learn about the joy of giving.
We continue to have weekly Water Aerobics, Chair Exercises, cribbage games and Reading with Kids. This month we had two shopping trips to Grand Marais, one to Duluth and one to Thunder Bay, Canada.
We are so thankful and blessed for the support of the Tribal Council and the community of Grand Portage. Miigwech!
The ENP staff wishes everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy, 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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