The Elders are marking the end of summer with outdoor activities. We need to enjoy the warm weather while we can.
Eight Elders enjoyed the “Rez Ride” on August 29. We started out with a stop to wish our friend and community nurse, Vivian Carlson, a happy retirement. We enjoyed cake, coffee and visiting with friends and neighbors.
Next it was on to our neighbor, Bill Elstad’s home, and his very beautiful gardens. Bill lives on the Bay Road and has been gardening at his and his wife Artie’s home for several years. The gardens are lush, varied and full of color. Bill said the rains had knocked some of the flowers down but we couldn’t tell.
After Bill’s it was up to Mineral Center and the community gardens. Andy Schmidt met us and explained the gardens and how he is managing them for optimum production. The rain and slugs have been a problem this season but the tomatoes are going to be plentiful. There are lots of grapes on the vines as well. Sounds like salsa and jam to me.
Top: Elders participated in the annual Alzheimer’s Walk for a Cure on Saturday, September 9 in Duluth. Some carried flowers with family members’ names. Above: Shirley Stevens and Marie Spry with their Alzheimers’s remembrance flowers. Left: Ellen Olson and Carol Hackett at the ENP with the Alzheimer’s remembrance flowers from the walk.
After all that tromping around we enjoyed pie and coffee at the lodge. What a wonderful afternoon!
We had a visit from Marjori Bottila from the Senior Linkage Line on Monday, August 28. Marjori was able to do one-on-one Medicare enrollment for eligible Elders and also gave an evening presentation on Long Term Care options. The ENP provided a delicious meal for this event. Marjori will be back in October when she will continue to do oneon one Medicare enrollment and will also begin the process for Medicare Part D enrollment.
Remember when you turn 65 years of age you have the three months before your birthday and the three months after your 65th birthday to enroll in Medicare. Also, the prescription Part D Medicare enrollment happens once a year from October through December. Watch for flyers for events in Grand Portage and Grand Marais for enrollment opportunities.
Eleven Wisdom Step Elders collected pledges and participated in the annual Alzheimer’s Walk for a Cure on Saturday, September 9 in Duluth. The weather was wonderful, the cause current and the need great. These Elders walk to remember sisters, brothers, husband, wives, mothers and dads who have died from the disease and some who are living with it. This disease is affecting many families and is having a lasting effect on community services, caregivers and resources.
The Alzheimer’s Association is the world’s largest nonprofit funder for Alzheimer’s research. Since 1982 they have awarded over $350 million dollars to more than 2,300 research investigations worldwide. There is no known cure for the disease but better understanding of it and its impact may lead to better treatments. While there is no known way to prevent Alzheimer’s disease there is emerging research to suggest steps people can take to maintain their health and reduce the risk of cognitive decline. More information can be found at alz.org, alz.org/education and by calling 1-800-272-3900. A Chi Miigwech to all our friends, family and community members who sponsored us to walk. We raised $2,000.
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.
Eddie Hertzberg with Bill Elstad and his puppy visiting his lush gardens.
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