When will spring arrive? Although the weather has not been very nice these past few weeks the Elders are optimistic that spring will come yet. Thanks to Andy Schmidt, our Snap coordinator, we have several types of lettuce, some radishes and beans sprouting in the ENP hoop house. While checking on the raised beds our director saw rhubarb beginning to show itself. Can’t wait to have these fresh foods incorporated in our daily lunches soon!
We have one more week to enjoy our AARP tax preparers. The 13th of April was their last day here at the Grand Portage Community Center. We have enjoyed Chuck, Loretta and Bev’s company for lunch at the ENP these past couple of months. They do a wonderful job and we are very grateful for all the hours they have shared volunteering to prepare our taxes. A Chi Miigwech!
The Elders had a successful “Spring Fling” meat bingo, 50/50 raffle and bake sale in conjunction with the youth who sold Indian Tacos at the same time. The 50/50 raffle winner was Missy Altman, who also volunteered as our bingo caller. The last game, which is a cover all, was won by Agatha Armstrong. She won a complete turkey dinner for a family of four. Miigwech to the Grand Portage Lodge, Grand Portage Trading Post, the Tribal Council and everyone who donated meat, prizes, time and played bingo. Your support and generosity has helped pay the expenses for 21 Elders to attend this year’s Wisdom Steps conference in Hinckley in June.
The Grand Portage Elders are not letting the lingering winter weather get them down. Some of the kids helping out at the “Spring Fling” were Dante Deschampe, Nickolas Spry, Cook Judy Ranta, Wei-Lani Likiaksa and Raina Christianson.
We have some very hardy Elders who in spite of bad weather show up weekly to participate with the Wisdom Steps, Water Aerobics and volunteer at our “Reading with Kids” programs. They are like the Postal Service that way. Bad weather does not deter them. In fact I think they are pleased they are able to get out in spite of the weather. They are a hard act to follow.
We look forward to May and the annual Elder’s Pow- Wow on May 7; Fishing Opener on May 14; LIEC awards banquet for our students and Memorial Day. “Rez Rides” are soon to follow.
Above left: Doris Blank, the “oldest Elder” at 92 braved the weather for Wisdom Steps and lunch on our last stormy day. Above middle: The fundraiser included a mountain of fry bread! Marlene Allard helped out in the kitchen at the “Spring Fling.” Above right: The Elders and youths worked together at the “Spring Fling” fundraiser. Agatha Armstrong won the cover-all bingo game and took home a whole turkey dinner.
Another tough Elder is Larry “Fish” Deschampe. The local school bus driver in his usual short sleeve shirt out and about on that stormy day.
Ralph Tesser sold the winning 50/50 raffle ticket to Missy Altman at the Elder and youth “Spring Fling” fundraiser.
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