The ENP director picked up the new 2017, 14-passenger, handicap bus. It is wonderful! Rides like a dream and has all the bells and whistles. We took it to Shooting Star Casino for the annual Wisdom Steps Conference and had a comfortable, pleasant ride.
This conference is the yearly highlight for Elders who participate during the year, exercising, getting their annual health screenings and checkups, and attending a wellness event. We visit with friends, attend interesting workshops, enjoy fun entertainment and delicious meals.
This year was especially memorable as our own, Carol Hackett, Wisdom Steps aide, was a finalist for the prestigious Allen Avery award. This award is given to a person who has been active in health initiatives and practices good preventive health. This person should be an example for their community. Carol was one of four elders nominated. Congratulations Carol! Grand Portage has been honored over the years with two other nominations, Bob and Eddie Hertzberg and 2012 winner ENP Director, Patty Winchell-Dahl.
Above: Some of the 13 Elders who attended the Wisdom Steps Conference: left to right, Ellen Olson, Bob & Eddie Hertzberg, Doris Blank, Agatha Armstrong, Dedo & Jeannie Swader. Left: Carol Hackett (second from right) received the Allen Avery Award nomination at the Wisdom Steps Conference.
We are an active, healthy, vibrant community of Elders here in Grand Portage willing to be examples of how to age and enjoy the process.
Elders have been busy volunteering for both Kids Day and the Wellness Fair. Both events are held on the Saturdays after graduation. Participation is always large with much fun and knowledge to be had. We also want to congratulate Bobby Deschampe on his successful bid for the vacant District One seat on the county board. It was very encouraging to see young adults participating in an electoral process for the first time. We look forward to working with Commissioner Deschampe in the future.
The raised beds and greenhouse are finally planted and we are anticipating fresh veggies soon.
A Chi Miigwech to Donna Lunke for the wonderful donation of rhubarb and jam. We can’t wait for the delicious goodies to be baked in the ENP kitchen for lunch. Sadly, we have lost our cook’s helper, Cedar Denny, to a new position at the Water and Sewer Department. We had a nice send-off for him and wish him well with his new position. Our on-call cook, Terra Gordan, will be filling in until the position is filled.
We look forward to “Rez Rides,” picnics, especially the annual 4th of July and Credit Union picnic, completion of the renovations to the Rendezvous Days Fish Shack and berry picking in Canada. Summer is here and we mean to get out and enjoy it!
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.
You want to know how the Grand Portage Elders roll? Here you go! This is Elsie Smith getting her first motorcycle ride with Loni Wilson.
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