On Wednesday, December 14, we all enjoyed a wonderful holiday roast beef dinner, complete with Christmas carolers, a gift exchange game and to top it off an ice cream social. We would like to extend a very special thank you to our volunteer carolers Georgene Daubanton, Gerry Anderson, Nikki Boostrom, Jane Howard and Melissa Breitsprecher.
As we ring in the New Year we would also like to thank, with our deepest appreciation two departing board members. Board Chairman Kristine Hedstrom and Member at Large Sharron McCann, thank you for all your services and donation of your time.
We would also like to welcome new board members Anna Hamilton and Betty O’Brien. We are looking forward to your input and fresh ideas.
We also would like to welcome two current members to our executive board. Karen Kritta Saethre is our new board chairman and Bill Shaffer is our new vice chairman. Congratulations on your newly elected positions. Board meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month, here at the Senior Center at 9 a.m. The meetings are open to the public and your input is welcomed.
The holiday gift exchange game was a lot of fun and the peach schnapps prize was highly coveted. The white elephant gift was a bundle of empty envelopes. Many other wonderful gifts were exchanged and fun was had by all. (L-R, clockwise from front) Betty Wilson, Nona Smith, Shirley Ellquist, Tom Hedstrom, Nancy Rice, Ron McClellan, Jean Bushman, Walt McCarthy, Kristen Anderson, Iola Wojtysiak, Esther Sorlie, Gladys Anderson and Joyce Kehoe.
The 3M Foundation has donated $250 to the Cook County Council on Aging, in recognition of Cook County resident Dave Palmer’s commitment to the community. Dave has donated over 100 hours as a volunteer at the First & Second Thrift Store. As part of the 3M volunteer match, the 3M Foundation will donate $250 to eligible non-profit organizations for which a 3M employee volunteers 20 hours or more per calendar year. Anyone wanting more information can contact 3M Community Affairs at 651- 733-0144. The Cook County Council on Aging would like to thank Dave Palmer for his dedicated time to working at the First & Second Thrift Store.
If you’d like to follow Dave’s lead, it is easy. Recently you may have received a letter and brochure from the Senior Center requesting donations of money, stocks or bonds. Your donations are very important to the Senior Center to help us maintain current programming and services that we offer not just to seniors, but also to all Cook County residents and many, many visitors. Your generosity is fully tax-deductible and very much appreciated.
We are in need of a permanent very part-time volunteer Meals On Wheels driver for Tuesdays. Substitute Drivers are available if you need a day off. This is a commitment of about 1-1 ½ hours per week. You will need your own vehicle. It is a great way to bring smiles and of course food to many homebound residents. Please call Ann at the Senior Center for more details (218) 387-2660.
We will be going on a sleigh ride on Thursday, February 16, at Okontoe. We will also be having lunch at Trail Center. Watch our newsletters and the News-Herald for more information.
News from the “Brighter Side” of aging is provided by Kristen Anderson of the Grand Marais Senior Center. Kristen can be reached at (218) 387-2660 or via e-mail at CCCOA@boreal.org.
Leave a Reply