Winter has returned, and as we have to spend more time indoors, the Elders are getting creative as to how they stay active.
We continue to have Water Aerobics three times a week, cards and cribbage once a week, line dancing two nights a week and weekly Wisdom Steps on Wednesday. Carol Hackett has created a fun competition for the 22 Elders attending this year’s Wisdom Steps conference to encourage healthy exercise. There are five teams made up of five Elders who can earn points for showing up for Wisdom Steps, for every lap walked around the gym, and every mile walked. An extra 10 points will be earned for the twice-weekly dancing and/or swimming participation. Prizes will be awarded weekly to the team that earns the most points, and there will be a grand prize for the winning team at the end of the contest. The contest will run from February 28 through May 31. Everyone is invited to view the teams’ progress on the scoreboard at the ENP. Good luck everyone and have a fun time moving and grooving.
Elders are getting creative as to how to stay active indoors with the turn back to winter weather. ENP Chore Worker Shirley Stevens calling bingo.
Elders enjoyed the annual Valentine’s Day bingo at the ENP. There were about 14 women and one man who played games. A nice spread was prepared by the ENP cooks that included homemade hummus, red velvet cupcakes, and a refreshing punch. The grand prize was won by Ellen Olson for the cover all game with a very lucky Michelle Tesser winning several prizes. Miigwech to everyone who came out and congratulations to all the winners.
Fifteen Elders completed the AARP driver’s four-hour refresher class, and two Elders completed the eight-hour class. We appreciate both Pam and Bill for their instruction and all the hours they volunteer so we can get our 10 percent discount on our vehicle insurance. Anyone 55 years and older who has not received this training and would be interested, please contact Patty at 475-2655, and she will arrange a new class.
Several friends and family members spent a delightful afternoon at the Grand Portage Lodge on Sunday, February 18, celebrating Doris Blank’s 94th birthday. Doris was treated to lunch with all the birthday fixings of flowers, presents, cake with a candle and happy birthday sung by the wait staff and all her friends. The ENP wishes Doris a Very Happy 94th Birthday. Hope the day was wonderful and you celebrated and enjoyed yourself.
Above: Doris Blank enjoying her 94th birthday celebration. Left: Michelle ”Tubby” Tesser with her bingo winnings.
Upcoming activities at the ENP are a Medicine Talk with the pharmacist, March 11; the annual St. Patrick’s Day stew cook-off and meat bingo fundraiser, March 15; and Medicare with Marjori, March 19. This will include one-on-one enrollment and a dinner presentation about the new tax code and scams. Please watch for flyers. Also, remember that the tax preparers are here every Wednesday in the Community Center from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Please call for an appointment.
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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