November is off to a good start. Everyone is on the correct time having said good-bye to daylight savings time. The Elder Nutrition Program (ENP) hosted an AARP Driver Refresher class the first week of November. Eight Elders participated and are now able to claim their 10 percent car insurance discount. Miigwech to Pam McDougal for volunteering to teach.
Northland Fire and Safety also came that week to perform fire extinguisher checks for interested Elders. Justin did a presentation and demonstration on the proper use and technique for operating an extinguisher. We discussed fire safety and reminded ourselves to change the batteries in our smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
The ENP staff harvested our greenhouse and raised beds. All veggies were either used in our meals this month or were made available for Elders to take home. Several pounds of green tomatoes were made into fried green tomatoes or green tomato relish. Delicious! We were very successful with our potatoes that were grown in used tires.
Grand Portage Elders had a busy October, preparing and participating in the Grand Portage Community Center Halloween Carnival. Ellen Olson and Polly James decorated cakes for the Halloween carnival.
“Reading with Kids” is in full swing. Several Elders are volunteering two times each week to listen to students from Oshki Ogimaag practice their reading. The Elders enjoy this time as much as the students do. We are seeing an improvement in skills already. Good job, kids!
At press time on November 13, the Elders held their 9th annual chili cook off and meat bingo fundraiser. In conjunction with this there was a 50/50 raffle. All proceeds will be used for the annual Christmas shopping trip to Duluth and Christmas party. This is great fun and the last bingo game is a coverall. The winner in that game receives a complete Thanksgiving dinner. Stay tuned for the announcement of the winners’ names.
The ENP is supporting the students from Mr. Kieth’s class at Oshki Ogimaag Charter School with their food drive. Boxes have been placed throughout Grand Portage and Grand Marais for collecting donations. This project will run from November 11 through November 25 with donated food being distributed on the 25th between 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. More information can be had by calling the school at 475-2112. This is a wonderful service project for this class. Please contribute when you see the boxes.
Above: Some ENP staff celebrating Halloween. (L-R) Carol Hackett, Polly James and Shirley Stevens. Left: The ENP appreciates “the best” bus driver, Dennis Westerlind.
The ENP will host a Medicare and Part D presentation and information session with Marjori Bottila the week of November 17. Please watch for flyers. This is the time of the year to enroll in a Medicare Part D program and to assess your current program for any changes to make sure you have the most cost effective program. This enrollment period runs until December 5.
The Grand Portage ENP staff wishes everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving!
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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