The Senior Center has been busy doing some fundraising. We have had two rummage sales, one in July and one in August during Fisherman’s Picnic. Between the two rummage sales we raised over $1,100. Thank you to all of the folks who donated items for sale!
We also had a stand outside of the Senior Center grilling and selling brats, hot dogs, chips and pop. After costs we raised approximately $500. Thank you to all of our volunteers who participated in these fundraisers!
We at the Senior Center are striving to raise money to be more self-sufficient. Donations and endowments are always welcomed and greatly appreciated.
Our parking lot has received a face lift. Steve Quaife has painted new striping. We also stenciled the parking spots with “Senior Center Parking Only” signage. Most people do not realize how far our property extends into the parking lot. We felt we needed to paint and mark it this way due to the difficulty we have been having with parking for our seniors, especially around the lunch hour during the summer months. We send out a very special thank you to Steve Quaife for all of his help.
Tim Styles performed at the Grand Marais Senior Center in August. Over 40 people gathered for the concert. Tim’s grandmother, Nona Smith, enjoyed the music, but didn’t want to dance, despite being urged to do so by Brighter Side correspondent Kristen Anderson.
The First and Second Thrift Store celebrated its fourth fabulous year with a year-end payout, giving back to 30 community nonprofits in the community. Monies are credited to nonprofits by volunteers banking their hours for a nonprofit of their choice within Cook County. The end of the year profits are then divided by the number of volunteer hours to determine an hourly wage. For example: this year the hourly wage was $10.50. The payout party was at the Senior Center on Wednesday, August 24. The First and Second Thrift Store paid out a total of $41,678.
The Cook County Senior Center was one of the 30 lucky nonprofit recipients, receiving a check for $5,263.12. Thanks to all of the volunteers who donated their hours to the Senior Center. You are greatly appreciated by the Senior Center.
The First and Second Thrift Store would like to welcome their new donation center coordinator, Robin DuChien. The donation center is located in the garage behind the Senior Center and is open Wednesday and Saturday, 9-1. First and Second is also looking for a winter store coordinator. Call Lois Johnson at 387-1799 for further details.
In addition to volunteer opportunities, we have lots of fun activities planned, including two trips to the Grand Portage Casino, on Wednesday, Sept. 7 and Wednesday, Sept. 21. Transportation for these casino trips is sponsored by the casino so they are free to you! You also receive $5 in free slot play and earn triple points on your card.
Another trip is planned to Trail Center on Wednesday, Sept. 14. Cost is $9 for transportation; lunch is at your own expense but you will receive 20 percent off your bill courtesy of Sarah Hamilton of Trail Center.
And finally, on Monday, Sept. 26, join us for a gondola ride at Lutsen Mountains. Bring a friend and your cameras. We will also be driving some back roads on this trip to further enjoy the fall colors.
Reserve your spot for any or all of these trips by signing up at or calling the Senior Center at 387-2660. Remember, the Senior Center is open and welcoming to all of all ages!
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.
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