April has been a busy month. Not much springlike weather but the Elders attending the Wisdom Steps conference in June are busy walking, exercising and earning their points for the contest they are participating in. The five teams are made up of four Elders each and they are having fun. Team 4 is in the lead currently. They have a secret weapon named Jimmy Spry. Jim walks daily and has been seen in the gym even running. What an inspiration he is to all of us.
Several Elders called for transportation to vote in the Tribal election on Tuesday, April 3. We now have two candidates each for the three positions up on the Tribal Council. This election will be held June 12. The ENP Elder Advisory Board hosted a candidate forum for the candidates and band members on Sunday, March 25 at the old log building. This has become an annual event for elections. The questions were varied and covered many of the areas of interest and concerns of the constituents. The board is happy to provide this service. This event was the brainchild of Elder Mayme Swader who always was a champion for openness, inclusion and knowledgeable decisions. We do this in honor of her.
Lots to smile about! Patty poses for a quick picture before a larger crowd gathered to cut that cake and wish Patty well on her last day of work April 13. (Pictured behind Patty L-R are Agatha Armstrong, Carrie Newman, Valita Bockovich, and Janet Hari.)
Elders are excited to participate with the planning for the annual Elder’s Pow Wow that will be held on May 12. This year it will be held at the newly remodeled event center at the Grand Portage Lodge. We enjoy this event as it honors us and brings families and friends together to celebrate our traditions. This event is open to the public. Please watch for notices and flyers.
I am writing this article for the last time as the ENP director. I have been fortunate to hold this position for the last 14 years and have now decided to retire. It has been my pleasure and privilege to work at the ENP with the wonderful, delightful, generous, kind Elders of Grand Portage and a wonderfully, professional staff. I offer a heartfelt Chi Miigwech.
Patty Winchell-Dahl
Above: Jim Spry walking/ running at the Grand Portage Community Center during the weekly Wisdom Steps walk. Left: Ellen Olson walking during the Wisdom Steps weekly walk. Top: Elder Doris Blank getting her blood pressure checked by retired nurse Vivian Carlson at the weekly Wisdom Steps walk.
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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