Portage, the popular classic country band that performs at the North Shore Care Center on the last Saturday of the month, was presented with the Stars Among Us 2013 Volunteer of the Year Award at an Aging Service of Minnesota conference at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Minneapolis on February 6. (L-R) Jon Riewer, Aging Services board chair; Portage musicians Arvid Dahl, Butch Deschampe and Jim Spry (holding award); Gayle Kvenold, presidents and CEO and Jodi Speicher, awards & recognition committee chair. A local celebration will be held at the Care Center on February 23 at 6:30 p.m.
For the last eight years, on the last Saturday of every month, the classic country band Portage has performed at the Cook County North Shore Care Center to the delight of care center residents, family members and friends and care center staff. This wonderful musical tradition has been recognized by Aging Services in Minnesota. Portage was presented with the Stars Among Us 2013 Volunteer of the Year Award at the annual Aging Services in Minnesota Institute at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Minneapolis on February 6, 2013.
Portage was nominated for the award by Care Center Activities Director Kay Rosenthal, who explained that Portage has been performing for elders in Cook County and beyond for more than 10 years. “They have had a long-standing gig at our Care Center the last Saturday of every month for the past eight years,” wrote Rosenthal, adding, “And they know how to fill the dance floor—our dining room—every time!”
Portage has performed throughout the region, taking center stage at many community events—at dances at the American Legion in Grand Marais and Grand Portage Lodge & Casino, at the Fisherman’s Picnic, the North Shore Dragon Boat Festival and the Radio Waves Music Festival and more.
But no matter how busy the band is, they always manage to be at the Care Center on that last Saturday for their fans, something that Hospital Administrator Kimber Wraalstad said she was skeptical about when she came to the hospital two years ago. She couldn’t believe that a live band performed for Care Center residents on the last Saturday of every month. “Many of the residents are in wheelchairs and a majority of the remaining residents have mobility limitations, so monthly dances?” said Wraalstad.
But, encouraged to attend a Saturday performance, Wraalstad said she experienced the joy that Portage brings to residents. “Suddenly I found myself ‘dancing’ with residents—and I don’t dance!”
Wraalstad encouraged the Aging Services of Minnesota to award Portage this honor, noting, “Portage has helped create a special time for our residents.”
April McCormick, secretary/treasurer of the Grand Portage Tribal Council, also wrote a letter of support, describing the dances that her family has attended. McCormick said there was “laughter, fun and smiles all around.”
McCormick noted that elders are encouraged to sing along, dance and have a great time. She wrote, “I remember vividly a granddaughter no more than eight years old that danced with her grandparents that night. It is evident that Portage brings generations together through music.”
Many others supported the nomination by saying:
“Portage brings out the best in everyone.” –Care Center resident Marge Jamison
“The Portage dance is the best activity of the month.” –Al Fuller, volunteer musician
“They play my favorite song, Heartache by the Number, every time — just for me.” -Resident Gert Scott
“Portage has a great rapport with our elders and our community.” -Nora Bockovich, Activities Department
“I applaud the dances at the Care Center. The smiles of residents and guests say it all.” -Tom Toftey, family member
Activities Director Rosenthal summed up the community’s thoughts when she wrote, “The unique sound of Portage brings a sense of normalcy to the Care Center like no other group. Their faithful followers are residents, families, volunteers, and community members who love to get together to listen and dance to the beat of classic country.”
“The members of Portage are an inspiring example of what volunteers can accomplish in the lives of older adults,” said Gayle Kvenvold, president and CEO of Aging Services of Minnesota. “Their dedication and talent have made a difference in the lives of so many.”
Members of Portage are Jim Spry, Butch Deschampe, Arvid Dahl, Tom Hoy and Joe Peterson. Sue Maijala was a drummer in previous years.
Portage will be back at the Care Center on February 23—the last Saturday of the month—once again to share their talents. Rosenthal said a special celebration is planned at 6:30 p.m. that day to congratulate Portage for being the 2013 Volunteers of the Year. They truly are “Stars Among Us!”
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