The Elder Advisory Board held a successful St. Patrick’s Day stew cook off and meat bingo fundraiser on March 16 at the Grand Portage Community Center. We had about 70 people attend to enjoy the 10 entered stews and play bingo. It always amazes me how different, delicious and tasty the stews are.
This year’s winner was Bonnie Johnson. Her husband Rick was last year’s winner. These are good cooks! The half time winner at bingo was Mary Bowels and she won a nice ham. The grand winner for the last cover all game was Lori Anishinabe. She won a complete ham dinner with all the fixings. Congratulations to all the winners. We extend a Chi Miigwech to everyone who donated meat, prizes and time. A special thank you goes to the Tribal Council and community for their continued support in all we do for the Elders.
Tax help continues on Wednesdays at the Community Center until April 12. Anyone needing their taxes prepared please stop in between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Chuck, Loretta and Bev are there to help.
Northwestern college students, chaperones & local Doug Pervis. The kids enjoyed visit with the elders, a meal, then spent time cleaning the dining room and kitchen. The kids attend the college in Orange City, Iowa.
Elders continue to volunteer twice weekly to listen to the Oshki Ogimaag grade school children practice their reading. This month they are listening to the kindergarten and first graders. This is so much fun! I encourage anyone with free time to contact Carol Hackett at 475-2655. It only takes about 15 to 20 minutes of your time to make a big difference in a child’s education and to make a lifelong friend.
Elders are invited for cedar tea, maple granola and popped wild rice at the Sugar Bush camp with the students, Friday, April 7 at 2 p.m. Anyone interested please contact Patty or Carol at the ENP at 475-2655. The ENP will provide transportation for this event. The Elders have been collaborating with the Oshki Ogimaag School with the planning of this weeklong program. This will be a great way to welcome and enjoy spring.
The ENP received a visit from college students from Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa. These students and their chaperones enjoyed lunch and visiting with Elders at the ENP. They then spent the afternoon deep cleaning the ENP dining room and kitchen. The cooks greatly appreciate returning Monday to a sparkling clean environment.
Top: Volunteer bingo caller, Missy Altman with helpers Nevaeh & Tony. Above left: Lori Anishinabe, meat bingo grand prize winner. Above right: Stew Cook off winner Bonnie Johnson points to her winning pot of stew.
Warm wishes for a lovely spring and wonderful Easter!
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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