June was a super busy month at the Senior Center. Our new Programs and Service Coordinator Jessica Rodne started June 1 and has been busy planning events and activities. Jes as we call her comes with a background working with children in her past job at School District 166 and also has a young son Rayce who is 8 years old.
On June 10, Rayce came and spent the day with us at the Senior Center. We quickly put him to work in the kitchen helping Ann prepare the meals on wheels for delivery. He is a fast learner and I would hire him if I did not have to worry about child labor laws. After preparing meals on wheels, he had a break and visited with folks and helped his mom out, and then it was time to help serve our lunches. Clad in his proper kitchen wear, hat, apron and gloves, he proudly served rolls and sour cream for the baked potatoes.
After our delicious lunch, Jes put him to work calling bingo. Again he did an outstanding job. Actually better than the rest of us do, as he would call the number and then every now and then he would add in, “I hope you win.” We all thoroughly enjoyed having Rayce spend the day with us. I already have jobs for him next time he comes to visit.
Eight-year-old Rayce proved to be a big help at the Senior Center on June 10, helping Senior Center Cook Ann prepare Meals on Wheels for delivery. Rayce is following in his mother, Jes Rodne’s footsteps. Jes, the new Programs and Service Coordinator is the granddaughter of the first Senior Center Director Marie Gilbertson. She spent a lot of time at the senior center as a child.
On Tuesday, July 7, the Senior Center welcomed the YMCA Summer Kids Camp for lunch and bingo. Eighteen kids and four aides came for cheeseburgers, potato wedges, baked beans and cupcakes, then bingo afterwards.
If you want to join us for lunch, please do. Lunch is served Monday – Friday at noon. Please call the Senior Center at 387-2660 by 9:30 a.m. the day you would like to dine at the center. Lunch is just $4 for anyone over 60 years old who has called in to register. Lunch is $7 for people under 60 or for those who have not registered.
Meals on Wheels is also available Monday through Friday. You must be preregistered, call 1-800-662-5711, ext. 7323 to register or learn more. Frozen meals are also available for weekends.
There is always something going on at the Senior Center. There is a “Grand Portage Express” trip to the Grand Portage Lodge & Casino twice a month. The next trip will be “Lucky Monday” on July 20. Leave the Senior Center at 9:45 a.m. and return at 3:30 p.m.
Gentle exercise is offered Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 – 11 a.m. Everyone is welcome. There are blood pressure checkups and blood sugar checks on the first Tuesday of each month at 10:30 a.m. On the third Tuesday of each month, from 9 – 11 a.m., foot care is offered. Please bring a towel and basin to soak your feet.
The blood pressure and foot care events are sponsored by the Sawtooth Mountain Clinic and Cook County Public Health & Human Services.
Every day at the Senior Center there are puzzles to work on, Wii games, card games and more. Stop by and check out the Senior Center in downtown Grand Marais. All are welcome.
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 Cook County Senior Center, courtesy of Director Bev Green.
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