The Elders of Grand Portage are off and running in 2017. They continue to participate in weekly water aerobics, wisdom steps walking, cribbage and cards, our twice-weekly volunteer “Reading with Kids” and monthly shopping trips to Grand Marais and Thunder Bay, Canada.
Several Elders were able to attend the retirement party for Tim Cochrane from the Park Service. Tim has been a good friend to the Elders here. He has reached out to us on numerous occasions to include us in presentations, events, and archeological digs and has sought out our knowledge and thoughts about Park Service activities and growth. We wish him well in his retirement and hope he will visit us at the ENP whenever he can.
Elders continue to collaborate with Oshkiogimaag Charter School, Food for Thought Program, 1854 Treaty Authority, Human Service and Grand Portage Natural Resources to develop a sugar bush camp. We continue to have planning meetings and are looking forward to the weeklong program.
ENP staff, Carol Hackett, Shirley Stevens and first time bingo caller and full-time cook Polly James. Polly appears to be puzzling over a number while Shirley and Carol smile patiently.
The Senior Volunteers are back preparing taxes every Wednesday starting Feb. 1 through April 12, from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Grand Portage Community Center. Taxes are done on a first-come first-serve basis. The ENP would like to invite any Elder having their taxes done to call and stay for lunch that day. Take a break, get your taxes prepared and enjoy a great meal visiting with friends. Please call by 9 a.m. for that day’s meal.
The Elder Advisory Board held a meeting the first Tuesday in February. They are holding an election for new board members as several terms are up. Please watch your mail for your ballot which needs to be returned by Feb. 28. If you have not received one, please contact Carol Hackett at the ENP at 475- 2655. She will be happy to get you one. New energy is needed on the board, and there are some exciting activities coming up.
The ENP hosted a fun Valentine’s Bingo on Feb. 13 after lunch. About 20 women attended, enjoying an afternoon out visiting, having fun and eating the delectable sweets provided by the ENP cooks and for some going home with some great prizes. The luckiest winners this time were Sally Gagnon and Doris Blank. Several women enjoyed receiving a “Kiss” from Carol Hackett. This is always a great time to get out during winter and have some fun.
Ellen Olson with her “Kiss” prize from Carol Hackett.
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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