Wilma Liebsch (left) and Cathy Borka enjoying lunch at Trail Center.
The Cook County Council on Aging Inc. seems to be a mystery to a lot of people. I have been receiving a lot of questions about who they are and what do they do. The Cook County Council on Aging, also known by the acronym CCCoA, is the governing board that oversees the Cook County Senior Center.
The organization started in the late 1960s and was known as the Golden Age Club. They met in whatever space they could find that would accommodate their large group. In 1976, the CCCoA was formed and in 1979 they received their tax-exempt status.
The CCCoA started raising money to buy a building so they could have a place of their own. In 1977 they purchased a building in what was the first of five phases of the Cook County Senior Center as we see it today. The second phase added on restrooms and a kitchen, and the third added a garage and workspace. The garage became too small to accommodate a bus, so an addition was built. In 1994 the final phase was the construction of the social room. Whew, what an accomplishment over the years.
The Senior Center as we see it today would not have been possible without the very dedicated county residents who have served on the Cook County Council on Aging Board of Directors all these years.
Today the CCCoA Board of Directors consists of 11 members, including one Cook County commissioner liaison, which meets with Senior Center Director Bev Green the first Tuesday of the month. Meetings are open to the public. They oversee one full-time director, Senior Center programming and services (which I will write about in another column), policies and procedures, finances, and the First & Second Thrift Store.
Recently two of the founders of the First & Second Thrift Store, Arvis Thompson and Sharon Bloomquist, resigned. They gave an incredible amount of time to the project during the last four years. All of us thank them for their service to First and Second and the community at large.
That is a glimpse of the Cook County Council on Aging — who they are and what they do.
Senior Center hits the road
In June we had a full bus of travelers to Trail Center for a delicious lunch and an enjoyable and scenic bus ride. A special thanks to Sarah Hamilton for the big 20 percent discount on all of our meals!
In July our bus will be traveling to Grand Portage twice: Monday, July 11th and Tuesday, July 26th. These trips are now free, thanks to bus sponsorship from Grand Portage Casino. You will also receive $5 free slot play and a certificate for $5 off an entrée at the restaurant.
For July we have a couple of other fun trips planned. On Thursday, July 7th we will take a shopping and lunch trip to Two Harbors. On Tuesday, July 12th we will be taking a trip to Gunflint Lodge for a fresh fish lunch and a pontoon boat tour of the lake. Both trips should prove to be a lot of fun! Reserve your spot by signing up at or calling the Senior Center at 387-2660.
After lunch most days of the week we play card games. The game of choice lately has been Push. We are looking for more players to join us.
Remember, the Senior Center is open and welcoming to all of all ages!
News from the “Brighter Side” of aging is provided by Kristen Anderson of the Grand Marais Senior Center. Kristen can be reached at (218) 387-2660 or via e-mail at CCCOA@boreal.org.
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