Top: The Pincushion Quilters meet at the Cook County Senior Center at 10:00 a.m. on the first and fourth Thursdays each month. The meetings are open to the public. Stop in and join them for some fun, sharing ideas, projects and learning of the fun hobby of quilting. Above: The Cook County Senior Center is decorated and ready for Easter! Our Wednesday volunteer and Meals on Wheels delivery lady Judy Renkiewicz and volunteer and frequent patron, Shirley Ellquist.
There are many folks, of many ages who enjoy and make use of our local Senior Center. From daily lunch, activities and trips to many community services and events. We recently talked to a few of them, asking, “What does the Senior Center mean to me?”
Bill Shaffer, age 71, Council on Aging (Senior Center) board member, maintenance and bus driver volunteer: When I was younger, I never gave a thought to old age. I was invincible! Why did those old folks complain about everything? Now, I have those aches and pains and my memory is beginning to leave me. Who do I look to for supporting me in regaining or maintaining my zest for life? The Senior Center gives me purpose in life. I enjoy mingling with my peers that share similar joys and pains. The Senior Center adds an important purpose to my life. I thoroughly enjoy my volunteer time there. I believe that the Senior Center is an essential asset to our community. Long Live the Senior Center!
Paul Smith, age 52, Department of Public Safety: I am one of the folks that come to the Senior Center to give the driver’s tests. Someone from our office is here twice a month. I’m pleased when it is my rotation to come to Grand Marais. It is always a pleasure to come to the Senior Center. I enjoy the welcoming, comfortable, friendly atmosphere. I have friends and relatives here in Cook County, and I enjoy seeing and giving my Aunties hugs at the Senior Center.
Linda Johnson, age 64, daily participant: The Senior Center means friendship, laughs and good food to me. Basically, fun, fun, fun!
Nona Smith, age 88, daily participant and weekly volunteer: The Senior Center gives me a reason to get up in the morning and a place to go for fun and food. It is a very relaxing and pleasant place, but yet a very active and happening place. We take fun trips to places that I would otherwise never get to go.
Shirley Ellquist, age 77, frequent participant and volunteer: I have been enjoying the Senior Center for over 30 years now. When my husband David Ellquist was alive, he loved to go and play cribbage, dance, listen to music and enjoy lunch. I like to come down to visit with friends and get out of the house. I enjoy going on the senior trips, especially in the summer. It is a fun time. I wish more people would come.
Renette Pearse, former summer resident of Rec. Park, frequent participant: I appreciate the opportunity to buy a reasonably priced, nutritious meal. I also enjoy the camaraderie of socializing with other seniors. I enjoy playing cards many afternoons. Bingo, on Thursday afternoons is my favorite reason for coming to the Senior Center.”
The Cook County Senior Center is open and welcoming to all of all ages!
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