Director Issues Nutrition Center Report for December

By Rosalie Gokee

Director of Tribal Aging and Disability Services

It’s a busy time of the year.  I’m so thankful for volunteers and staff that help wherever they can to ensure services continue.  We currently have an opening for a Nutrition Manager and a cook and there is always a need for critical relief on-call staff.  Call the office at (715) 865-3379 if you are interested in applying for a position.  Applications are also available at the Tribal Office or at the LCO Tribe’s website.

For those of you that are on the home-delivered meal routes please use the shelf-stable meals that you received for when we are not able to deliver a meal due to a holiday or closing due to inclement weather or staff shortage.  You can expect to receive more shelf-stable meals to have on-hand in the future for this very purpose. 

The Nutrition Program is supported by Title III and Title VI grant funding.  The funding received from these sources is not enough to support the Nutrition Program.  The rise in cost of food, goods, fuel, and wages, impacts the budget and there is a growing dependance on tribal support and donations. A big shout out to the Tribe for providing additional financial support to the Nutrition Program!

Rusty Barber visited the Center and presented a check in the amount of $100.00 on behalf of the Sawyer/LCO Democratic Party!  The support of the LCO Nutrition Program is greatly appreciated.  If you would like to support the LCO Nutrition Program please make your check payable to: LCO Aging & Disability Services, 13878W North Agency Road, Stone Lake, WI 54876.

We have been busy collecting Congregate and Home-Delivered Meal Applications that are due on an annual basis.  This information is important as we utilize this for reimbursement for meal expenses.  We appreciate those that have taken the time to complete the paperwork.

To be eligible for Home-Delivered Meals you must be:

·       Age 55 or older (Tribal Enrolled) and essentially homebound due to an illness or disability, or isolation for whom an assessment concludes that participation is in the individual's best interest.

·       The spouse of a person at least 55 years or older who receives Meals on Wheels.

·       A person with a disability, regardless of age, who resides in the same house with an eligible person 55 years or older that is receiving Meals on Wheels may also receive meals.

A pleasant and welcome visit was made by the Sevenwinds Casino in December!  The Center was presented a check in the amount of $2,500 for being on “Santa’s Nice List”.  These funds will be used to purchase greatly needed items for the new center. 

Did you know that November was National Caregiver Month? Through a grant from Respite Care Association of Wisconsin or “RCAW” we were able to recognize and honor caregivers for the invaluable work that they do with gifts promoting self-care. Often caregivers do not take the time for self-care which is so important so that they themselves do not get sick. Many were in tears and thankful for the recognition.  Chi-Miigwech caregivers for the work you do that does not go unnoticed!    

The Aging & Disability Services Department hosted the Elder Craft Making Event on December 16, 2023. This event was in collaboration with Bizhiki who really deserve the credit for providing the materials and the wonderful food.  Those that attended were able to make and decorate wreaths, sachets, bird feeder cakes and maple sugar candy. This was the second year we’ve held the event and look forward to another in December 2024. 

On December 21, the Center held its Annual Holiday Luncheon.  This year’s event was even bigger than last year.  We were able to fit 107 people into our small building.  We were as snug as a bug in a rug! Fun and gifts for all that attended not to mention a wonderful meal.  To enter the drawing for the grand prize everyone had to join in singing “Silent Night”.  What fun!  We even had a birthday celebrity in the group – Marie Kuykendall and we sang her Happy Birthday! A big shout out to DBS, Enbridge, Upper Lakes Foods, Sysco Food Service, and the Cultural Healing Center for their contributions.  I cannot forget the wonderful staff along with Chef Al and Kim Clark that did a fantastic job making this event successful!  Job well done!

Stop in and get a calendar of events and join us for a meal, bingo, birthday recognition, and other fun happenings at the Elder Center!  As always if you have any questions, suggestions, or concerns do not hesitate to contact me at (715) 558-7944.    

The Staff at the Center wish each of you a wonderful New Year!