Submitted by Rosalie Gokee
Tribal Dementia Care Specialist
A partnership was created between the UW Extension FoodWise Program and the Tribal Dementia Care Specialist to provide strength training, nutritional information, and dementia education, that included socialization and activity that promotes brain health. The classes began on August 9, 2021, and met two times per week at the Elder Center. The Strong Bodies class was led by UW Extension FoodWise Program Instructor Kimberly Clark, and Dementia Education was provided by Rosalie Gokee-Tribal Dementia Care Specialist.
The class included the following participants: Betty Belille, Pearl Gokee, Molly Guibord, Arlene Isham, Ellen Martin, Karen Nutter, Dorothy Sharon, and Lorraine Smith. On September 29, 2021, the Strong Bodies Class completed their eight-week course and in recognition of their accomplishment a delicious celebratory meal was prepared and served by Chef Al! Participants also received a certificate of completion which was presented by Instructor Kim Clark for the hard work that they put in each week. Participants indicated that they gained strength, mobility, and knowledge about dementia. The participants enjoyed the opportunity to exercise, socialize and learn so much that they decided to extend the class for another four weeks!
As an incentive for participation, door prizes were available for each session, and a grand prize drawing of an iPad Mini was held at the conclusion of the eight-week class. Chef Al also donated a wonderful gift basket as a prize. The winner of the iPad Mini was Pearl Gokee, the winner of the gift basket was Dorothy Sharon. In appreciation, Chef Al and Instructor Kim were each presented with wild rice that was harvested here at Lac Courte Oreilles.
This class will be offered again in 2022, dates and times will be published once class is scheduled, and all are welcome to attend.
In the photos above clockwise from top left) the Strong Bodies Class Participants; a gift is presented to Chef Al; Dorothy Sharon is a gift basket winner presented to her by Chef Al and Rosalie Gokee; and Rosalie and Terrance Manuelito (Elder Services Director) present gift to Kim Clark and the grand prize winner, Pearl Gokee.