Page 2 - Chehalis Tribal Newsletter - November, 2018

2

ELDERS

Home-cooked meal and gratitude

Thanks is on the menu

By Frazier Myer
The Chehalis Tribal Elders
Program started Thanksgiving
festivities early with a homemade
turkey dinner on Nov. 15.
Our elders were delighted
to a full-course meal. Of course
turkey is a staple of the holiday,
but the feast included all of the
traditional Thanksgiving foods Elders Program Cook Ricardo Charles (left in red) whipped up a Thanksgiving feast for Chehalis tribal elders.
such as mashed potatoes, stuffing
and cranberry sauce. Elders to see this group use the building said. “It means a lot to me to see had a lot of thankful comments
Program Cook Ricardo Charles as it was intended for – to gather them happy.” for the youth. A number of the
prepared the feast. and spend quality time together. Before everyone dished up a elders explained how grateful
Charles started his cooking Charles is not a tribal plate, Chehalis Elder Cindy Andy they are to see the younger
career at Lucky Eagle Casino in member but he grew up on blessed the food and everyone generation step up and start
2000, and brought his 18 years the reservation and around a in attendance with a prayer. The doing their part to contribute to
of kitchen knowledge and skills majority of the Chehalis elders. oldest elders, those 80 and older, bettering the community.
to the community as the official “They’re basically like family were given the honor to get their Dolly Canales, member of the
cook for the Elders Center. to me,” Charles said. meals first. The newly reformed Elders Committee, shared that
To be classified as an elder for He views his job as an Chehalis Tribal Youth Council she was glad to see everyone
the Chehalis Tribe, individuals opportunity to give back to elders volunteered and did their part to who showed up for the dinner
must be age 55 or older. Charles who played a huge role in helping make the event successful. and appreciates all of the work
started preparing meals for the the tribe develop into what it is The youth helped those who that goes into an event of this
group this past summer and has today. He treats those he cooks needed assistance throughout magnitude. She was impressed
received praise for the work he’s for with respect and care. the evening. They acted as with the quality of the food
doing to make sure the elders get “I take my job seriously servers by bringing drinks and the cook’s ability to serve
the best food possible. because I would want somebody and deserts. As elders stood 105 plates with minimal help
He said it makes him happy to look after my elder,” Charles up to share a few words, they preparing.

Conference aims to keep elders safe

By Frazier Myer Cancer Center explained
sss
On Wednesday, Oct. 24, the “integrative model”
the Family Caregiver Support CONTACT US that incorporates standard
conventional cancer treatment
Program for the Chehalis Tribe with evidence-supported
provided community elders with To learn more about resources integrative therapies including
an all-day conference and lunch available for tribal elders, diet, acupuncture, nutrient
at Lucky Eagle Casino & Hotel. contact Christina Hicks at supplementation, herbal
Thirty elders and a handful chicks@chehalistribe.org. medicine and lifestyle and
of presenters filled the Chehalis spiritual healing.
Room at the casino, and Dr. Health care programs such
Deborah Behre was the first to or related injuries. As individuals as Medicaid and Medicare were
present. She holds a Stay Active age, the risk of falling and length discussed. Representatives from
and Independent for Life (SAIL) of recovery time increases. DSHS and Wisdom Warriors
exercise program for community Exercises Dr. Behre shared also presented.
elders on a regular basis. She can be done at home and even The Family Caregiver Support
got the morning started with a performed sitting down. Program plans to hold another
shortened version of the workout. Throughout the day, conference in February or March
Dr. Behre had the elders presenters with resources that will cover topics suggested
perform a variety of stretches and specifically for elders shared by tribal elders.
movements. The stretches are a what their programs offer and The program sends a thank Elders learned how to strengthen
simple way to get the necessary answered questions. you to presenters and elders who their bodies to prevent falls
exercise that helps prevent falls Amy Loschert from Salish attended the conference. during a conference Oct. 24.