Northwoods Partners News

With cases of COVID-19 in decline and vaccine supply increasing, we are cautiously optimistic that after more than a year we're turning the corner to a new normal.

We are pleased to announce that we will be resuming our Classes and Groups

Effective March 9, 2021, Northwoods Partners Classes and Groups are resuming. 

first in-person classes are:

Tai Chi Advanced Class - Tuesday, March 9

Community Exercise Group - Thursday, March 11

Tai Ji Quan:  Moving for Better Balance Class - Tuesday, March 30

Memories and Movement Group - Wednesday, April 14

At the same time, we understand that the pandemic is not yet over and that many of us continue to struggle with its impact.  In adherence to current MDH and Juniper guidelines, these classes/groups are ONLY open to those who have been fully vaccinated and have waited out the recommended two weeks to reach peak immunity.  Thank you for your understanding.

Please Note - 1:1 programming and support groups are still on COVID hiatus.

Give to the Max Day 2020 is November 19^th!  Early giving started November 1.
We’d love your support - Click Here to Donate to Northwoods Partners
Help us enrich the lives of the seniors in our community!

Every year as part of their Volunteer Appreciation efforts, Northwoods Partners (NP) awards deserving individuals who have gone above and beyond their esteemed Heart of Gold Award.  They are pleased to announce this year's recipients are Chuck and Jacque Glass and Dave Reiland.

Chuck and Jacque Glass have been long distance drivers for Northwoods Partners for over 5 years. They have spent countless hours taking people to medical appointments in Duluth, Hibbing and Virginia. They go over and beyond providing a very pleasant experience for their riders. They have wonderful conversations with their riders. There have been many weeks when they have provided multiple long-distance rides. NP is so grateful to be able to so frequently rely on them to get their clients to appointments safely. Jacque summed up their experience perfectly; "Chuck and I have been volunteer drivers for Northwoods Partners for many years and highly recommend it.  Everybody has a story and we have met wonderful people that we wouldn't have met otherwise.  Senior citizens have great perspective and they all have wisdom to share along with the stories about their lives.  We have learned a lot from these folks about all kinds of interests, hobbies, places they've lived and where they've traveled.  It's nice to think we are helping others by volunteer driving, but the truth is that we benefit more than they do.  We are big fans of the volunteer driving program and encourage folks to try it.  Volunteering adds joy to your life!"

Dave Reiland would share with you that he was a client of NP years back. He participated in numerous NP programs and saw a significant improvement both physically and mentally. As his life was changed significantly, he came through our doors asking if he could now possibly give back the kind of support he was given. He decided to become a volunteer friendly visitor, exercise buddy, a driver and became a crucial support person for NP's Memories and Movement Program. Dave now sets up before each class, welcomes everyone, gives rides to participants and cleans up after the program. Dave even leads the program when NP Director, Lisa Porthan, is unable to be there. Dave even eagerly volunteers to do mailings and any kind of additional support the NP needs. It's so wonderful to see how NP's programs have come full circle.

Northwoods Partners wants to extend a huge Thank You to all their amazing volunteers, not only those mentioned above by name, but to all the wonderful men and women that proudly volunteer for Northwoods Partners.  Lisa Porthan, Executive Director said, "They are all a blessing to our community and our organization!"

If you are interested in volunteering for Northwoods Partners, please call Lisa @ 218-365-8019

COVID-19 Notice

• Class will be limited to 7 participants.
• Weather permitting, class will be held outdoors, socially distanced on the basketball court and masks do not need to be worn while exercising. 
• During inclement weather, class will be held indoors and mask is REQUIRED.
• By participating in this class/group, you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19

COVID-19 Warning

• We’re taking extra safety precautions to make sure participants are as safe as possible during this time.  Please stay at home if you are currently sick or running a fever.  Please wear your own mask when you come to class. 
• All participants must answer the COVID-19 screening questions prior to participation at each class.  If participant answers YES to any of the screening questions, they will NOT be allowed to participate in that day’s class or group.
• An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present.  COVID-19 is an extremely contagious disease that can lead to severe illness and death.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, senior citizens and persons with underlying medical conditions are especially vulnerable.

This time of uncertainty can cause an increase in stress in all of us, especially among our seniors. 

It’s important that we don’t forget the importance of looking after our loved ones mental and emotional health too.  Make sure that they are actively taking breaks from the news and social media to focus on other things that bring them joy.  Suggest they adapt their daily routine to include socially distanced exercises, stretches, meditation, and hobbies.  Make sure they are maintaining a well-balanced diet that includes healthy meals.  Most importantly, make sure they are finding ways to stay connected with their loved ones.  Leverage technology like Skype, Zoom, and FaceTime to actually see your loved one’s faces and talk often.  

Are you a loved one that needs to keep a safe distance but wants to stay connected with a senior? Consider sending a handwritten letter, sending a small gift, or dropping by their house for a window visit that maintains a safe distance.