Music group "Portage" honored for volunteerism

St. Paul, Minn. (February 11, 2013) – Portage, a musical group from Grand Portage has been named the Aging Services of Minnesota 2013 District B Volunteer of the Year for their years of entertaining the residents at Cook County North Shore Hospital and Care Center. This special award is the highest honor recognizing the dedication and service of volunteers who support Minnesota seniors.
 
Portage was honored in February by Aging Services of Minnesota, a trade association for older adult services organizations in Minnesota.
 
Portage is a classic country music band that has been performing for the residents in and around Cook County for over 10 years. They have had a long standing gig at the care center the last Saturday of every month for 8 years – and they fill the dance floor every time.
 
“They play my favorite song, Heartache by the Number every time, just for me,” said resident Gert Scott.
 
“The members of Portage are an inspiring example of what volunteers can accomplish in the lives of older adults,” said Gayle Kvenvold, president and CEO of Aging Services of Minnesota. “Their dedication and talent have made a difference in the lives of so many.”
 
Volunteers like the members of Portage are the unsung heroes in Minnesota’s health care system. Their deep commitment, talent and contributions make it possible for older adult services organizations to extend the level of care and services to their residents, clients and communities.

 
For more information about the 2013 Aging Services of Minnesota Stars Among Us awards, visit our YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/AgingServicesMN?feature=watch

(Pictured above, L to R: Jon Riewer, Aging Services Board Chair; Aarvid Dahl, Butch Deschampe, Jim Spry, Gayle Kvenvold, President & CEO, and Jodi Speicher, Awards & Recognition Committee Chair.)
 
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About Aging Services of Minnesota
Aging Services of Minnesota is Minnesota's largest association of organizations serving Minnesota seniors. The mission is simple – to improve the lives of Minnesota seniors and families by leading change and innovation in the field of older adult services.
 
Membership encompasses over 1,000 organizations across the state, working with over 50,000 caregivers and serve more than 125,000 seniors each year in all of the places they call home, including senior housing communities, assisted living and care centers.
 
Aging Services members are diverse but share a common focus on person-directed living, missions of service to their communities and choice in older adult services. Aging Services is the state partner of LeadingAge and the Assisted Living Federation of America (ALFA).