Participants in the Oneida Indian Nation Elders Program took a trip to the Regional Market in Syracuse on July 13 to shop for fresh produce and other local items. Tammy Patterson (Wolf Clan), the Elders Program activities coordinator, set up the annual trip with the Nation’s new dietician Mollie Tracy so the Elders could gain some insight into how to pick healthy foods.
Arriving a little after 10 a.m., the Elders had to move quickly to make sure they didn’t lose out on the fresher, juicier fruits and vegetables. From tomatoes and cauliflower to blueberries and blackberries, everybody wanted to make sure they took some produce home. Liz Babcock and Laurey Benedict (both Turtle Clan) were excited for the trip and to visit with the local vendors.
“We used to come down here every week,” Laurey said. “You had to come early, even on Thursdays, for the best selection.”
The rain held off in the morning, which made for a great day to walk outside. Jeanne Dee Northington (Wolf Clan), the Elders’ home respite aide, also assisted Elders with their bags so they could walk around freely and unencumbered.
Picturesque Setting Makes for Great Shots
Several Elders in the program’s photography club also took advantage of a special trip to a buffalo farm in Skaneateles on July 18. Tammy set up the visit with her brother and owner of the farm, Jason Edwards (Mohawk).
“We got to be right in the pen with the buffalo,” Tammy said. “We could reach out and touch them, but didn’t dare. It was pretty cool to be so close and try to feed them apples.”
Maria Bero (Mohawk), is the instructor for the photography club. The perfect weather helped her catch a lot of great shots; many up close. A few Elders that attended who were not in the club now want to join. For more information on the Elders Program, or to learn more about upcoming trips, contact Tammy or Elders Program Coordinator Kathy Willard at (315) 829-8135 or 1 (800) 685-6115.
