Letter to the Editor: Thank you planners of 5th Annual Gathering of Elders

THANK YOU PLANNERS, BARB, AND CHERI FOR ALL OF THE HARD WORK PLANNING AND HOSTING THE FIFTH ANNUAL GATHERING OF ELDERS!

This is a big thank you for the most enjoyable Fifth Annual Gathering of Elders. It was a jam-packed session with such good information from directors of various programs. We had so much fun surrounded by people with big smiles. The comedians were terrific. Because of them, we all laughed so hard, we had tears coming down our faces. It was great seeing our classmates. Listening to Sonny Johnson sing was enjoyable. All the food was absolutely terrific.

Thank you Spiritual Elder Eugene Stillday for the invocation, the Red Lake Nation Singers for the drum songs, and the welcome by Chairman Darrell G. Seki, Sr.

Thank you Red Lake Nation Royalty.

Thank you E. Jourdain, Jr., Photography for graciously taking our photographs and giving us printouts at no charge.

Thank you to all of the youth who served the food and made sure we had everything we needed. All of the youth were very kind to us. Your service was very much appreciated.

Thank you Cheri for hosting both days and bringing everything together. That was not an easy task.

It was very informative meeting and listening to the Red Lake/Leech Lake Boxing Club. The young boxers met Gordon Bailey (98 years old) and had their picture taken with him. Gordon Bailey boxed for Red Lake in the Golden Gloves when he was much younger under the boxing name of "Cassius Clay." It was fun to introduce Gordon to the young boxers. They got a kick out of also.

Thank you Roberta Boyd and Johnny Smith for taking care of arrangements for us to have an enjoyable ride to the Gathering. Thank you Linda Mattson and your husband for keeping us in line on the bus and making sure we were able to stop by the Red Lake Nation Food Store for the best products and at the Red Lake Nation Fishery for the best fish in the world.

We look forward to next year's gathering.

Bette M. Bailey