Food Run Report - Oljato 8/21/13

by John Aldrich

Food runs for the fall season started last week with visits to Oljato and Navajo Mountain. The remainder of the fall runs will commence in a month. We met in Mexican Hat on Tuesday for our initial orientation and food run ceremony. It was a hot day in the upper nineties, but a little cloud cover did help as we sat outside for the ceremony. Our ceremony theme for the fall is symbols. Everyone chose a symbol that meant something important to them and discussed it briefly. As you might imagine there was quite a variety of thoughts offered.

On Wednesday we awoke to a pretty sunrise and were blessed that the cloud cover persisted throughout most of the day. This kept the edge off of what would otherwise have been an even hotter day.

As we met on the patio overlook volunteers received specific instructions about the job assignments as well as other logistical information about the food runs.

We posed for the group picture at the same location before starting out for Oljato. Our group was a little smaller this time at 22, but there were still plenty of people to get the various jobs done.

We greatly missed Wendy on this trip, but she had to stay home after her home was nearly destroyed by a wildfire just prior to the food run. C.J. and other experienced volunteers helped to fill the void, but there is really no substitute for Wendy.

When we arrived at the senior center the box crew went to work unloading Dru's trailer. We've been fortunate to have Dru and Leslie join us for the recent food runs to Oljato. Their spacious trailer can carry all the food boxes and produce for this location as well as many of the gift boxes.

When the work was done the Rainbow Circle was a beautiful sight.

Inside, the biggest job was arranging all of the Program giveaways on tables at the front of the room. This group includes Teresa and Mary who were on their first food run. Stryder, who came from New York State with her grandfather, was on her second food run at age 12.

Pam was another volunteer on her first food run and was excited to meet her Grandma, Bessie Black.

When the food run program got underway, Linda honored our coordinator, Bessie Holiday. Bessie does a wonderful job serving her Elders as the director of the senior center.

Mary Robertson Begay again made the trip from her home in Hardrock to serve as our translator.

And here, Mary shows the Elders the gift that each of them will receive, a new blanket donated by American Express. American Express generously supports both the Oljato and Navajo Mountain food runs.

Then it was time for everyone to smile as the duet of Joe and Leslie led us in a round of Happy Birthday to honor the oldest Elders. Whether they were chosen for their voices or their good looks, they did a fine job.

During the giveaways we have a peek into Ruth Blackmountain's gift bag and see a portion of the things she has received.

After the meal it's time to start loading the food and gift boxes into the Elders' vehicles.

As they come outside many of the Elders like to look for their boxes.

While some of the volunteers pause for some shopping.

The youngest attendee of the food run appears angelic in cradleboard and swaddling. Many family members bring their Elders to the food run and we thank them for their effort.

The Food Run To Leupp

by John Aldrich

This article is part of a series describing the various food runs that the Adopt-A-Native-Elder Program conducts to eleven different locations around the Navajo Reservation. These locations are served in groups of two or three sites per trip. The articles will hopefully be of general interest but also serve as an orientation for prospective food run volunteers and for those who have signed up for a particular food run.

The Leupp food run is part of a set of three, the others being Dilkon and Birdsprings. This food run set begins the three week period of food runs that constitute the bulk of our visits to the reservation. In the spring it occurs in late May and in the fall, late September.

Food runs to Leupp began in the late 1990's when Cyndy Sheldon, sponsor of an Elder at Many Farms, urged Linda to add this location along with Dilkon. Cindy lived in Winslow and saw the great need to serve elderly Navajos in the southern part of the reservation. At first these were small scale runs carried out by a just a few dedicated volunteers. Initially the Elders at these locations received food certificates rather than food boxes making these runs much simpler to carry out from a logistical standpoint. But soon Leupp and Dilkon were full-scale food runs with Rainow Boxes, produce, and gift boxes. Ironically, Leupp returned to its roots in 2012. Although the Elders still receive gift boxes and home-care products, they elected to return to receiving food certificates of comparable value in lieu of the Rainbow sets. They can use these certificates at a nearby Basha's grocery and choose those food items that they prefer.

Some additional history of the early years of this food run can be found in this blog. 

The following map* shows the Navajo Reservation with particular reference to the location of the food run at Leupp and the lodging base for this run which is Winslow. You can click on the map to see a larger view.

Leupp has quite an interesting history and was the first designated chapter on the Navajo Reservation. It also served as a site for a Japanese relocation camp during WWII. More of this history is chronicled in this article published by the Navajo Times.

The food run to Leupp takes place on Wednesday, the day following the Dilkon food run. After another breakfast meeting at Denny's Restaurant at the Flying J Travel Plaza, we hit the road for Leupp, a mere 29 miles away. This is the second shortest drive to any of the food run sites.

Although food runs here initially began at the chapter house, they have been held at the Senior Center for many years.

Our coordinator during these years at the center has been the beloved and colorful Lola Bahe.

Lola has been trying to retire for several years, but the center can't find a replacement and keeps calling her back. This is probably because Lola is irreplaceable.

Since this is another location that has elected to receive food certificates in lieu of food boxes, it's a bit simpler setting up the Rainbow Circle. But there are still plenty of boxes to be unloaded.

Things are a bit more spacious inside the center compared with Dilkon, but it's still a relatively small area to work in.

Each food run provides an opportunity for Elders to visit. Because of the dispersed nature of Navajo living, many of these people may not have seen each other since the previous food run.

Although Lola is the coordinator at Leupp, Mary Begay comes from Hardrock to serve as our translator. She also helps as Linda meets with individual Elders to assess how they are doing.

Those volunteers who are sponsors of an Elder at a particular food run look forward to seeing their Elder again (or meeting them for the first time). These are always special moments at the food run.

After everything is set up both outside and inside, the formal portion of the food run program begins. One of the first things to be done is pass out the food certificates which is quite a job at Leupp since everyone gets one. C.J. Robb who does a fine job coordinating all the logistics has an easier job here since envelopes are so much easier to handle than 35 pound boxes.

A light-hearted moment ensues when the oldest Elders are honored. One of the volunteers feels honored also as he gets to wear the special glasses  and lead us in a round of Happy Birthday.

When it's time for the Elders' portion of the giveaway, a number always step forward to share in their gratitude to the Program. Flora Smith and Betty Kelly have each donated several items.

Lola and her husband, Dean, sometimes treat us to a musical number.

Program giveaways to the Elders include special packages of useful items. These are lovingly assembled by volunteers at the warehouse in Salt Lake City before being transported to the food runs.

And weavers always receive yarn.

For the meal at Leupp, Lola typically has quite a feast for us. The senior center has a full kitchen and it's well-used. Some of the volunteers are assigned to the "food committee" and help Lola and her local crew prepare the food.

Sometimes some of the fry bread is cooked outside on a charcoal grill.

At the conclusion of one of the meals, Woody Smith rose to share his gratitude to the Program and its volunteers. Woody touched on how differently the Navajo people are treated by us as opposed to many of the Biligaanas (white people) that they come in contact with. Feelings of mutual respect and love abound at food runs.

At the conclusion of the event volunteers can shop for rugs and crafts brought by the Elders and their families. One of the unique things one will see on the reservation is items of clothing made from Blue Bird Flour sacks. Sheila McKinney models an outfit made from such material.

The food run ends about 2:00 in the afternoon. Volunteers are then free for the rest of the day. The drive back to Winslow often offers glimpses of the dramatic skies that this part of the world can produce.

The Food Run To Dilkon

by John Aldrich

This article is part of a series describing the various food runs that the Adopt-A-Native-Elder Program conducts to eleven different locations around the Navajo Reservation. These locations are served in groups of two or three sites per trip. The articles will hopefully be of general interest but also serve as an orientation for prospective food run volunteers and for those who have signed up for a particular food run.

The Dilkon food run is part of a set of three, the others being Leupp and Birdsprings. This food run set begins the three week period of food runs that constitute the bulk of our visits to the reservation. In the spring it occurs in late May and in the fall, late September.

Food runs to Dilkon began in the late 1990's when Cyndy Sheldon, sponsor of an Elder at Many Farms, urged Linda to add this location along with Leupp. Cindy lived in Winslow and saw the great need to serve elderly Navajos in the southern part of the reservation. At first these were small scale runs carried out by a just a few dedicated volunteers. Initially the Elders at these locations received food certificates rather than food boxes making these runs much simpler to carry out from a logistical standpoint. But soon Dilkon and Leupp were full-scale food runs with Rainow Boxes, produce, and gift boxes. Ironically, Dilkon returned to its roots in 2012. Although the Elders still receive gift boxes and home-care products, they elected to return to receiving food certificates of comparable value in lieu of the Rainbow sets. They can use these certificates at their local Basha's grocery and choose those food items that they prefer.

Some additional history of the early years of this food run can be found in this blog.

The following map* shows the Navajo Reservation with particular reference to the location of the food run at Dilkon and the lodging base for this run which is Winslow. You can click on the map to see a larger view.

The Dilkon area is unique geologically due to the number of volcanic buttes and cones that dot the landscape. Many of these buttes are revered as holy places by the local people. Dilkon is the seat of a chapter of the same name. The Navajo Times has produced a series of articles chronicling each of the chapters, and you can read more about Dilkon's history and challenges here.

The activities for this food run begin on a Tuesday when we gather in Winslow at the Rodeway Inn. Although hardly a luxury lodging, it is perfectly adequate, and the proprietor, Vic, makes every effort to be accommodating.

After a brief meeting for a preliminary orientation, we travel to the Winslow Visitor Center for our food run ceremony.

This serves to bring us all into one mind and spirit as we prepare for the next three days. This is followed by a meal at the same location, and then we are ready for a good night's rest.

The food runs at Dilkon were initially conducted at the Church Of The Nazarene, but in more recent years the local Mormon meeting house has generously hosted us.

On Wednesday morning we depart from Winslow after a morning meeting at Denny's restaurant which serves as our final orientation to the food run. It's a relatively short drive of 40 miles and the caravan often stops to pick up one of the Elders who waits along the roadside for Linda to stop.

When we arrive, it's time for the group picture.

The Mormon missionaries, who are part of this picture, are often very helpful and participate in the preparations and activities of the day.

The men, who normally have many food boxes to unload and stack, have a relatively easy time here now. For those who are experienced at food runs, this box circle will look quite unusual because of the absence of food boxes and produce. But the gift boxes and home-care products still make for a sizable line.

The biggest task inside is preparing the Program giveaways into a colorful display at the front of the room. Wendy has lots of help with this important job. We want each Elder to feel that they are receiving something special.

As the preparations proceed, Linda tries to find time to greet each of the Elders and inquire about their health and circumstances.

This is also a time that volunteers can visit with the Elders. The Dilkon food run is one of several that has a Navajo Code Talker among its ranks. Many volunteers appreciate the opportunity to meet these unique individuals. Sam Tsosie is always happy to greet the volunteers and willingly signs many books about the critical role these people served during WWII.

From the beginning, the coordinator for this food run has been Eunice Spencer whose service on behalf of her elders is greatly appreciated.

Although we are meeting is a relatively tight space, there still seems to be enough room.

Once the formal portion of the food run program is underway, a big job is handing out all of the food certificates.

Then, when it's time for some fun, Elders are honored for their age, starting with the oldest. Madeline Begay wins a box of Cracker Jacks for being one of the oldest.

The giveaways begin with an opportunity for those Elders who wish to make a donation to the Program or to their sponsor. Cleo Keams almost always has a rug to donate to ANE.

Elders present other crafts as well such as this small loom with a partially completed rug.

All of the volunteers take part in passing out the many Program giveaways. These always include some articles of clothing.

Bundles of yarn are always given to those Elders who are weavers.

This photo shows a small portion of what this Elder has received in her giveaway bag.

After the giveaways a meal is served to everyone. The Mormon meeting house doesn't have a real kitchen, so simple sandwiches are the usual fare.

Once the meal is over the Elders start to depart. Even without food boxes there are still other gift boxes and items to be loaded into their vehicles. With a gift box in hand and his food certificate in his pocket, Virgil Nez is ready to head home.

Some Elders linger behind to display rugs and other crafts for sale. There are always eager shoppers among the volunteers, and their purchases are another way of assisting our Elders.

After the food run is completed and the facility cleaned up, volunteers are free to find their own way back to Winslow. There is still plenty of time to see some of the sights in this historic waypoint along old Route 66.

In the evening we all gather at the Chinese restaurant across the road from our motel.

Everyone has their fill from a tempting buffet, and each food run participant has a chance to share something unique about their experiences of the day.

*This map is adapted from the wonderful Indian Country Map published by the Automobile Club of Southern California. Overlays have been created to show the borders of the Navajo Reservation as well as the food run sites (red) and lodging locations (turquoise) utilized by the food runs. Some of the road information is out of date (the roads to Navajo Mountain and the Big Mountain Food Run sites are now paved. Also, the reservation extends considerably further east into New Mexico than is shown on this map.