Local 601 makes sure seniors are not forgotten on Valentine’s Day

Nearly 70 elderly Minnesotans will be celebrating Valentine’s Day this year thanks to Local 601. 

About two dozen Local 601 members and families gave up part of their Sunday last weekend to create handmade valentines for seniors. They were participating in MyTalk 107.1’s Third Annual Valentines for Seniors event sponsored by Friends & CO, formerly Little Brothers-Friends of the Elderly. The nonprofit fosters meaningful connections for older adults and reaches out to isolated elders to deliver Valentine’s Day cards.  

“It is important for MAPE members to be out in the community and show we care. It’s great to see all of the kids here today making valentines so they know it’s important to help people,” Local 601 Membership Secretary Mary Ly said.  

“I’ve always included them – it’s fun to get the family together and show off artistic skills and do something for seniors. I don’t think we’ve missed coming once,” said Catherine Okoneski, who brought her daughter Cayla and grandson Clyde along.  

Roberta Suski also attended the event with her children, Edward and Frances. “We want to give back to the community. As the new recording secretary for Local 601, it’s important to show others there’s more to the union than just employees.” 

Local 601 participates in quarterly social events, usually two service projects and two member appreciation events annually like picnics or a round of golf at Can Can Wonderland. After crafting nearly 70 valentines, members were joined by others from their local to watch a special screening of “The Princess Bride.”