Inaugural 'Across the Borders' walk held

By RICHARD JENKINS

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Hurley - Described by some participants as "trick-or-treating for seniors," the Iron County Human Services Department held the inaugural Across the Borders Senior Informational and Awareness walk Thursday.

The event - which was organized by the Iron County Human Services Department and the Aging and Disability Resource Center - ran from the Hurley Trailhead off Second Avenue to Depot Park in Ironwood on the non-motorized trail.

Participants were able to stop at various tables set up along the trail to collect freebies and get information on a range of business and organizations dealing with the area's senior population.

Organizers were pleased with how the event went, saying there was a good turnout for both vendors and participants.

A total of 28 vendors were on-hand to hand out information, ranging from the Iron County University of Wisconsin-Extension office to local insurance agents and nursing homes.

Participants could also submit raffle tickets at each vendor table in an effort to win a variety of prizes.

Along the trail, there were also posters with a variety of facts on senior health and various successes famous people have achieved as seniors.

The event was scheduled for June 21 as part of the nationwide The Longest Day celebration to raise awareness of Alzheimer's and as part of the county's recognition of June as Elder Abuse Awareness Month.

In keeping with the theme of raising awareness of elder abuse, the bridge over the Montreal River was decorated with 23 purple ribbons - one for each case of confirmed elder abuse in Iron County in 2018 so far.

With the pleasant weather and good turnout, organizers expect the walk to become an annual tradition.