At the Silver Bay Veterans Home, community isn’t just about where you live—it’s about the traditions, flavors, and friendly competitions that bring everyone together. Through an active Resident Council, veterans have a direct hand in shaping the events and meals that make the facility feel like home.
This year, the Resident Council President suggested bringing a classic tradition back to the table: a Lutefisk meal. Thanks to a collaborative effort between the staff and the local community, the event was a massive success and is now officially an annual staple.
The meal was made possible with the help of Lynn from the American Legion Post 109 in Two Harbors. She is seasoned in cooking for crowds of 200, so Lynn made the intimate meal for 20 look easy! She even secured a fish donation and brought special placemats to set the mood. Residents enjoyed:
- Traditional Lutefisk with cream sauce or drawn butter with a crescent roll
- Boiled potatoes and sweet peas.
- The crowd favorite: Homemade white sauce with a hint of nutmeg.
The staff at the Silver Bay Veterans Home loves making specific culinary dreams come true. Over the years, several “special requests” have become cherished memories:
• A Private Dinner Party: One resident worked with the recreation team to design and cook a full-course meal for his wife and six friends, featuring steak, shrimp, wild rice casserole, and his own recipe for crème brûlée.
• Birthday Surprises: The team surprised one resident with his lifelong favorite: banana cake topped with mocha frosting.
• Coming Soon: Residents are eagerly anticipating Wild Rice Blueberry Pancakes with maple syrup, which will be prepared with the help of a resident.
Life at the home follows the flavors of the seasons. From annual Fish Fries and State Fair Food Days to the Harvest Soup Meal, there is always something to look forward to.
Most recently, the home turned Irish for St. Patrick’s Day. Residents snacked on “Irish Nachos” (waffle fries with cheese and green onions) and Reuben sliders while listening to festive tunes by Bump Blomberg. The day finished with a choice of traditional Corned Beef and Sauerkraut or Irish Stew.
Going for Gold: The Silver Bay Olympics
Perhaps the most energetic event of the year is the Olympics, now in its third year. This celebration of sport and spirit has become so popular that the home is now adding a Summer Games version.
The Competition Highlights:
• Favorite Events: Airplane throwing, broomball, and a high-stakes game of “wild” balloon volleyball in the lobby.
• The Stakes: Houses compete for a traveling trophy, while individuals can earn gold, silver, or bronze certificates.
• Community Spirit: About twothirds of the residents participate directly, while others pack the sidelines to cheer. This year, staff members even joined the teams to ramp up the friendly rivalry.
Beyond the fun, these games provide a vital “gold medal” boost to resident health—promoting strength, balance, and a healthy dose of endorphins through team building.
We are blessed to have such a wonderful facility right in our North Shore community. It is filled with rich stories, cherished residents and heroes, both living there and the staff that give them what they truly deserve – fun, enrichment, care, and joy.
