Northland Strong: Joe Perfetti
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Behind the brown walls of the Harrison Community Center, bingo is back in full swing.
A group of seniors gather every Monday for lunch and some rousing games of bingo.
Audrey Johanson told us, “Very at home. It’s one big happy family.”
Karen Nelson added, “It’s nice after being trapped at home for so many months,” she told us.
Joe Perfetti is instrumental in making sure this tradition keeps on trucking, even after COVID. He’s been volunteering at the center for years, helping his father run the activities. His brother also helped call bingo.
Every Monday, a group of seniors in Duluth gather for lunch and bingo, and are grateful for the man who helps keep this going each week. Joe Perfetti is Northland Strong.
Perfetti wants to make sure these seniors have a place to come and socialize, as many live alone. And as a population, are often overlooked. “
AEOA provides the lunch. Volunteers dish it up, wash the dishes, and then call the bingo.
He added, “These are my friends, and I always get more out of this than I give. I go home every day, with a story in my heart. Or a good feeling. There’s a lot to learn from seniors.”
“Joe is really great. He knows how to treat us seniors,” Sue Jones said.
“He makes funny jokes, and he’s really special. I like him,” added Sabrina Pulling.
He’s working constantly to keep the center going. There’s a new stove going in this week, paid for by the center and the city of Duluth.
All of his efforts over the years are why he’s considered Northland Strong.