Like mistletoe, holly and trees glowing with twinkling lights, it would not be Christmas for Melanie Grinnell without taking part in the Elder Christmas Dinner.

On Friday, the Mother Butler Center hosted the noontime meal honoring Native American elders from throughout Rapid City. More than 250 men and women listened to music by The Good Old Boys, dined on a home-cooked meal, took part in giveaways and door prizes and prayed for their friends, family, neighbors and acquaintances in memoriam.

Grinnell, a Community Health Representative Program worker, stood at the head of the buffet table directing servers to senior citizens patiently waiting for their plate of ham, fried chicken and roasted turkey with all the trimmings.

"This is something we do every year," she said. "I was up at four this morning, cooking. My eyes are still burning from cutting up onions."

Sharon Richards, director of the Community Health Representative Program, said the dinner for Rapid City's Native elders has been held for 15 years. It follows the Lakota custom of honoring elders and provides the Native community a social event. This year, the food, gifts, decorations and door prizes were organized by the the Community Health Representative Program, Rural America Initiatives, Public Health and the many volunteers from Indian Health Service's Sioux San Hospital.

"It grows bigger each year," Richards said.

John Siers of Black Hawk won a Lakota-translated Bible DVD set as a door prize. After finishing his meal and dessert, Siers noted that the elderly partygoers were winding down.

"Everybody's getting sleepy now. We need a little …" using his right hand, he clasped an imaginary drum stick and struck a make-believe drum.

Lucielle Gilbert Runsafter, 80, said she seldom socializes because she is busy at home with her family. But Friday's dinner gave the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe member the opportunity to meet friends, as well as receive a box of chocolates and a bag of gifts.

"We should do this every month," she said.

Recognized for her participation in the Foster Grandparents Program, Gertrude Hutchinson stood before family and friends as organizers praised the 75-year-old woman's influence on Native American children who may need the extra comfort and wisdom of a grandmother.

"I never thought I would be doing this," Hutchinson said of her participation in the program.

Part of the Rosebud Tribe, Hutchinson has lived in Rapid City for nearly a half century. Extending her care and support is something that came naturally. It is this cultural custom of caring for their children, grandchildren and even total strangers that was recognized by the health services organizations that hosted the dinner.

"It's a time for everyone to come together," she said.

Contact Jomay Steen at 394-8418 or jomay.steen@rapidcityjournal.com