This Thanksgiving, along with pumpkin pie and football games, another tradition was observed at St. Ann Center—the second annual Intergenerational Thanksgiving Lunch. The adults and children who spend their day at our Stein and Bucyrus Campuses sat down together for a harvest feast with all the fixings.
The all-ages Turkey Day was first held last year as a way to celebrate St. Ann Center’s intergenerational family. It was such a hit, childcare teachers, CNA’s and the kitchen staff decided to go back for a second helping of fun this November.
The action kicked off at the Bucyrus Campus with a performance by the Intergenerational Choir of the praise song “Making a Way.” The 1-1/2-year-old Chameleons joined in—dancing and twirling colorful ribbons in a routine choreographed by Miss Cathy, a client and former dance instructor.
The sunny Intergenerational Park was abuzz with conversation between kids and adults, discussing everything from their holiday plans to favorite Thanksgiving dishes. The kids got a chance to use their well-practiced table manners as they joined the adults for a lunch of turkey and gravy, green beans, candied yams, rolls and cornbread stuffing.
Meanwhile, across town, there was a whole lot of gobblin’ going on all over the Stein Campus. The Bumblebees joined the adults from Senior Wellness for turkey with all the trimmings. Before digging in, the kids shared what they were thankful for. Logan, age 5, is thrilled St. Ann Center has a ball pit, and Lucy’s glad she has a baby sister. Noah’s thankful for his TV and the garden he planted this summer—complete with carrots and a cookie bush. “Having the kids here makes us feel young,” said Colette about the intergenerational meal. “I don’t have grandkids of my own. So this is especially nice.”
Out on the veranda, the 2-year-old Monarchs got into a discussion with their adult friends about their favorite desserts. Choices ranged from pumpkin pie to mint ice cream to red Jell-o with whipped cream on top. Downstairs, the Butterflies wrapped up the feast with a stroll through the adult unit, shaking hands and wishing everyone “Happy Thanksgiving!”