Grandparents celebrated at Maria Center
DONALDSON — Maria Center Senior Independent Living recently celebrated Grandparents Day. President Jimmy Carter first declared this holiday for grandparents in September 1979, and the United States has continued this tradition through the years.
“The Covid-19 pandemic made this year’s celebration a little trickier than most in trying to maintain social distancing guidelines, while also providing families the opportunity to celebrate our grandparents who live at Maria Center,” stated Resident Manager Becky Anspach.
“It was decided to move forward with a Grandparents Day cele
bration outdoors on Sept. 13. Many of our families hadn’t seen their parents or grandparents since February or March so we tried to follow the CDC guidelines.” The day was filled with family gatherings, photo opportunities, crafts, games, and the chance for grandchildren to interview their grandparents.
Grandparents and children have a special connection that is proven to both make grandparents live longer and make children more emotionally resilient. Grandparents Day is an opportunity to treasure that connection and spend some quality family time together.
Maria Center resident Gladys Tesnar had family visit from Illinois and Michigan. “It was the first time for my grandchildren and great grandchildren to visit me here. They were so excited to see my apartment and spend time outdoors during the cookies and canvas activity.”
Anspach stated that many of the Maria Center residents have family dispersed throughout the country, but the turnout for Grandparents Day was good despite all the Covid- 19 restrictions from state and local officials. “We continue to find ways to adapt with activities and events while doing all we can to keep residents, families, and co-workers safe. We were thrilled to provide the opportunity to re- connect families and strengthen those bonds between seniors and grandchildren.”
Maria Center is part of Catherine Kasper Life Center, a continuing care retirement community, and a ministry of the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ.
For more information, please visit www. cklc. org, call Becky Anspach at 574935-1784, or email at ranspach@poorhandmaids.org.