Celebrating Freedom Through The Ages

EUREKA – As the children filed into the Health Center’s great room, the residents came to attention; smiles grew on aged faces like the rise of a morning sun.  “The children are here!” exclaimed one resident as they all perked up.  The pre-school children had arrived to help decorate wheelchairs and walkers in brightly colored streamers and flags.
On July 1st the residents of the Maple Lawn Health Center and children of Noah’s Ark join forces in another inter-generational activity of decorating in preparation for the resident’s Fourth of July celebration parade.   The parade is usually conducted outside, but this year the weather was a little cool so the event was kept indoors.  Without even realizing, the children learn from residents that Independence Day is more than just firecrackers and parades.  Many residents share that their longevity as Americans brought them through years of enduring great hardship and strife.  They enjoy teaching the young that it is through much sacrifice that our great nation remains free.
Maple Lawn realizes the value of the home’s nationally acclaimed inter-generational program and the need for child care in this community.  The goal is to use this unique opportunity to full potential enriching the lives of children and older adults.  
Noah’s Ark will soon be expanding its program to enroll children six weeks through 10 years of age.  At age 11 months, Lizzy Collins’ mother has already signed her up to participate in the Noah’s Ark program, an added delight to our intergenerational program.  The center will be moving to a newly renovated building on their campus which allows them expand enrollment and better serve the community.  An Open House is scheduled on July 30th from 4 to 7 pm at the new center.  The Noah’s Ark child care center is presently located in the original structure where Maple Lawn first began in 1922.