By Gina Horan
Inspiring Generational Christmas Party Brings Joy to Waterman Village
The residents of Waterman Village in Mount Dora were treated to gifts and a sense of community on Wednesday during the inaugural Inspiring Generational Christmas Party. The event was shared by seniors from the Bridgewater Assisted Living Facility and students from the Beta Club at Mount Dora Christian Academy.
The idea started with Sharon Warren, the current Bridgewater activity assistant, who has been with Waterman for fifteen years and is also an MDCA alumna.
“I thought about the special bond I had with my own grandmother and how it shaped me,” Sharon says. “When I reached out to the academy they were very excited to start a new tradition.”
Sharon found a kindred spirit in Anne Elenz, media specialist and sponsor of the Beta Club at MDCA.
“We always want to emphasize service to others because it is key to what we believe as Christians,” Anne says.
The MDCA Beta Club is tied to its national honor society and promotes academic achievement, character, leadership and service among elementary and secondary school students. Wednesdays volunteers were between fourth and twelfth grade.
Waterman’s administrator Ingrid Piedrahita, says she was thrilled to invite the students to the facility because so often many of the residents’ families live far away.
“It was wonderful to see the residents interact with the kids, who were so kind and polite,” Ingrid says. “The dining room was packed early with about fifty seniors and there was an air of excitement waiting for the event to start.”
Gifts ranged from CeraVe lotion to socks, sweaters, candy and puzzles. Mason Hurst personally picked out furry slippers for his match, Jennie, and spent his time holding court with a group of senior ladies.
“He’s 6’1” you know,” says Jennie. “It really makes us smile to interact with students,” she adds. “It’s fun to see new faces around here.”
School secretary Morgan Pinkney had a personal three-generational connection as her daughters Lilly and Mia, both students, were able to visit their great uncle Thirl, who recently moved-in to Bridgewater.
Most connections were full of polite conversations and curiosity, but some were extra special. Tenth grader Ethan O’Neal got emotional when talking about his new friend Jack.
“He was telling me about how he grew up as a Christian, was also in the theatre and even wrote a book about it,” Ethan says. “He was so excited that his eyes lit up.”
A mutual hug brought the pair to tears.
“I’m so impressed with him,” Jack said. “He is a fine young man and I’m really inspired to take him under my wings.”
President and CEO of Waterman Andrew Dujon says that when young people visit the facility, it adds another level of enthusiasm.
“When we get kids together with the seniors the turnout is phenomenal.” Andrew says. “it’s so impactful for both because the intergenerational exchange is an educational opportunity, and brings so much joy, it’s incredible.”
Photos / Video by Nicole Hamel
Gina moved to central Florida in August of 2021 from the San Francisco Bay Area. She has a bachelor’s degree in Linguistics and spent 10 years as a fashion editor, columnist and food writer for The Knight Ridder Newspaper group. She was also a photo stylist and covered concerts, fashion shows and festivals all over Northern California. In 2000, she joined KSAN radio as a morning show co-host and produced the news and sports content there for 4 years. She also covered travel, events and the restaurant scene for KRON-Bay TV. She is a veteran bartender and has worked in hospitality on and off since high school. Her passions include travel, road trips, history books, baseball, tasting menus and most of all, landing in a new city with no map or guidebook. Gina lives in Oxford with her mom, cats and baby hamster.
