Boyertown senior center hosts Grandchildren’s Day at Pottstown Carousel

by lisa mitchell

The Center at Spring Street in Boyertown held its annual Grandchildren’s Day this year at The Carousel At Pottstown on Friday, Aug. 4.

“The purpose of the event was to bring together an intergenerational day which consisted of our center members 55 and older, their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren to enjoy a day of fun, music, therapy animals, unlimited rides on the carousel and lunch together,” said Sarah Schonely, assistant to the center director.

The Center at Spring Street in Boyertown hosted its Grandchildren's Day at the Pottstown Carousel on Aug. 4. The intergenerational event included unlimited rides. (Photo courtesy of The Center at Spring Street) — The Center at Spring Street in Boyertown hosted its Grandchildren’s Day at the Pottstown Carousel on Aug. 4. The intergenerational event included unlimited rides. (Courtesy of The Center at Spring Street)

With a total attendance of 123, the 73 adults and 50 children enjoyed unlimited rides on the Carousel, visits from Fabio the therapy horse, Maggie the therapy dog and mascot Dash, as well as musical entertainment by Michael Kropp.

Woman with microphone and therapy dog at her feet addresses a group of children sitting on the floor. — Karen Lobascio and Maggie the Therapy Dog read to children during The Center at Spring Street’s Grandchildren’s Day held at the Pottstown Carousel on Aug. 4. (Courtesy of The Center at Spring Street)

“It was our hope to be able to provide a day, thanks to Berks County Area Agency on Aging for sponsoring the carousel, where family members could come together of all ages at no cost to them and enjoy a great day and make everlasting memories with their loved ones,” she said.

Older man holding toddler on a carousel horse. — The Center at Spring Street in Boyertown hosted its annual Grandchildren’s Day at the Pottstown Carousel on Aug. 4. The intergenerational event included music, visits with a therapy dog and horse, and unlimited rides. (Courtesy of The Center at Spring Street)

The center plans a Grandchildren’s Day every year for members and their families to enjoy being together.

“The benefits are numerous, and it is always fun to see everyone with an ear-to-ear smile as they spend the best time with their loved ones!” Schonely said.

Schonely said that there are many benefits to an intergenerational event like this, which include, but are not limited to, spending time with family and friends, lowering issues of social isolation and loneliness of all, meeting new people, enjoying fun activities at no cost — which is beneficial to a fixed income or low budget for family gatherings — and providing better understanding and empathy for older adults.

“Spending time with younger generations can have a positive impact on the mental and physical health of older generations,” Schonely said.

Courtesy of The Center at Spring Street

Karen Lobascio and Maggie the therapy dog read to children during The Center at Spring Street's Grandchildren's Day held at the Pottstown Carousel on Aug. 4. (Courtesy of The Center at Spring Street)
Courtesy of The Center at Spring Street

Karen Lobascio and Maggie the therapy dog visited with families during The Center at Spring Street's Grandchildren's Day held at the Pottstown Carousel on Aug. 4. (Courtesy of The Center at Spring Street)
Courtesy of The Center at Spring Street

Michael Kropp provided musical entertainment during The Center at Spring Street's Grandchildren's Day event held at the Pottstown Carousel on Aug. 4. (Courtesy of The Center at Spring Street)
Courtesy of The Center at Spring Street

Sharee Kenna and Fabio the therapy horse visit with families during The Center at Spring Street's Grandchildren's Day held at the Pottstown Carousel on Aug. 4. (Courtesy of The Center at Spring Street)
Mascot Dash visited with children during The Center at Spring Street's Grandchildren's Day held at the Pottstown Carousel on Aug. 4. (Courtesy of The Center at Spring Street)

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The Center thanks the event sponsors “who helped create a wonderful day: ” Berks County Area Agency on Aging; Tri County Home Health; Patient Care Hospice – Wayne; Tri County Area Federal Credit Union; Sharee Kenna, owner of Fabio the therapy horse; Karen Lobascio, owner of Maggie the therapy dog; American Legion Post #0471 in Boyertown and Community Health and Dental.

The Center at Spring Street, 200 West Spring St., Boyertown, offers recreational, educational, live entertainment, nutritional lunches, health and wellness programs and activities for active adults age 55 and older. The center is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information and or a tour, call the center receptionist at 610-367-2313 Ext. 1.

Boyertown senior center hosts Grandchildren’s Day at Pottstown Carousel

by lisa mitchell

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