The Tea Party is an annual event that pairs the children from Willson House Child Development Center, who are from 2.5 to 8 years old, with the seniors from Willson House and Jason Lee Manor.  Together the groups enjoyed a fun afternoon of tea, snacks and lots of laughter as many wore beautiful hats and fancy attire. Tables were decorated in a variety of themes from Mickey Mouse/Disneyland, which really appealed to the children, and a Native American theme as well as the big hit — Christopher Robin and Winnie the Pooh’s Tea Party. Twenty children and over 60 adults thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon event.

The intergenerational program at Willson House is one of the first of its kind in Oregon and has been a place for generations to learn and grow together since 1985. On a normal day, seniors drop in at the Child Development Center to visit, read books, make crafts, sing songs, or share stories with the children.  The children make daily visits to Willson House to share activities with the residents.

Whether it’s a Tea Party or an impromptu activity, the residents look forward to interacting with the children.  Studies show that seniors who are exposed to inter-generational activities have more positive attitudes and memory improvements than the non-participating residents.  The sound of a child’s laughter and the unconditional love children give are just two of the many benefits the seniors at Willson House enjoy.

If you had stepped up to the beautiful buffet table at Willson House for the Mother's Day Brunch, you might have thought you were at a fancy restaurant where you would be presented with a huge bill for such a
delicious meal. However, it is what the residents and their families and friends have come to expect on a daily basis, and especially on special occasions, at Willson House.

Nearly 90 people gathered in the dining room to share the special day honoring Mothers. Cathy Parkinson, Executive Director at United Methodist Retirement Center, said her goal and that of Cruz, the Head Chef, is to create an elegant experience for the residents who, in many cases, are unable to go out to restaurants. It's easier for them to stay home and have their family and friends join them and be treated to fine dining. 

The cost for the meal is nominal, the food is always incredible and the view from the dining room is gorgeous as it overlooks the creek flowing through the backyard with ducks and geese walking around. Join us in June for the Father's Day BBQ!