A group of students from Bowling Green State University hosted a tea party for the senior residents of
Heritage Corner in Bowling Green on Thursday.
The young people, Emmily Hunter, Sydney Davis, Katie Appel, Matt Rice, Mike Eiermann and Kelli Baughn,
are students in a tourism, leisure and event planning class at the university who, as part of a course
requirement, designed a recreation event for the seniors as a group semester project.
"We collaborated with activities director Geoff Trautman to create a fun, sociable, and enjoyable
tea party for the seniors," explained Hunter.
"As a requirement for the project we also need community involvement to assist in donations and
sponsorship for the event."
That involvement was provided by Bowling Green Hats and Apparel, whose owner "graciously opened her
store to us and donated a variety of hats as part of decor for the event. Ideally we wanted the seniors
to wear the hats at the party but also incorporated them into the centerpieces."
Klotz Floral created centerpieces of mason jars filled with flowers to add the tea party theme.
Becky Laabs, owner of Art a Site, donated materials for the invitations, itinerary, and party favors as
well as her own efforts for many aspects of the event.
Heritage Corner provided the setting, tea, and scones for the Evening Tea.
The TLEP 2600 course prepares students with current knowledge in gerontology and leisure studies to help
them achieve success in developing and delivering recreational service for this population.
"We all need a sense of belonging, of oneness with other human beings, and this is why we
socialize," said Hunter. "This class and project has shown us the importance of connecting
with the senior population because often many seniors isolate themselves socially, physically, and
mentally away from the community.
"Although we tend to interact with others during our teenage and early adult years, we need an
active social life more than ever as we grow old. Think about your grandparents and what they are
probably doing right now? Sitting at home alone or with their spouse if they are not deceased. Many
seniors are not engaged in hobbies or community involvement.
"This project was not just about fulfilling the assignment, our hope is to encourage BGSU students
to get involved with the Senior population to give them a sense of belonging or simply just put a smile
on their face. Sometimes that’s all they need."