A Christmas Party For Three Generations

by Chris Lundy

It’s normal for friends and family to gather around for holiday cheer, but not usually this many friends and family members.

There were 32 children from Berkeley and surrounding towns at the Christmas party held for the Ocean Inc. Berkeley Head Start at the Silver Ridge Park West clubhouse recently. There were twice as many senior citizens enjoying the festivities.

The annual event fills the halls with senior citizens looking to spread some cheer and high school students helping the kids.

The kids arrived in the late morning, and had games, food, shows, songs, and a visit from the big man himself, Santa Claus, as the rain slowly turned to snow outside.

“They’ve been talking about it for weeks now,” said Ed Crilley, a teacher at Ocean, Inc.

“I’ve been hanging Christmas lights,” four-year-old Jonathan B. said. “I’m also looking forward to a Jake and the Neverland Pirates bike with lights.”

here was a big bag of presents and treats up at the front of the hall for every child.

The seniors in the National Honor Society at Donovan Catholic High School in Toms River raised the funds, shopped, and wrapped those gifts, said their advisor, Lynn Damon.

“Now they get to see where it’s going.”

There was almost one teen there for every child, bringing them food, playing games, and generally getting to know them. But they were also getting to know some of the senior citizens there, too.

Danielle Torre, 17, of Toms River, had a blast during Sunny the clown’s magic show. Sunny, played by Silver Ridge West resident Joe Brando, had a host of sleight of hand gags that kept the kids guessing.

After the show, she went up and talked to him. Unfortunately, he didn’t reveal any of the secrets to how the tricks were done.

“I really like being around both age groups, and being able to help out,” she said.

And that was a secondary purpose, said program coordinator Vivian Evanchik.

Every year, this has been a chance for three generations to spend time together in a way that they normally would not. Some residents of the senior community don’t get a chance to see their children or grandchildren that frequently, so this fills a need for them.

One woman was talking to every child as he or she went up to the food tables, making sure they were having fun and giving high fives. And when a song from “Frozen” came on the speakers, the teen students were singing right along with the younger set.

The Friendship Circle club organizes everything, and seats fill up quickly, Evanchik said. Even residents who have trouble getting around make it to this event. Donations poured in from local banks, funeral homes, car dealerships, supermarkets and dentists.

“Party on With Natalie” provided games and singalongs.

“I never have any trouble getting people to come out to help,” she said.