Above -Rhonda Stokebrand speaks to the Exeter-Milligan seniors
and their grandparents at the Senior to Senior Breakfast.
Below – The Exeter-Milligan seniors enjoying breakfast at the
Exeter Senior Center.
It’s always a good thing to have a little breakfast in your
stomach before you go to graduation practice and the Exeter Senior Center has
made that happen for Exeter-Milligan seniors for fourteen years in a row.
Of course, it’s an added bonus that they invite the
grandparents of each Exeter-Milligan senior to attend breakfast together at the
Exeter Senior Center.
Friday morning 11 of the 13 graduates joined over thirty of
their grandparents for a delicious breakfast of egg casseroles, homemade rolls,
fruit, juice and coffee.
This program, the senior to senior breakfast, was initiated
by Elva McBride, a long-time member of the Exeter Senior Center.
Rhonda Stokebrand, who works with Fillmore County Senior
Services, spoke at the event noting, “It’s the parents who get all the
recognition as they should. But we also know how important the love and
support of grandparents can be in the lives of their grandchildren.”
The students and their grandparents were served the
breakfast by the many volunteers at the senior center. Stokebrand also
introduced all the officers of the Senior Center board of directors who were
present.
After breakfast was consumed, Stokebrand asked the seniors
to introduce themselves and elaborate on their plans after graduation.
She also asked them to introduce all of their grandparents and family members
who were present.
The grandparents were also given an opportunity to share stories
about the graduates and evicted a few laughs from the crowd. The success
of the class on the sports field and academically was mentioned. Also,
the grandparents were very proud of the four graduates who are Eagle scouts.
J.J. and Judy Dinneen were invited as grandparents to the
event and expressed their thanks to the senior center, “We both think it is a
great experience and we are so excited that the senior center does this every
year. It’s a great way to spend time with our senior graduates and for
them to relax in the morning.”
Stokebrand reminded the graduates, “No matter what, always
remember you’ll always have a link to the Exeter and Milligan communities and
family, friends and neighbors like us who are thinking of you and supporting
you all the way.”
The graduates enjoyed some time visiting with their
grandparents at the conclusion of the breakfast.
The senior center gave away two Casey’s gifts cards to the
graduates by drawing the names of Spencer Papik and Kirby Soukup.
Above – Elliot Erdkamp visits with his grandmother Kate
Harre, left, and his great Aunt Jody Senter after the Senior to Senior
breakfast.
Below – Jack Dinneen visits with his grandmothers Maxine Filipi,
left, and Judy Dinneen, right after the Senior to Senior breakfast.
