Wonder, Wisdom & Wishes: The Beaumont Intergenerational Legacy Project

WONDER WISDOM & WISHES

THE BEAUMON T INTERGENERATIONAL LEGACYPROJECT

WONDER, WISDOM & WISHES

The Beaumont Intergenerational Legacy Project

The Beaumont Intergenerational Legacy Project was inspired by the book, DREAM, written by Susan Bosak. The book illustrates the changes in our mindset as we move through different life stages; and reminds us that we are never too old to dream.

During the Beaumont Intergenerational Legacy project, generations gathered monthly for an afternoon of themed activities. Participants were encouraged to share some of their dreams and wishes by writing them on a star and posting them on the wall. During these gatherings, everyone from young and old and everywhere in between connected, interacted, and contributed to the event.

This Intergenerational program promoted meaningful connections between individuals, decreased ageism, increased the self-worth and overall well-being of participants and improved our overall community health.

We are forever grateful for the time we spent together building our great community Legacy.

“Connections between generations are essential for the mental health and stability of a nation.”

—Margaret Mead

Beaumont Intergenerational Legacy Project Themes

x In September, we spent an afternoon GETTING TO KNOW EACH OTHER playing games and looking at things old & new.

x In October, we celebrated MUSIC at the Chantal Berube Youth Center. We created musical instruments, dressed up and took pictures of our newly formed bands, and closed off the afternoon with a drum circle.

x In November, we celebrated at the Beaumont 50+ club by BAKING cookies, playing games, and looking at old things. Many experienced a rotary telephone for the first time.

x In December, we celebrated the spirit of GIVING, by creating our own giving tree and filling shoe boxes with items for children around the world.

x In January, we celebrated all things FAMILY, we crafted, played games, and shared stories.

x In February, we celebrated MÉTIS CULTURE, we danced, completed beadwork, and shared traditional snacks.

Without the support of these individuals, and organizations the Intergenerational Legacy Project would never have been possible:

x New Horizons Seniors Program grant funding

x Planning Committee: Andrea Ciochetti, Kathy Crothers, Kelly Kibblewhite, Pam Gierke, Crystal Henderson, Dinah Melgard, Brodie Stenhouse

x Beaumont 50+

x Felice Gladue, Métis ALIVE

x Lucas Warren, Stately Plump Creative

Thank you to for all your support.

WONDER, WISDOM & WISHES

generation • noun

1. all of the people born and living at about the same time, regarded collectively.

2. a set of members of a family regarded as a single step or stage in descent.

3. the action of producing or generating.

inter • prefix

1. between; among.

2. mutually; reciprocally.

intergenerational project • activity

“Spending time with all the intergenerational participants brought back so many cherished memories of my childhood. Interacting with family members, neighbours, and friends for learning, storytelling, socializing, helping out, and getting support, all of which were such an important part of my world then and now. All good and positive feelings.”

Project participant

CITY OF BEAUMONT

INTERGENERATIONAL LEGACY PROJECT

THE LAUNCH

“I loved being able to participate in the intergenerational project with my 4 year old daughter, Madison. We got to make connections with people from our community by learning and playing together. It was a very valuable experience and I am so thankful to be able to share these memories with her.”

- Kirsten

“My children loved this program. They came home and told me all about what they learned and how much fun they had. Thank you for providing such a wonderful opportunity.”

- Jen

MUSIC

“I enjoyed interacting with young people.”

- Vera

What is your favourite song?

Savage Love by Jason, Derulo reminds me of my family – Young Love by Sonny James reminds me of the old days!

– Thriller by Michael Jackson reminds me of Halloween – O Canada reminds me of our great country – Bubble Guppies Song reminds me of the show Bubble guppies – Soldier by Backstreet Boys reminds me of my auntie in the Army – Heat Waves by Glass Animals reminds me of summer – Let it Go by Idina Menzel reminds me of singing – Stairway to Heaven by Led Zeppelin, reminds me of my uncle – Strawberry Wine by Deena Carter, reminds me of singing with my sister – Hair Up by Justin Timberlake and Gwen Stefani reminds me of dancing – Dark Side by Alan Walker reminds of me and my friend

– Barbie and the Princess Rockstar reminds me of singing a song – Unity by Alan Walker,

– You Can’t Make Old Friends by Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers reminds me of my forever friends I have made a long time ago and how they have my back. – Fight Song, by Rachel Platten, reminds me of singing with my sister –

Running up That Hill by Kate Bush reminds me of the show Stranger Things – It’s a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong reminds me of friends and family – The Greatest by Sia reminds me of life – You Are My Sunshine reminds me of my 3 daughters when they were little – Sylvia’s Mother by Dr. Hook reminds me of being at their concert – Mess You Made by Michelle, reminds me of strength – Alone by Alan Walker, reminds me of who I am and who I am meant to be

– Do the Propeller by The Wiggles, it reminds me of cotton candy – Let it Be by The Beatles it reminds me of my youth.

Tell us a time when you ate too many cookies

“When I was a little girl, I ate ginger cookies, got sick, and did not like them for years.”

- Carol

Tell us about the BIGGEST COOKIE you have ever eaten

“We just had little cookies. We could not afford big cookies. One time my brothers stole the cookies when they could.” - Vera

LET’S BAKE

COOK IES

Whom do you enjoy baking with?

Grandkids!!!!!!

Mom, Dad, Grandma, and Grandpa

“With my Nana”Zoe

“With my parents and siblings” - Isla

Have you ever made a funny mistake when you were baking?

“I forgot to put ingredients and my cookies were hard as rocks” - Fred

“My dad had a bet about cracking an egg on my head and I got $10.00” - Audrey

“Stealing cookies!” - Archer

“Forgetting to mix the flour into the pancakes and having powdery-filled pancakes” - Kerry

Phyllis used salt instead of sugar one time! YUCK And another time she forgot the baking powder

“Forgot to put yeast in bread.”

What cookie would you never eat?

What is your favourite memory about baking?

“The first time I ever baked” - Audrey “Learning how to make cinnamon buns at the cabin where there was no electricity” - Kerry

“Making a banana loaf, taking them out of the oven, and eating them” - Fred

“Baking cookies in a wood-burning stove” - Vera

“Grandma made the best fudge and cookies at Christmas time.”

“I cracked an egg on the counter and it fell on the floor” - Everett

“When Mom ate all the baking” - Ava

“Making pancakes on the weekend with family”

“Making nuts and bolts “every Christmas”

“Making banana muffins with my Grandma”

If you could eat only one type of cookie for the rest of your life, what cookie would you choose?

Ginger Snaps - Sydney

Chocolate Chip - Finn

Dad’s Oatmeal Cookies - Carol

Ginger Snaps - Vera

Dad’s Chocolate Chip Cookies - Isla

Raisin Bran - Zoe

Pinwheel Cookies (Dennis)

Ingredients

x 1 cup butter, softened

x 2 cups sugar

x 1/2 cup packed brown sugar

x 2 large eggs

x 3 teaspoons vanilla extract

Directions

x 3 ¾ cups all purpose flour

x 2 teaspoons baking powder

x 1/8 teaspoon salt

x 1/4 cup baking cocoa

1. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each. Beat in vanilla. Combine the flour, baking powder and salt; gradually add to the creamed mixture and mix well.

2. Divide dough in half; add cocoa to one portion. Divide each portion in half. On a baking sheet, roll out each portion between waxed paper into a 12 x 10” rectangle. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.

3. Remove waxed paper. Place one chocolate rectangle over a plain rectangle. Roll up tightly, jelly-roll style, starting with a long side; wrap in plastic. Repeat with remaining dough. Refrigerate for 2 hours or until firm. Unwrap and cut into 1/4” slices.

4. Place 2” apart on lightly greased baking sheets. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 - 12 minutes or until set. Remove to wire racks to cool.

Big, Soft Ginger Cookies (Phyllis)

Ingredients

x 3/4 cup butter, softened

x 1 cup sugar

x 1 large egg, room temperature

x 1/4 cup molasses

x 2¼ cup all purpose flour

x 2 teaspoons ground giner

Directions

x 1 teaspoon baking soda

x 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

x 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

x 1/4 teaspoon salt

x Additional sugar for dipping each ball

1. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

2. Beat in egg and molasses.

3. Combine Flour, ginger, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.

4. Gradually add to the creamed mixture and mix well.

5. Roll into 1 ½ inch balls, then roll in the additional sugar. Place 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets. (I line mine with parchment paper)

6. Bake at 350 degrees until fluffy and lightly browned (10 – 12 minutes)

7. Remove to a wire rack to cool and enjoy!

Dad’s Cookies (Vera)

Ingredients

x 1 cup butter

x 1/2 cup white sugar

x 1/2 cup brown sugar

x 1 egg

x 1½ cups flour

x 1½ cups rolled oats

x 1 cup coconut

Directions

x 1 teaspoon baking powder

x 1 teaspoon baking soda

x 2 tablespoons molasses

x 1 teaspoon vanilla

x 1½ teaspoons cinnamon

x 1 teaspoon nutmeg

x 1 teaspoon allspice

1. Cream butter and sugars, add egg and beat

2. Mix dry ingredients, add to butter, egg mixture. Add rolled oats and coconut.

3. Shape into 1” balls, place 2” apart on greased cookie sheet

4. Place in 350º oven for 15 minutes

Mexican Salad Ingredients

x 1/4 cup olive oil

x Juice of 2 - 3 limes

x 1/4 cup chopped cilantro

x 1 teaspoon cumin (or more)

x Salt and pepper

x 1, 19 oz can black beans (rinsed and drained)

x 1 red pepper (diced)

x 1 can kernel corn, drained

x 1 finely chopped jalapeno pepper (optional)

Chocolate Chip Cookies (Andrea)

Ingredients

x 1/2 cup butter

x 1/3 cup white sugar

x 1/3 cup brown sugar

x 2 eggs

x 1 cup flour

x 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

x 1/4 teaspoon salt

x 6 tablespoons chocholate chips

Directions

1. Cream butter and sugars, add egg and beat.

2. Mix dry ingredients, add to butter, egg mixture. Add rolled oats and coconut.

3. Shape into 1” balls, place 2” apart on greased cookie sheet.

4. Place in 350º oven for 15 minutes.

Cabbage Roll Soup (Awid Family)

This soup has all the flavor of classic bake cabbage rolls.

Ingredients

x 1 pound lean ground beef

x 1 onion, finely diced

x 2 teaspoons minced garlic

x Salt and pepper to taste

x 4 cups green cabbage, coarsely chopped

x 2 carrots, finely diced

x 4 cups beef broth

x 1, 796 ml can diced tomatoes

x 2 cans tomato sauce (regular size)

x 1 - 2 bay leaves

x 2 tablespoons parsley

x 2 tablespoons brown sugar

x 2/3 cup uncooked long grain rice

x 1/2 - 1 can Aylmer Spicy Red Pepper tomatoes (optional)

Directions

1. Brown ground beef and garlic. Add onions and scramble fry.

2. Drain thoroughly. Season with salt and pepper.

3. To a large pot, add all ingredients except rice and simmer for ~30 minutes.

4. Rinse rice well and add to soup.

5. Simmer another 30 minutes or so. Enjoy!

Chinese Noodles-Peanut Butter Squares (Carol)

Ingredients

x 1/2 cup peanut butter

x 1 package butterscotch chips

x 1/2 package Chinese Noodles (or more)

x 2 cups minature marshmallows

Directions

1. Melt peanut butter and butterscotch chips on low heat, stirring

2. Remove from heat and add Chinese Noodles, marshmallows. Pack down in pan or roll into balls.

3. Let stand for 2 hours or put in fridge

4. Cut in squares

GIVING

“Fred and I really appreciated being invited to the monthly intergenerational project and the effort and planning that went into the gatherings. We made many new friends of all ages in our community. We enjoyed the crafts, the games, and the snacks provided as well.”

- Fred & Laura

“I have thoroughly enjoyed every event and was surprised by the interactions of the children. This was a very positive undertaking by FCSS, thank you!”

- Linda

The Giving Tree

by Shel Silverstein

What did the tree give?

All that it had except Its life and the tree made the boy happy during his life by giving him a helping hand

Shade and leaves

Apples, trunk, and branches to climb

The tree enjoyed making the boy happy by giving, she gave him a stool to sit on

The tree showed love and gave companionship and unending love forever.

She gave the boy everything he needed throughout his life

Everything she had, there was nothing left to give but love

The tree loved the boy regardless of time

Giving is a lifelong activity

The tree story gave me a good feeling of friendship

What makes your family special?

LOVE!

Thenumberof siblings – I have two sisters – Wecomefrom along l i ne

BreadbunnysatEaster

What is your favourite family tradition?

- Yearly camp i ng trip –

Music–Tripstothebeach

- Eating together – S

What three words would you use to describe your family?

– Doing crafts together –

FAMILY

–Christmas no f gh t

i n g

What would you like to do more of as a family?

Vacation – Nature walks – Eat fruit – Travel

Swimming – Go to the park – Play family games – Not fight – Go on holidays, lots of holidays – Movie night – Camping – Go to the beach – Play more sports – Go on a houseboat – Go on more walks.

Which distant family member do you wish could come for a visit today?

Cousin Victoria, Sister, Uncle Sean, Great Aunt & Uncle, Grandma Tracy, a Family friend from South Africa (Pam and Wade); My daddy’s Abuela, Grandson Korbin, Uncle Jeffrey, Sydney’s Aunt & Uncle, Grandpa, Owen

“Thanks for the opportunity to attend a most stimulating, invigorating event. I have come away with new learning, relationships, and appreciation for all the different talents and strengths of all the people attending. The warm, welcoming atmosphere created and demonstrated by the leaders made each of us feel like being part of the community family. The fun, laughter, and sharing have added to my chest of memories.

I made connections with teenagers, moms raising families, young children, fellow seniors and staff of FCSS, and other community partners involved in the activities. Participation in the various activities was fun, most enjoyable, and a great experience in being a team member with people of various ages.

It was surprising and delightful to get to know about the different cultures, life experiences, talents, and activities that people have been or are presently involved in. We are all unique in our own ways and this should be celebrated. We all have something to offer. This experience has strengthened my belief that "we are more alike than not."’

- Phyllis

What is your favourite vacation activity?

Swimming, African game reserve, walking, looking at the scenery, going to the beach, visiting family, exploring, camping, playing outside, swimming with the manatees, skiing, taking pictures, spending time with the people, hiking, participating in historical activities, spending time with cousins, family time, and experiencing new things.

What is the farthest place your family has travelled?

Hawaii, South Africa, Honduras, Newfoundland, Yukon, Alberta, Quebec, Ontario, Florida, North Carolina, Oregon Coast, China, Beijing, Nova Scotia, Victoria, Montreal, British Columbia, Dawson City, Hong Kong, Winnipeg, Yellowknife, Poland, Orlando, Portugal, New Zealand, Thailand, London, Mexico, Okanagan, Disneyland, Long Beach, Fairmont, Seattle, France, Boston, New York, Calgary, Jasper, Banff, Slave Lake, Los Angeles, Laos, Israel, San Francisco, Italy, Costa Rica, Guangzhou, Maritimes, Ottawa, Pigeon Lake, Canmore, Fairmont, PEI, Berlin, Bermuda, Ukraine, Jamaica, Vancouver, Panama, Portland, Texas, Switzerland, England, Belgium, Holland, France, Germany

CULTURE

Métis Beadwork Tradition

Métis people are known as the “Flower Beadwork People”. Historically and still today we like to decorate our leather clothing and footwear with beadwork designs that are inspired by nature such as flowers, berries, vines, buds and leaves.

We have a beading tradition called a “spirit bead” that many bead artisans still practice today. A “spirit bead” is a different colored bead placed with intention in a beading design. For example an artisan might place one orange bead in a red flower. It may look like a mistake but it is often placed there on purpose. It is an act of humility. A statement that expresses the artisan’s acceptance of their flaws and acknowledgement that only Great Spirit is perfect.

“First of all, it was a pleasure to meet you and a thank you to Kathy for inviting me. I enjoyed it all, I liked the olden days explaining the antiques to the kids but the best was the last one with the old-time songs/music, dancing & games. Everybody really took part and mingled.”

- Carol

Métis Music Tradition

Métis music is played on a violin but Métis people usually call it a fiddle as the style of music we play is fiddle dance music like waltz, reels and jigs. Historically, Métis fiddle music was learned in community and all by ear. Métis gathered in their homes with friends and family to play music, dance, visit, share a meal, tell stories and laugh.

At one time our homes were only one room which was basically the kitchen. Any furniture was moved outside to make room for more people inside. These gatherings have become known as 'kitchen parties". Métis fiddle music and dance is still a huge part of Métis life today especially at Métis festivals, Red River Jig and fiddle competitions, community dances and weddings.

Métis Sash Tradition

Métis people identify with the voyageur sash as a cultural symbol. Many of the voyageurs during the fur trade were Métis men following in the footsteps of their French voyageur fathers and grandfathers. Métis people still wear sashes today as an expression of our Métis pride. Men wear their sash around their waist. Woman often wear the sash draped over their shoulder and tied on the opposite side of the body.

Historically, sashes were fingerwoven and used as a voyageur's tool belt. Sashes were used in a variety of ways such as a weight lifting belt, pocket in the folds, tumpline, rope, sling, bandage, sewing kit with the fringes, wash cloth and more.

“I enjoyed really ALL of the 5 events that I attended. I think I mostly enjoyed the most recent event on “Culture” this February 2023. For me, it was THE most educational and perhaps THE most fun (excellent live music)! Thanks for having me.”

- Priscilla