Celebrating grandparents

Orchard Crest resident Joy Phinney gets a kiss from great-granddaughter Emmalee, 2, while great granddaughter Kimberlee, 3, watches. Cindy Hval, photo

More than 200 hundred residents call Spokane Valley’s Orchard Crest Retirement Community home. Many of those residents are grandparents, great-grandparents and even great-great-grandparents. That’s why activities director Tami Cheyney each year organizes a special celebration just for them

Although Grandparents Day is traditionally celebrated in September, Cheyney chooses to hold Orchard Crest’s event at the end of August. “We had it in September one year and it rained,” she said.

No rain clouds threatened on Saturday. Instead, brilliant sunshine and blue skies provided a fitting backdrop to the country fair theme.

Four generations of Ella Tils’ family joined her for hamburgers and hot dogs under a sprawling canopy. The youngest member, 2-week-old Kiona Bauer, slept peacefully through most of the festivities.

And Cheyney had a full day planned for the residents and their guests. Activities included pony rides, apple bobbing, cherry spitting, face painting, a clown making balloon creations and music by The Steven King Duo. More here. Cindy Hval, SR

Were/are you close to your grandparents?