It’s always fun to get together with friends and family to enjoy a good meal, conversation, and a few laughs. For the residents of Callaway’s Grand Generation Manor, an opportunity to do just that was made available on Thursday, May 22.

A special meal a couple of times a year has become a tradition at the Manor, and was started years ago by Ken Pitkin and his wife Jill when Ken’s mother resided at the Manor. For the past few years, Peg Stryker has spearheaded the pancake supper, like the one provided on May 22.

Family members of the residents prepare the food and join in enjoying the evening. This Spring’s menu included pancakes, sausage, bacon, scrambled eggs, melon, and fruit salad. Then in late summer or early fall, everyone will get together again for a burger cookout.

Stryker estimated close to 50 people in attendance at the pancake supper. “It’s just a time of fellowship and everyone gets a chance to visit. Some family members also come to take part in the supper,” Stryker shared.

Her mother has been a resident of the Manor for about four years, and Stryker has helped with the supper since her mom has been there. “Kenny Pitkin approached me and said that people had been asking when we were going to do a supper again, and told me if I got it together he would get out the invitations,” she laughed. “So he went around to all the residents and stuck the invitations in the door and brought his Blackstone for us. He had a prior commitment, so Jill stepped in for him and fried up the bacon.”

“Roxi and Randy Meyer prepared the sausage, Janel Brestel was in charge of the pancakes, and Diane Stryker brought a Blackstone and helped flip pancakes. The G’Schwind family brought paper products

Cont. PAGE 6: Pancake Supper - it was just a community effort,” Stryker continued.

“All I did was make up a list of what was needed and create a group message on my phone. I just used my thumb and sent out messages, everybody else did all the work!”

All but three residents took part in the evening, and the weather was very cooperative. “We happened to pick a day that wasn’t raining and the wind wasn't blowing,” Stryker said. “It was just a real pleasant evening. The residents always love it.”

Stryker said the evening isn’t just enjoyment for the residents of the Manor, but also for the volunteers who help. “The camaraderie among the workers in the kitchen is great fun too! We just appreciate our elders. We like to get them together and then walk around to all the tables and see if we can learn anything new, anything wise,” she laughed.