Mothers, grandmothers receive royal treatment during Beth-Center affair
FREDERICKTOWN – Mothers and grandmothers were treated to a royal affair in the second-grade classroom of Nancy Dunn at Beth-Center Elementary School Friday. Just in time for Mother’s Day, Dunn’s 22 students created earrings and coupon booklets promising mom or grandma quality time or a chance to treat themselves to something nice. Each special guest left with a potted flower and while there, were treated to a lavish feast featuring cookies, cheesecake squares, chocolate-covered strawberries and a variety of other fresh fruits.
Punch was served in crystal cups and guests selected one of a variety of teas to drink from teacups formerly owned by Dunn’s late aunt Beatrice Patterson, affectionately known as “Aunt B.”
The teacups were given to Dunn by her aunt, whom she took care of after helping to rescue from her home in California, Pa., during the Election Day Flood of 1985 when water washed over the Mon Valley.
The teacups, some trimmed in gold and decorated with brightly colored flowers, are from foreign countries, including Czechoslovakia and England, and have been a highlight of the affair, which was started in 2007, said Dunn.
Dunn’s eyes welled with tears when asked besides the teacups, what else motivated her to host the affair. She said her job as a community school consultant in Florida first “opened her eyes” to the deplorable conditions in which some children live and life’s little treasures, which some are deprived of. For work or other reasons, parents don’t always have time to spend with their child, so giving the children something they otherwise might not experience is also why she hosts the event.
“Some kids don’t have,” said Dunn. “You don’t realize how much kids don’t get to see. They really deserve it, and all moms should be honored.”
From the children singing songs expressing their love for their mother to tables draped in white cloths and a classroom adorned with colorful decorations, the approximately 50 mothers, grandmothers and children who attended enjoyed all aspects of the affair.
“Nancy outdid herself,” said Susan LaRosa, accompanied by her son Richard. “It’s wonderful.”
“The children were proud to sing the songs. You can see that in their eyes,” she added.
Wearing the feathered crown and beaded earrings her daughter, Haley Yanosky, 8, made for her, Colleen Yanosky said the activities and presents were a surprise – and one that Haley couldn’t wait to show her.
“She said all week, ‘I have a surprise for you’,” said Yanosky, adding that for the children, helping organize the event is a way for them to thank their mother, grandmother, or both, for the work they do in a way they are “ecstatic” to show to those whom they love.
According to its organizers, it took teamwork and donations from the public to make the event a success.
Dunn’s sister, Gerrie Padovich, helped to start the event two years ago and was on hand setting up for it Friday. She said Dunn adds something different to the event every year.
“I think it teaches (the children) respect,” said Padovich, gesturing to a second-grader who pulled out a chair for her mother to sit in. “And honoring the mom is very nice.”
Amy Brown, who attended the event two years ago when her daughter, Londyn, was a second-grader in Dunn’s class, also helped prepare for the event in advance of the mothers and grandmothers’ arrival.
Brown said the event was even better this year, adding about her experience two years ago, “You already feel special as a mom, but Nancy makes you feel even more special.”
Mike, Donna and Adam Giles, owners of Country Fresh Market in Centerville, donated the cookies and fruit.
Adding little touches were Nancy Grace Sutton, who crocheted magnetic butterflies placed on potted flowers, and Aggie Temar of Richeyville, who knitted the fur-trimmed cape mothers wore in photographs under an arbor.
Jack and Vicki Santo donated the arbor, draped with white and pink chiffon and decorated with roses and butterflies. Kelly Crile (left) enjoys a cup of tea as her daughter, MacKenzie stands close by during a special affair for mothers and grandmothers held at Beth-Center Elementary School on Friday. Herald-tandard Photo by John F Brother