SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – A special event is debuting at the South Lake Tahoe Recreation and Aquatics Center as Generations Together brings families, children, seniors and community members together for a morning of storytelling, shared connection, and explorations of curiosity on Sunday, October 11.
Organized by South Lake Tahoe children’s authors Chantelle Schenning and Kat Medina, along with Kylee Finnegan, Recreation Supervisor at South Lake Tahoe Rec Center, the event aims to bridge gaps and build healthy foundations between generations through intergenerational programming, allowing younger generations to not only socialize with seniors, but to learn from their lived experiences and wisdom.
Growing up, Schenning would devote time to her great-aunt Josie, even volunteering in a senior center while Josie painted ceramics. As her great-aunt aged, Schenning found herself helping coordinate her medical care, translating complicated healthcare information for her and her family, and being there as Josie navigated loss, illness and aging.
“At the time, I didn’t have the language for it, but years later I realized I had been helping fill gaps in a fragmented healthcare and community-support system which I did again for my grandfather more recently before he passed,” Schenning said.
Prior to becoming a children’s book author, Schenning spent nearly two decades in healthcare, ranging from healthcare operations, patient care, strategic leadership, and community health to government affairs.
“Throughout that work, one theme kept resurfacing: health is about much more than medical care. Social connection, belonging, transportation, access to resources, purpose and community are all important contributors to well-being, particularly as people age,” said Schenning.
Based on studies of intergenerational programming done by the U.S. Surgeon General Advisory on Social Connection, Generations United / Eisner Foundation, risk of premature death is 29% higher when associated with social isolation. Chronic loneliness and isolation can lead to a 50% greater risk of developing dementia in older adults. The National Institute of Aging also reported that only 7% of care-home residents regularly interact with someone under age 30.
Schenning’s newfound perspective led her to being appointed to the Commission of Aging, where during her term, she took interest in creating a community where older adults felt welcomed and included while exploring opportunities for more intergenerational programming.
After meeting fellow author, Kat Medina, a friendship quickly formed. Medina, like Schenning, shared similarities such as motherhood, passion for the Tahoe community, and publishing books for kids rooted in themes such as kindness, curiosity, adventure and courage. Together, they began taking steps to bring their intergenerational programming idea to fruition.
“I approached the South Lake Tahoe Recreation Center as a mom and community member who genuinely loves the facility and asked whether we could explore doing something together,” Schenning explained. “Kylee Finnegan immediately engaged with the idea in such a collaborative, creative and open-minded way.”
Throughout its inception, Generations Together has garnered much support from the local community, with partners and sponsors including Tahoe Bagel Co., Dragonfly Bagel Co., Sugar Pine Bakery, Barton Health, Seniors Inc. and Miss B’s Balloons who is showcasing a balloon art feature.
Local artist Talia Koval will also be in attendance, contributing artwork inspired by the event to be gifted to the South Lake Tahoe Rec Center to commemorate the event and the day together.
The event kicks off at 10 a.m. in the Lakeview Room upstairs inside the South Lake Tahoe Rec Center where folks can grab some refreshments, meet new people, enjoy beautiful lake views and get settled.
There will be two dedicated storytimes, first with Schenning reading her book, “Little Acorn’s Big World”, followed by Medina who will read her book, “Grumple the Great: A Tahoe Tale of Kindness”.
Elders will then take the stage during a “Words from the Wise” segment where they will share their own stories and lived experiences inspired by the books.
The rest of the morning will be teeming with fun activities including story-themed crafts, table conversations and book signings. For those attending who haven’t seen the new Recreation and Aquatics Center, there will be a bonus tour of the facilities after the event.
“I think, across the board, whether it’s young or old, people benefit from spending time with people who are different from them,” said Medina. “People have really been missing out on all of the wisdom, insight and joy that comes from having a relationship with someone in older generations. Everyone has a story and a life that really matters.”
While older adults get to benefit from creating stronger social connections and a greater sense of purpose and belonging, children also benefit through learning empathy, compassion and important life lessons that will go on to shape their identity.
“Long before I understood the words social isolation, public health or intergenerational programming, I understood what it meant to simply show up for an older person I loved. Generations Together feels like a continuation of that lesson—creating opportunities for people of different ages to be seen, valued and connected,” added Schenning.
Generations Together is a free community event starting at 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Sunday, October 11.
The South Lake Tahoe Recreation and Aquatics Center is located at 1100 Rufus Allen Blvd in South Lake Tahoe, Calif.
