Mud as Art

It is not unusual to find our clients and guests from the community "flinging mud" in a way that ends up in the most unusual and charming shapes. The art and ceramic classes at St. Ann Center for All Ages* are underway. People are signing up with enthusiasm for their chance to get their fingers and hands into the clay and make items that range from a salt and pepper shaker set to a magnificent angel or vase.

Under the guidance of Alice, the art instructor, students with a variety of abilities progress from their first attempts at art-making to accomplished pieces that make for justifiable pride. You can make wind chimes, a personal mug, or commemorative plate. To register for one of the art or ceramic classes go online at: www.stanncenter.org or call Alice at 977-5038. See you at class!

Children Don't Like Our Center... They Love It!

Today marks the zillionth time that a child has had fun and learned something new at St. Ann Center.

Brian, a 2-year old, was learning the ins-and-outs of the swimming pool in the aquatic center. He was laughing and learning how to kick his feet in the water, so it did not seem to bother him that I interrupted his lesson to ask how old he was.

Meanwhile, two other toddlers back in their classroom were on the computer playing puzzle games. If you tried asking them their names, chances are you might not find out because they were so into the game. You might feel like you got the cold shoulder!

It's amazing to watch the learning process take place with these little ones, yet its even more amazing that they do it all while also having fun. As a first-time visitor, I was surprised to see so much learning activity and so much fun.
Written by, Darrell Garrett (Cardinal Stritch Intern)

A Sea of Beautiful People

During a visit to St. Ann Center I came across a group of people watching a movie on a large-screen TV– Finding Nemo. As I looked away from the colorful schools of fish on screen I realized that I was in sea of people myself!

I saw not only children, but elderly people and people with disabilities. All of these different groups of people were sitting down in front of the TV like an extended family. I thought to myself: “You’re in St. Ann Center, a place like no other.”

Sights like this, as common as they are at St. Ann's, never cease to amaze me. Everyday you can see something unique that can easily be taken for granted. It makes me wonder, why do we live in ways that separate us from one another? Why doesn't everyone want to be like this? I know it’s not typical for every family to include elderly, children and people with disabilities, yet that's what is unique about St. Ann Center. It is inclusive-everyday.

Written by Darrell Garrett, Cardinal Stritch Student Intern