St. Ann's Bed and Breakfast?

When Eleanor heard she would be spending a few days at St. Ann Center while her son and wife had to be away on a trip, she thought maybe she was going to a nursing home. Or she secretly wondered if this wasn't the first step in that direction. She was feeling very uneasy.

So, when she stepped into St. Ann Center's respite center, with its beautiful welcome sign stating this was a "European Village" she had one surprise after another–all of them more pleasant than the next.

She found out that this was going to be a home away from home during her stay. Like a "bed and breakfast" she would have a tastefully decorated room all to herself with elegant furniture and bathroom facilities. Her room was called the "Swiss Chalet" with colors and décor to match the theme.

She would take her meals in the dining room with the others at a sit down breakfast, lunch and dinner. The tables and chairs were beautiful oak and the dishes were china. The tasty food was prepared by the center's kitchen staff, according to her dietary needs.

There also was a beautiful dayroom with rockers, sofas and chairs, with a wide screen TV and a fireplace on one wall. If she wanted to take a bath during her stay, she could have a bubble bath in the whirlpool tub – and she did!

Eleanor stayed the week and had such a great time that when it was time to go home, she felt a little sad. She had met so many nice, caring people who already felt like friends. She was looking forward to the next time her son had to take another trip!

St. Ann's respite center is open 24-7 for adults who are experiencing life's challenges from age or disabilities. More information can be fund by visiting http://www.stanncenter.org/ or calling (414) 977-5000.

How do you make lunch time special? Put a little intergenerational "flavor" in it!

At St. Ann Center for All Ages we believe that our intergenerational aspect–bringing generations together–strengthens our community, helps people feel useful, fosters friendships and makes people happy.

Laura is a special volunteer who understands this quite well. Each Wednesday she helps Dennis, an older man who must use a wheelchair. He has a permanent cast on one arm and his range of motion is limited. When its time for lunch, Laura takes Dennis to visit the Dragonfly classroom for three-year old children, and arranges for two of the children to share lunch with them. Things didn't go smoothly right away because three-year olds can be cautious but curious.

When the youngsters first met Dennis mostly what they noticed was his big wheelchair, and quietly stood back. The children asked her “What’s wrong with him? Why is he in a wheelchair?” Laura would say, “Why don’t you ask Dennis?” They began to warm up and realize that Dennis was nice and friendly so they began to ask him questions.

Now Dennis visits the Dragonfly room regularly. This has made a big difference in the children's life and his too. He used to sit alone in one spot in the atrium, and he did not interact much. Now he feels more comfortable and talks with others. He really feels more welcome at the Center especially when his little friends shout “Dennis!” when he enters their classroom. If they happen to see him in the atrium or when they are out for a walk they all yell “Hi” and give a wave to Dennis their new friend!

It gives Dennis an emotional lift and warms the heart of anyone who sees this happen.

Jewelry Sales at St. Ann Center

St. Ann Center has become quite well known for its gently used and vintage jewelry sales. How did this happen? In the very beginning when Sr. Edna Lonergan, founder and president of St. Ann Center, conceived of the idea of adult day care the looming question arose, “How are you going to afford to do this?” Sr. Edna decided she would raise the money, even if it was by nickels and dimes. And so, it began with some donated rummage items and weekend rummage sales.

Soon she started asking the community to donate new or gently used and vintage jewelry for resale. And oh boy did the community respond. Each week the sisters would get donations of jewelry. They would sort the jewelry and number it and attach it to special jewelry cards. Before they knew it, they had thousands of donated jewelry items. The sales began to grow and St. Ann Center began outside jewelry sales, taking their goods to off-site venues. It has become very successful.

St. Ann Center holds two yearly on-site jewelry sales, its next used and vintage jewelry sale will be on Saturday, March 6 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. This will be a very special “Soup’er BLOWOUT Jewelry Sale.” There will be literally thousands of items from rings to watches, from earrings to necklaces. There will also be home made soup for eat in or carry out. This is the sale you don’t want to miss.

Music! Music! Music!

He's played gigs in Las Vegas, and now the sounds of his voice and guitar hits the rafters, and gets fingers and toes tapping. Danny Crivello's repertoire of "oldies and goldies" is irresistible for guests and neighbors alike who gather to hear him perform, and yes, sing along every Friday at 10am. Things are rockin' at St. Ann Center for all ages!

The public is welcome to come in out of the weather, get a cup of coffee, hot chocolate or a soda, find a place to sit back in the indoor garden and enjoy some good music.

Music is a natural part of life, and that's true at St. Ann Center where Danny's concerts and music therapy with Leslie Henry, bring out the heart and soul, and get the body moving for better health all around. Some come and "get healthy" at St. Ann Center this Friday and have a ball!


St. Ann Center is a place "for all ages." That's what intergenerational means. Its unique social services blend day care and wellness programs under one roof for children, frail elderly and people with disabilities. Seeing is believing so contact the center for a tour and more information. Call (414) 977-5000.

St. Ann Center "for all ages" is located at 2801 E. Morgan Avenue.

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