Mother's Day, Father's Day — they're widely celebrated and advertised.
That's why Country Acres Assisted Living owner Amanda Sackett is working to make sure another group gets the recognition she thinks they deserve: grandparents.
"None of us would be here without grandparents," Sackett said.
National Grandparents Day has been observed since 1978, when President Jimmy Carter signed a proclamation to make the Sunday after Labor Day a time to celebrate grandparents.
For the past six years, Country Acres, an assisted living facility in Westminster, has been holding an event for Grandparents Day, to celebrate where families start.
This year, the day falls on Sunday, Sept. 11. The event is set from 1 to 4 p.m. at 2470 Collison Drive in Westminster, Sackett said. The event consists of a big barbecue with a bounce house, cotton candy, crafts, singing and more, she said. People typically bring food as well, she said.
The event is something of great importance to Sackett. Sometimes, she said, it can be hard for families, and especially kids, to visit grandparents in an assisted living or nursing home.
For grandchildren, a lot of these facilities require being still and quiet, she added.
At Country Acres, that's not their plan. They want kids to be comfortable and have fun visiting their family, Sackett said.
"That's always our goal, to encourage kids to visit their grandparents," she said.
Country Acres isn't the only facility doing something to honor grandparents this weekend. The Carroll County Public Library's Eldersburg branch has an event Sunday, too.
It's a storytime event to which children are encouraged to bring grandparents, or a special person to them, said Lisa Picker, communications manager for Carroll County Public Library.
The different library branches have held these types of events throughout the year in order to celebrate grandparents as part of families, Picker said. Sometimes it can be hard for kids to find common ground with an older generation, she said.
But at a library you can "level the playing field," she said, and connect generations of families.
"You don't have your grandparents forever," Picker said.
For Sackett, it's not just about trying to get kids to visit. It's about learning what they can from the older generation, she said.
"There's really a lot to learn from them," she said.
It's why she encourages people, especially kids, to volunteer with the elderly. It's a chance for younger people to learn from the older population, in addition to providing company. Last year, she said, students from a local high school came in and helped with the event.
There are some people who don't have grandparents anymore, Sackett said. But that doesn't mean they can't "adopt" a set for a day.
"You're missing out if you don't adopt some grandparents," she said.
There's something special about the older generation, Sackett said. They're supportive and uplifting.
"We can definitely use that in this world," she said.
If you go:
What: Grandparents Day celebration
When: 1 to 4 p.m. on Sept. 11
Where: Country Acres Assisted Living, 2470 Collison Drive, Westminster
Details: The Westminster assisted living facility will celebrate grandparents in an event including food and fun. Anyone interested in attending or volunteering can contact Amanda Sackett at 443-562-8205.
What: Grandparents Day celebration at Eldersburg branch library
When: 2 p.m. on Sept. 11
Where: 6400 W. Hemlock Drive in Sykesville
Details: The event is for ages 3 through 8. Children are encouraged to bring grandparents or a special person for stories, activities and a craft. Attendees should register beforehand.
emily.chappell@carrollcountytimes.com
410-857-7862
twitter.com/EmilyChappell13
