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February 14, 2013

Tea Time for Moore Lions

By Jay Chilton The Norman Transcript

NORMAN — The Residents of Heartland Plaza Retirement and Senior Care Community were treated to a tea party served by the Moore Lions High School football team Feb. 6.

Tea was sipped while today’s high school generation talked about life, football and girls. Cookies were eaten while yesteryears’ generation told stories about teenage life.

The party was catered compliments of TeaLicious Bakery and Takery on 19th Street in Moore. Six flavored teas were served by the players along with two lemonades, coffee, biscotti, fruit, pretzel chips and a wide selection of pastries. 

Decorations for the party were provided by Moore’s Broadway Florist. The dining tables were draped with linen, fresh cut flowers were placed around the room and decorations were hung to provide a festive mood for conversation and comparisons between two generations that, many learned, aren’t all that different after all.

The boys were led to Heartland Plaza by offensive line and assistant head coach Justin Jackson and defensive line coach Steve Mancillas.

About 20 young men enjoyed the afternoon with the residents and returned to the school across the street once the tea and the conversation had cooled. The residents of Heartland Plaza were smiling and laughing as the boys entertained. Residents’ Association President Eva Griffin said she is thankful.

“This is our home. It’s a very nice place, and I think it’s a great thing for (the football players) to come and mingle with and spend time with seniors,” Griffin said.

Jessicia Smith, administrator for Heartland Plaza, has been developing a relationship with Moore High School for several months. The Future Farmers of America chapter from Moore High helped produce a Halloween event for the residents in 2012.

The cheerleaders are expected to appear Feb. 20 for a bingo event, which is scheduled to feature former Oklahoma quarterback Paul Thompson, who is expected to speak and sign autographs during an event that is open to the public.

“Moore High School has been phenomenal,” Smith said while explaining her plan to strengthen the relationship with the school over the coming months, in hopes of creating communication between the students and the residents.

Smith said the program has received the support of Moore Lions’ head coach Todd Watters, who she said enjoys the opportunity for the boys to learn about life, broaden their perspectives and close the generation gap with high school students of 50 years ago.

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