By Mary-Justine Lanyon
Managing Editor

The atmosphere was festive, as were the decorations.

The occasion was the annual Christmas celebration held for the residents at Grandview Towers by the Rim High Interact Club and its sponsor, the Lake Arrowhead Rotary Club.

Rotarian Teri Ostlie, who organized the event, went above and beyond, making pumpkin pie cake and wrapping gifts for all the residents. She arranged for The Cottage to cater the luncheon: roast turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy and green beans.

Interact students Anna Buecheler, Natalya Marsh, Sammy Perkins, Emily Buecheler, Marlene Almanaz and Robert Cormier served plates of food to the residents, with whom they shared the meal while they visited.

When Ostlie handed out the gifts – a kitchen towel, oven mitt, wash cloth, dish drain mat, a pump soap and a handmade stone and wire keychain made by Angelina Spunizi of Crestline – the residents eagerly opened them.

Perhaps the most heartwarming aspect of these intergenerational celebrations is the conversation that takes place between the high school students and the seniors.

As the celebration drew to an end, the residents gathered for a photo with their young friends.