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player ready...When a group of kids and their grandparents got together recently in Oak Lawn, one item was at the top of the discussion menu: cookies.
During a “Let’s Cook Together” program for youths and their grandparents last week at the Oak View Center, participants regularly cited cookies as grandma’s best dish — particularly when they are made with sprinkles or chocolate chips.
Deb Kacor, of Oak Lawn, said cookies and cakes are common when baking with her granddaughters. Lena, 4, said she likes to help Grandma Kacor stir and tries to eat the raw cookie dough.
“I just like spending time with them,” Kacor said. “It’s something fun to do with them.”
The Oak Lawn Park District program marked the first time Kacor did a cooking class with her granddaughters, and the girls were enjoying the M&Ms put out for a turkey game prior to the class starting. Participants used Pillsbury cinnamon roll dough, apple pie filling and a caramel drizzle to make mini apple pie cups. They also played games and made turkey, cheese and grape kebabs to snack on site while waiting for the pies to bake.
The program was led by preschool teachers Barb Kozicki and Karen Beranek. Kozicki said more than anything it was designed to be a bonding experience between the generations.
“I just think grandparents are such a big part of kids’ lives nowadays, with both parents working,” Kozicki said. “They’re providing for the children themselves. It’s really important to give them something fun to do with the kids, too.”
Tracey Gallik, general manager of the Oak View Center, said the Park District has been offering intergenerational programs four times a year. Programs include bingo day, a puzzles program, “lunch and fun” featuring coloring sheets and crafts, and a nature-themed program during which participants made bird feeders, a birdhouse and binoculars.
Most of the programs hit capacity, Gallik said, and she understands why. Both her mother and in-laws help watch her 2-year-old son.
“As far as grandparents in my son’s life, it’s a huge role,” she said. “It’s wonderful to be a part of creating those memories and allowing those types of events to happen. Basically creating those core memories for the kids as well as the grandparents.”
Don and Ann Reidl, of Evergreen Park, brought their grandchildren Payton, Maggie and Mikey to the cooking class. Ann said she hates cooking but doesn’t mind baking, especially when she is making cookies for her grandchildren. The Reidl grandchildren said they cook a lot with their grandparents on both sides of the family, including making pumpkin and apple pies.
“Sometimes I help my mom cook the turkey,” Payton added. “I don’t really like getting my hands dirty.”
Debbie Dujsik came out to the event with her husband, Jerry, and grandchildren Luke and Dean Christenson, 3, of Crestwood.
“It’s a good family thing,” Debbie said. “I think it’s also a good learning thing for the kids. They learn measurements. They learn math, how you process things and how it all comes out.”
Debbie said she cooks a lot. The boys help her make cookies, typically eating as much of the candy as possible along the way. The class simply was another chance to bake together.
“We love to spend time with our grandkids,” Debbie said.
Bill Jones is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.