Teaching each other

New day care mixes ages to let children learn from seniors

By Barbara Sherman

The Regal Courier, Apr 2, 2008, Updated Oct 30, 2009

Contributed Photo

MODEL-PERFECT FAMILY — The brochure promoting Gentog’s intergenerational approach to day care includes a photo of Marcie Jones’ son, Alex, and her late grandfather, Elwin “Pop” Mandigo.

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TIGARD - Imagine an innovative style of day care where seniors and kids interact and learn from each other.

If you can’t have a real grandparent nearby, the next best alternative is a substitute, and that is what Marcie Jones and Muriel (Murt) Bickett plan to offer when their new business, Gentog, opens for business April 9 in the Willowbrook center.

The company co-presidents, who worked together for more than 25 years at a credit reporting company, are opening a day care business for seniors in addition to children between the ages of 3 and 5.

Due to their long friendship and working literally side by side since 1993, “we know we can work together,” Jones said. “We wanted to change careers to one that would make a difference in the world. We did research and got the idea for an intergenerational day care.

“It’s a new concept in Oregon. Even day care for adults is not common, although it started on the East Coast 20 years ago. But we’ve had lots of favorable comments on our plan.”

Last July, the two friends embarked on a long search for the perfect location. “We took long lunches and drove around, but many commercial properties didn’t want a day care business,” Bickett said.

With Jones living in Beaverton and Bickett living in Lake Oswego, finding a site in Tigard turned out to be the perfect central location.

In December they signed a lease for three adjoining suites totaling 7,100 square feet in Willowbrook, which is located at the intersection of Pacific Highway and Durham Road. As an added bonus, all the rear and end windows look out on trees and shrubbery.

“We think it will be great,” Jones said. “It’s the end three suites, and we tore down a few walls. One side is for seniors, the other side is for the kids, and the entrance and common area will be in the middle. The seniors will be able to look out at the kids if they want.”

As people enter the door in the main suite, they will be greeted by a receptionist and sign in. The large, homey room features an electric fireplace with seating around it.

“I remember my grandma always liked to sit in front of a fire,” Jones said.

“When people walk in the front door, we want them to feel at home.”

At the rear of the entrance area is what the women call “the café,” with a low wall so seniors can sit and watch people coming and going while out of the hustle and bustle.

The senior side includes a large sitting room with comfortable furniture “that looks like grandma’s living room,” said Jones.

The area also has a library complete with televison, computers, games and books, a “sick room” with a bed if seniors need to lie down, a restroom and an office.

There also is a spa that contains a Jacuzzi, shower and walk-in tub that meets the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

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