In a vibrant celebration of global tea culture, Hope’s Senior Center Program Instructor, Shelly Hill, facilitated an extraordinary 8-week Tea Club program that offered its participants an immersive journey through the rich traditions of tea from across the world. The Mad Hatter’s Tea Club, aptly named, served as an entertaining and educational venture from start to finish.

The Tea Club kicked off on January 10th, with participants selecting and decorating extravagant themed hats to symbolize their entry into the world of tea parties, echoing the whimsy and tradition of this age-old practice. The significance of wearing hats to tea gatherings sparked interesting discussions, laying the foundation for a series of memorable learning experiences.

Following the hat selection, participants had the unique opportunity to visit Lisa’s Tea Treasures in Campbell. Here, they were given a grand tour by Lisa herself, who shared her extensive knowledge of tea, the special room, and the exquisite China settings. This visit deepened their appreciation for the ceremonial aspect of tea drinking.

As the weeks unfolded, the Tea Club delved into the specifics of tea culture, starting with the distinctions between white, green, and black teas in the United States. Participants engaged hands-on by adding dried fruit to green tea bags and making cucumber tea sandwiches, thereby learning about steeping times and the nuances of flavor that different teas offer.

The exploration continued with a virtual trip to Africa, where the focus was on Rooibos tea and its journey from South African fields to American cups. The program then whisked participants away to Turkey, introducing them to the Sadaf special blend tea with cardamom, accompanied by a selection of regional snacks and an informative session on Turkish tea culture.

A highlight of the Tea Club was the afternoon tea inspired by London’s Fortnum and Mason, complete with homemade clotted cream and biscuits. This session offered a glimpse into the history of afternoon and high teas, enriching participants’ understanding of British tea traditions.

The journey to China introduced four different types of Chinese tea, complemented by almond cake cookies and rice cookies. This session was uniquely capped off with a screening of “Alice in Wonderland,” symbolizing the magical adventure that the Tea Club had embarked upon.

The program concluded on February 28th with club awards, celebrating the knowledge gained, the experiences shared, and the community built over the eight weeks. Participants left with not only a deeper understanding of global tea cultures but also with a sense of accomplishment and belonging.

Program Instructor, Shelly Hill, continues to bring her own personal passion and enthusiasm to her work with individuals in the program, and this experience is a brilliant example of the supportive and caring environment that Hope Services is known for. By exploring the diverse traditions of tea from around the globe, participants gained a sense of adventure, community, and personal growth.