Every Tuesday afternoon, Sara Eastham, a second-grade teacher at Union Ridge Elementry, gathers her class and takes a short walk to the Ridgefield Community Center for lunch with a very special group of friends. The senior citizens are anxiously awaiting to see the kids arrive. Among the chit-chat and smiles, everyone settles down for a get-together of like no other.
What started as a community outreach project last December, has become a monthly visit. It all started when one of Eastham’s students suggested making “ornaments with senior citizens during their weekly meal at the community center”. According to Eastham, “The visit was so positive that we now plan monthly visits”.
The seniors enjoy the second grader’s company and even have gifts for their little friends when they show up. The kids and seniors work on geometry, counting money, vocab and conversation skills.
“It’s fun!” said senior Betty Schmitz. I have had Ava (Fairbanks) the whole time, and she is special. I get a kick out of these kids.”
“I feel wonderful when they visit,” said senior Ken Carson. “This girl, Lizzy (Bloom) is the best. She even made me a card.”
“I think it’s good to see the kids,” said senior Louise Barbo, “but I think it’s good for the kids too.”
Andrus Webb, second grader said, “I thought it would be nice to visit the senior citizens, because they might not get to see kids, and they are so nice like grandmas and grandpas.”
Eastham plans to continue the monthly lunch visits next year and the seniors are excited to meet a new group of second graders in the fall.
