Senior and kids hold ice cream social

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No one was quite sure what to expect when seniors from the Mount Morris Senior Center were invited to the Chana Education Center for an ice cream social with the students in Therese Koch’s class. 

As the seniors headed over there were many questions. What will we be doing? How old are the kids?  Will the kids want to talk to us? Where is the Chana Education Center? Even with all of these questions, nine seniors decided to take the plunge and ultimately reaped the benefits of meeting some amazing kids.

Koch, a teacher at Chana Education Center, and Melissa Nicholson, executive director at the Senior Center met with some other teachers to discuss their groups getting together and decided it would be a great idea. Seniors need to know that they are still valuable, and students need to feel loved. Great things happen when people get together, and Koch and Nicholson knew this partnership would be mutually beneficial.

As the seniors made their way into the classroom they noticed a beautiful, handmade sign saying “Welcome Friends.” They saw tables set up with table cloths and felt a very welcoming atmosphere. Then the students arrived and the fun began. From the moment everyone entered that classroom the conversation did not stop. They asked about pets and friends. They discussed what they liked to do, and they learned about each other. People walked up and just introduced themselves. There were no barriers in that classroom. 

Students served the seniors ice cream, and seniors were impressed with how the students acted and the ways that they wanted to help. Smiles never left the faces of the people in that room and hugs were shared. Two very different generations of people connected in meaningful ways, and bridges were built. 

Before the seniors headed back to Mount Morris the next meeting of C.A.S.T. (Chana And Seniors Together) was scheduled. Those nine seniors and those students are still talking about the fun that they had together, and they can’t wait for the next time. 

If you would like to join this unbelievable group contact Melissa Nicholson at the Senior Center at 815-734-6335. The next C.A.S.T. activity will take place on Tuesday, April 3 at the Mount Morris Senior Center. The seniors will be teaching the students some of their favorite games and everyone will be enjoying each other’s company.

  • Melissa Nicholson, Mount Morris Senior Center