Seniors and 5th Graders Enjoy Game Day

Isabella is pleased to be able to offer many intergenerational opportunities for our community youth to share special time together with our residents.

Beginning in January, 5th grade students from the Muscota New School, PS 314 in Inwood have been visiting residents of Isabella’s independent Senior Housing – Isabella House. Along with their School Counselor Allison Motolla, and Teacher Maria Garcia, 14 students have enjoyed the company of seniors on Thursday mornings. The purpose of the Community Service Project is to expose the students to volunteering. “When we asked what types of activities they wanted to do, the kids verbalized their interest in coming to work with seniors” said Allison Motolla.

They enjoy games such as dominoes, Jenga, Old Maid, Scrabble, and also spend time reading together. Some of the Japanese residents also taught the kids how to play Karuta – a traditional Japanese card game.

In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, the students prepared Valentine Day Cards, and handed them to the residents along with a warm hug and a kiss on the cheek. Their special treat for the residents was a performance to Michael Jackson’s song “Bad”. The residents loved it and applauded with joy.

Cari Fershing- Social Worker for of Isabella House stated “Every week, we had more and more residents wanting to join the group”. One of the residents, Mrs. Brown expressed “The excitement is wonderful! These kids are very smart”. Sadly, on Thursday, Feb. 11th, the kids and residents had to say “good bye”uy as their project was coming to an end.

They celebrated with lunch provided by one of the House residents, Mr. George Yuzawa. Residents expressed their feelings to the children stating how happy they were to have their company. Mrs. Natalie Post said “Thank you for making me feel young again”. The students also had an opportunity to express themselves to the residents stating that they were “cool”.