ABOVE: A resident from Temperance Lake Ridge, Verna Jane, reads to a first grade class at Martin County West Elementary School in Sherburn as part of an intergenerational program. Submitted photo

SHERBURN– A long partnership between Martin County West and Temperance Lake Ridge in Sherburn has proven to be beneficial for all parties involved.The intergenerational program between the two entities has been in existence for at least 16 years.

Temperance Lake Ridge’s Executive Director, Lisa Lange, said that for the last nine years of the program, Martin County West elementary teacher, Bridgett Gieger, has played a key role in the success and continuation of the program.

“She’s been very dedicated. She makes sure that her classroom is involved every year,” Lange said.

Gieger, a first grade teacher, said that she sees the value of the program which is why she has supported it.

“I think it’s a great thing for the younger generation to work with the older generation,” Gieger said. “When I was in high school, I worked in a nursing home and I learned first-hand how important it is to build relationships and have community involvement.”

Gieger brings her class of 21 students to Temperance Lake Ridge at least once a month. There students and residents will engage in a multitude of activities, including making crafts, singing songs and playing bingo and other games.

“No matter what it is, you always see the socialization between generations. It’s amazing to see,” Gieger said.

She said that sometimes students can be shy at first because they’re unsure of what to expect, but as soon as they get back to the school those same students will ask when they’re visiting again.

“It’s fun to hear even outside of the classroom, they’re trying to find where their buddies are,” Gieger said.

Some of the students will even refer to temperance Lake Ridge residents as “grandma” or “grandpa.”

“I have received letters in the mail from them (residents), thanking me for bringing the kids,” Gieger said.

Every Thursday Temperance Lake Ridge also sends residents to the school to read to the students in Gieger’s class.

Lange noted that Gieger will invite Temperance Lake Ridge to the school for special events such as the student track and field day.

“It’s about them coming together and bridging that gap between generations,” Lange said.

As for resident engagement, Lange said they get at least 15 residents participating every visit.

“It’s our best attended activity, when the kids come,” Lange said.

In addition to the partnership with the first grade class, Temperance Lake Ridge and Martin County West High School has partnered for Great Expectations in the past. The program stopped during Covid but Lange said it will start again next school year

As part of that, during Martin County West’s homecoming, a king and queen from Temperance Lake Ridge has also been named and are involved in the school’s ceremony.

“They’ll pass out footballs and be involved in the parade. Martin County West has ben very supportive since day one,” Lange said.

Lange, who has been with Temperance Lake Ridge for nearly 19 years and involved in the intergenerational program for 16, has seen even more results from the program.

“Those kids will turn around and come to volunteer or work at temperance because of the fond memories they have,” Lange said.

Gieger said that with the school year ending, she’s had students ask if they’ll see the residents, their friends, during the summer.

“I’ve encouraged the families to visit and help play bingo or read or color a picture,” Gieger said.

Seeing the generations come together is not just heartwarming, though, but truly beneficial. Research done by Generations United shows that in elementary school children, there’s been an increase in patience, sensitivity, compassion, respect and empathy, as well as improved mood management and enhanced reading and writing.

Generations United also reports that nearly eight out of 10 adults want to spend more time with people outside their age group.

“There are benefits from all generations involved,” Lange said.

Gieger and Lange both spoke highly of the other and their involvement in the program.

“It’s been an awesome thing we have done for the last nine years. It makes me feel good and I’ve had parents reach out and thank me,” Gieger said.

Likewise, Lange said she has had family members of the residents thank her for continuing the partnership.

And the partnership is planned to continue. The two are already looking forward to programming for next school year.