RCS high school seniors bring humor and happiness to senior citizen luncheon

Story submitted by Karen Harmon, Stars Intergen

Left to right: Mickey Andriano, Krista Ross, Bethlehem
Senior Projects Program Assistant Elizabeth Mosier
and Matthew Mack at the December 2, 2009 luncheon.
Click photo for larger version.

(Dec. 29, 2009) -- Two RCS 12th graders, Krista Ross and Matthew Mack, added a touch of Christmas humor to jumpstart the holiday season for senior citizens at the December 2nd luncheon and musical event held at the First Reformed Church of Bethlehem in Selkirk.

RCS sends two students each month to volunteer as part of a collaborative effort with local nonprofit Stars Intergen Inc. to involve students in intergenerational programming. The luncheon provides an opportunity for students to earn community service hours required for graduation while interacting with senior citizens and learning about nonprofit services in the aging field.

Ross and Mack are regular participants and have signed up to volunteer for the remainder of their senior year. They help serve the meals, visit with the senior citizens and clean up. Both students have become very popular with the seniors who enjoy their lighthearted banter. The seniors often approach Ross and Mack at the end of the meal to thank them and say goodbye.

"The students," said Stars Intergen Inc. Director Karen Harmon, "add a special touch to the luncheons, particularly at the December event when Krista and Matt wore reindeer antlers and noses to make the seniors laugh. It was so rewarding to see the two generations joking around with each other. Krista and Matt are so upbeat; their irrepressible joy for life rubs off on everyone. We are very pleased to collaborate with RCS in involving the students as it benefits all of us."

The luncheon and musical event is a collaborative effort between the Albany County Office for Aging, Senior Projects of Ravena, Stars Intergen Inc. and Bethlehem Senior Services. RCS high school students also have volunteered their time to help Stars Intergen Inc. deliver furniture donations to needy senior citizens. Stars Intergen Inc. recruits senior citizens to volunteer at the RCS elementary and middle schools through the STARS (Seniors Teaching and Reaching Out to Students) Program and needs additional volunteers beginning in January. For further information about the luncheon event or STARS Program, contact Karen Harmon at 518-439-1505 or kharmon@nycap.rr.com.