by Mary Ellen Zangara, Special Writer
Breakfast doesn’t often include bagels and bingo, but about 60 Manville seniors were treated to just such a breakfast last week, thanks to eighth-graders at Alexander Batcho Intermediate School.
It was the third such event organized by ABIS eighth-grade teacher Michelle Mongillo, and it was paid for by a grant from the Manville Education Association.
”They always give me the money to provide this for the senior citizens and it is always a good opportunity for the eighth-grade students to meet with the senior citizens of the community,” Ms. Mongillo said. “The seniors get to see what the students are like and how they can be helpful and good citizens, also.”
The Nov. 5 event in the ABIS cafeteria began with a catered breakfast — which also included eggs and bacon, as well fruit, orange juice, coffee and tea — from Bagelious on South Main Street.
After clearing the breakfast dishes, the senior played a few games of bingo with the students. Flo Mintos and John Tomasko each received a Wegmans gift card, after their names were drawn for the door prizes.
”This is such a wonderful thing that the eighth-graders do for the seniors — and the seniors really appreciate it,” said Natalie Walkoviak, president of the senior citizens club. “We have never been treated so good until the eighth-graders (began) doing this for us.
”We commend the students and the teachers and we can’t thank them enough,” she added.
Ms. Mongillo said she plans to apply for another grant to add a spring luncheon and will continue the events provided she can receive the funding.
”The kids were having a good time and the seniors love it,” she said. “I always get compliments how nice it is that we do this. I think they like to come here.”

