by Davy James, Staff Writer
For residents who see a large portion of their tax dollars going toward the school district, many of those without children in the system never get to see the programs allowed by their funding.
This can be especially true for seniors in the community with no grandchildren in any of the local schools.
In an effort to help seniors develop a connection with students and the goings on inside the schools, over the past four years the district and the senior center have worked together to plan various intergenerational activities known as the Senior Citizen Outreach program.
”Seniors drive by our buildings all the time and they have a right to know what’s going on inside them,” said District Music Supervisor John Ketterer. “The program gives us a chance to share the great work going on inside our schools. They support what we’re doing so they have a right to know what’s going on.”
One of the most successful such programs is the Day With the Characters event on March 4, where seniors are transported from the senior center to one of the middle schools for an advanced showing of the spring musical. After the show the lead characters travel back to the center and have lunch with the seniors while staying in character.
”The seniors love the activities and it’s good for them to see how wonderful our schools are,” said Director of the Office on Aging Christine Wildemuth. “It takes them into the schools and they get to reminisce and bring back memories of their youth. Many don’t have grandkids but they still pay taxes so they get to see where their tax dollars go and the quality programs they help provide.”
This year the district is presenting a new offering, with the International Showcase of Talent on March 12, with a free seniors-only buffet of hors d’oeuvres at 5 p.m. prior to the show. The show, which is open to the public, will present a showcase of student cultural dancing and a fashion show.
The district will be presenting the Student Art Gallery on April 22, where seniors are invited to an afternoon preview of the gallery and privately view the artwork. Food is also provided and seniors get to watch a coming attraction of the high school musical.
The outreach program has brought out hundreds of seniors over the years and provides benefits for both students and seniors alike, according to Ms. Wildemuth.
”You see the joy in the eyes of the seniors as they watch a great show,” Ms. Wildemuth said. “I think it also really helps validate the kid’skids’ hard work. They put so much into practicing and performing shows and they get that appreciation from the seniors. It helps kids without grandparents develop an intergenerational bond.”
For more information on upcoming events or to pre-register, contact Sue Trilli at the Senior Center at 732-329-4000 ext. 7670.

