Schools

First-Graders Bring Valentine's Day Love to Seniors

Ivy Hall School students visited Feb. 11 with residents of Alden Long Grove Rehabilitation and Health Care Center.

Two dozen first-graders from visited with residents at Alden Long Grove Rehabilitation and Health Care Center for a Valentine’s Day celebration.

The children brought special crafts and goodies for the residents and the residents surprised the children by giving them goodie bags, popcorn, treats and refreshments.

“It was very thoughtful of the first-graders in our community to come and visit with our residents,” said Lesley Hieras, administrator, Alden Long Grove Rehabilitation and Health Care Center. “Many cannot leave the building and love when the children come to see them.”

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This isn’t the first time these groups have gotten together; , which includes parts of Buffalo Grove, Long Grove and Kildeer, and Alden Long Grove, started an intergenerational program with the children in 2009, when they were kindergartners at in Buffalo Grove. Over the past year and a half, the children have caroled for the seniors during the holidays, made holiday cards in their classes and stopped in for visits.

“I think the children are adorable," said Marilyn Rzepka, Alden Long Grove resident. “They bring us such joy.”

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Parent Lisa Katz said, “It’s great for the seniors and the children to make connections. The kids are so excited every time they find out they get to see their friends at Alden Long Grove.”


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