LARRY HARTNETT an Interages’ volunteer for over 18 years is this year’s recipient of the Margaret Cutler Award for outstanding leadership in supporting intergenerational programs in Montgomery County. Bridges program participants all love him for the treats he brings to share each week. Larry recently reported visiting a new restaurant where the waitress – a former Bridges student/mentee -- called out “hey, it’s the Cookie Man!” He may not have remembered her after all these years, but she never forgot him. Larry has been a special mentor to more than a dozen Interages students over the years, as well as a basketball coach and “uncle” to several local youth. We can think of no one more deserving of this year’s award.
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| "I'M SO GLAD I SKIPPED MY NAP." DON, SUNRISE RESIDENT |
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An After-School Time to SHARE
This spring, SHARE added our first after-school program – a new time slot for us -- with middle school students from the Gaithersburg Youth Center’s (GYC) recreation program. Lila Paig from GYC contacted Interages in search of ideas to connect her students with senior adults as a way to give service to the community. We jumped at the chance to add a new SHARE program, and Sunrise Assisted Living of Montgomery Village was eager to serve as the senior adult site. Another perfect match was made, in record time!
The GYC students arrived by bus – overcoming a basic barrier for many would-be SHARE programs by having access to their own program van to transport participants. The students were able to visit five times this spring, meeting over 30 residents at Sunrise. Together, they enjoyed conversations, craft projects, and interactive games each week. Every senior had
Positive comments about the students and the wonderful interactions they shared, and several seniors attended every session. These students impressed the residents with their politeness, maturity, friendliness, helpfulness and caring. The youth surely showed that “Character Counts”! Interages hopes to continue the program again next year.
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Second graders’ responses to
“Write 3 words that describe an older person”:
Cool * Hairy Beard * Tall * Nice * Caring *
Teachful * Interesting * Loving * Happy |
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Financial Gifts from Old Friends and New
Jewish Youth Philanthropy Institute (JYPI): Interages received a $1,000 grant from JYPI this spring, thanks to Jake Sorrells, a student at Wood Middle School. Jake recommended Interages to his fellow youth philanthropists, who researched our work and decided to designate Interages as one of their sponsored charities.
JYPI gives participating teens the opportunity to learn the principles of effective philanthropy by participating in the full grant-making process: reviewing proposals from worthy non-profits, participating in site visits, asking questions about an organization’s mission, needs, resources, operations, and effectiveness, and then deliberating about allocations. Half of the dollars are the teens’ contributions, and half are matching funds from JYPI. And the combination yields results: significant funds are available for distribution; immediate assistance is provided to needy charities; and students develop leadership skills, knowledge about their communities, and experience in philanthropy that will bear fruit for years to come.
Ms. Carol Lite, an ESOL teacher at Sligo Creek Elementary School who served as the school’s liaison to Interages for our Intergenerational Bridges program for several years, retired this June. Carol asked that her retirement gifts be a donation to Interages. We deeply appreciate this show of support from a great friend, and we honor Carol as a wonderful advocate for children.
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