By Melissa Fili
MethuenLife Writer

It’s been a year of friendship and fun for Methuen Village seniors and the fifth-grade class at St. Monica’s School!

They’ve been getting to know one another since February and met every other week, doing everything from reading books aloud and playing BINGO to decorating cookies, having a dance party and celebrating St. Patrick’s Day. So, naturally, the students’ end-of-school “graduation” to sixth grade called for a pizza party!

As usual, the 20 classmates and their teacher, Mrs. Bistany, walked to the nearby assisted-living facility on Gleason Street. But what wasn’t expected was the emotion that would shine through on this special day! The children wrote – and some even read – essays about “What Does Visiting Methuen Village Mean to Me.” Many of the essays included adorable drawings of the children and their retired friends.

Leonnella Arzuaga wrote, “… It really affected my life, my heart has been warm and pure.” She spoke of her new friends Mary who loves to cook pasta and Elly who enjoys sipping cups of tea.

Kane Fitzgerald adores his time with Bob “The Captain” Dupont and wrote, “He was in World War II. He is the kindest guy in the world. I will like him forever. … Bob is the best guy in history. I love going to Methuen Village because I love seeing Bob.”

“It’s just the joy of being with older people,” explained student Jayde Wood, when asked what she likes about visiting Methuen Village. “Making them happy and seeing them smile!”

“It’s so much fun to see them!” resident Claire DiNatale said of the students. “They’re excited, and they’re anxious to tell us about themselves. They enjoy being around us. They also enjoy helping us out and it’s appreciated very much!”

Resident Suzanne Malone spoke of her fifth-grade friend: “She reads so well, just an excellent reader! And the last time, we played BINGO. They are just such nice children,” smiled the mother of five and grandmother of four.

Teacher Jane Bistany explained, “The children are always so excited to come here. This is their favorite thing to do!”

Methuen Village’s Enriched Life Director Ashley Gonzalez, who approached St. Monica’s about starting this intergenerational program, is thrilled with what it’s become.

“We’re so incredibly happy – it’s been fantastic!” she smiled. “This just shows the power of small acts. It starts with anticipation and excitement among the residents, and then after (the students leave) we talk about it … sometimes for days! (The program) is a complete elevator to the atmosphere!”

The project has been so successful that both Methuen Village and Mrs. Bistany are open to continuing it next school year.