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At Our Lady of Mount Carmel School [OLMC] in Asbury Park, a bond is forming with some unlikely new friends – residents of Brandywine Assisted Living.

The intergenerational friendship began last spring when first graders at the catholic school visited the Wall based senior living facility. Accompanied by Principal Theresa Craig and several teachers, they sang songs, read books and shared healthy snacks with the senior residents. 

On Sept 11 seven residents and three staff members reciprocated by visiting the Asbury Avenue school to deliver back to school supplies; garnered through fundraising endeavors held over the summer. Among them was a Bingo Brunch where the price of attendance was a school supply.

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This time around the seniors spent time with first- and second-grade students. The Patriot’s Day celebration included singing, reading books, healthy snacks and wreath making.

There were many laughs, spontaneous songs, and this heartwarming partnership took root with plans for future visits, school spokesperson Cassie Galasetti said. Those future plans included a pen pal program with the eighth class, as well as a future project with the fourth graders.

For more about Our Lady Of Mount Carmel, visit olmcapnj.org.

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