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Ulster Project
"Teens See Seniors in New Light," Arlington Morning News, July 20, 1999, A1.
By WILL POTTER
For the past three weeks, Ulster Project teenagers have learned to live, worship and socialize with each other. The teens and their host families have learned to overcome language and cultural barriers.
On Monday, the 16 Irish and 16 American teens, both Catholic and Protestant, tackled a new problem together — the generation gap.
The teens spent the afternoon with senior citizens at Fox Run Estates, a retirement community in Arlington. They laughed, talked and ate cookies during a few games of bingo, but the visit was more than fun and games.
"We shared stories about ourselves and also learned about them," said Finvola Kelly, a 15-year-old from Belfast. "I really learned to stop taking people at face value."
Finvola teamed up with her roommate, Danielle Landry of Arlington, to adopt a grandparent for the day.
"I have a grandfather that lives in a similar place, but now I have a better understanding of how he lives," Danielle said.
During the luncheon, the teens learned more about seniors, and the seniors enjoyed the company.
"It really makes us feel young to have these young people around us, said Elva Smith, the new "grandmother" to Finvola and Danielle. "It really brings joy to our lives."
Fox Run Estates, at 2315 Little Road, brings in entertainers for the senior citizens on a weekly basis, but Monday's visit was unique because both parties benefited, officials said.
"It's a great time for the kids and senior to share their intergenerational and cultural stories," said Michele King, a Fox Run Estates manager. "It gives kids a better sense that seniors can be just as active."
Seniors just don't sit around feel sorry for themselves, said Emma Dee Croft, a resident. Two years ago Mrs. Croft married Fox Run resident Hollis Croft.
"After you grow old, life doesn't stop," she said. "We seniors don't just sit around with our hands folded. We have many things to keep busy with."
The outing was the third community service project this summer for the Ulster Project teens; they also helped refurbish the Arlington Night Shelter and helped landscape part of Fielder Park.
Spending the day with senior citizens was a welcome change from the shoveling and painting of the other service projects, program officials said.
"It's introducing them to another element," said Joe Francis, a past Ulster Project president. "It's a development in the process of them growing up. The kids are showing their maturity today.
"Just look around the room," he said, gesturing to the teens laughing and talking with the seniors. "This is a win-win situation."
