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Grand idea
By MICHELE MILLER, Times Staff Writer
LAND O'LAKES -- At 10 a.m., Gertrude Archer, 84, is usually browsing through the morning paper. But about once a month, the all-important routine changes a bit. That's when she and Dorothy Schmeichel, 90, and Edna Tockman, 83, get their walkers, climb into the back of a maroon Montero Sport van and head to Lake Myrtle Elementary School. All are former teachers. All are residents of Arden Courts, an assisted living facility in Tampa for those with Alzheimer's disease. Their short-term memories have waned some, but recollections of their years spent teaching further back are easier to access. Their time spent with children in the primary classroom setting helps to stimulate those memories, said Debbie Coy, the executive director of Arden Courts. That's important for those with Alzheimer's, she said. "Usually on the way back (to Arden Courts) they talk," Mrs. Coy said. "They remember all those good times they had teaching." Remembering is one of the reasons she and her daughter, Brandy Coy, a teacher at Lake Myrtle, decided to start an intergenerational program. Visiting the classroom is a diversion from the usual schedule, which is so important to Alzheimer's patients. Still, there are similarities that enhance the continuity. Just like the classrooms at Lake Myrtle, the rooms at Arden Courts were adorned last week with Valentine's Day decorations to remind the residents that it was February. The children benefit from the visits as well, Brandy Coy said. As a youngster, she spent a great deal of time volunteering where her mother works. It is a time she remembers fondly. "A lot of these kids don't have grandparents who live here," she said. "This gives them exposure to different ages. It's just amazing to watch them work together." During the seniors' most recent visit, on Abraham Lincoln's birthday, the children wore black construction paper beards and stovepipe hats. They created miniature log cabins from cardboard milk cartons, peanut butter and pretzel sticks. The seniors worked right alongside them, making their own log cabins to take back to Arden Courts. "Excuse my boardinghouse reach," said Ms. Archer as she loaded up on pretzels, while the conversation among the youngsters turned to Tony Hawk and Pokemon. "The temptation to eat is right there. When I taught lower grades like this, we never had activities like this," said Ms. Archer. "It takes me back a good many years." "They like it when we're going to school," said Bethany Freeberg, the program services coordinator at Arden Courts who accompanies the seniors on their monthly excursions. "They get to see how things have changed over the years, and they love to get out and see the town. They enjoy the activities -- working on crafts, helping with writing skills, colors." Freeberg said she would like to foster more year-round programs between youngsters and Arden Courts residents. "We get more kids coming in around the holidays than I know what to do with," Freeberg said. One Girl Scout troop has its weekly meetings at Arden Courts. The residents benefit greatly just from hearing children's laughter, she said. "They just brighten up. Sometimes there's a worry about the kids' being too loud, but I tell them, 'No, make noise, talk, laugh, play.' " The children at Lake Myrtle seem to enjoy their interaction with the seniors as well. "It's fun," said first-grader Dominick Tanner as he fiddled with his Abe Lincoln beard. "They can help us. They can watch us. They can play with us." NOTE: Those interested in volunteering or starting another intergenerational program at Arden Courts may call executive director Debbie Coy at (813) 963-6100.
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