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Special Bond

Beverly students spread Valentine’s Day cheer

The Inter-Mountain photo by Beth Henry-Vance A resident at Lavender Fields Assisted Living in Beverly takes a look at Valentine’s Day cards and gifts with Beverly Elementary students Haylie Doyle, left, and Karah Bennett during a holiday party at the facility on Tuesday afternoon.

The Inter-Mountain photo by Beth Henry-Vance A resident at Lavender Fields Assisted Living in Beverly takes a look at Valentine's Day cards and gifts with Beverly Elementary students Haylie Doyle, left, and Karah Bennett during a holiday party at the facility on Tuesday afternoon.

BEVERLY — Fourth-graders from Beverly Elementary spent Tuesday afternoon singing songs and handing out Valentine’s Day gift bags to residents at a local assisted living facility.

The students in Lucy Godwin’s class spent the past few weeks practicing the songs and crafting cards and handmade gifts in preparation for the holiday party at Lavender Fields Assisted Living in Beverly.

Tyler “Ty” Boehmer, one of the students, said the class visited with residents at Christmas as well as other holidays, and he likes making things for them.

Yolanda “Yoyo” Hanlin, another student in the class, said she likes spending time with the residents and they seem to enjoy it, too.

“They don’t always have a lot of family members that come around, so it keeps them company” when the class visits, Hanlin said. She added that the students made “tool muffs” for residents and handed them out Tuesday. They are handwarmers that have buttons and other items attached, for patients who like to keep their hands busy.

Student Bryer Mallow admitted he was “kind of” nervous before the class sang four special songs in front of everyone, including “Lean on Me” and “My Girl.”

Classmate Jaden Grey said he thinks everyone probably liked hearing the songs and spending time hanging out.

After signing and reading famous quotes about love and kindness, the students enjoyed Valentine’s Day snacks, including gourmet cupcakes.

Lavender Fields owner Judi Rose said she is thrilled that the facility is a Partner In Education with Beverly Elementary School, and the residents have been able to meet the children several times.

“It’s just a great relationship and a great bond that they have with the kids,” Rose said. “Some patients have dementia, but they can remember the kids and are familiar with who they are.”

She thanked Godwin for bringing her students and making everything possible.

“We came here with this vision of what care would look like (at the assisted living facility) and it included kids. They get so much out of it, and the kids learn to be kind and not judge.”

Godwin agreed that the students and the residents both benefit from the visits.

“It’s incredible to be within walking distance,” she said. “They (the students) talk about the residents like they’re good friends. They come up in conversation in the classroom, which is pretty neat.”

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