Residents of St. Andrews Gregory Wing were all smiles the morning of May 1 as kindergarteners from Boothbay Region Elementary School came to visit, bearing tiny little “May Day” baskets and handmade cards.

The students were guided around the facility by Jeri Pinney, who works at the Gregory Wing. She introduced the resident to each child, who got to hand their basket and card to the resident.

“It was a tradition growing up,” kindergarten teacher Lucy Spaulding said. “We used to hang them on doors around town, and some of the baskets got very elaborate. I wanted to students to experience it once in their little lives.”

The kindergarten baskets were small and simple, and while the teachers helped with the scissor work, the majority of work was done by the students.

The residents were touched, with many wiping tears away and thanking the kids for coming to see them. Several residents, including Edna Greenleaf, gave the students a kiss as a thank you which, according to Spaulding, is a traditional thanks for a May Day basket.

“They are so cute,” said Irene Hutchinson, who was enjoying lunch with her husband Harold at the Gregory Wing.

Also accompanying the students were Judy Coady, Ed Tech II and Debbie Mellor, who teaches kindergarten at BRES along with Spaulding.