On Tuesday, Feb. 10, third graders from Boothbay Region Elementary School visited St. Andrews Village in collaboration with Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens. The visit is part of a six-month bird study led by Beth Jarvis, where students learn about winter birds in Maine and participate in Project Feeder Watch.

During their visit, the students brought handmade valentines and pine cone bird feeders they created through the program. Residents from both Independent and Assisted Living enjoyed chatting with the children and hearing what they had learned.

The children eagerly shared bird facts and worked together to hang the feeders around the Village, leaving something our residents can continue to enjoy in the weeks ahead.

We were especially grateful for the visit — a meaningful reminder of the joy that comes from bringing generations together.

This activity is one of several upcoming intergenerational opportunities St. Andrews Village is organizing in the community, with the goal of encouraging students of all ages to have positive, early experiences with older adults. In turn, seniors develop meaningful relationships with children; consequently, seniors feel more connected and gain a greater sense of purpose and belonging.