As part of an intergenerational series St. Andrews Village is holding, 15 members from the Boothbay Region High School Interact Clubrecently joined residentsfor a rousing game of bingo. 

Student members called out the letters and numbers for each game while others enjoyed the camaraderie with residents.  

Prizes were given at each round, with a mix of students and residents winning. 

One could sense the positive interaction between the residents and Interact members. Joining the activity were Interact Club co-sponsors Bruce Harris and Sarah Clark. "This kind of activity gives them a chance to spend time together and develop relationships," said Harris. "We plan to do more of these activities during the year—it’s so much fun for the kids and the residents."   

Resident Judy deGraw remarked “Rotary International- of which I have been a proud member since 1990- started Interact as a way for young people to develop leadership skills and understand the power of service. I have seen our local Interact club grow from five members to an entire bus full of happy kids who genuinely have fun together while serving the community. It warmed my heart to see them come to St. Andrews Village to host bingo. I was pleased to see my fellow residents enjoying themselves as I did. Thank you, Interact!” 

This activity is one of several 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 younger generations, feel more connected, and gain a greater sense of purpose and belonging.