JH Teen Power: Service Log:

5/19/2013:

Twelve--12!--kind-loving, thoughtful, generous teenagers (no, that is not the world's greatest oxymoron) served up some big-time fun at River Rock yesterday. What did they do? What didn't they do?!

Bailie, Josey, and Trista cheered on Eva and Mary as the two 80-some year olds stared down a mean set of bowling pins. Seriously, when Mary earned a strike, you could hear the kids' cheers through the entire building.

Sarah Mc and Tiffany Walker sat down at the scrabble table with two residents. No mercy for our kids; these folks whipped out the dictionaries and spun that scrabble board like a DJ scribbling his beat. "Would y'all like to take a break and come over to the snack table for some chips?" Uh, no thank you (DUH). But we'll take our snacks right here so we can keep on playing!

Abbi, Lily, and Estefani putt-putted all around the fireplace with Jeannie and her friend who said to me, "It's a joy to see you all. Just a joy. Please come back!"

Bud, Brianna, and Trista, and our beloved Dorothy and her pal played dominoes.

Yair (my hero), Catherine, and Emely created 4th of July wreaths for many folks, wielding the hot glue guns, flowers and little flags like pros. Yair, an eleventh-grade pure gentleman, was a dream volunteer, helping residents walk through the halls, rushing over to help one woman get a wheel chair into a car, smiling the sweetest smile--angels would be jealous. He and the girls were invited up to the residents' rooms to gaze at their handiwork adorning their doors. The residents beamed.

Josey and Yair might of found a calling. Josey was incredible, helping residents get up from chairs, holding their hands, smiling, comforting, giving joy and kindness in this effortless manner. So impressive.

Some comments from kids in the volunteer van:

"What I felt when I was there--I felt like I was being responsible. I hope I can do it again." Emely Sanchez

"I felt comfortable being with the seniors; i loved seeing them laugh and have a good time." Catherine

"This was a new and different type of community service for me. It was one with some awkward silences, jokes you may not get, but beyond that, it's one where you have the chance to make someone's day. If you sit down and just talk to these seniors, it is amazing what you can learn. I really enjoyed seeing the m slime and laugh for no other reason other than my visit. It was a great experience that one can learn so much from, especially the power of a smile." Abbi Brazil

"I now realize that participating is more fun than sitting at my house. I also discovered that older people have more life experience in events than young adults." Estefani

"It felt great to bring joy and smiles to River Rock. Once they grew more comfortable with us, they were much more open. I loved seeing them laugh and joke with us." Lily Brazil

If your mentee attended, please send them a shout-out. They were truly awesome!

Kelly