Chestnut Knoll Residents form New Friendships

This summer, Chestnut Knoll residents got involved with the community and were able to share knowledge, stories and experiences with children. The residents at Chestnut Knoll participated in a pen pal project with students attending a three-month summer program at The Goddard School in Gilbertsville. Girl Scout Maya Goldstein created the pen pal project as part of her requirements for her Girl Scout Silver Award.

Goldstein met with Dawn Hydock, Chestnut Knoll volunteer coordinator, to discuss the project. Hydock invited several residents to participate and form friendships with a pen pal. Eleven residents were matched up with 11 students, ages 5-7, at The Goddard School. Once the students were matched, they began writing notes, making crafts and drawing pictures for their new friends at Chestnut Knoll. Goldstein made deliveries to Chestnut Knoll each week, bringing notes, crafts, and joy to the residents, and allowing them to write back to their pen pals.

“I very much enjoyed hearing about all the activities my pen pal is involved in,” said resident Helen Wampole, 94.

On August 29, The Goddard School had an end-of-summer picnic for the students, and extended an invitation for the Chestnut Knoll pen pals to join them. The residents were taken by van to the school, where they had an opportunity to finally meet their pen pal and enjoy a delicious picnic.

“I loved meeting my pen pal, and seeing the beautiful school,” said resident Fern Freed, 84, who is also a retired teacher. “Young students have so many activities and opportunities today. When I was teaching it was all about the basics, reading, writing and arithmetic.”

The residents were all thrilled to meet their pen pals, and home addresses were exchanged so the students could continue writing to their new friends once summer was over.

“Chestnut Knoll always strives to keep the residents involved and connected to the greater community,” said Shawn Barndt, executive director. “Our residents have such a wealth of knowledge and experiences to be shared with others. Projects such as this pen pal experience are a great way to share a bit of this extensive wisdom with children through a wonderful, intergenerational activity!”

For more information about Chestnut Knoll and how we can help make a difference in the life of your senior loved one, please call 610-473-8066.

Chestnut Knoll offers Personal Care and Memory Care residences at an affordable month-to-month basis with no buy-in fees. Services include 24-hour personal care assistance with medical support, meals, housekeeping, social events and transportation. Chestnut Knoll also offers At Home care services available to seniors where they live. For more information on Chestnut Knoll Personal Care, Memory Care, or At Home Services, please call Jodie Daniels, assistant executive director, at 610-473-8066 or visit www.chestnutknoll.com.