South Brunswick Kids Bridge Generations

As the songs of Elvis Presley rang through the room, students from Crossroads South Middle School chatted with local seniors as part of an ongoing effort to join various generations together through the love of music.

Last week's 8th annual "A Day With the Characters" event offered township senior citizens a chance to view thebefore returning to the South Brunswick Senior Center for lunch, a raffle and a sing-along.

"You can see the joy on the seniors' faces as the kids are performing," said social worker Caryl Greenberg. "This event just lifts their spirits. We try to link the kids and seniors together and maintain that link each year."

The seniors aren't the only ones who benefit from the program, as district staff members said the event also benefits students by bridging the generational gap and providing them with a different point of view.

"It's important for the kids to share in the experiences of seniors so both groups can learn about each other," said district Supervisor of Music Brian Stike. "The kids get to hear the seniors' stories and the seniors need to understand what's going on in the schools and see the good things the students are doing."

Beyond sharing experiences, the event also proves to be a self-esteem builder for the kids, as the love of music helps to build connections with older township residents.

"This really builds the kids' self confidence. Some kids are just quiet and shy, but they get out there and rise to the occasion," said musical co-director Lisa Lepore. "Most of these shows have music from the seniors' generation and music is so universal that it connects them. For most people being in a play is so memorable and it's something that sticks with them for their entire lives."

As lead performers Chris Swierczek, Meghna Mahajan, Jill Grzelak, Alec Hayes and the rest of the cast sang a few of the musical's big numbers, seniors in the audience clapped along, with some getting the special treat of seeing their family members perform.

"For me it's an extra plus to see my granddaughter in the show, but we all connect with the performers," said Jacque Rubel, of the Aging in Place Partnership. "This event is so important for seniors and that's why we work with the schools for programs. Most districts have some level of programming like this, but across the state I've never experienced the commitment you see from South Brunswick schools and the senior center."