This is the day that the Lord has made.
Let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24
School has started! This summer has gone by so fast, but with the much earlier starting dates than what I remember (usually after Labor Day), there really isn’t much summer, as we used to have it.
I have been very impressed with the love and support that Epworth Villa and the residents have directed to our neighbor to the south, Scissortail Elementary School. This school has nineteen classrooms full of young minds eager to learn the subjects offered, and they are further enhanced by the inter-generational contact with our residents.
We have had residents and staff there to greet the students and parents as they arrive for the new school year. Residents go to the individual classrooms and read to the students and answer endless questions. Epworth Villa furnished snacks for the teachers during work week, provided backpack tags and water bottles with the school logo for all students and staff, and made back-to-school blessing cards for all staff.
As much as we love them, the Scissortail students and staff love us right back. They are already planning to participate in activities at Epworth Villa this year in many ways, from sharing student presentations with residents in Assisted Living and Long-Term Care, to having a costume parade at Halloween, to joining us in the Alzheimer’s Walk.
With the Mission Celebration and Fun Walk last May, the students participated in walking around our lake and enjoying ice cream treats. The money that was raised allowed us to give approximately $111 to each classroom, to purchase permanent books for that class’s library, and to allow students to participate in Book Fair who otherwise would not be able.
The fun Block Party that we had on August 11, raised money for school supplies. Our Religious Life Committee also gave additional money for the beginning of school initiatives.
God, and hard work, have blessed our residents to be financially able to help in this manner at the school. God loves all the children, as do we. Bless you all for being so generous with your time and resources. God Bless all the children and the teachers, as these precious children are our future.
