Inter-Generational |
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Millie Vogel
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A breath of fresh air blew into the Satter House when the children of the 2nd grade ESL Garfield Magnet School in Revere came to visit their "grandparents." It was the annual holiday party hosted by the "adopted" grandparents.
They were greeted with hugs and kisses - received red, white and blue knitted hats - gifts and lots of refreshments. It is well known that grandparents MUST spoil their grandchildren. We were honored to have with us the following dignitaries: Mayor Tom Ambrosino, Sal Cammerata, principal of Garfield School, Carol Tye, school committee, and superintendent of schools Dr. Paul Dakin. Representing the Satter House were Barbara Assa, assistant administrator, and Elaine Pitler, liaison between the school and Satter House. Assisting Carol Trefrey,teacher and facilitator of the program were Lilliana Skero and Lon Kim. Under the direction of Grandma Millie, the children sang "Let There be Peace on Earth" accompanied by Ji Young Lee, assistant teacher from Simmons College. At this time of the year and with the tragedy of September 11th, this song by multi-cultural children, had a profound effect on all. The audience joined them for the second chorus. Mayor Ambrosino showed that he can be a "regular person" when he donned a knitted cap, knelt to the height of the children and led them in a spectacular rendition of "Jingle Bells." According to Carol Trefrey, the dynamic ESL 2nd grade teacher, the knitted hats made by Grandma Ruth Penachio and Grandma Marie O'Connor served the same purpose as the story of the one day supply of oil for the Hanukah Menorah. That one day's supply lasted for eight days. When the Mayor arrived, Jimmy, the Garfield bus driver, gave him the hat. As the dignitaries arrived, out popped another hat - there always seemed to be one more hat - a truly unusual occurence. Carol Trefrey is the unifying force behind this program. Her personality has drawn together not only a group of dedicated seniors, but the children learn from her that love and discipline go hand in hand. Her warmth and affection for her children translated into a well behaved and articulate 2nd grade ESL class. They will have a background that will serve them well in the future. When the children returned to school, they wrote their own impressions: "We ate cookies and drank punch. The Mayor came and sang "Jingle Bells." He bended down a little." "I was the announcer. Grandpa Asher helps me to be a good English speaker. Miss Tye was at the party. Grandpa told her I was smart." "We sang the peace song with Grandma Millie. She broke her arm but waved the other one. This was the best party." "Everybody hugged everybody." "We went on a bus with Mr. Jimmy. He likes us. He got a hat like us. The Mayor and Dr. Dakin got one too. Grandmas made a hat for everybody. Miss Tye loved her hat."
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