At least once a month, a group of CMU students spend their time building a bridge between generations.

And it only takes them a 20 minute drive and a few hours out of their day to do it.

Illinois junior Cassandra Fisher has made it her priority to take students to visit residents of the Masonic Pathways Senior Living Services in Alma.

“I get rewarded knowing I’m sharing experiences with Sweeney residents and Masonic Pathway residents,” said Fisher, a resident assistant for Sweeney’s first floor.

On Friday, Fisher, Luna Pier sophomore Lauren Emptage, East China senior Jackie DuBois and Howell junior Nicole Skrobot played a few rounds of bingo in the meditation room with about 20 of the center’s residents.

Masonic Pathways resident Catherine “Kitty” Kingsbury was the first person to win bingo, and even though she doesn’t play often, she enjoys it.

“I always have fun playing especially with the people, everyone is so helpful and so nice here,” Kingsbury said.

Each bingo winner got to choose a prize from a prize cart that has everything from snacks like water, pop and candy to picture frames and playing cards.

Fisher, through working with recent CMU graduate Stephanie Orvis, has been volunteering time with other Sweeney residents since the beginning of the academic school year. Orvis is the assistant activities director at Masonic Pathways.

Emptage said she usually goes with the group to Alma and thinks the interaction with generations is good for both sides.

“I’ve always really liked volunteering, it’s important to get out and interact with senior citizens,” Emptage said.

The group of Sweeney residents tries to make at least one trip a month to the center to give residents a chance to talk and play activities with students.

“It’s really fun,” said DuBois, who was visiting for the first time. “It’s nice to get a change from the college atmosphere and hangout with other people.”

The interaction with a younger generation is meaningful because a lot of the residents are used to seeing the nursing staff so much, said Billie Ryder, recreation activities assistant at Masonic Pathways.

Fisher said the group was a little smaller than usual, however she is optimistic more students to get involved.

“Today we have a smaller group of four, but usually have six to eight,” Fisher said. “With a new semester I’m sure we will get new people.”

A Valentine’s Day party is in the early planning stages for the next trip to the center and anyone interested should contact a Sweeney Hall staff member at 774-4886.

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