“It’s Larry!” “Hi Larry!” yelled two students who jumped out of line to hug Friendship Haven resident Larry Grebner.

“This is so much fun,” said student Noey Sankey.

“I like to hang out with Karen and Larry,” said student Rylinn Green. “They’re nice and fun.”

Jill Rasmussen’s fourth-grade students have been visiting with the Friendship Haven residents for more than a year. The partnership began when they were in the third grade. The students and residents get together every other week to play games, read, learn about one another, and participate in crafts and activities together. Tuesday afternoon, Green and Grebner showed off their dancing skills to passersby in the River Ridge Dining Room.

-Messenger photo by Kelli Bloomquist
Rose Jochims, left, and Callie Keeler, both residents at Friendship Haven, pose for Valentine’s Day photos Tuesday with the Iowa Central Community College Photography students.

“It’s a multi-generational age difference that is fun and they’re learning from one another,” said Rasmussen. “My kids are learning about history and the residents are learning from them. It’s neat to see how much they love interacting with one another.”

Rasmussen said that her students have also been excited to learn a variety of card games from residents. Many students, she said, are used to being on technology and the card games are something different and fun.

“It’s been really fun for everyone,” said Rasmussen. “They’re talking and learning and socializing, and it’s just been a great experience for everyone.”

The excitement and joy isn’t one-sided. Residents at Friendship Haven love visiting with their fourth-grade friends.

“They absolutely love the kids,” said Kenzie Kelly, activities coordinator for Assisted Living. “We have a lot of teachers, so that brings them back to their past and brings up memories. Those are always nice for us to hear, too, so we can share with their families. They absolutely love having the Cooper kids here. It’s been great working with them.”

-Messenger photo by Kelli Bloomquist
Friendship Haven resident Larry Grebner, hugs Rylinn Green and Ruby Brockbank, both Cooper Elementary fourth grade students at Tuesday’s Valentine’s Day party at Friendship Haven. Green said that she enjoys spending time with the residents, especially Grebner because “he is nice and fun.”

Iowa Central Community College photography and digital media students also participated in the meet-up as they hosted special Valentines Day photo opportunities for the Cooper students and residents. The pop-up included holiday props, backdrops, and a chance to be interviewed about their favorite friend.

According to Rasmussen, the partnership between Cooper Elementary School and Friendship Haven is anticipated to continue next school year with a new group of students.