Third-graders, seniors share food, fun in park

By LEZLIE PATTERSON - Special to The State

Only a short walk separates Chapin Elementary School from Crooked Creek Park.

But Denise Laboe’s third-grade class has discovered a whole new world there.

For the second time this school year, the students walked to Crooked Creek Park recently to spend time with senior citizens who gather at the park for lunch.

But before the kids sat down and had lunch, they played a bit of bingo, which allowed them to visit with their new friends.

“I like it because it helps out the community and we make new friends,” said Oliver McClelland, a student.

“And it’s just fun to play bingo.”

Each student was paired with a senior citizen, and they shared bingo cards. The prizes, provided by Laboe’s class, all went to the seniors.

Some of the “partners” focused on bingo, while some talked quietly as the game progressed.

Rilzie McCartha caused a stir when she won three rounds in a row.

“I’m a bingo freak,” said McCartha, who plays three or four times a week.

She enjoys playing with the children.

“I just like to be with them,” she said.

They also bring back memories to some of the seniors.

“It’s been a long time since my kids were this age,” said Anna Turney.

Most of the seniors enjoy being around children, said Kim Bowers, senior services manager for Irmo-Chapin Recreation.

And the third-graders’ visits? “Bingo and children at the same time? Well, that’s hard to beat.”

It’s also good for the children, who not only enjoy the visits but learn a bit about community as well, Laboe said.

“They’re learning to be a part of something called a community,” she said. “This is all about building character, and that there is more to learning than just in the classroom.”

It all started when a friend of Laboe’s mentioned needing volunteers to play bingo with the seniors. “I said, ‘Well, can I bring my whole class?’”

Between bingo and lunch, students read to the seniors and shared some of their class work.

“We share what we do in class and about ourselves,” McClelland said.

Lucy Lacey enjoyed talking to the students as much as playing bingo with them.

“I just naturally love children,” she said. “It’s a bit refreshing to see all they’re learning.”

Lacey won a round of bingo and earned a pack of candy — which she told the kids around her she’d share with them after lunch.

Third-grader Rachel Cosby invited one of her neighbors to come and was partnered with her.

“I’m glad she came,” Cosby said. “It was really fun. I think it’s a great experience.”