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LINK-ages consists of school and community people committed to expanding intergenerational activities in the DeForest area since 1992. Its mission is to develop and support programs and activities in the schools and community that mutually benefit students, families, and older adults.
Meetings are held monthly during the school year.
LINK-ages Committee
Judy French, Community Volunteer
Karen Laufenberg, Community Volunteer
Cheryl Ksobiech, DeForest Area Senior/Community Center
Christa Tollefson, DeForest Area Public Library
Kathy Williams, School/Community Relations Coordinator, DASD
Laura Kruschek,Seventh Grade English/Language Arts Teacher, DAMS
High School National Honor Society Student Representative(s)
The committee also works closely with RSVP of Dane County.
Mission:
To develop intergenerational programs of mutual benefit in meeting the needs of students, families, and older persons in the DeForest Area community.
Long-Range Goals:
To support the school district in strengthening its community collaboration efforts.
To expand opportunities for mutually beneficial interaction between youth and older persons.
To promote one-to-one relationships between students and older persons.
To support development of activities which promote lifelong learning.
To increase understanding of the aging process.
Sampling of LINK-ages Committee Activities
Sampling of Programs, past and present
The Annual Bingo Party is held at the DeForest Area Community/Senior Center. With help from high school student council members who have worked behind the scenes to fund and collect over a hundred prizes, the event draws an enthusiastic crowd.
Documentary pairs 7th grade students with older adults. Students interview their partners, publish biographies, and create electronic presentations.
The Annual Breakfast for Older Adults is held at the DeForest Area Senior/Community Center. LINK-ages Committee and High School NHS students serve food. High school musicians perform.
The Community Reading Program brings families, students, and the community together to celebrate reading.
The DeForest Area Public Library offers intergenerational programming. This includes family programming such as Concerts in the Park, along with senior outreach special events. Library programs and ongoing interest groups are open to everyone in the community.
High School Play/Musical Performance Receptions are hosted for play and musical performances each year.
Computer Buddies write to each other throughout the school year via e-mail and meet at an end-of-year social event. The program pairs older adults with children in a classroom.
Fall Festival at DeForest Area High School brings hundreds of youngsters to the building to enjoy treats and entertainment provided by high school organizations with scores of volunteers.
Cards & Games Party at the DeForest Area Community/Senior Center, held in the fall. High school NHS members play games with older adults. Includes door prizes and refreshments.