Residents of Wesley Village in Shelton make 'welcome back' bags for teachers

From left: Long Hill School Elementary School Principal Andrea D’Aiuto, Wesley Village resident Roz Bagley, Jennifer Saas, Rebecca Verdicchio, Laura Mulligan, Karen Chappa, and Nicole Lopes./ Contributed photo

 

SHELTON - “First day of school” excitement was buzzing at Wesley Village senior living campus last week as residents of Crosby Commons Independent and Assisted Living Community prepared “Welcome Back” bags for Long Hill Elementary School staff. 

Residents filled paper lunch bags with mini water bottles, granola bars, inspirational stickers, hand sanitizer, treats, notepads, and an apple for the teacher. 

 

“The first week back at school is always such a busy one and we thought it would be fun to surprise the staff with something special to let them know we were thinking of them,” said Lisa Bisson, Director of Community Outreach.

Crosby Commons residents Leo and Janet  Onze fill “Welcome Back” bags.

Residents assembled over 50 bags for Long Hill staff and hand delivered them. 

Crosby Commons resident Roz Bagley, a retired second grade teacher, assisted with the delivery.

Bagley, who taught at Honeyspot House School in Stratford for 15 years, reflected on her 30-year teaching career. 

“I always looked forward to that first week of school,” she said. “I remember getting the classroom ready and enjoyed getting to know the new class of students.”

“Making the bags was a great opportunity to reminisce and share all those memories of our own first day of school experiences and of course the school days through the years with our children and grandchildren,” said Activities Director Lauren Donovan, who helped coordinate the project.

Being such close neighbors with Long Hill Elementary School, residents notice the hustle and bustle of the cars and buses around Long Hill Avenue letting everyone know school is in session once again. 

During the school year, residents would always look forward to visits from Long Hill students coming to the campus to celebrate the holidays by singing Christmas carols or participating in other fun programs. 

With COVID-19 limitations in place for the past year and a half, campus visits were put on hold. Both residents and students missed the visits and are hoping to be able to see each other again soon.

Principal Andrea D’Aiuto said the staff has missed visiting the campus and was so excited to receive the bags.

"The Long Hill Staff is so lucky to have formed a relationship with Wesley Village residents over the years. The welcome back treat bags were such a kind gesture which our staff greatly appreciated. We look forward to continuing to work with Wesley Village as they are a vital part of our community."

Wesley Village senior living campus is located at 580 Long Hill Ave.

The Wesley Village campus offers independent and assisted living, enhanced assisted living, early memory support, skilled nursing, and short-term rehab. 

To learn more about Crosby Commons, Wesley Heights, Lifestyle Transitions, or Bishop Wicke Health Center, visit our website or call 203-225-5024. 

This is a press release from United Methodist Homes.