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February 9, 2004

Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley will mingle with N'Sync and Christine Aguilera at Evergreen Senior Center in Colonia Feb. 24, 1:30-2:30 p.m. That is, the names of these pop music stars from past and present will appear as call-out items in a popular "Inter-Generational Bingo" game played by Evergreen residents and the Colonia Middle School "Kids for Kindness" club. The event is part of a regular round of senior-oriented activities undertaken by the club to fulfill its community service mission. "Our Kids for Kindness club has over 50 members and was designed by the students themselves," says club advisor Celeste Racano, a teacher at Colonia Middle School. The club has undertaken numerous community projects including dedication of anti-road rage "Be Kind" traffic signs along Inman Avenue, collections for Middlesex County Food Pantry, participation in anti-violence, cystic fibrosis and breast cancer awareness campaigns and fundraising for American Red Cross, Ronald McDonald House, Morristown Seeing Eye, 9/11 victims and hospital expenses of youth Zachary Fielder. "The community involvement of these students is an outstanding exercise in citizenship," says Woodbridge Mayor Frank G. Pelzman, previously honored by the club as a Kindness Mayor for his efforts to encourage the wider practice of civility in Woodbridge. "Their one-to-one interaction with our seniors is a model for adults as well as youth." Inter-Generational Bingo categories encompass music, technology, TV/radio, food, toys and events; students choose from a contemporary menu that might include items such as Dr. Dre, DVDs and Nintendo, seniors from pop culture icons of yesteryear - Ed Sullivan, World War II and phonographs. When the game is completed, students and seniors explain the items and their significance. The club's inter-generational programs are greatly appreciated at nearby Evergreen Senior Center. "In addition to bingo, Kids for Kindness have started an Adopt-A-Grandparent program and put on a Senior Prom, which will cap off Senior Health Month in May," says township councilwoman Caroline Ehrlich. "It's a great way for young people and seniors to learn from each other."