Students and The Bristal Residents Take Part in Reading Partnership

Second Graders at the North Ridge Primary School in Commack took part in the GrandFriends Intergenerational Reading Partnership, in which they read to residents of The Bristal Assisted Living at East Northport who are dealing with dementia and visual issues such as macular degeneration. The students read to 92- year old Josephine Brandenstein, who has macular degeneration and 92- year old Phyllis Caldicott, a resident of The Bristal at East Northport.

During the same program, an 84-year old resident of The Bristal, Joan Gabriele, a former Northport District teacher who taught K-6 for 30 years, read to students.

Eleven former teachers who reside at The Bristal wanted to maintain a sense of purpose and still be able to do what they love – read to children. After a resident and former teacher expressed that she wished she could participate but no longer could see, the program was expanded to include residents who could no longer read, either because of macular degeneration or dementia.

The North Ridge Primary School is a K-2nd grade school in the Commack Union Free School District. North Ridge Primary Principal, Katherine Rihm, says, “The students enjoy the visits from The Bristal residents and second graders who have mastered the ability to read are very pleased to be able to brighten the day of The Bristal residents who can no longer read for themselves.”

Barbara Heaphy, the Director of Recreation at The Bristal at East Northport, says “residents look forward to visiting with the North Ridge Primary students and reading to them, and residents who can no longer read for themselves are very appreciative of the kindness of the young readers who bring the pages to life for them.”

The GrandFriends Intergenerational Reading Partnership between North Ridge Primary School and The Bristal at East Northport began on March 2nd, 2023, on National Read Across America Day - the students and residents meet twice a month.