Grandfriends Spread Cheer at
Atria Huntington
The Huntington High School Grandfriends club is a cheerful group of teenagers. The took time during the recent holiday season to travel to Atria Huntington for a round of caroling and assorted activities with residents of the assisted living facility on Beverly Road.
Sponsored by Rotary Club, the Grandfriends have built strong relationships with local senior citizen organizations and facilities. Huntington teacher Suzie Biagi, who serves as the club’s co-advisor along with retired librarian Camille DeCanio, said initiatives such the recent holiday caroling help develop “intergenerational relationships” and the experiences are “changing the lives of both the young and old.”
This marked the seventh year the Grandfriends have traveled to Atria Huntington for caroling and fun activities for the teenagers and seniors to enjoy together. “Our students are a special group,” Mrs. Biagi said. “They are all such loving, patient and kind young people and nothing makes Camille and me happier than facilitating opportunities for them to share their hearts.”
Senior Naomi Medina-Jaudes, a member of the Grandfriends club and a pianist, made the trek to Atria Huntington and performed flawlessly to the delight of the facility’s residents and her classmates.
According to its website, the Atria Huntington facility is set on 14 acres and “is surrounded by a serene walking path in beautiful, residential Huntington Station. Lounge by our fireplace in the winter months or relax on the patio on a warm summer day. Enjoy a delicious meal in our restaurant-style dining room, which offers varied menu choices, including kosher-style selections. Atria Huntington is just minutes from shopping, community centers, and places of worship.” It was once used as a school building by the South Huntington School District.
The Grandfriends will culminate their year on May 2 from 4-6 p.m. when the club hosts its annual senior-senior prom. A crowd of about 200 senior citizens is expected to attend and enjoy a hot meal, dancing and an afternoon of fun. Details about the prom and how to RSVP for it will be released soon.