Bringing all ages together

Want to make Eric Lee’s holiday merry and bright? Then take your family and go bell ringing for the Salvation Army, or check out the stars from the Penn State observatory, or even call your grandparents. It’s that easy to be part of Generation to Generation’s mission to bring people of all ages together to build relationships and have fun.

Generation to Generation is one of eight nonprofit organizations being featured in this year’s Giving Guide. These organizations rely on grants and donations and face reduced funds and possible cuts in services due to the trying economic times. Readers are encouraged to learn about the organizations and their needs and consider remembering the organization or organizations of their choice with a donation during this holiday season.

For Generation to Generation — known as G2G—the need is more about time than treasure. “G2G is a special gift from the 20 founding members to the community,” said Lee, a local businessman who was instrumental in creating the non-profit 26 months ago. Chairman Joe DiVizia, who is also the Executive Director of the Luzerne County Office of Human Services, said Lee came up with the idea when he saw four customers sitting in his restaurant, all once-prominent professionals who were retired. “They had so much value left and nothing to do with it,” DeVizia said. “Eric said we have to do something for these people to have meaning in their lives.”

The initial plan was to find fulfillment for older folks, DeVizia said, but that changed when Bernard Walter, an attorney who specializes in elder law, suggested the Generation to Generation name. “When he did that, the focus shifted,” Lee said. “Now, we call upon the whole community to join us and get involved.”

G2G participants have enjoyed a wide range of events, from having children’s choirs entertain in nursing homes to participation in walk/run-a-thons to biking and skiing to trips to the Philharmonic and the Philadelphia Flower Show. Local colleges have partnered with G2G, too, with students from Kings and Wilkes helping carrying produce for senior citizens at Wilkes-Barre’s farmers’ market, a Chinese Moon Fest at Penn State and wellness programs at LCCC. “Misericordia had their prom and invited older folks like us to come, and we went and had a great time,” DeVizia said.

One popular function is the annual dance. “Our first dance, we had almost 1,100 people,” DeVizia said. “To see that many people of all ages and various cultures dancing together is amazing. There was one woman who was almost 90—she had one leg and she was dancing on crutches,” he said, “and then you go to the Heritage House and you see pictures of all those smiling faces from the dance on the bulletin board. It’s just phenomenal.”

“Where do you see grandmother dancing with grandson, granddaughter dancing with grandfather, three and four generations dancing together?” asked Lee. “It was very touching.”

“We had international students there dancing and the spirit of happiness was just something to see,” said Mary Beth Farrell, G2G Activities Chair and Executive Director of the Area Agency on Aging in Luzerne and Lackawanna Counties.

For Lee, who is humble about his involvement but over-the-top enthusiastic about G2G, something just as good happened in the weeks and months following the dances. He pulls out news clipping after news clipping of community activities not affiliated with G2G and shows pictures of multi-generational events—things like children dancing with seniors and older residents sharing local history with the younger generation—and shows them off proudly. “The idea has started growing. We want people to take these ideas and keep growing them, keep spreading them. Our mission is promoting intergenerational relations and family bonding. We want to remind younger people about the importance of keeping in touch with their elders.”

Their wish list is simple and for the most part, involves more time than money. Donations through the Luzerne Foundation would be appreciated and would help defray the cost of activities like trips for seniors who might not be able to afford them, but what G2G needs most is your time. “We are looking for people with trades, hobbies or interests that would be willing to share their interest and talent to teach others,” DeVizia said.

“One of our biggest programs going forward will be mentoring,” said Lee. He said one woman in Misericordia’s housing for young parents is a biology major who wants to be a dentist. “We’re going to connect her with a prominent local dentist who will be able to mentor her in how to pick a school and what classes to take, and we’re looking forward to six years from now when she becomes a dentist and can give back,” he said. In the meantime, the young mother and her family will be Salvation Army bell ringers, one of Lee’s favorite inter-generational activities. “It all develops our mission and takes it forward,” Lee said.

“We want people to come forward. What ideas do you have? Share them with us,” Lee said. “For the older generation, join us. The world goes beyond your apartment. For the younger people, we need them to join us with their new ideas and help us promote this understanding between generations. Our dream is to try to make this a playground for the young and the old to be together so both can benefit from each other. Join us.”