"The pizzas were great," said Belle Meade resident Bill Stockhausen, who added that the children had a great time during their visit and the residents enjoyed hosting them. He and his wife Joanne enjoy their new volunteer roles with their two young friends.
Resident Mal Owings, another friend, summed it up with his comment, "Passing on life experiences to a child is rewarding. It is an education for both of us."
The "Special Friends" program began several years ago at a local church. The schools felt the need to locate additional resources for selected children and Linda Hubbard, Volunteer Coordinator for Moore County Schools, initiated the program with Belle Meade. Hubbard spoke with Owings and Belle Meade Activities Director Ellen Hertlein and put Belle Meade and Carthage Elementary School together resulting in the formation of great friendships through the program.
"Not only are we having a lot of fun, but we emphasize the need for good academic records and encourage the students to work hard and perform well,” said Tony Paz, Food Services Director and "Special Friend" volunteer.
Karen Sue Wisniewski, Guidance Counselor at Carthage Elementary School for the past year and a social worker in Michigan schools for 12 years, believes that this is the best program she has ever been involved with and stated that the pizza party was absolutely fantastic for the students.
Belle Meade Executive Director Susan Melton agrees with the need and importance of this program.
"A primary focus of ours at each St. Joseph of the Pines facility is resident well-being and the well-being of the residents at Belle Meade is definitely enhanced by the opportunity to give to others in this "Special Friends" program.
