Briarcliff Manor - June 18, 2010 – In dialogues that crossed generational borders, graduating seniors from Briarcliff High School spent a recent afternoon delving into the backgrounds of four of those who call Elant at Brandywine their home.

Designed originally as a writing and interviewing exercise for an English class, the students came away with much more than originally expected. Afternoon discoveries included the knowledge that these residents who require nursing home care have also lived rich and interesting lives.

 “Everyone has a story to tell that is worth telling,” said Tom Kersting, the students’ English teacher. “The students were surprised that so many residents here were so young, but so resilient in the face of life’s challenges and difficulties.”

 Those who have persevered include Annette Stewart, who came to Elant at Brandywine for help in battling Multiple Sclerosis. Annette grew up in the Bronx, where she helped care for her brothers and sisters. That nurturing personality led her to a career in nursing. Eventually, however, Annette’s Multiple Sclerosis took a strong hold, forcing her to stop working.

Still, she smiles each day, bringing comfort and warmth to her fellow residents and the staff at Elant at Brandywine Nursing Home & Rehabilitation Center.

Annette was interviewed by Te’var Richberg, also a senior at Briarcliff High School.  “This was an outstanding experience as I was able to connect with the youth”, said Annette Stewart. “I discovered that I shared something with Te’var. We both have a love for English, and it made me remember my college days when I took English as one of my courses. I was glad that I could share my love for English and the arts with Te’var.”

After the meetings that spanned several hours, the students were charged with writing a formal memoir regarding the resident he or she had interviewed. Later those tales were delivered to the residents formally in the type-written form by Mr. Kersting. Each passage had been printed on parchment-like paper and inserted into blue presentation folders.

“These sort of intergenerational programs offer so much to both the residents and the students,” said Maura Brennan, administrator of Elant at Brandywine. “Residents enjoy the one-on-one interaction and the students gain a better understanding of the lives of those who have come before them.”

Elant at Brandywine is always interested in hosting children’s groups for intergenerational interaction. For more information or to schedule a visit, please call 914.941.5100 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .