Intergenerational exchange of Adopt a Grandparent Storytime brings joy to seniors

At least one Thursday every month, any resident can be a grandparent at Ridgecrest of McCandless.

And it’s all thanks to the Adopt a Grandparent Storytime, where people living at the personal care and memory care facility meet up with community members for singing, dancing and laughing.

“This program is fabulous,” said Kathie Salpietro of McCandless.

She was visiting her godmother and Ridgecrest resident Cathy Baysek, 84.

Salpietro said she can see the residents tapping their feet and swaying along to the music.

“It’s wonderful. I love watching everybody,” she said. “It’s beautiful.”

The event at Ridgecrest, held the last Thursday of every month, is coordinated through the Shaler North Hills Library and appears on its events calendar.

The storytime also is offered on the first Friday of each month at Arden Courts in Ross.

Kate Vander Plaats of Brighton Heights recently stopped by Ridgecrest with her daughters, Sonya, 2, Freya, 4, and Fern, 6.

“I love the idea, the ages coming together. It’s fun for everyone, and it’s a good way to bring cheer by bringing kids,” Vander Plaats said.

Joining her was Vander Plaats’ best friend, Laura Donath of Kennedy, and Donath’s daughter, Ruby, 4.

And Adam Baker also was there with his daughter, Zoey, 4, both of Shaler.

He said Zoey “loves the library” and decided to attend the event.

The intergenerational exchange is organized by Ingrid Kalchthaler, the library’s youth services coordinator.

Kalchthaler, originally from Shaler but now living in McCandless, said it’s all about relationships and people.

“It’s one of our most favorite programs. It works in so many different ways. It’s relational,” said Kalchthaler, who also serves as a pastor at Mt. Nebo United Presbyterian Church in Sewickley and Glenshaw Presbyterian Church in Shaler.

Karli Keller, memory care director at Ridgecrest, said the children give the residents joy.

“They absolutely love seeing the children. It brings back memories,” said Keller, who originally is from Shaler but now lives in the Creighton section of East Deer.

Kalchthaler reads children’s books to the kids, plays music and dances with residents and children. Her enthusiasm is genuine.

“We’re made for goodness,” she said.

Adopt a Grandparent Storytime is held from 10:15 to 10:45 a.m. on the last Thursday of every month at Ridgecrest of McCandless, 8870 Duncan Ave., McCandless, and from 11 to 11:45 a.m. on the first Friday of every month at Arden Courts, 1125 Perry Highway, Ross. No registration is required to participate. For details, email shaleryouthservices@gmail.com, call Shaler North Hills Library at 412-486-0211 or view the library’s online events calendar at shaler.librarycalendar.com.