CELORON – The Foster Grandparents gathered recently for an instructional in-service meeting. The Lutheran Foster Grandparents work one-on-one with children in need of extra attention to help them to be successful in school.

Recently the Grandparents gathered at the Celoron Community Center (the log cabin) nestled next to the Lucille Ball Memorial Park.

Lucille Ball was born in this little town and this where her old childhood house still stands. This park borders the lower shores of Chautauqua Lake and the Chadakoin River, and recently a new statue in her honor was dedicated during the 2016 Lucy Fest.

In an effort to make learning fun, it was decided to combine a luncheon and give everyone an opportunity to meet the new Lucy statue. The volunteers enjoyed the lunch, the “before school begins” instruction, the fellowship and an opportunity to view the new and old Lucille Ball statues.

The program began in 1965 as part of Senior Corps – a federal program guided by the Corporation for National and Community Service. In 1983, the project came to the Southern Tier counties of Chautauqua, Cattaraugus and Allegany as an outreach program of Lutheran who graciously continues to be FGP’s local sponsor.

FGP’s mission is to improve lives, strengthen communities and foster civic engagement through service and volunteering. A Foster Grandparent provides a child in need with intensive, one-on-one attention, something not always possible for a teacher with a classroom full of students.

Teachers and child care providers report that children make academic progress, learn social skills and find a compassionate friend in the Foster Grandparent program.

Foster Grandparents are welcomed in Child Care Centers, Head Start Projects and Elementary school classrooms. Anyone interested in joining the Foster Grandparent program, call Erin Green at 716-665-5354.

New federal guidelines welcome seniors 55 years old and above of moderate income to enroll. If eligible, seniors receive a tax-free stipend, transportation assistance and the love and respect of the children they serve and the teachers they assist.