For nearly 10 years the walk has been so well received that April 24 marked the first spring walk in observance of Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month with Iowa Central and Friendship Haven residents, staff, and family members.

Near the front doors, a long line of residents waited throughout the lobby and hallway as each was paired with a member of the team.

The large group followed the 1-mile path along Kenyon Road and around the grounds of the retirement and healthcare center which neighbors the Iowa Central campus, admiring flowering trees and taking in the sunshine as students and residents learned that even across generations, they share things in common. One resident shared that she went to Iowa Central 50 years ago and another said she had attended Fort Dodge Junior College when it was in the high school.

Friendship Haven resident Dick Anderson was joined by Anthony Glay, a freshman from Grimes.

“It’s a pleasure to have these beautiful young people here today,” said Anderson. “We had a lot of nice conversation and really enjoyed this nice day.”

Glay echoed Anderson’s sentiments.

“He’s a really great guy,” Glay said of Anderson. “We talked a lot about his life, where he worked, where he lived and found out we were from towns not too far apart from each other.”

Mary Peterson chatted with Emmanuel Kipkogei as he pushed her wheelchair along the path.

“It’s exciting for us,” said Peterson. “I love seeing all these young people out here today.”

Peterson asked Kipkogei where he was from. She was quite surprised to learn he was an international student from Kenya.

“Oh, my goodness, Africa? I think you’ve traveled a long way to be here,” she said.

Kipkogei also appreciated the intergenerational experience.

“A very nice lady,” he said of Peterson. “It’s been a great time; I’ve enjoyed it very much.”

Along with walking for Parkinson’s awareness, Julie Thorson, Friendship Haven CEO said the intergenerational interaction is just as important for the residents and students.

“We are so grateful for our partnership with our neighbors at Iowa Central,” said Thorson. “For a few years we couldn’t have visits or events like these, so we appreciate the students taking time out of their day to walk and visit while they take part in intergenerational activities.”

As the students and residents waved goodbye, it was evident they were already looking forward to the next walk.

“See you in October,” they said as the residents headed back to their rooms and the students back to campus.