Poland swimmers dive into community service

Photo

Neighbors | Submitted.Those participating in the event included Matt Robich, Kyle Kirin, Sam Cowels, Matt Misko, Noah Krausz, Celia Melillo, Jaci Mullally, Zoe Sommers, Maddie Walkama, Mirhanda Henneman, Nikki Kreatsalas, Cara Palusak, Kayleigh Lavorini, Anthony lattanzio, Kaelynn Weitzman and coach Kristen Kuntzman.

Photo

Matt Robich (left), Sam Cowels, Anthony Lattanzio (back left) and Noah Krausz joined the girls on the swim team as they spread Christmas cheer.

Members of the Poland swimming and diving team traded their swim suits and goggles for song books, as they spent Dec. 17 spreading holiday cheer at several assisted living facilities.

Head coach Kristen Kuntzman and 15 team members visited Sunrise Assisted Living and The Greenbriar Rehabilitation Center to serve as lunchtime entertainment. The students, dressed in Santa hats, sang songs, passed out candy canes and visited with the residents.

“The 80 residents love to hear entertainment of all types, especially youth groups. We are so glad the Poland team came and we enjoyed their singing,” said Bernadette Jones, program director from Sunrise.

Kuntzman said the swim team believes it is important to be a part of our community by paying it forward. The team would like to make this a yearly event.

That would be fine with Norma DeOerio, a nurse at the advanced specialty hospital at The Greenbriar.

“They brightened the patients’ day by singing Christmas carols during their lunch,” she explained.

While the purpose of the caroling was to brighten the patients’ day, Kuntzman reported that the smiles of the elderly residents brought joy to the students too.