--- title: Island Park residents help students learn from the past thanks to the Legacy Memory Project description: Island Park residents help students learn from the past thanks to the Legacy Memory Project image: https://blog.aspiralife.ca/hubfs/CDHS%20student%20Henry.jpg --- CONTACT US **0800 920 2222** Search Sienna [CONTACT US](https://www.aspiralife.ca/contact-us/)     **[1-866-959-4848](tel:+18669594848)** [![Aspira-logo-lockup-RGB](https://blog.aspiralife.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/Aspira%20Logos/Aspira-logo-lockup-RGB.png?width=3368&height=1403&name=Aspira-logo-lockup-RGB.png "Aspira-logo-lockup-RGB")](https://www.aspiralife.ca/) - [Our Locations](https://www.aspiralife.ca/our-locations) - [Find your Local Community](https://www.aspiralife.ca/our-locations) - [Living Options](https://www.aspiralife.ca/living-options) - [Seniors Apartments](https://www.aspiralife.ca/living-options/seniors-apartments/) - [Independent Living](https://www.aspiralife.ca/living-options/independent-living/) - [Assisted Living](https://www.aspiralife.ca/living-options/assisted-living/) - [Respite Care](https://www.aspiralife.ca/living-options/respite-care/) - [Memory Care](https://www.aspiralife.ca/living-options/memory-care/) - [Plan Your Move](https://www.aspiralife.ca/plan-your-move) - [How to Get Started](https://www.aspiralife.ca/plan-your-move/how-to-get-started/) - [Feature Webinars](https://www.aspiralife.ca/Plan-Your-Move/Feature-Webinars) - [Affordable Options](https://www.aspiralife.ca/plan-your-move/affordable-options/) - [FAQs](https://www.aspiralife.ca/plan-your-move/faqs/) - [About Us](https://www.aspiralife.ca/about-us) - [Essence of Aspira](https://www.aspiralife.ca/about-us/essence-of-aspira) - [Our Blogs](https://www.aspiralife.ca/about-us/our-blogs/) - [Leadership Team](https://www.aspiralife.ca/About-Us/Leadership-Team) - [Quality](https://www.aspiralife.ca/About-Us/Quality) Search Sienna ![Aspira-Photo-Hand-Painting-04-LR (2)](https://blog.aspiralife.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/Aspira-Photo-Hand-Painting-04-LR%20(2).jpg?width=6327&height=4218&name=Aspira-Photo-Hand-Painting-04-LR%20(2).jpg "Aspira-Photo-Hand-Painting-04-LR (2)") After a pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Legacy Memory Project found a new lease of life this year, drawing participation from 19 students from Grades 11 and 12 at Campbellford District High School (CDHS). - - - [Innovative Programs](https://blog.aspiralife.ca/topic/innovative-programs), [Island Park Retirement Residence](https://blog.aspiralife.ca/topic/island-park-retirement-residence), [Intergenerational](https://blog.aspiralife.ca/topic/intergenerational), [Ontario](https://blog.aspiralife.ca/topic/ontario), [Retirement](https://blog.aspiralife.ca/topic/retirement), [Retirement Residence](https://blog.aspiralife.ca/topic/retirement-residence), [Retirement Living](https://blog.aspiralife.ca/topic/retirement-living) ## Island Park residents help students learn from the past thanks to the Legacy Memory Project June 28, 2023   After a pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Legacy Memory Project found a new lease of life this year, drawing participation from 19 students from Grades 11 and 12 at Campbellford District High School (CDHS). They had chosen to study Human Development Through the Lifespan, an elective course taught by Pamela Donnan, the school’s social sciences lead. ![CDHS student Henry](https://blog.aspiralife.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/CDHS%20student%20Henry.jpg?width=352&height=264&name=CDHS%20student%20Henry.jpg)Donnan opined that the project had a profound impact on the students' comprehension of the curriculum. “Meeting older residents and listening to their story, seeing where they are in their stage of life, helped the students understand the curriculum a little bit better,” she said. **Age is just a number** Bridging the chasm of time between the Interwar Generation and Generation Z is no small feat. Yet, this unique initiative between the Campbellford students and Aspira Island Park Retirement Living proved to be a deeply rewarding experience for all involved. As the students and residents recently discovered, age is just a number when it comes to sharing life stories and learning from one another. **“I have enjoyed it immensely”** Lois Heagle, a retired teacher - and Aspira Island Park resident - took great pleasure from her interactions with the younger generation, “I have enjoyed it immensely,” said Heagle. “I hope they enjoy it as much as I do because I just like people and I especially like kids.” Her enthusiasm and warmth are infectious, reflecting the undeniable success of this intergenerational project. **How learning about a person’s history formed a bond** Art Clarke, another retired teacher, was one of the residents who eagerly volunteered for the Legacy Memory Project. Both Art and the randomly-selected student he was paired up with, Autumn Convey, found their series of conversations to be inspiring and gratifying. Reflecting on his experience, Clarke mentioned, “It seemed like a neat thing to do … and I have not been disappointed.” Convey - who appreciated how Clarke offered her a portal into the past - echoed his sentiment. “I really enjoyed it,” she said “I love learning what people did back then and comparing it to now.” **“A shift occurs after that first visit”** Krista Hazlewood, the resident engagement manager at Aspira Island Park, felt a sense of achievement witnessing the students' growth. “When I picked up the students for the first time, they were dragging their butts a bit because they don’t know what they are getting into, they don't want to do it,” she said with a smile. “They are scared because they don’t know what’s behind these doors. But a shift occurs after that first visit. Soon they’re laughing on the way, talking about the experiences that they had with their senior friends.” **An important project during a demographic shift** Donnan acknowledged that the project was an excellent learning opportunity for the students, in her eyes it helps them by "pushing their boundaries.” Donnan added that “they get a lot out of it in the end because they are going to be working with seniors in some way, shape or form.” ![Student and Art](https://blog.aspiralife.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/Student%20and%20Art.jpg?width=353&height=265&name=Student%20and%20Art.jpg)As the 2021 census revealed, Canada's population is undergoing significant demographic shifts. Baby boomers are now older, and immigration is contributing to the growth of younger generations. These shifts hold significant implications for society as a whole, making projects like these even more pertinent. **Turning the tables** Aurora Medeiros and Amy Burley, two students who took part in the project, gained new insights into the lives of older generations and societal changes over time. Medeiros said, “It’s been a good experience. We found out a lot about Lois (Heagle) and what has happened in her life.” The last session of the project involved the residents turning the tables and getting to pose serious questions to the students. It led to a period of reflection and self-analysis. Lois Heagle, 88, humorously summed up the experience, saying, “I don’t know if they are having fun, but I am.” Her statement underlined the reciprocal joy and learning the project fostered, regardless of the age gap. [![Share on facebook](https://7528309.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/7528309/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mV0_d-web-default-modules_hubspot/img/facebook-color.png?width=24&name=facebook-color.png)](https://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.aspiralife.ca%2Fisland-park-residents-help-students-learn-from-the-past-thanks-to-the-legacy-memory-project%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook) [![Share on linkedin](https://7528302.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/7528302/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mV0_d-web-default-modules_hubspot/img/linkedin-color.png?width=24&name=linkedin-color.png)](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.aspiralife.ca%2Fisland-park-residents-help-students-learn-from-the-past-thanks-to-the-legacy-memory-project%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dlinkedin) ### Subscribe to Emails ### Popular Stories [A life of laughter, independence, and new beginnings: Mary Kleinschmidt’s story](https://blog.aspiralife.ca/a-life-of-laughter-independence-and-new-beginnings-mary-kleinschmidts-story) July 11, 2025 [Rose Dolgy: Still cracking jokes and enjoying life at 106](https://blog.aspiralife.ca/rose-dolgy-still-cracking-jokes-and-enjoying-life-at-106) May 21, 2024 [Love lives here at Aspira](https://blog.aspiralife.ca/love-lives-here-at-aspira-retirement-living) February 02, 2026 [See how our Sparkle Award winners shine](https://blog.aspiralife.ca/see-how-our-sparkle-award-winners-shine) June 25, 2024 [The secret to 105-year-old Edna's long life is to "work hard and play hard"](https://blog.aspiralife.ca/the-secret-to-105-year-old-ednas-long-life-is-to-work-hard-and-play-hard) August 01, 2023 ### Popular Tags - [Retirement (42)](https://blog.aspiralife.ca/topic/retirement) - [Retirement Living (42)](https://blog.aspiralife.ca/topic/retirement-living) - [Retirement Residence (26)](https://blog.aspiralife.ca/topic/retirement-residence) - [Inspirational Life (19)](https://blog.aspiralife.ca/topic/inspirational-life) - [Senior Living Options (18)](https://blog.aspiralife.ca/topic/senior-living-options) - [Independent Living (17)](https://blog.aspiralife.ca/topic/independent-living) - [Milestone Stories (12)](https://blog.aspiralife.ca/topic/milestone-stories) - [Ontario (11)](https://blog.aspiralife.ca/topic/ontario) - [Centenarians (10)](https://blog.aspiralife.ca/topic/centenarians) - [Awards & Achievements (7)](https://blog.aspiralife.ca/topic/awards-achievements) ### Subscribe to our Blog! ## Related Posts [Centenarians](https://blog.aspiralife.ca/topic/centenarians) - - - ## [The Order-of-Canada-winning humanitarian, centenarian and explorer who made a global impact](https://blog.aspiralife.ca/the-order-of-canada-winning-humanitarian-centenarian-and-explorer-who-made-a-global-impact) June 28, 2023 In Canadian medical history, few individuals have had such a meaningful and influential life as Dr. Robert O'Dowda Stephens or “Dr Bob” as he is more... [Intergenerational](https://blog.aspiralife.ca/topic/intergenerational) - - - ## [Let’s all go to the ball game: Harvest Crossing residents cheer on the Blue Jays](https://blog.aspiralife.ca/lets-all-go-to-the-ball-game-harvest-crossing-residents-cheer-on-the-blue-jays) June 28, 2023 In the golden years of life, every day is a chance to relive cherished passions and reignite old flames. For two women residents at Harvest Crossing,... [Centenarians](https://blog.aspiralife.ca/topic/centenarians) - - - ## [Family, farming and retirement bliss: A mother and son’s life at Hunter Village](https://blog.aspiralife.ca/family-farming-and-retirement-bliss-a-mother-and-sons-life-at-hunter-village) June 28, 2023 In the serene surroundings of Saskatoon’s Hunter Village retirement community, an extraordinary family story unfolds. Lyle Poley, an 80-year-old... ### Our Locations - [Find Your Local Community](https://www.aspiralife.ca/our-locations/) ### Our Living Options - [Senior Apartments](https://www.aspiralife.ca/living-options/senior-apartments/) - [Independent Living](https://www.aspiralife.ca/living-options/independent-living/) - [Assisted Living](https://www.aspiralife.ca/living-options/assisted-living/) - [Respite Care](https://www.aspiralife.ca/living-options/respite-care/) - [Memory Care](https://www.aspiralife.ca/living-options/memory-care/) ### Plan Your Move - [Getting Started](https://www.aspiralife.ca/plan-your-move/how-to-get-started/) - [Affordable Options](https://www.aspiralife.ca/Plan-Your-Move/Feature-Webinars) - [Aspira Resources](https://www.aspiralife.ca/plan-your-move/affordable-options/) - [FAQS](https://www.aspiralife.ca/plan-your-move/faqs/) ### About Us - [Essence of Aspira](https://www.aspiralife.ca/About-Us/Essence-of-Aspira) - [Our Blogs](https://www.aspiralife.ca/about-us/our-blogs/) - [Our Affiliations](https://www.aspiralife.ca/About-Us/Our-Affiliations) - [Leadership Team](https://www.aspiralife.ca/About-Us/Leadership-Team) - [Quality](https://www.aspiralife.ca/About-Us/Quality) - [For Investors](https://www.aspiralife.ca/About-Us/Sienna-Senior-Living) - [Join Our Team](https://www.aspiralife.ca/About-Us/Sienna-Senior-Living) [![Aspira-logo-lockup-RGB](https://blog.aspiralife.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/Aspira%20Logos/Aspira-logo-lockup-RGB.png?width=145&height=60&name=Aspira-logo-lockup-RGB.png "Aspira-logo-lockup-RGB")](https://www.aspiralife.ca) - [Privacy Policy](https://aspiralife.ca/legals/privacy-notice/) - [Sienna Senior Living](https://www.aspiralife.ca/about-us/sienna-senior-living/) - © 2022 - [Terms & Conditions](https://www.aspiralife.ca/legals/terms-conditions/) - [Accessibility](https://www.aspiralife.ca/legals/accessibility/) - [Sitemap](https://www.aspiralife.ca/sitemap/) [![Share on facebook](https://7528309.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/7528309/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mV0_d-web-default-modules_hubspot/img/facebook-color.png?width=24&name=facebook-color.png)](https://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.aspiralife.ca%2Fisland-park-residents-help-students-learn-from-the-past-thanks-to-the-legacy-memory-project%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook) [![Share on linkedin](https://7528302.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/7528302/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mV0_d-web-default-modules_hubspot/img/linkedin-color.png?width=24&name=linkedin-color.png)](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.aspiralife.ca%2Fisland-park-residents-help-students-learn-from-the-past-thanks-to-the-legacy-memory-project%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dlinkedin) [![Share on twitter](https://7528304.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/7528304/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mV0_d-web-default-modules_hubspot/img/twitter-color.png?width=24&name=twitter-color.png)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.aspiralife.ca%2Fisland-park-residents-help-students-learn-from-the-past-thanks-to-the-legacy-memory-project%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.aspiralife.ca%2Fisland-park-residents-help-students-learn-from-the-past-thanks-to-the-legacy-memory-project%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&source=tweetbutton&text=) [![Share on pinterest](https://7528311.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/7528311/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mV0_d-web-default-modules_hubspot/img/pinterest-color.png?width=24&name=pinterest-color.png)](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.aspiralife.ca%2Fisland-park-residents-help-students-learn-from-the-past-thanks-to-the-legacy-memory-project%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dpinterest&media=) [![Share on email](https://7528311.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/7528311/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mV0_d-web-default-modules_hubspot/img/email-color.png?width=24&name=email-color.png)](mailto:?subject=Check+out+https%3A%2F%2Fblog.aspiralife.ca%2Fisland-park-residents-help-students-learn-from-the-past-thanks-to-the-legacy-memory-project%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail&body=Check+out+https%3A%2F%2Fblog.aspiralife.ca%2Fisland-park-residents-help-students-learn-from-the-past-thanks-to-the-legacy-memory-project%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail)