FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
VIRGINIA BEACH (June 5, 2014) – Westminster-Canterbury on Chesapeake Bay will open its doors June 10 to 5th graders at Seatack Elementary School for fun on the beach and two uncommon outdoor pastimes: bocce and croquet.
Members of the active senior living community, who frequently play bocce and croquet on Westminster’s green space overlooking the Bay, have visited Seatack several times to teach the youngsters the rules of both games. On June 10 from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm, the 5th graders will visit Westminster to celebrate their “promotion” to middle school, romp in the sand and play bocce and croquet with the residents.
“We are so excited to host the Seatack children on June 10,” says Elizabeth White, CTRS, the resident life director at Westminster-Canterbury, located at 3100 Shore Drive. “Our residents have enjoyed their visits to Seatack immensely and the time they spend with the kids.”
In bocce, most popular in Italy, players roll weighted balls and vie to come closest to a smaller ball, known as a jack. Croquet involves hitting plastic or wooden balls with a mallet through hoops (known as “wickets” in the United States).
“Our kids had virtually no experience with bocce or croquet but have been so excited to learn the games,” says Seatack Principal Mary Daniels. “Above all, they cherish the time and attention they receive from Westminster residents. It’s been a wonderful partnership.”
Many students at Seatack Elementary, located on Birdneck Road near General Booth Boulevard in Virginia Beach, come from disadvantaged backgrounds. Ninety percent receive free and reduced lunch. Despite living a few miles from the Oceanfront, many have never seen firsthand the Atlantic Ocean beaches nor those on the Chesapeake Bay, according to Daniels, whose mother is a resident at Westminster-Canterbury.
“It will be a terrific field trip,” says the principal, “and a fun way to mark the advancement to middle school. Through the partnership with Westminster-Canterbury, the children have gained mentors and learned sportsmanship. June 10 will be the true spirit of community.”
For the media: Please come to Westminster-Canterbury on June 10 at 10:15 am to see the residents and children play bocce and croquet. Excellent opportunity for photos, video and interviews with Principal Daniels and Westminster staff. For more information, contact Danny Rubin at Rubin Communications Group at 757-285-7617 or email danny@rubincommunications.com.
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