Members of Lake Linden-Hubbell’s football, softball and basketball teams pose during a visit to Portage Point in Hancock Sunday. (Megan Gervais/For the Gazette)

HANCOCK — According to Ruth Ann Smith, activity aide at Portage Pointe nursing home, the elders are still talking about those youngsters who came to visit them on Sunday.

“They are still glowing from the event,” she stated with a smile.

The youngsters were around a dozen student athletes from Lake Linden High School who spent close to two hours on Sunday visiting with the residents at the Hancock nursing home.

It was part of the school’s leadership program and led by Brett Gervais, varsity football coach.

“We have a leadership program at the school, and the kids wanted to get out into the community and spread some joy,” he explained. “In the past, we have read books to the elementary school children and helped out with whatever is need at the school. But, this is our first time doing something like this.”

Gervais’s mom is a nurse at Portage Pointe, so this was an easy fit.

The student group included football, basketball, and softball players among other athletes. All were wearing their Lakes uniform shirts with pride.

As Smith showed the students around the facility and introduced them to the residents, the visiting students were able to swap stories about sports and school as exists now and then in the good old days.

“They were able to compare their experiences of growing up in the Copper Country with those whom the met,” noted Gervais. “There were lots of valuable interactions – complete with plenty of smiles and lots of laughs.”

Just ask Lakes’ sophomore football player Lukas Axford.

“This is a small part of our day here, but it means a lot to the residents especially those who have no visitors,” he said. “It is a way to show our support and appreciation to the community.”

Was it just a one-time visit?

No, according to Gervais.

“We are definitely planning on returning,” said the coach.

Smith couldn’t be happier.

“The stories here are incredible,” she said. “So any time we can make a difference, and affirm the importance of the lives of our elders here, is a good thing.”