Pierce Rosenberry, left, waits his turn to hug Lakeland resident Nancy Krygowski, center, as Parker Scherer, right, steals snuggles. The children in the toddler group were happy to show off their “nature” finds from their recent trip to the woods, handing over beehives and pine cones to Krygowski.

New Beginnings Preschool and Child Care in Milford had some special visitors Friday morning.

Three residents from the Lakeland Rehabilitation Center, Milford, traveled down the road to New Beginnings to visit with the young children, ranging in age from 6 weeks to 6 years. The residents were able to participate in various activities with the children, including puzzles, games and reading stories.

One Lakeland resident, Wilma Hostetler, was happy to simply hold a baby in her arms while rocking. Lakeland Rehabilitation Center’s employee Zoey Gingerich was on hand to assist the three women around the building, and even sat down to read a story to the pre-kindergarten students with resident Norma Fisher.

Nancy Krygowski had the most active group, spending her time doting on the toddlers at New Beginnings Preschool. One young lady handed over her prized baby doll for Krygowski to nurture, while another young boy couldn’t wait to show off his empty beehive.

Resident Wilma Hostetler was content to rock a small baby in her arms while she chatted with preschool employees.

The interactions were a mixture of pure joy and wonder for both parties, but there are health benefits to the visit as well.

“The children need a lot of exposure to other things that are out in the community,” noted Melissa Pilz, director of New Beginnings. Pilz noted the experience for the children, especially, is invaluable. Many children may have lost their grandparents or travel very far to visit with them, and the experience of bonding with people of a different age is a special one.

Lakeland will be back for a third visit May 22. It is something both businesses plan to continue.

For more information on New Beginnings Preschool and openings, call (574) 658-9440. For information on Lakeland Rehabilitation Center, call (574) 658-9455.

Wilma Hostetler, Lakeland resident, rocks infant Niles Kauffman while watching other little ones crawl around her.