Whether it’s through traditional Iroquois (Haudenosaunee) crafts or through fun activities like bowling night, Danyelle Argese’s goal is to bring generations together.

“What I am focusing on right now are intergenerational projects so the Elders really interact with the kids,” Danyelle explained. “I think it’s important for them to interact with the children because there is so much they (the children) can learn from the Elders.”

Since December, Danyelle has been serving as the activities specialist at the Ray Elm Children and Elders Center. She’s already helped organize movie nights and soup-and-sandwich dinners for the Elders. She’s also made sure that the Elders, both Oneida Nation members and American Indians, who take advantage of the program, remain active and participate in various projects such as the no face doll classes hosted by Laurel Parker (Turtle Clan).

Before coming to the Oneida Nation, Danyelle served as a resident specialist for CNY Services for the Gateway House. She specializes in activities and art therapy, and had left a career as a graphic designer to work directly with people.

“My passion is working with people. That’s what I do. I absolutely love it,” she says. “And I grew up in Lafayette (near the Onondaga Nation), so I’m getting a chance to reconnect with families, and learn something new from the Oneida and Onondaga Elders.”

Soon Danyelle will be enlisting the Elders’ help for a fleece blanket project. The Elders will help create blankets for use in the Early Learning Center classrooms during nap time. The blankets will be presented to the classes in March.

The blanket project is just one of many upcoming events on the Elders’ calendar. Monthly events include pitch and pool tournaments, soup and sandwich events, and night at the movies. Danyelle is also busy planning a 3-day, 2-night trip to New York City. Intergenerational events include the annual Easter egg hunt and a BINGO day.

“I’m just so fortunate to work for such a great group of people, staff included. The Elders are a gifted and talented group. And they have so much to offer, so much to say, if we just take the time to listen.”

The Elders Program is part of the Oneida Nation’s Government Programs and Services department. Located at the Ray Elm Children and Elders Center, the program provides participants a daily meal and gives Elders the opportunity to take trips and participate in other activities.