WMAAA Student-filmed documentary with local seniors debuts on Thursday
Wed, Jun 10, 2009 
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BY MARIE HAVENGA
mhavenga@grandhaventribune.com
A film for the ages will premiere at 7 p.m. Thursday at Cinema Carousel, 4289 Old Grand Haven Road in Norton Shores.
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The intergenerational documentary was filmed by the West Michigan Academy of Arts & Academics middle school documentary film class last month. It features interviews with members of the Grand Haven Senior Center.
The debut for "The Oxymorons: Little Goes Big" is free and open to the public. Seating is available on a first-come first-serve basis, and refreshments will be served.
"We are wishing for a packed house to honor the students and their work," said Carolyn Gilmore, the Ferrysburg charter school's arts coordinator. "This is a documentary that revolves around connecting with senior citizens and connecting the generations."
Early last month, students sat down with senior citizens in a round-table question-and-answer session to discuss their teenage years. The youth and the gray-haired shared their hopes, dreams, memories and ambitions while student camera, sound and light crews filmed the hour-long interactive discussion.
The students appeared spellbound by stories of the past — including hearing about the first electric dishwashers, stories of World War II, and home and gas prices from days gone by.
Marjorie Larson recalled her mother first went to work during the war.
"It was the first time many of our mothers went to work," Larson said. "We could buy a three-bedroom two-bath brick ranch for $15,000. It cost 19 cents for a gallon of milk and gas was 4 gallons for a dollar. We also had penny candy."
Isaac Greenman, a seventh-grader, said he's always been fascinated by stories from the past — particularly World War II.
Netherlands native Jerry Schoenmaker remembers that fight firsthand. He served in the Merchant Marines.
"Sometimes the closest distance to Europe is friends," Schoenmaker told the group last month, while describing memories of British Spitfire planes overhead. "Wars have gone on over the ages. These are the ups and downs in life."
Doris Kelsey, 91, who also participated in the documentary, encouraged the youngsters to remember the important events in their lives — whatever they may be.
"You may be sitting in our position someday, and people will want to hear those memories," Kelsey said.
Gilmore said donations will be accepted at Thursday's premiere to support future endeavors between West Michigan Academy of Arts & Academics and the North Ottawa County Council on Aging.
The film was made possible through a Grand Valley State University grant.
"These students are trying to make a difference in the community," Gilmore said. "Watching this documentary, you will come to know these students and what they gain from this important community connection."
