One wouldn’t think a Towamensing Elementary sixth grade student would have a lot in common with someone 72 years his elder.

But when Brady Ivancich, a member of Towamensing’s “Student Lighthouse” team, sat down with Bob Bottcher, a resident at the Village of Palmerton assisted living facility, during a community service trip Wednesday, it didn’t take long for the two to find a shared passion.

Ivancich, a quarter midget racer, bonded almost instantaneously with Bottcher, a highly successful dirt modified champion who amassed 70-plus wins over a 23-year career.

“It was very cool to be able to talk about racing with Bob,” Ivancich said. “He’s a super nice guy and I really enjoyed our time together today.”

Their time together, however, was about more than sharing tales about the track. Towamensing students were at The Palmerton to help residents make pinecone bird feeders and play games such as Jenga and Yahtzee. It was a day that Bottcher and the other residents won’t soon forget.

“To see the kids’ faces so happy, that made my day,” Bottcher said. “I’ll tell you what, they are very good-mannered kids. It’s heartwarming to see kids behave themselves and really take an interest in you.”

Kelly Beblavy, Student Lighthouse advisor and a Towamensing fifth grade teacher, said before their visit to The Palmerton on Wednesday, students walked around the borough park to clean up trash, got a tour of the town’s library and participated in a scavenger hunt there.

“I hope the students take away a sense of community,” Beblavy said. “Palmerton is such a close knit community and sometimes being in Towamensing they aren’t as familiar with the town. So I’m glad we got a chance to come down and be entrenched in the downtown today. That is really what is at the heart of this trip today.”

At The Palmerton, students helped residents add peanut butter to the pine cone and dip it in birdseed to create a homemade feeder.

“When the students first came in, they were very nervous and their eyes were really wide, unsure of what to do,” Beblavy said. “Now, they have no problem going up to the residents and talking to them while making the craft and playing a game with them. It’s nice to see them listen to the stories of the residents.”

Students ended their day with lunch at The Palmerton, while the residents got that special boost to brighten their day.

“People don’t realize the joy something like this brings you,” Bottcher said.