Two Greenwich High School 2024 graduates passed their torch for volunteerism to their younger sisters this week.
Scarlett Arlotti, Minnetta Arlotti, Gia Elezaj and Gemma Elezaj outside the Mews in Greenwich, where they launched their Glamour Gals initiative to combat isolation and loneliness among seniors. June 21, 2024 Photo: Leslie Yager
Minnetta Arlotti, who graduated Tuesday with her friend Gia Elezaj, said the regular visits to graduating classes at The Mews on Arch Street in Greenwich were the result of a project in the GHS social studies class taught by Courtney Powers.
Although the community volunteer work only required five hours, the visits were enjoyable and they decided to continue their visits.
Instead of starting a club at GHS, Minnetta founded a branch of GlamourGals, a national network of over 100 volunteer branches that connect thousands of teens in high schools and colleges with seniors in nursing homes, providing them with invaluable camaraderie and kindness.
In her penultimate year, Minnetta recruited eight more teenagers, including Gia, for the project in Greenwich.
Given that over 60% of seniors in nursing homes do not receive visitors, GlamourGals’ mission is to Seniors simply feel loved, heard and valued.
Scarlett Arlotti, Minnetta Arlotti, Gia Elezaj and Gemma Elezaj outside the Mews in Greenwich, where they launched their Glamour Gals initiative to combat isolation and loneliness among seniors. June 21, 2024 Photo: Leslie Yager
As awareness of the social isolation and loneliness of older adults grew during the pandemic, Minnetta and Gia realized the benefits of intergenerational connections and partnered with The Mews to offer manicures and makeup to seniors on the first Sunday of every month.
Minnetta and Gia — who will attend San Diego State University and the University of Mississippi, respectively, in the fall — then recruited their sisters, Scarlett Arlotti and Gemma Elezaj, to take over the management of the Greenwich branch.
In Greenwich, the girls provide companionship, entertainment and of course the GlamourGirls signature beauty experience that makes people feel special.
Minnetta Arlotti with a friend in the Mews. Photo contributed
This week, sisters Arlotti and Elezaj reflected on their visits to seniors at The Mews and some of the residents they met, including at least oneentenarian.
They said many residents spoke of losses, including those they had survived, close friends and spouses, and of being reluctant to make new friends for fear of losing them too.
“I feel like our visits give them the opportunity to make new connections without having to be afraid,” Gia said.
“It also gives them a chance to talk about things that have happened in their lives and make connections with us,” Minnetta said. “One woman shared that she danced and cheerled as a child, just like we did. It’s amazing to see how good people feel when they’re surrounded by young people – they feel young too.”
“Even some of the men come over and get their nails done and talk to us,” Gia said. “We set it up in the TV room and people always come over and talk to us.”
The girls said the residents were so grateful that one of them brought them a special manicure light so they could see their nails better.
Although the Greenwich GlamourGirls are not affiliated with GHS, Minnetta and Gia hope the effort will continue for years to come as they pass the leadership of the chapter to their sisters.
Gia Elezaj with a friend at The Mews. Photo contributed
Gia Elezaj with a friend at The Mews. Photo contributed
