CRANBURY — Last week, Cranbury School kindergartners marked the end of the school year with a big goodbye from their GrandPals.
Since January, Barbara Adams’ and Pamela Szabo’s classes have been paired off with seniors from Cranbury and surrounding communities to spend time each week at the Cranbury Public Library to enjoy time reading aloud books and building friendships. This is the third year that GrandPals has successfully accomplished bringing the generations together.
The GrandPals program was initiated by Cranbury resident Anne Gordon. Her goal was to offer a program that would span the generations and give young children a special friendship with an older adult.
“What better way to do this than to read a book together,” Ms. Gordon said. “Special friendships are formed and a love of reading is shared. What a wonderful way to impact the life of a child.”
Jan Murphy, children’s librarian, selects a wonderful collection of books for the GrandPals program.
Each week the GrandPals choose different books to read to the children. Ms. Murphy is available to help with book requests, answer questions, and resolve any problems that might arise.
Ms. Gordon, along with GrandPal Betty Conover, is always looking for new adults to join the program.
“Just call me, Betty or the library to become a GrandPals volunteer,” Ms. Gordon said. “We’d love to have you join the fun.”
This year’s GrandPals were Judi Basil, Harry Bohrs, Edith Benning, Betty Carman, Betty Conover, Barbara Danser, Carol Durazo, Jean Dunham, Anne Gordon, Jane Holland, Angela Holman, Bonnie Larson, Rosemarie Mento, Ira Negin, Bea Newell, Audrey Smith, Ellyn Vogel, Ellen Yochelson and Mary Lou Young. Also, substitute GrandPals Mary Battles, Marilyn Brice, Chris Briggs, Margaret Condon, Harriet Covney, Phylllis Novick, Carole Vandercher, and Agnes Winchell.
