What better way to break the generational divide than with arts, crafts, and good conversation?
Children and seniors gathered in the dining room of Southfort Bend Gardens on Wednesday (Sept. 27) as part of the Seniors and Youth Networking Community (SYNC).
SYNC was created by Carole Bossert, a local teacher, nine years ago while she was teaching at James Mowat Elementary. Now she's a fifth-grade teacher at SouthPointe School.
"I've always had a really wonderful relationship with my grandparents, and I feel like its been so important and such an asset and wonderful thing in my life that I wanted to make sure that our students and seniors felt the same connection that I felt over the years," Bossert said.
Dozens of people, young and old alike, met in the early afternoon before introducing themselves and discussing hobbies, family, and even making a few arts and crafts. For many kids, this was their first time with SYNC.
Arabelle, one of the children who had been a part of SYNC since last year, says that her favorite part is the connections she's made.
"I really like to see the seniors. I like to hear their stories, and I really like to socialize with them and know what their life is like," Arabelle said.
One of the crafts was an orange "every child matters" shirt surrounded by feathers. Children were allowed to design their feathers any way they liked. This was in support of Truth and Reconciliation Day, which takes place this Friday (Sept. 30).
COVID threw a wrench at SYNC when the organization had to use internet messages and letters to allow kids to speak with seniors.
However, with restrictions lowered SYNC expects to have many more in-person events in the future.