For the last several months, I’ve been participating in a terrific inter-generational pen pal program through the Webster Recreation Center.
The program, organized by Recreation Supervisors Julie Schillaci and Daphne Geoca, connected 21 Webster seniors with a classroom of second graders at Autumn Lane Elementary School in Greece. When I heard about the program last fall, I jumped at the chance to help young people improve their writing skills and find out that writing can actually be FUN.
Shortly after the school year began, each participating senior was matched with a student, and we received our first hand-written letters in late September. In my first letter, I met Nataleigh, who asked me what my name was and if I had any pets.
Over the next seven months, we received, and responded to, five more letters. I don’t know about the ones the others were getting, but mine were covered in bright colors and rainbows, stickers and smiley faces, and surprise bears poking their heads up when I opened the envelope.
Nataleigh and I bonded over rainbows and cats, and shared things we liked and disliked. (She doesn’t like to read. I’m going to have to do something about that.) But the last letter was my favorite, because it included an invitation to an end-of-program reception when we would finally be able to meet each other in person.
So last Thursday the other seniors and I traveled to Autumn Lane Elementary and finally got to meet our pen pals. We gathered in the school’s gymnasium, the kids sang us some songs, and several of the students went up to the microphone to tell us all how much they enjoyed getting our letters.
After all the festivities, the kids served us some drinks and snacks, and we had some time to sit and chat. Nataleigh told me about her family and some of the trips they’ve been on, and about her friend’s dog Princess (who likes to follow her around and bites her nose, which is not too bad since Princess doesn’t have any teeth). I told her about the cats I foster, how much I love her rainbow artwork and the sparkly red dress she wore for the occasion. (Check out the slideshow below for photos.)
There was so much to talk about and the hour went by much too quickly. It was a delightful program which brought two generations together in a heartwarming way and formed what in some cases will surely be lifelong friendships.
Young Brooke T. summed it up perfectly when she stepped up to the microphone during our visit and gave the assembled pen pals some sage advice: “Sometimes you don’t make a friend with your eyes. Sometimes you can write your way to friendship.”
I’m already looking forward to being part of this program again next year so I can write my way to even more friendship.
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(posted 5/11/2024)
webster on the web 
Missy, I met you at the beginning while we waited outside. But I didn’t know it was you. (There are other Missy’s around) When I finally put 2 & 2 together, I wanted to say “Hi”, but you were busy walking back to retrieve your coat. This was a great experience. I would like everyone to have a chance to do this in the future. I learned so much from my pen pal. He was very talkative and polite. To you Missy, thank you for all you do keeping us up to date about the goings on in Webster. I read your email/blog every time it comes out. I just wish I could have said this face to face. Maybe next time.
Thanks for posting the group photo also. Thank you
Oh, what a nice comment! I wish we had had a chance to chat. Perhaps we’ll cross paths at the Rec Center some day? Are you ever there?
what a great idea do. Since the students tend to do everything on computers now a days. This gives them a chance to “write” I bet you all had to print since most kids can’t read cursive!! thx for sharing another great “local” event.
What an absolutely wonderful program! Such a great idea!
Thank you , Missy, for highlighting this wonderful program for children and “children at heart”. Loved Penelope, her special talents and jean jacket………..had mine on , too!!
It was soooooo good to see you!
Missy, great article! Sounds like a great conversation you had with Nataleigh ! I had a great time getting to know my pen pal Andriana ! The 2nd grade teacher, Mrs. Emily Mendolia, deserves a shout out as well for teaching and organizing all those 2nd grade wonderful pen pals we got to meet in person. Can’t wait to meet a new pen pal next year !
Julie Schillaci …Daphne Geoca Great job by these two from Webster Parks and Rec to organize and provide transportation to meet our pen pals in Autum Lane school in Greece.
Yes, agreed! It was a real team effort. Thanks for the comments!