Pawling Central School District

The Pawling Elementary School gymnasium hummed with conversation as families worked on crafts and enjoyed potluck-style snacks. All ages enjoyed "Making Memories with Grandparents," an annual event hosted on Friday, May 5, by Pawling Schools’ Stone Soup Committee.

Organized by Pawling School District Community Involvement Coordinator Joan Roberts, the event has been running for over 20 years and is a beloved tradition in the Pawling community.

“Making Memories with Grandparents” invites children in the community to join their grandparents for a unique bonding experience at Pawling Elementary School. This year's activities included cutting and decorating paper doll chains and creating word clouds – pieces of art featuring words that grandparents and grandchildren chose to describe one another. 

“The goal is to bring the community into the school district and create an atmosphere where children and adults learn something new together,” said Roberts. 

The night wrapped up with a round of musical chairs: a favorite activity that has become a tradition in recent years. The game was set to a playlist of requests that ran the gamut from vintage classics like "Tennessee Waltz" to "La Salsa Vive” and even the song "Peaches" from The Super Mario Bros. Movie.

Clearly the crowd favorite, the game prompted giggles and shouts as everyone danced their way around rows of chairs. The winners received thoughtful prizes: a photo frame inscribed with "Grandkids Make Life Grand" for Joseph Milord, grandfather to third grade student Sean Milord, and a Jenga game for second grader Noah Maucieri.

Though bonding and togetherness is the primary focus, there is a hidden academic piece as well.

“We always try to incorporate an educational element,” Roberts said. “The crafts this year focus on creativity, scissor skills, vocabulary and spelling.”

This aspect was not lost on second-time attendee Frank Valenta, grandfather to a Pawling Elementary first grade student.

“I was looking forward to seeing how her skills and interactions evolved this year,” Valente said. “Plus, I always have a good time when I’m with her!”

Though primarily geared toward elementary-aged students and their families, "Making Memories with Grandparents" is open to the entire community. This year's event saw over 160 attendees – the highest number ever – and Roberts looks forward to even more school and community involvement in the future.

“The kids and grandparents just love enjoying this time together,” said Roberts. “It’s adorable and a very special night. I love it and am proud to be a part of it.”

Special thanks to Joan Roberts’ husband David and son Colin as well as her friend and valued community member Camille Ludington for their time volunteering to make this year’s event a success.