
Open Doors
Meet Virginia

Ana Carolina González-Peña • March 29, 2024
Hi, I’m Virginia, and let me share my wonderful experience at the lottery event on March 16, hosted alongside the Princeton Art Museum and Princeton Human Services. Coming from Lawrenceville, I felt a deep connection to the community spirit that filled the air that day. Winning a beautiful fairy for my garden, and even a cake from Chez Alice, made the day truly special!
As a Venezuelan immigrant since ’78 who turned proud U.S. citizen, I’ve cherished the sense of belonging and togetherness that this country offers. That’s why I’m thrilled to recommend joining the community garden – a space where we can share the fruits of our labor, both literally and figuratively. It’s all about fostering connections, giving back, and growing together.
Events like these remind me of the beauty of community and the power of collective work. I’m grateful for the opportunity to share my story and encourage others to embrace the spirit of unity and growth in our vibrant community.
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GrandPals
GrandPal Christine Piatek
Christine Piatek was a GrandPal at Littlebrook School before the pandemic and eagerly rejoined when the program returned in full swing. Before retiring, she worked...
Ella Leving • Mar 20, 2025
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Open Doors
Frances
Frances: A heart full of dance and joy in Princeton We’ve had the pleasure of seeing Frances at the Suzanne Patterson Building’s Nutrition Program, and...
Ana Carolina González-Peña • Mar 18, 2025
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GrandPals
GrandPal Frank McBrearity
Frank McBrearity is pursuing a degree in MGA (Master’s of Grandparent Administration) and spreading joy one fist bump at a time. I believe I...
Ella Leving • Mar 13, 2025
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Open Doors
Meet Intern Sarah
Sarah Christensen, A Heart Full of Empathy and Service Q: Sarah, tell us a little bit about yourself and what led you to pursue a...
Ana Carolina González-Peña • Apr 21, 2025
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GrandPals
GrandPal Lois Gerstein
Meet Lois Gerstein, A former medical social worker with an MSW from NYU, she also ran a children’s bookstore, combining her passion for books and...
Ella Leving • Apr 08, 2025
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GrandPals
GrandPal Caroline Purnell
Caroline Purnell has been a GrandPal for the past two years. She is retired from teaching French, Spanish, and ESL for adults, and embodies a...
Ella Leving • Apr 03, 2025
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GrandPals
GrandPal Dave Olson
Meet Dave Olson, a recently retired Special Education teacher with a passion for supporting students of all abilities. Originally from the Philadelphia area, he began...
Ella Leving • Apr 01, 2025
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GrandPals
GrandPal Deb Pillow
Deb Pillow, originally from Michigan and with a background in teaching and storytelling, found her perfect fit in GrandPals after moving to Princeton from Arizona...
Ella Leving • Mar 27, 2025
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GrandPals
GrandPal Bob Swierczek
Bob Swierczek, a United States Navy veteran, resides in Princeton, where he selflessly dedicates his time to various volunteer roles. He serves as a crossing...
Ella Leving • Mar 25, 2025
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GrandPals
GrandPal Christine Piatek
Christine Piatek was a GrandPal at Littlebrook School before the pandemic and eagerly rejoined when the program returned in full swing. Before retiring, she worked...
Ella Leving • Mar 20, 2025
-
Open Doors
Frances
Frances: A heart full of dance and joy in Princeton We’ve had the pleasure of seeing Frances at the Suzanne Patterson Building’s Nutrition Program, and...
Ana Carolina González-Peña • Mar 18, 2025
-
GrandPals
GrandPal Frank McBrearity
Frank McBrearity is pursuing a degree in MGA (Master’s of Grandparent Administration) and spreading joy one fist bump at a time. I believe I...
Ella Leving • Mar 13, 2025
-
Open Doors
Meet Intern Sarah
Sarah Christensen, A Heart Full of Empathy and Service Q: Sarah, tell us a little bit about yourself and what led you to pursue a...
Ana Carolina González-Peña • Apr 21, 2025
-
GrandPals
GrandPal Lois Gerstein
Meet Lois Gerstein, A former medical social worker with an MSW from NYU, she also ran a children’s bookstore, combining her passion for books and...
Ella Leving • Apr 08, 2025
-
GrandPals
GrandPal Caroline Purnell
Caroline Purnell has been a GrandPal for the past two years. She is retired from teaching French, Spanish, and ESL for adults, and embodies a...
Ella Leving • Apr 03, 2025
-
GrandPals
GrandPal Dave Olson
Meet Dave Olson, a recently retired Special Education teacher with a passion for supporting students of all abilities. Originally from the Philadelphia area, he began...
Ella Leving • Apr 01, 2025
-
GrandPals
GrandPal Deb Pillow
Deb Pillow, originally from Michigan and with a background in teaching and storytelling, found her perfect fit in GrandPals after moving to Princeton from Arizona...
Ella Leving • Mar 27, 2025
-
GrandPals
GrandPal Bob Swierczek
Bob Swierczek, a United States Navy veteran, resides in Princeton, where he selflessly dedicates his time to various volunteer roles. He serves as a crossing...
Ella Leving • Mar 25, 2025
-
GrandPals
GrandPal Christine Piatek
Christine Piatek was a GrandPal at Littlebrook School before the pandemic and eagerly rejoined when the program returned in full swing. Before retiring, she worked...
Ella Leving • Mar 20, 2025
-
Open Doors
Frances
Frances: A heart full of dance and joy in Princeton We’ve had the pleasure of seeing Frances at the Suzanne Patterson Building’s Nutrition Program, and...
Ana Carolina González-Peña • Mar 18, 2025
-
GrandPals
GrandPal Frank McBrearity
Frank McBrearity is pursuing a degree in MGA (Master’s of Grandparent Administration) and spreading joy one fist bump at a time. I believe I...
Ella Leving • Mar 13, 2025