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 deep passion for travel and multiculturalism.

“The half of the biggest thrill for me is watching the kindergartners come into the library for the first time. They are new to kindergarten and now are facing a room full of grandparent-type adults who will be their readers for the year. The other half of my personal thrill is seeing how far the children have come at the end of the year. They are no longer shy and reticent, but engaged and excited to have bonded with their GrandPal. I should say there is another component to my thrill: Seeing my kindergartner, now in first grade, giving me a big hug in the hallway! To me, that’s going full circle, watching these unsure kindergartners develop confidence and reading skills while giving us GrandPals such joy and happiness.”

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 just two-and-a-half years ago. With two married sons and four grandchildren spread across the country, GrandPals allows her to indulge her love for books and young children while enjoying retirement in Princeton.

“Frances is such a sweet and enthusiastic kindergartner and listener. He has a vivid imagination and loves books. The week before spring break, I asked him if his family was going to do anything special or go anywhere over spring break. With his usual enthusiasm, he replied, ‘Oh yes, I think we’re going to the beach. And I told my daddy I wanted to take my GrandPal.’ What a thought!!!
P.S. I didn’t go 😉 but it really touched me to think he wanted to include me.”

Joan Kuskin is the grandmother of five wonderful adult granddaughters, and have very much missed the experience of reading to them as young children. It is therefore not surprising that her GrandPal day has become the highlight of her week, and has been since she began volunteering in 2019.

“GrandPal day is definitely the highlight of my week. The smiles, hugs, curiosity, and skills of these extraordinary kindergarteners touches my heart.

This year has been especially rewarding because of Lillian, who presented me with my very own ‘Jackson Pollack’ after our holiday break. She and her sister were inspired to create this after their Grandmother took them to tour his house and work in Long Island.

Lillian’s dream is to become an artist, and so each time we meet she brings me another of her works, which I treasure. I am thankful for the GrandPal program which has brought joy to all of us who are involved.”

Ellen Gilbert is a retired librarian. She has been doing GrandPals for about a hundred-million years, and thinks it’s the bee’s knees.

“Early on, Camryn was quick to point out that something I described as ‘blue’ was actually teal. I understood right away that this child was unusually precocious. We were delighted to discover that we share the same birthday — October 13 — and even though he is six and I am seventy-one, we are the best of pals.”

GrandPal Frank: Spreading Joy One Fist Bump at a Time

In the heart of our GrandPals sessions, amid the pages turned and stories shared, there exists a moment of pure magic that captures the essence of our intergenerational bond. Meet Frank, a beloved member of our GrandPals family, whose simple gesture of a fist bump has become a symbol of joy and connection for both young and old alike. After each session, as the little munchkins bid farewell and form a line to leave the library, Frank does something truly special. With a sparkle in his eyes and a warmth in his heart, he goes over to each and every child, offering a fist bump that radiates love and affection. It’s a small gesture, but one that holds immeasurable significance in the hearts of those who receive it. What makes Frank’s fist bumps truly remarkable is the genuine excitement they evoke in every little reader. Despite the fleeting moments as they march off to their next class, the sparkle and joy in their eyes are palpable as they eagerly await their turn to exchange a fist bump with Frank. It’s infectious happiness at its finest, filling the room with laughter and warmth. As a witness to these heartwarming exchanges, I find myself unable to resist the allure of Frank’s infectious joy. At forty-eight years old, I too find myself drawn to Frank, eagerly reaching out for a fist bump that symbolizes the bond we share as members of the GrandPals family. In these simple yet profound moments, Frank embodies the spirit of GrandPals — a community built on love, understanding, and the joy of shared experiences. His gestures may seem small, but their impact reverberates far beyond the library walls, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of all who encounter them. So, here’s to Frank, our GrandPal extraordinaire, whose fist bumps remind us that true happiness lies in the connections we forge and the love we share. May his warmth and kindness continue to inspire us all as we journey together through the pages of life.

MGA, a Master’s in Grandparent Administration
by Frank McBrearity

Upon retiring from business in Connecticut, my wife and I moved to Princeton to be near our daughter’s family with three children. As we departed, I advised everyone that I was moving to Princeton to study for a second master’s degree, an MGA, a Master’s in Grandparent Administration, and a new direction. After arriving, I learned that the most admired programs are offered through the Princeton Senior Resource Center: the “GrandPals” courses at selected elementary schools.

I enrolled in the fall of 2019 and joined Anica and Aranya at a table in the library at Riverside School with several other GandPals. I read and shared important textbooks with two smart and engaging young people, who selected their favorite books and topics for each class. Each class was graded by the number of high-fives at the conclusion. In 2020, I became a “Pen Pal” with Eleanor. Five well-crafted letters were shared in January and February.

Classes were suspended during the COVID interruption, pausing my MGA effort. Classes are now resumed with Walter and Bodie, two bright and talkative young boys. They pick the books for me to read, and we talk together about the topics, our pets, and our favorite sports. I am pursuing my MGA with attention, appreciation, and generosity. Classes now end with many fist-bumps. It is sharing and caring. The many other Grand Pals join me in bringing generations together in the inviting atmosphere of the Riverside School.