GrandPals

GrandPal Caroline Purnell

Ella Leving • April 25, 2024

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.”

  • 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

    READ MORE
  • 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

    READ MORE
  • 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

    READ MORE
  • 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

    READ MORE
  • 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

    READ MORE
  • Open Doors

    Patrick Ryan

    Embracing Life and Connections: The Story of a Global Adventurer in Princeton Meet Patrick Ryan, a spirited Princetonian whose adventurous spirit and love for life...

    Ana Carolina González-Peña • Jan 15, 2025

    READ MORE
  • Open Doors

    Rosetta Bruce

    Rosetta Bruce: Embracing community and connection “I’m Rosetta Bruce. For many years, I’ve been involved with the Center for Modern Aging Princeton. Hosting lunches and...

    Ana Carolina González-Peña • Dec 19, 2024

    READ MORE
  • EmpowerHer

    EmpowerHer Speaker Series: Suzanne Ngo-Mandong

    Leadership in action: Suzanne Ngo-Mandong and the global fight for equity EmpowerHer, a series amplifying the voices of transformative women, welcomed Suzanne Ngo-Mandong to its...

    Ana Carolina González-Peña • Dec 16, 2024

    READ MORE
  • Rhythms and Roots

    Rhythms and Roots – “Khruangbin”

    Rhythms and Roots: A Musical Journey with Nick Khruangbin, A Global Musical Journey As part of our ongoing Rhythms and Roots series, this October, Nick brings us...

    Ana Carolina González-Peña • Oct 07, 2024

    READ MORE

BE THE FUEL

MAKE A DONATION TODAY

Your generosity is truly the fuel that empowers CMAP to change lives and to help older adults discover their “why!”

We invite you to donate to the 2023–2024 Annual Giving Campaign by June 30 to help us reach our goal.