BEYOND the BOOKS
two DriFters, oFF to FinD their worlDs
C
reATIVITY, CoMPAS-
faculty advisor for Sweet readers.
sion, and the company of
“one parent emailed to see if her
Middle Schoolers could
son could visit his adult during an
be keys to helping those
off-week, because he was afraid she
battling Alzheimer’s. That may be the case for a set of
have asked whether we can take pictures or write letters to send
teer with Sweet readers, an edu-
during the off-weeks, and say their
cation and assistance program that
boys are thinking/talking about
matches Middle School students
their adult partners ‘all week long.’”
with adults afflicted with Alzhei-
From the reaction of parents,
mer’s disease. The three-year-old
it’s evident that the program is hav-
program, which quickly grew from
ing a profound effect on members
just eight volunteers to more than
of the four 8th-grade advisories
600, uses an art-based curriculum
involved. For Zachary Mothner ’18,
to open discussion between the
the connection with senior linda
Sweet reader and the adult.
has been “wonderful.” “I’ve created a very close bond
creative human engagement is the
with my partner, linda, whose Alz-
least expensive and currently most
heimer’s is already quite advanced,”
effective way to help people strug-
Zachary said. “Although she may be
gling with Alzheimer’s and related
forgetting some things, she is very
disorders.
opinionated and loves to laugh.”
Participating in the program,
“There’s a portrait of Audrey
Brunswick students are paired with
Hepburn in the meeting room,
residents of Atria Stamford, an
and linda would remind me each
assisted-living facility. Atria houses
time we spoke how much she loved
a large population of residents that
Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Zachary
match the Sweet readers profile.
said. “After the first session, I
The Sweet readers program is
researched the movie and learned
centered on engaged, shared learn-
the first verse of the famous song
ing with participants collaborating
Moon River. linda surprised me
to create original works, while
when she joined in as I hummed
sharing their own life stories.
the tune. She remembered quite a
It reaches beyond performance to inspire meaningful connections. poetry, music — and, most of all,
Brunswick boys learn compassion
each other.
through public service. lucky 8th-graders involved with Sweet
the kids and parents has been
readers have made a lasting con-
amazing,” said erin withstandly,
nection with someone who truly
Middle School Spanish teacher and
needs them.
01 Caleb Osemober ’18 smiles alongside his
03 It’s all smiles for Amit Ramachandran
Photos by Sweet Readers
52
“I’ve created a very close bond with my partner, Linda, whose Alzheimer’s is already quite advanced. Although she may be forgetting some things, she is very opinionated and loves to laugh.”
More than simply completing a community service requirement,
new friend. 02 Sweet Readers uses and art-based curriculum to open discussion between Sweet Reader Hayden Hoover ’18 and his partner, a resident of Atria in Stamford.
03
few of the words.”
Participants learn to “read” art,
“So far, the reaction from
02
would forget him. other parents
Brunswick 8th-graders who volun-
research has shown that
01
B
’18 and his partner Eunice. 04 Duncan Darrin ’18 and his partner
share both time and life stories while collaborating on an art-themed project. 05 Charlie Russell ’18 and his partner display their art project.
TIMeS oF BrUNSwICk • wINTer 2013–2014
05
04