On April 15th, we hosted a delightful event bringing together students and community members to paint flower pots for nursing home residents...

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SAGE and Grand Connections welcome a new school year! Older members shared with new members their experiences of participating various activities in the past couple of years. They also got to know each other through "speed dating"!  

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On Tuesday evening, 10/15/24, a record number of students and older adults got together to paint pumpkins! The room was full of lovely conversations and artistic expressions! There were so many creative arts made. 

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Students and older adults got together just before the final exams week on Saturday, December 8th, 2024 to celebrate the holidays and end of the fall semester with a cookie decoration party. It was both fun and sweet!

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Students and older adults got together on 2/6/25 to decorate Valentine's cards. A record number of over 30 people filled the room with artistic talents, creativity, and conversations. With each decoration, a personal message written on each card, we spread our love and make connections with an older adult who will receive the card delivered by AARP's Cupid Crew made up AARP volunteers and students on Valentine's Day. 

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Students and older adults got together on 2/8/25 at Barbara Ziemann's house to decorate more Valentine's cards. Barbara made a pot of delicious chili. Plus pizzas and desserts made by some AARP volunteers. We made another big stack of cards. All together for the two cards decoration parties, we made over 200 cards. 

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On March 15th, 20 people gathered at a big conference room next to Laura Armenta's studio in a historical building on Fulton Street. Laura presented a session on the cultural significance of weaving and knitting and how these crafts connect different generations and our communities together. After her presentation, people experimented with colorful yarns, especially finger knitting. 

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On April 10^th, 2025, SAGE and Grand Connections got together on campus to make tied fleece blankets. 28 students and older adults got together and spread out at four workstations. Each group matched the two sides of the fabrics, cut, and tied. Once they figured out exactly how to do it, they also started sharing stories of their summer memories while working on the blankets. The room was filled with warmth and laughter. At the end, there were 9 blankets made, which will be delivered to local homeless shelters and veteran homes in the fall. 

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The first SAGE meeting of 2025–2026 introduced new members to SAGE. Members of the Grand Connections program also joined the event. They learned about the exciting news and events that SAGE and Grand Connections had planned for the school year. There were fun activities to help everyone get to know one another. Of course, pizza and refreshments were served. It was a memorable evening with new and old friends. There were 26 total members present.

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The SAGE and Grand Connections together hosted a successful Pumpkin Painting social on October 23rd, with 24 people in attendance. The event fostered community and creativity, allowing participants to connect in a relaxed setting. We appreciate the strong turnout for this fall engagement activity. 

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On Saturday, October 25th, with the generous support from AARP, SAGE, and Grand Connections, they hosted their first Intergenerational Conversation Café at the Masonic Temple Building in downtown Grand Rapids. Twenty-nine older adults and students got together and shared delicious Mexican food from MeXo, enjoyed creative dances, and participated in two rounds of “World Café” style of discussions during which everyone got a chance to tell their stories and ideas while others listened without interrupting. The first round was about “Life and Lessons – The stories that shaped us” and the 2nd round explored “Future and Hope – Imagine what is ahead”. Many people came dressed in Halloween costumes, bringing so much more color and fun to the room. It was an afternoon well spent because it left everyone feeling more connected, inspired, and hopeful for the future.

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On November 20th, 2025, SAGE and Grand Connections got together on campus to make tied fleece blankets. There were a total of 24 members, including students and older adults got together and spread out at four workstations. Each group picked out their favorite fabrics and started working together. Each group matched the two sides of the fabrics, cut, and tied. Once they figured out exactly how to do it, they also started sharing stories of their memorable family holiday memories while working on the blankets. The room was filled with warmth and laughter. The blankets made will be delivered to local homeless shelters and veteran homes.

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