Columns - 2016
January 2016
Today I googled “days to celebrate in January, and got a website called “wizzley.com” These are only a few of the holidays they listed.
Celebrating January Holidays If you’re looking for an excuse to celebrate this January then you’ve come to the right place as I’ve compiled a great list of cool holidays for you to pay homage to – some you may be familiar with, but many you have probably not heard of before. 1st January - New Years Day Make New Years Resolutions. 3rd January - Festival of Sleep Day 5th January- National Bird Day is a great excuse to teach your children about the birds in your own backyard or even to make a bird feeder to see what birdlife you can attract. 9th January - National Clean Off Your Desk Day 11th January - International Thank You Day 16th January - Religious Freedom Day- there are so many different countries around the world where people do not have the right to follow their own religious beliefs. This is something many of us take for granted without really thinking about it. Do Something to honor your religious beliefs. 24th January - National Compliment Day - Don’t forget the opportunities you have this day. The website also lists other holidays for the other days of Jan, but they did not list two of my favorites, both of which are very important. Martin Luther King Day- (A National day of service)Look it up on the web. There are so many things to do. 1. Look on the web for Martin Luther King Day. Learn about the history of the day, and why it is now a National Day of Service. Do something with your grandchildren, even if you dont live close to one another. Take pictures and start a MLK or TuB’shevat photo album. TuB’shevat - the Jewish Arbor day. 1. Plant a tree in Israel in honor of your grandchildren, 2. plant parsley in your house to be used at your Passover Seder.3. Make a pledge to plant a tree in the early spring with your grandchildren.4. Take a nature walk (if it isnt too cold where you live.) LAST SUGGESTION on this issue. Sit down with your grandchildren, or skype with them. Choose a holiday of your liking, one for every month of the year. Decide what you can do together on that day to make your house, your community, your world, just a bit better. Put the dates in your calendar and do what you discussed on the phone when the holiday approaches. And do it each year! |
February 2016
I will be 75 years old this month, and I have a request.
I want to share my joy of being 75 years old, and having my health and the health of my family at this time. I want to share the possibility of helping the world to become a bit better place because we are all here. I want to share this significant moment in time with those I admire. I want to make a large collage of people helping people, animals, the environment, etc. THEREFORE, I ask each of you to do an act of kindness, a project, something- during the next few weeks. Send three things to me, 1. A picture or a 1-2 minute video of what you, you and your children, grandchildren or your friends are doing to make the world just a bit better. 2. Write a very short note explaining what you are doing, and why.Write a couple of sentences that will make other people want to help your organization. 3. VERY IMPORTANT: Write the name and address URL ADDRESS and phone no. of the organization you are helping. (if the project is for an organization) I will then put together a collage of the pictures, for a couple of programs where I am teaching, and for advertising grandparentsforsocialaction.org and I will advertise the organizations so that others can help them too. (I will make some donations too) 4. SEND IT TO SHARON@GRANDPARENTSFORSOCIALACTION.ORG THANK YOU If I can get 75 pictures and projects, one representing each year of my life, that would be so so wonderful. |
March 2016
This year I celebrated my birthday at Bernie’s Book Bank. We had lunch there, and then everyone volunteered. Every birthday that we celebrate as we age can be an opportunity to help in a small way to do something to make the world a bit better. During this next year, I hope to feature places where you can go yourselves, and or take your family and/or friends to volunteer for a day. This place is a treasure!!!
Bernie's Book Bank facilitates the collection, processing and redistribution of new and gently used children's books to significantly increase BOOK OWNERSHIP among at-risk infants, toddlers and school-age children throughout Chicagoland. Thus far, they have distributed over 5 million books. They need volunteers to help to sort, pack, sticker, and send all the books out. |
April 2016
On April 10, I went to GOOD DEEDS DAY. What a fabulous event. Over 1100 people participated and did good deeds at 20 projects in the community.Projects included pet visits with the elderly, cooking and serving meals to those in need, playing games with special needs children and adults, and so much more.
In the morning, I accompanied a small group to the Chesed Fund. Chicago Chesed Fund helps those in the community through financial assistance and a warehouse of free groceries, household staples, used clothing, and furniture. They always need volunteers. If you would like to donate or to help out with your family, call at 847-679-7799. In the afternoon, I went to Bernard Weinger to help out with the projects. I could not begin to count the no. of people and the joy they all felt, and the help they all gave. I spoke to a 5 year old who was coloring a picture. “What is the for?” I asked. He said without hesitation that it was for children in the hospital. I asked some young children what they were doing with the plastic bags they were tying together. They knew they were going to be made into mats for the homeless or for people in shelters so that hopefully, no one would have to sleep on the ground. The workers were busy, and the staff was amazing. They made sure that each participant understood the importance of whatever project was on their agenda. There were collections, a blood drive, sessions for young people as well as for teens. Good Deeds Day was sponsored Through a breakthrough Grant to the Federation with the support and work of many different agencies, and coordinated through the dedicated work of Tov. About TOV: The Tikkun Olam Volunteer (TOV) Network is JUF's connection point for people who want to donate their time to help others in need. TOV places members of the Jewish community with Jewish United Fund/Jewish Federation affiliated agencies and with community service projects that need volunteers. Look on the website JUF.org/Tov to find places where your family might volunteer. And a massive thanks to all the Tov Staff and Volunteers for making this day possible in order to help thousands of people in the Chicago area. REMEMBER, IN REALITY EVERY DAY IS GOOD DEEDS DAY. TRY TO SHARE ONE GOOD DEED WITH YOUR GRANDCHILDREN EVERY DAY AND ASK THEM TO DO THE SAME. |
May 2016
Dear friends,
For the last two years, I have been lucky enough to work as the Director of the “Gifts” Program, a program designed to teach grandparents to inspire their grandchildren to be philanthropists and social action activists. We have developed a 5 week curriculum, have piloted it in approx 20 congregations, and have met with great success. Grandparents have told me their grandchildren are now philanthropists. They have said they have new-found relationships with their grandchildren. I have heard that people are engaging in more social action projects. They are thrilled that they participated in this program and have asked if we are going to do anything else next year. YES, we are sponsoring a symposium to be held at Beth Emet in Evanston. Note the breakout sessions for this symposium. They are designed to teach grandchildren and grandfriends of any age to put the “action” into social action. And the breakout sessions are being taught by amazing people. We hope you will attend and bring friends as well. This promises to be an enriching program. * The Symposium was on June 26, 2016. I look forward to seeing you next year! If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call Sharon Morton- 847-477-2955, or email sharon@grandparentsforsocialaction.org |
June 2016
I just returned from the the trip of a lifetime. My family and I went to Normandy to see my grandson play the sousaphone with the Iowa State Band on June 6, in Normandy, commemorating D Day. The enormity of thinking about what our ancestors did to make this world a better place is so huge- that the allied forces could coordinate an effort to end Nazism- Canadians, Americans, British- all working together. Thousands of people descended on Normandy in this huge effort.
There are not words to describe my feelings as I remember the days and the people that made our world safe (at least for awhile) We met veterans who were there- who saw the horror of people being killed around them, who persevered for the freedom of this world. I share this personal moment with all of you because it is important to remember. George Santayana said “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” I share this moment of my life because it was shared with a grandchild. Sharing experiences with grandchildren last a lifetime- for sure!!!! And finally, I share this story to remind us all to think about sharing moments of courage, commitment and love as to instill these values in the hearts and minds of our grandchildren. |
July 2016
People ask me- How do I let my grandchildren know how important they are to me, how much I love them. There are many ways. I share just a few.
You can have these conversations in person, on the phone, by texting or email. Try to set a once a week conversation time with them so that they stay connected. Quick ideas to show your grandkids your love!
September 2016
We often wonder what we can do to help our grandchildren become philanthropists and social action activists. (one who gives money, time, and voice to a project that is important to him.) Depending on your time, your interests your family’s willingness, these are a few ideas about the KIND of social action you can do with your grandchildren.
WHAT KINDS OF SOCIAL ACTION PROGRAMS MIGHT WE UNDERTAKE TO DO? 1. It is the Bold program that captures the imagination- like buying an ambulance for Israel, starting recycling in your business neighborhood, building a house for Habitat. 2. It is the simple program that doesn’t take a lot of time - like packing sandwiches or bringing in clothes for the poor. 3. It is the program that begins because of a commitment and then grows and takes on a like of its own, like a visit to a nursing home to hear immigrant stories and then continues because of a friendship. 4. it is the program that comes about because of a sense of outrage. It is the story of a 12-year-old who saw pictures of children working for a dollar a day and was reminded of the sweatshops in America and set a very large program in action to end child labor. 5. it is the program developed by a group of people who see the ‘big picture’. 6. It is a program that is fun, challenging, and very significant and spearheaded by one visionary. It is like the story of Ariana Handelman building a playground with an organization called Kaboom, in honor of her bat mitzvah. 7. It is a program that is incidental to other programs. As people assemble for birthday party, dinner, etc. they can easily sign a postcard or donate five dollars for a cause that is important to you and your family. 8. It is the program that we do with our friends, our family and /or with our grandchildren. Like trips to Washington to Congress, social action newsletters, hearing speakers, filling out surveys, participating in social action programs, participating in family discussions in regard to social action. ……. How do we know when we’re successful? Take pictures of the projects, write stories about your feelings about your work. Then discuss the question with your grandchildren. and do it again or find a new project to do. Good luck to you all, on whatever you do, and let me know what you have done. We would love to feature your family. 
November 2016
Earlier this month, I read an article on happiness. It spoke about happiness as an attitude of life. I asked why some people always complain about the "small stuff” in their lives, while others seem to have serious problems and still see beauty in the world. My mother died of cancer slowly and painfully, yet every day of her life she would look out the window and say, "Isn't this the most beautiful day that God ever made?" I then began looking for quotes on happiness and found many. These are just a few of them on which to reflect.
“Since you get more joy out of giving joy to others, you should put a good deal of thought into the happiness that you are able to give.” - Eleanor Roosevelt “Joy can be real only if people look upon their life as a service, and have a definite object in life outside themselves and their personal happiness.” - Leo Tolstoy “The greatest degree of inner tranquility comes from the development of love and compassion. The more we care for the happiness of others, the greater is our own sense of well-being. -Tenzin Gyatso, 14th Dalai Lama “Each morning when I open my eyes I say to myself: I, not events, have the power to make me happy or unhappy today. I can choose which it shall be. Yesterday is gone, tomorrow hasn't arrived yet. I have just one day, today, and I'm going to be happy in it.”- Groucho Marx “Knowledge of what is possible is the beginning of happiness.”- George Santayana I’ve discovered the secret of happiness is Learning how to glide I’ve discovered the secret of happiness is Just enjoy the ride Don’t let the journey be tainted by pride... I’ve discovered the secret of happiness is Not to mourn the past I’ve discovered the secret of happiness is Not to run too fast You can still beat them by coming in last ‘cause the secret The secret of happiness is… I’ve discovered the secret of happiness is Not to be afraid I’ve discovered the secret of happiness is All illusions fade Don’t fear the future you’ll just be delayed ‘cause The secret The secret of happiness is… Living in the now Livening in the times it takes to blink I think is how!!!! “Secret of Happiness” from the musical Daddy Long Legs. Music and lyrics by Paul Gordon, book by John Caird. Based on the novel by Jean Webster We are living in a stressful time now—but we must always remember to be happy with SOMETHING— and to be GOOD. And shortly, Thanksgiving will be here, so let’s remember on that day to be sure to express our gratitude for SOMETHING in our lives. |
August 2016
I take each grandchild on a trip to commemorate their tenth birthday. During the time we are away, we spend one day doing something good for the country or place where we are. In Mexico, we (along with several others,) saved 6 tiny baby sea turtles who were not strong enough to get out of their nest and get to the sea.
This was the last 10 year old trip of my life, as the last of my grandchildren is now ten. There is a saying in our tradition, “the last is the most precious” because it marks a moment that can Never be repeated again in any way. I have learned so much from each of my grandchildren as they were approaching their teen years, and we were in a week long setting- just the two of us. SO—I want to suggest a significant thought that I learned from my granddaughter. Journaling!!!!!!! My granddaughter journals every night-just briefly. She does it in 3 sections. 1. The GLOW- (the nice thing that happened during the day- the thing that happened for which she feels gratitude, the thing that she did that was helpful to another person..) 2. The hero- the person she will remember from the day, and why). The downside- (The thing about the day that was sad, or difficult for her). Every night, she would write in her journal and then read it to me. I hope I will now start to keep a journal of my own. I hope that periodically, she and I can get together to read our journals to one another. I hope that each of you and your grandchildren will start writing a journal- short, sweet, regularly, and I hope we find ways together to review parts of them. Then there was the story I heard on the trip of when my granddaughter found God, and prayer in her life—but that, as they say in stories, is another story for another day! 
October 2016
During September, I went to dinner in a gym at a church with Jews, Christians and Muslims. Each of us brought a dinner dish from our own tradition, and the food was truly a feast of cultures. We all sat at table with people of the three faiths, all people who are willing to help one another to make this world a better place. It wasn't fancy. When the 150 or more people all got up to get dinner, everyone stood in line talking to one another, and it WAS beautiful, and it was warm. And there was laughter, and there was concern for the world that was palpable. The people who spoke after dinner included a Rabbi, a Priest, an Imam, a Holocaust survivor. The speakers included young teens, and elders of all three communities. And when we left, everyone embraced and felt that perhaps there is HOPE for the world. There was certainly love.
The group is called "Children of Abraham Coalition". Consider learning about them and perhaps joining. Included is just a small clip of two young men talking about why they joined. Check it Out HERE 
December 2016
This week, my daughter and I went to “Newlifeforoldbags” an organization made up completely of volunteers. They are located in the city of Chicago, and would love to locate in the northern suburbs, as well. They have made over 3200 sleeping mats for the homeless. As we spoke to people there, they told us that some people come to crochet the sleepng mats. Some come to eat the snacks (all supplied by the volunteers) and drink the coffee and chat, others make the plastic yarn from which the mats are made (plarn) Still others make other things using this plastic yarn which is made from used plastic grocery bags. The bags are given to shelters, and they give them out to the homeless. The woman I spoke to said she has been volunteering there once a month for 6 years. It is awesome and inspiring to see what is happening there. In the next week, I am working with a couple of congregations to teach them how to make the plarn and perhaps how to make the sleeping bags. What an awesome project this is, and how wonderfully it can help the homeless.
Click HERE to learn more. |
January 2019
(This column is adapted from my dear friend, Alissa, the founder of AZspire, an organization that inspires and nourishes creativity)
At the start of the new year, many of us had lists of resolutions that we put together so we can start out fresh for 2019. Many lists look something like this: ✔️Work out ✔️Practice mindfulness ✔️Eat healthy ✔️Reduce Screen Time (still working on detoxing from my iPhone and iPad) It is a list of things we are going to do to be healthy and wiser from the year prior. This year I decided to set an intention, come up with a mantra or better yet I am putting out into the world my Wish for 2019. It is as simple as LOVE! 2019 is going to be about Love. Loving the people I’m with, loving myself, loving my children and grandchildren, loving what I’m doing, finding out what they are doing and loving that too, and letting them know. We know how very fortunate that we have grandchildren- Let’s be sure this year that we are there for them. Because they mean so much to me we can try to go out of my way to be there for them. We know we love them with all your heart. This year, remember to show them by saying it, by writing notes about it, by accepting that they can’t always answer us because their lives are busy, and always try to share the important values that we all hold dear. I wish for all of you a happy, healthy, productive and inspiring year of 2019. Bubba Sharon. 
March 2019
Bubba Sharon’s column,
Purim is a Jewish holiday that comes in the spring. It reminds us of the importance of women in our lives. Perhaps it is a time to thank the women in our lives- parents-children-neighbors- friends. Perhaps it is time to study famous women. Perhaps it is time to write stories of the women in our family that left a legacy to us, or to write our own story as a legacy to the next generation. — that we are to give gifts to the poor— that we are to exchange gifts with friends and neighbors, and to have fun with friends. See https://rac.org/holiday-guides-purim to see the many traditions that take place on this holiday. My own mother was one of the people I always remember at this time of year. She taught her family how to live and she taught them how to die. What a blessing she was, and still is, every single day. She died of cancer, slowly and gave me messages every day that I still carry with me - 38 years after her death. Each day, she said, “I am so lucky". One day, she said, "I have a wonderful husband and fabulous children.” How lucky is that?!!! Another day, she said, “You know, because I am dying young, I will never have to go to a friend’s funeral.”Still another day, she looked out her hospital window at the pouring rain, and said, “This is one of the most beautiful days that God ever made". and one other day, she said, “You know, I dont mind dying, the hard part is watching you watch me die. You have the hard job, the job of losing someone you love. Just know how much you are loved!!" And for the rest of the months she was in the hospital, she always shared another blessing, and another, and another. I pray that on this month of Purim, you will tell stories about the women in your life that you loved, and give small gifts to those who are still alive. 
July 2019
You can see opportunities for acts of kindness all around you. Acknowledge them when you see them. Don’t miss a chance to do one of them. Be sure to share acts of kindness with your grandchildren, and discuss them. Read the following stories. They are great- not so big- but great!!!
This woman has been on a three-year road trip documenting acts of kindness Mary Latham with Old Blue, the Subaru once owned by her mother that she's driving across the country while looking for acts of kindness.(Sarah Henry) By Cathy Free June 24After Mary Latham’s mother died in 2013, the New York wedding photographer spent several years feeling adrift, wondering how long her emotions would be so raw. Her mind would routinely go back to something her mom, Patricia Latham, had told her after the Sandy Hook mass school shooting in Newtown, Conn., in 2012. “I’d been feeling terribly sad about it, and she said, ‘Mary, there are always going to be tragedies in the world, but there will always be more good — you just have to look for it,' " Latham, 32, recalled. It took almost three years for Latham to truly understand what her mother meant. To honor her mom’s legacy of looking for goodness, she came up with a plan: She would pack a suitcase with several changes of clothes and hit the road in her mom’s blue Subaru Outback to drive cross-country in search of simple acts of kindness. Latham decided to call her road trip project More Good and document all of her stops on a website, with the goal of publishing a book to donate to hospital waiting rooms coast-to-coast. On Oct. 29, 2016, she set out in Old Blue from her family’s home on Long Island, taking along dozens of “More Good” T-shirts to hand out to people who followed her journey online and agreed to host her for two or three nights. She also packed the back of the car with a camera and several... Read More Here 
September 2019
I just found this on the website of the “daily Good” On the last day of the world I would want to plant a tree. -- W.S. Merwin
It is a wonderful quote. It reminded me that many years ago, I had an “end of the world” party— The invitation suggested that people come dressed as the person they would most like to be -and bring their most favorite food which can be served to the group- and write what they would like to do for the world- if it was getting close to the end of the world. When they all came together, we all commented on the costumes, we ate all the delicious, (mostly sweet) foods, and then had a conversation about what we would like to do to make the world better and how would we do it - and why. It was a great party idea, but more than that, maybe it is a good idea for a discussion with your grandchildren. Perhaps you can send a note, saying—'' This week, I am am going to call 3 people that I haven’t seen in a long time, and I miss them." Next week, send a text saying, “This week I am going to clean out a closet and donate some really nice clothes that I don't wear anymore to a shelter. “ Can you send a text once a week? Can you ask your grandchildren to send you a text once a week or once a month about what they are doing that will be helpful to you, to your friends, to your community? Let me know if you do it, and how it works. I recently read an article on happiness. It spoke about happiness as an attitude of life. It certainly fits as we approach Thanksgiving. I asked why some people always complain about the "small stuff” in their lives, while others seem to have serious problems and still see beauty in the world. My mother died of cancer slowly and painfully, yet every day of her life she would look out the window and say, "Isn't this the most beautiful day that God ever made?" I then began looking for quotes on happiness and found many. These are just a few of them on which to reflect.
“Since you get more joy out of giving joy to others, you should put a good deal of thought into the happiness that you are able to give.” - Eleanor Roosevelt “Joy can be real only if people look upon their life as a service, and have a definite object in life outside themselves and their personal happiness.” - Leo Tolstoy “The greatest degree of inner tranquility comes from the development of love and compassion. The more we care for the happiness of others, the greater is our own sense of well-being. -Tenzin Gyatso, 14th Dalai Lama “Each morning when I open my eyes I say to myself: I, not events, have the power to make me happy or unhappy today. I can choose which it shall be. Yesterday is gone, tomorrow hasn't arrived yet. I have just one day, today, and I'm going to be happy in it.” - Groucho Marx “Knowledge of what is possible is the beginning of happiness.” - George Santayana A thanksgiving assignment: As you get ready for Thanksgiving this year, write a note of gratitude to those who will be at your table and those you wish could be there. . Write a note of thanks to those who have already died, but who made us be the beautiful people we are— Read the notes at your thanksgiving table. Write a note to a young child telling him/her about the beautiful things that await that person in life. Write a note to yourself- a note of gratitude- or a note of thanks- or perhaps a note of forgiveness at this time of year. And last, write a blessing for all the people in this wonderful home- or city, or country, a blessing of love, of hope and of peace. Bubba Sharon 
January 2020
It is Jan— time to recount your blessings of the last year, time to sit with friends, children and grandchildren and remember their blessings of the last year.
There are a few categories of blessings we receive.
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October 2018
As part of GSA, I have told people people to start a philanthropy fund for their grandchildren. I tell them that I put $100 a year into the bank. My grandchildren can come to me anytime during the year and ask for money.
They need to tell me what they want to do with it and why they chose that fund. I ask if they are contributing any matching funds of their own, if they are asking any family members to match it and then I make the distribution, and write in a journal what they did with the money. Sometimes I take a picture of the service to the organization that they take on, and put it in their journal, or I take a picture of the letter they write to the organization telling them why they are a recipient of their philanthropy monies. We occasionally have a club meeting of my five grandchildren together. They can each share what they are doing and then they make decisions for the future. THAT IS THE IDEAL THAT I SET UP FOR ME AND FOR THEM AND IN MY MIND. But it doesn't always work. Sometimes I am too busy. Sometimes the children are too busy to even think about their fund. But it is in the back of our minds and we finally come back to it, because the goal is to KEEP TRYING!! I recently met Suzanne, a woman who heard me speak about the philanthropy fund. She thought it was a great idea. She gave her grandchildren some money. She explained to them the idea that philanthropy is giving money, service and "voice" to a project. They did a great project together. And when I saw her, she said to me, "I am a failure. I haven't spoken about it again." I told her that there are lots of things I want to do in my vision of being a wonderful grandmother and teacher of philanthropy, but sometimes, I just get too busy. I suggested that when she thinks about it, then she might do something then. I suggested rather than feeling bad for what she did not do, she feel good for whatever she did do!! As a matter of fact, I am going to write to my grandchildren now, and let them know there are only two and one half months left to spend this year's philanthropy money, and what do they want to do? Thank you Suzanne for reminding me that this is a process, and we just need to "keep trying. 
December 2018
I just read this article from the blog: Jewish Sacred Aging. Look it up. There are always wonderful bits of wisdom.This months guest writer was Sandra Taradash. I exerpt just one short paragraph from her story. Try it— your family will always appreciate it.
"I am a believer in our personal stories and their value and how they can add a new/fresh/inspiring viewpoint to those whose minds are open to life’s experiences. Tell your stories, the good ones and the bad ones. Share your thoughts in the moment and from “back then” so the listener hears the changes in your mindset and values that evolved, grew and matured. And those diverse elements are OK. Let those know you have developed with new and broader thoughts and ideas and that making mistakes are steps in the ladder we all climb to get to new heights. Expressing our regrets, mistakes and blessings show we are human. Suggestions for sharing: Talk to your children and grandchildren, nieces and nephews, friends. Gather a group who want to chronicle their experiences…. Write a journal to leave as a legacy, sit at your computer and jot it all down, print it and put it in a folder (or send it to your family) so it can be read…." February 2019
My favorite expression in life is, “There is a piece of the story that is missing.” By that, I mean to say that if someone is unkind to you, think about what is happening in that person’s life that caused him/her to be that way. Instead of attacking back, try asking if everything is okay with them. An example, a waitstaff person isn’t as kind as you would like. But we don’t know if she has a sick child at home, if she had to work a double shift, if she is going through a divorce, if the people before you were unkind to her. A wonderful Rabbi, (Rabbi Shanowitz of Highland Park, Ill.) told a large group of teachers that if that were to happen, we, as the customers have two jobs. The first is to try to make her smile while you are at her table. The second is to leave her a larger tip at the end of the meal with a little note, saying “I wonder if today was not a good day for you. I hope tomorrow will be a better day.”
Likewise, if your grandchild is having a bad day, how can you commiserate? How can you be gentle with the child? How can you share and empathize what is the problem and what is the hope for tomorrow. I thought of this column after reading an article about Patton Oswalt and a man who attacked him on twitter. He looked up the man, and found that the man had terrible health problems, and then Patten donated money to the man’s (Michael Beatty) Go fund me page. Look up the story. It has a lovely ending. I wish all of you kindness and joy and understanding in all of your relationships. Bubba Sharon. 
April 2019
My brother recently had a stroke. Mobility was okay, but memory was his main issue. His daughter, an artistic, caring art teacher made a family tree for him.
She put my brother at the base and then pictures of all his children and grandchildren on the branches. She put Velcro on the back of each picture. She also put a piece of Velcro under the pictures. Then she wrote words like ‘daughter” “son” “granddaughter” on pieces of paper. She also wrote each child’s name on a piece of paper also with Velcro. Then she put it together, and she and her dad played games to find who were the children and how were they related. Later, when his grandchildren walked into his hospital room, he would look at the chart and then say “hi Caroline” etc. It REALLY helped him to be able to remember who each person was. This would be great for a senior with dementia as well as stroke, and it can equally be wonderful for children who want to find an activity to keep a grandparent busy. My brother is doing very well now, and I think that a large part of this are the charts and games that the family made and played with him. 
June 2019
Gabe, 5th Grader from St. Louis
Here is Gabe's response when asked what advice he had on how grandparents can teach their grandchildren on how to be Philanthropists and Social Action Activists: Soon, the time will come for our parents and grandparents to "pass the torch" to the next generation of social action leaders in America, and we better be prepared. I'm talking about kids. When we arrive at the time when those who are now children become our nation's leaders, we must be sure that they have been prepared to get involved in social justice and politics. And getting kids prepared is very easy. When you attend a rally or a meeting of local leaders, take your grandchild along. When you go to a protest, or go out to vote at your polling place, or in a caucus, take your grandchild along. If you are knocking on doors for a candidate or issue, it is just as simple as letting them come with you. If your grandchildren come for dinner or a visit, talk to them about different issues they can relate to. They will be much more interested than you think. If we don't do this now, the next generation will be empty of something that we so sorely need: social justice, and those who are willing to step up and bring it upon us. The next decades will be very exciting ones in politics, and we will need leaders on both sides to make sure that the right things are happening. But this won't happen unless you do a very, very simple thing: just bring your grandchild along when you vote or campaign. Talk to them about issues. And soon, we will be sure that when the time comes, the next generation is willing and able to accept the torch with open arms and continue the work that everyone in the generations before us have started. 
I have been trying to diet for most of my life. I just found a tool that would help and would be easy and I feel so much better. Each day I try to write only 6 lines. I hope I keep doing this. Especially letting my grandkids know at least once a week that I am thinking about them. I feel calmer since I have been doing this
These thoughts help me to finish phone calls, to do any work I need to do, to spend some time reading, to de-clutter one shelf or drawer, or closet each day, to write a note to my grandchildren or to call them, or send a text to them or consider them in some way. I heard of a grandmother who wrote a quote to her grandchild each day. Sometimes the quote came from Jewish tradition, sometimes from movie stars, sometimes just a thought from her personally. He never forgot those notes and reminded her of them when she was very old. By having one thought each day about your grandchildren, your life will be richer. And if sometimes they don’t seem to recognize the goodness that you do, remember this short story that I heard long ago from Rabbi Mark Shapiro, a great Rabbi a great teacher. “When we plant flower seeds and cover them up, we only see the dirt. Then you water it and give it plant nourishment until the flowers blossom and grow. It is like that with children too. Sometimes they might say something that hurts our feelings, or that is not considerate. Then it seems like we only see the dirt in the potted plant. Finally though, if we keep them nourished emotionally, and feed them hope and love, eventually we will see the blossoms sprout and be beautiful”. 
October 2019
Leaving a legacy is so important - It can be in writing, in living, in loving— It can come from your talent, your time, or your treasure (not just money)
LEAVING A LEGACY Cus D’Amato was a famous boxing manager and trainer. He once said that a “hero and a coward both feel the same thing. It’s what they do that makes the difference. It’s what the hero does that makes him a hero and what a coward doesn’t do that makes him a coward.” What we feel is not going to leave a legacy, what we do or don’t do will. What do you want people to say about you when you’re gone? What story is your life writing that will be left for generations to come? These are deep questions to ponder about what kind of legacy your life will leave. Here are 10 ways on how to leave a legacy. 1. Live your legacy. Our children listen to us most intently by watching us live. So live with character, conviction, and passion. The most indelible legacy is the way that we live. 2. Live like you mean it. Engage this life with passion and gratitude. None of us know how long our lives may be. But we can leave the legacy of living like we care, and living in a way that honors our creation. People will remember how you live more than the details of your achievements. “Loving our spouse and our children with commitment and enthusiasm is a legacy like no other.” 3. Love like your life depended on it (it does). Even when we have nothing else to give, we still have love. Loving our spouse and our children with commitment and enthusiasm is a legacy like no other. 4. Keep a journal. Not a writer? No problem. Just develop the habit of keeping a regular record of what’s important in your life. One All Pro Dad we know simply kept notes in the front of his Bible. Jot down key events like births, weddings, and signal achievements, along with a comment or two. When he passed away, it turned out to be priceless. 5. Share the family stories with your children. Be an open book. Share your stories. Believe us when we say the kids prefer these even to Harry Potter, and the telling can become a conversation they value well into adulthood. 6. Be honest. Nothing communicates like authenticity. Share your failings as well as your triumphs. A legacy that speaks of transparency and an open spirit is a legacy that will benefit many generations. 7. Ground your purpose in a greater purpose. We each live a story. The best stories are grounded in principles and purposes that are timeless, and certainly bigger than we are. Live a story that lasts an eternity. 8. Give your family the gift of time. Most children and grandchildren remember presence more than they remember presents. Commit enough of yourself that your legacy is the fact that you loved enough to be there. 9. Live for others. The great legacies of history are people who dedicated their lives to the service to humanity. On a smaller scale (but no less important) is our service to those we love, to our family, friends, and community. 10. Talk about your vision after you have departed from this life. Share with your kids what kind of lives you would like them to live, even after you have died. Having those thoughts constantly play through your children’s heads can help navigate them as they face crucial choices. “What would Dad do?” is the most powerful legacy of all. 
December 2019
As we prepare for Chanukah, think of joy, of celebration, and learn about what we can do to make the world better.
Go to the website RAC.ORG/CHANUKAH. The site will suggest that you go to a different social action site each nite, and will list possibilities for you. Also, if you are in the habit of buying Chanukah gifts for your grandchildren - think about taking your grandchildren shopping for a gift for them AND a gift that they can donate to a shelter. OR buy them books that are classics that they will save for many years. Nursery Rhymes for younger children- Oh the places you will go for the older children. Get them started on a book series that they will love. Check with a librarian to know which series are great for young readers. Remember the wonderful books of our childhood- “The Bobsey Twins, or Nancy Drew, or the Hardy Boys. Not only will they enjoy the books, but they might become really good readers. You can also find the site "personalitzed story books” They have lots of interesting books, and iseeme.com has a book that is about changing the world with your grandchild’s name in the book. Parents have told me that they wish that grandparents did not always buy the products that need lots of batteries that have to be replaced, so think about the things you loved as a child or as a parent. Perhaps stacking blocks for the young children-perhaps an adventure with you for the older children-perhaps a journal or diary, so they will write their own stories, or dreams. And last, think about sending notes in the mail- (not just email) for each nite of Chanukah - They can be short stories about you, about your wishes for them, about anything you enjoy about them. They will love getting the mail. And if you light candles, then choose a theme for each night-Hope-Joy-Memories-Values-Friendships-Peace-Responsibiltiy-or anything you would like to discuss around your table. And I pray that you all have a happy Chanukah or Christmas, and that you have a fulfilling year ahead. Bubba Sharon 
February 2020
Grandparenting grandchildren who are being raised as Christians -- or Jewish -- or with no religion at all -- from a Bubbe who has been a Jewish Professional for the last 50 years.
I must start with a quote from Michael J. Fox: “My happiness grows in direct proportion to my acceptance, and in inverse proportion to my expectations.” We learn from this that we must always see the awe and the wonder and the magnificence of our grandchildren -- and not try to change them. We want to leave a goodly legacy that will sustain them in difficult times, that will help them to learn face the good and the difficult times in their own lives, to appreciate themselves and to respect all peoples, and, finally, to know that their place in this world is VERY important, that each and every person can have a share in making the world better. What are the values we want to impart to them? What are the stories we want to share? What do we want them to grow up to do--to be? and how do we do it?
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March 2020
We just celebrated Purim - a Jewish holiday that is very important to so many people. And we are told that when the world is finally at peace, we will only celebrate the holiday of Purim because it reminds us that we must always guard our freedoms because the world can turn upside down at any moment. 1. We are commanded to read the story 2. We are commanded to give tzedakah and to give gifts to the poor. 3. We are commanded to be happy - to eat and drink and enjoy our freedoms 4. We are commanded to give gifts of food to friends. I lived in Israel in 1989-90. I studied at Hebrew University. I lived a wonderful life - going to lectures, studying with new and old friends, celebrating Shabbat with friends every single week, being aware of the people, places, and times because I always knew that the year I spent in Israel was precious and it would end in a short time. And every Friday before Shabbat, I would write a letter home to my family telling them of my adventures. I missed them terribly during that year. (I guess it is like a snapshot of our lives - Each day is precious and we know that we are here on earth for a relatively short time, so we must cherish the people, the places, and the times in our lives.And we need to try to reach out to those we love, but don't see often because our lives are so busy). On Purim in Israel, I opened the door to my apt, and the hall in front of the door was filled with little gifts from my Israeli friends- of food, and a bit of tzedakah that I was supposed to pass on to the poor. It was just beautiful. When I came home, I shared the joy of that morning with my dear friend, Nancy. She told me she thought it was a beautiful tradition. Ever since 1990, that dear friend leaves some hamantaschen for me, and every year, I am near tears thinking of the joy I feel from her treat, of the wonderful times I had living in Israel, and every year, it is a reminder to me to reach out to those whom I love, and to those who need sustenance. Nancy has been doing this now for 29 years, and I am awed and amazed and astounded by her every single year by the continuation of a tradition that brings me such joy and such times of contemplation. Thank you my dear dear friend, and happy Purim to all of you!!! 
May 2020
IDEAS FOR LONG DISTANCE GRANDPARENTS
GRANDPARENTSFORSOCIALACTION.ORG (AND ALL GRANDPARENTS) Copyright grandparentsforsocialaction.org. Sharon Morton sharon@grandparentsforsocialaction.org These ideas are especially important at this time of Covid 19 because we can’t be with our grandchildren. 1. Tell them the story of the Rock in the Road. One day there was a avalanche of rocks that fell in the valley below. One of the big rocks fell in the road. One mad was walking by, and tripped on the rock and bumped his elbow. He got so mad, he kicked the rock and said some bad words and then walked away. Next, a woman came along the road, and she tripped on the rock on hurt her knee. She started to cry about how terrible in was that the rock was in the road and then she hobbled away. About an hour later, a little girl tripped on the rock. She turned around and said to herself. that rock is in a place that is dangerous for people. And she went back to to the rock, and she pushed and pushed and pushed until the rock wasn’t there to hurt anyone any more. 2. Discuss with them that there are many rocks (problems) in our lives. Which ones do we want to learn about and help others to make a difference in this world especially now at this time in our lives. Share your stories about making the world better, about what you learned from your own grandparents. Listen deeply to your grandchildren’s stories and write them down. Share a gratitude journal on the web to which you can each contribute. Establish a time each week to call your grandchildren. When you call, ask to speak with each grandchild, or one for each call. • Talk less, and be a non-judgmental friend. Listen, listen, listen, and ask lots of questions about what you hear. • And be sure to Support your adult children in honoring their values and choices. And one other idea at this time Here is an idea that take advantage of the story cited above, for long-distance grandparents to use to keep a strong attachment over distance: 1.Convene a family conference with children and grandchildren on the phone or in “zoom”. 2. Suggest that you would like to donate some money to a cause that would help people at this time.( If you have established a philanthropy fund for them, they can use that money too.) 3. Discuss what are the most important things to do NOW to help people in need. 4. Have them vote on which organization or group or individual they want to help. 5. After the money is donated, send them a note thanking them for caring, or think about sending each grandchild a book showing a child doing an act of kindness. OR buy them some chalk so they can write thank you on their sidewalk to mail people OR think of another thing you can do to help them continue to think of ways to help. OR perhaps the children can make a video like the one below and send it to you. AND perhaps schedule another phone call to continue the conversation. 
July 2020
As most of you know, I have 6 grandchildren, now ranging in age from 14-25. They all lived close to me when they were younger. Now I have one in Wisconsin, 2 in Boise, and the rest still in Chicago. In days gone by, they very often came to my house for Shabbat dinner which included lighting candles, saying blessings, and eating a meal together. I have missed that since the older children went away to college. However, after listening to the Grinspoon webinar last week, I decided I hope I don’t need to abandon the idea of Shabbat with my grandchildren.
As soon as I finish writing this newsletter, I will email my grandchildren and hopefully set up a weekly call for 20-30 minutes on Friday so we can discuss our favorite part of the week and/or a problem of the week, and then we can light candles together and say the blessing over the wine and the challah. When I was a little girl, Friday nite was my favorite time. It was the only nite my father was sure to be home because he worked so hard and so long. And we had wonderful discussions and he always gave us a “Friday Nite Surprise.” One week, he brought a beautiful stone for my brother and me, and he said he was thinking about us on his way home, and he found these beautiful stones for us. (As an adult, I had a stone collection for many years, and as my grandchildren were younger, they could bring me a stone, and then take one they loved for their collection. I wonder if any of them have a stone collection today. I will let you know if it works and if I will be able to celebrate Shabbat with my grandchildren again. 
September 2020
Connecting to Your Grandchildren During the Corona Virus and Afterwards
I couldn’t see my grandchildren these last months - so I decided I would try to connect with them by lighting Shabbat Candles together with them. My grandchildren range in age from 14-25, and one of them lives in Idaho with his wife. The others are all in the Chicago area. I sent out a note suggesting that everyone have a challah, 2 candles, a kiddish cup and wine or juice. Then one of my grandchildren said he would set up a zoom call at 6 p.m. for each Friday for a 45 minute meeting. Each week, one of us asks a question to the others. Where would we all like to travel together when this is all over? What are you doing to help your community during this time? What gives you comfort at this time? What has given you satisfaction at this time? Then we light the candles together, and say the blessings over the wine and the challah, and sometimes I tell a little story about my childhood. I have been so gratified that my grandchildren all want to continue to be a part of this every week. One other different story about connecting. A friend of mine lives in Chicago. Her very young grandchild lived in California. Every nite, my friend read a story to her grandchild at bedtime through Zoom. They did not actually see one another for many months, but when they did, the grandchild knew and loved her grandma immediately. The connection was invaluable. 
November 2020
I went to vote late in October. When I walked into my polling place, the local township office, I was so moved that there were people who were helping at the polls, that one trustee of the community was outside the polling place giving all of us coffee while we waited for our turn, and that all of us were willing to wait to cast our vote. And I loved seeing a few people who came with their young children (wearing masks of course) to accompany them while voting.
I was so happy to take the sticker that said, “I voted today.” I will discuss the importance of our votes to all my grandchildren. While there, I took a flyer that said "the need is local." And I thought, I can help my local community too. I called my grandchildren, and asked what can we each collect in our homes to give to people in need. They promised to collect something and I will pick it up to donate it to a local shelter. I also decided I would check out my house. I had ten coats from many years of wearing coats, and will give a few of them (all in perfect condition) to the shelter. I also had sweaters, scarves, hats, and slacks and shirts. I actually had 8 pairs of black slacks. I cant imagine why. And I had many toothbrushes and tooth paste still in their wrappers. (I dont know why) that I can give away. And as long as I am doing that, I will order extra food this week to include with the donation. It is so easy to do this - and I love that my grandchildren will be doing it too. 
January 2021
When I first started this organization, I said that a grandparent has the responsibility to help grandchildren to become aware of social action and social justice issues in the community and to help them to be educated about them and then to activate them to be involved so they can be part of the solution. That holds true more today than ever before.
I have spoken to many people about their relationship with their children and grandchildren and what they share with one another. One couple whose child is now an adult, said they always shared the community and even the world events with their son at a very early age, and they had discussions about what to do about them. That child is now an adult and is a philanthropist, and an activist. The Jan issue of Grandparentsforsocialaction.org newsletter has a resource from the Reform Jewish movement suggesting what are the issues, and what are the resources as we speak to our children and grandchildren. I only have one important suggestion before you speak to the grandchildren about these national issues. Speak to your adult children, the parents of your grandchildren and ask if you can do this. I also suggest that you send this January newsletter to your adult children so you can discuss these issues together too, and they can know what you will be sharing with your grandchildren. I hope that you all have a good New Year, the is healthy, fulfilling and safe. 
March 2021
A light column for the month of March, a month when weather is changing, when vaccines are becoming more available, when hopefully the world will begin to open up.
I just saw this sweet note from a story about a vice principal. My suggestion is that you read the story to your grandchildren, and ask a few questions depending on the age of the grandchildren. I include this because we can find stories, quotes, thoughts, activities that we can then use to elicit conversations with our grandchildren that are really awesome. IE: Last nite I was on my weekly Shabbat call with my grandchildren. I told them I was debating with myself whether I should leave them some money when I die, or whether I should give them some money now so I can see how they choose to spend it. The conversation was light hearted and sweet. Write to me and I’ll tell you more of the conversation. (And you must know that because my mother was very ill for a long time before she died, and because my mom had a great sense of humor, talking about death in our family has never been sad or difficult. So, back to the article I just found. 1. What letter would you like someone to send on your behalf? 2. (If the children no longer believe in the tooth fairy) Do you believe that people should write to imaginary helpers, or suggest continued belief in them? 3. What do you like about this story? (if you like it?) HART HIGHLANDS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL JAN 12 2021 Today one of Gavins teeth fell out while he was getting ready to eat lunch. Unfortunately it was lost in the classroom, and despite the heroic efforts of a fearless search team we were unable to recover it. As a trained vice principal and a AND A hobby dentist, , I CAN VERIFY THAT THERE IS DEFINITELY A GAP IN GAVINS TEETH THAT WAS NOT THERE THIS MORNING WHEN HE CAME IN. PLEASE ACCEPT THIS LETTER AS OFFICIAL VERIFICATION OF A LOST TOOTH AND PROVIDE THE STANDARD MONETARY EXCHANGE THAT YOU ORDINARILY USE FOR A REAL TOOTH. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at the address above Sincerely, Skandee M. Whitehead. 
May 2021
I have told you before that I have a zoom meeting with my grandchildren every Friday evening. We have been doing in now for about 5 months for 45 minutes or an hour. This is the order of the hour.
1. How was your week? 2. Say the Shabbat blessings. 3. The question of the week. My grandchildren range in age from 14 - 26 and they all seem to be really interested in all of it. They love to share their week with their cousins, and they share in the blessings. I have one Christian granddaughter in law and she baked a challah last week for the blessing time. But my favorite part is the question. This week, because it is Shavuot, I am going to remind them of the 10 commandments, and then ask- “What is the commandment that you choose to live by?” And I am not talking about the Big 10 - but rather, what is so important to you that you always want to do that? Next week, I will surprise them and have six extra candles, and I will light one for each grandchild as they tell me who died that they want to remember, and emulate in their own lives. Sometimes one of the grandchildren ask the question, but the wonder of that part of the zoom call is how they all listen to one another, and sometimes make kind comments about another one’s answer. Maybe one of the important parts of the call is to teach them to listen, and I LOVE to listen to each of their responses to any question that is on the table. It is memorable to me and I think to them as well. Maybe one day soon , I will ask the question, “What will you remember about these zoom calls 10 years from today?" I hope the answers will all be interesting. 
July 2021
There was a great movie long ago called awakenings with Robin Williams. I hope you can see it.
I feel like that is where we are right now. For a year, I shut down and I did not even mind it. I napped, read, watched TV, exercised, ordered food delivered to my house or my kids brought food over. I even lost weight , and saved a lot of money, and I talked to my grandchildren, but did not see them. And of course, if I did have to leave my house, I always wore a mask. I felt guilty much of the time because I wasn't doing anything to help other people, except sending donations sometimes. I relearned how to cook and I really enjoyed that. Now, suddenly, I can go out. I have been vaccinated, I don't need to wear my mask, and I love the FREEDOM that I feel. But I don't know how to adjust to the new normal. I am worried when I spend money to eat out, I don’t exercise anymore.I am not cooking anymore. I still watch too much TV, but now I feel guilty when I do that. I still haven’t started to volunteer in any meaningful way. I cant keep my house clean enough for me. I still don’t see friends and family like I did before covid. It is a very strange time, this coming back. And I would like to sit down with family, friends and for sure with my grandchildren and ask… What did you enjoy during covid? What worried or angered you the most during covid? What were you looking forward to during those days? What else do you want to share about the pandemic? Have you returned to your old life completely? What is even better now? What isn’t as good now? What will you always remember about the past year? How have you changed? What else do you want to share about this new/old time of your life? Share your life with your family before, during, and after covid with your family— the good news, the hardships, the sadnesses and perhaps the grief, and listen , listen carefully to one another, not to give advice necessarily, but to LISTEN, to SHARE, and to ACKNOWLEDGE once another. This will be a gift to everyone. Perhaps you and your grandchildren can write a children’s book together about living before, during and after covid. You can save it for when they will be adults and have children of their own and share an important part of their lives and yours. With great admiration, and appreciation and respect to all of you, Bubba Sharon. 
September 2021
As we begin to be able to be together again, can we meet for part of the afternoon or evening with a purpose? I had worked with a group of people last year to urge people to vote in the national election. On Sunday, Sept 12, we had a meeting to celebrate our work, our challenges, our successes. It was wonderful. As each person spoke, they thanked other people in the group. They discussed who inspired them to be social action activists. They applauded family or friends, and recognized that the journey to make this world better is both a privilege and a responsibility.
I share this story that was powerful to me because I wonder what and how we can do something like this with our grandchildren. We can help the little ones to just pick up paper that they find to throw it away. We can applaud their success at making the world cleaner. We can take them to vote with us and explain the importance of making wise decisions, With older children, we can encourage them to decide what is important to them, and to work on it with them. Awhile ago, one grandmother told me her grandchildren lived far away, so it would be impossible to do social action with them. Long story short, she went to visit. She started a philanthropy club for them, and they chose a project, did it together, and she encouraged them to continue the project, AND THEY DID. (Think about charting the things you do with them, or the things they do independently so they can be reminded of their successes, their experiences, their helpfulness.) And please, have celebrations sometimes to applaud and thank one another for inspiration to keep doing good work for themselves, their family, their community and for the world. Bubba Sharon 
November 2021
VALUES - Our values unite us - inspire us - and guide us.
This is a time in our lives to take the time to think about and discuss important values that we have received, that sustain us. (and that we want to transmit to the next generation.) What are the 5 most important values from this list; How do they influence your life decisions. What other values should be included in this list. Where did these values come from if they are your main values? Why might you want to transmit them to the next generation. Find moments in your life that the particular values are most important to you. When were they evidenced in your life, in the life of your family, friends, associates, grandchildren. Write the stories, or the reminder sentences that will recall the stories for you. Discuss them with your grandchildren. What are their values? How do they live them out? Partial LIST OF VALUES COMPILED BY 21/64 - ASSOCIATION OF SMALL FOUNDATIONS.
Thanks to 2164.net, grandparentsforsocialaction.org, for assisting in this project. 
January 2022
Dear friends,
Usually, I write several articles for you to read, to contemplate and/or to share with your grandchildren. This month, I decided to share several of the web sites that I visit in order to help to share ideas with you. I hope you enjoy them, and that they are helpful. I hope you sign on to a few of these web sites so that you can enjoy them monthly, and I hope that if you find a web site that is particularly helpful to you and your grandchildren, that you send it to me, so I can forward them to all of you. I wish all of you a happy healthy, safe and fulfilling New Year. KINDSPRING.ORG - a great weekly column of things that happen, that we can do to create kindness. HANDSON SUBURBAN CHICAGO - Another website that is interesting and important for Chicago area people. If you don't live the the Chicago area, I hope you can find an organization like Hands On to give you volunteer ideas, or else I hope this newsletter can spark an idea for you. INSPIRING QUOTES - CHECK IT OUT. Perhaps you can have a weekly meeting on the phone with your grandchildren where you discuss one of these quotes each week, or just talk about them with friends. 
March 2022
I am reflecting on the 14 years that Grandparents for social action has been in existence. Many things have happened.
One grandma and her granddaughter attended a session that I did at the "Chesed Fund” She said to her granddaughter, “This is the lady that made you a philanthropist” I asked the 10 year old what that meant, and she told me that her grandma comes for dinner every Friday nite and brings $5.00 each time. When they think they have enough, they decide how they want to donate it, by giving money to a shelter, or making gifts for the poor, or baking cookies and giving them out to shelters. She said, she and her grandma have a great time planning and doing the projects. One grandma said that she and her grandchildren started a philanthropy club. They meet 4 times a year to discuss how to spend the money they have, where to volunteer, and to whom do they want to write letters, or call to promote the ideas they have to make their community a better place to live. I could go on and on telling you the impact of grandparents, or aunts, uncles, or parents deciding to help their children to become philanthropists. This can apply to 3 year olds or to adult children. Just remember this quote that is on our business card "IT IS OUR PRIVILEGE AND RESPONSIBILITY TO TEACH THE NEXT GENERATION TO BE LIFELONG PHILANTHROPISTS AND SOCIAL ACTION ACTIVISTS AND TO EMPOWER THEM TO USE THEIR VOICES FOR ADVOCACY, THEIR TIME FOR VOLUNTEERING AND THEIR BANKS FOR HELPING OTHERS." 
May 2022
IDEAS FOR LONG DISTANCE GRANDPARENTS
GRANDPARENTSFORSOCIALACTION.ORG (AND ALL GRANDPARENTS AND PARENTS AND AUNTS AND UNCLES)) copyright - grandparentsforsocialaction.org. Sharon Morton - 847-477-2955 email - sharon@grandparentsforsocialaction.org Grandparents may be one of our country's greatest untapped resources. Grandparents are in a unique position in the family circle to provide a great service. Grandparents can bless the lives of their own or something else's children or grandchildren, as can aunts, uncles and cousins and grandfriends. Grandparents can be the anchor is a world of shifting values, and they bridge the generations. Grandparents are highly motivated to nurture, support and share their expertise and life experiences with their grandchildren. Baby boomers are retiring at a rate of 10,000 a day. Many are grandparents. They often have the education, the resources, and the desire to leave a legacy, to instill values in the hearts and minds of their grandchildren. Long distance grandparents need to plan to be sure their relationship is always strengthened.
JUST A FEW IDEAS: Here are some basic principles and practical ideas that take advantage of the factors cited above, for long-distance grandparents to use to keep a strong attachment over distance:
Gifts: Some ideas on this gift list come from grandparents.com. Check out the site for more long distance ideas. Check out http://multigen.roadscholaradventures.org for intergenerational travel ideas.
July 2022
We all hope our children and grandchildren will do mitzvot. A Jewish child is required to do mitzvot as he/she prepares for Bar/bat Mitzvah. Charlie and his family did a monthly project. They kept track of what he did and on the day of his Bar mitzvah, he passed out these pages to the entire congregation and suggested that these were all worthy projects, and people could sign on to do something similar if it interested them. I believe his family will keep this list forever, and perhaps go back to it at different times.
My suggestion is that you look at this list carefully. Show it to your grandchildren. Let them choose one of these projects, or discuss what other project they would like to do, and then write down all the information that will connect them to the important organization in the future. AND have them share it with their friends, their family. It doesn't have to be for a Bar Mitzvah. It can just be the projects of 2022, etc. Finally, Congratulations to you Charlie, on an amazing job. Well done!! You are inspirational to lots of people. Bubba Sharon 
September 2022
My first assignment as a teacher in 1961 was at a school in the inner city of Chicago. We collected every year for school children’s aid. (These children were needy recipients of this Chicago program, but nonetheless, I had to explain to my 1st grade class that if anyone had extra money to help children who needed help, they should bring it into school.
The very next morning, Tommy walked up to my desk and said he had money for the poor children, and he handed me a penny that was very hot because he had been carrying in around for a few hours already in his little tiny fist. I looked at him and he said, “It is important to help the poor children. I know how they feel.” And after I shed a few tears, I told him that he was a philanthropist, one who loves to be kind, and someone would REALLY appreciate his donation. It is now 60 years later, and I can still see Tommy’s beautiful, shining, happy face as I took the penny from him like it was just yesterday. I wish I knew what happened to Tommy and I pray that he, too, was helped along the way so that he could continue his acts of generosity and kindness throughout his life. That is my prayer for him! Bubba Sharon 
November 2022
Thanksgiving is a good time to think about the fact that a philanthropist is one who gives money, time and voice to a project that will make the world a tiny bit better. (the word philanthropy means love of humanity.) Thanksgiving is a time to express our gratitude for what we have. It is also a time to think about immigrants and try to make their lives a bit easier.
Perhaps it is a time to help someone who is have trouble reading, or to donate food to those who are in need, or to find those items that you don't use too much and donate them to a shelter. Ask your family: "What else is important as we get ready to celebrate thanksgiving." Very happy healthy and blessed thanksgiving to all of you. Bubba Sharon |
April 2020
As grandparents, parents and children, residents of the US and the world, we know that letter writing is getting to be a lost art, and yet, it represents an a form of connection that is so important at this time. I wonder what you and/or your grandchildren would write to the Corona Virus? I would suggest that you ask them.
For younger children, they could dictate to you on the phone, and you can write down their messages. And you both might write to health care workers, to teachers, to Drs., to first responders, to people who are in nursing homes, to elderly people living alone in your neighborhood, to the people who work in your local stores, to your mailperson, to a friend that you haven’t seen for awhile, You would be doing a good deed, an act of kindness, and we need to find ways at this time of the Corona Virus, to let people know we appreciate them. that we care, and it would add some purpose to these days of isolation. This is part of a letter written by Dawn Foreman who was taking a three day long distance class at Harvard. The assignment was to write a letter to someone. I have both shortened her letter, and adapted it for purposes of this newsletter. What I like about it so much, is that she points out positive things that are happening even at this MOST difficult time in our history. Dear Corona Virus: You have disrupted schools, caused mass unemployment, put millions of health care workers in harm’s way, Because of you, grandparents cannot hold newborns. Weddings cannot take place. Students cannot wear a cap and gown and graduate. There are no first kisses at the prom, no handshakes to mark a new job, and no one praying together at temples, synagogues or churches. No one can eat a hot dog on the opening day at Yankee stadium.But for all that you have done, look what has happened as a result of this sad time in our world. Children are actually spending time with their families now. Healthcare workers--our heroes--are revered and praised. Teachers, traditionally at the bottom of the professional food chain in regard to paycheck and respect, are honored much more, as parents realize the Herculean job educating children can be. Innovative American companies are repurposing their factories to now make ventilators and n95 masks. Pet adoptions across the United States are up as much as ten-fold in the past few weeks and some animal shelters are now completely empty. Tens of thousands in New York cheer out their windows for essential workers nightly. A chorus line of teachers wave enthusiastically to a parade of cars filled with their eager students riding by. Grandchildren are serenading grandparents while standing outside nursing home windows, holding handmade I Love You posters. A 7-year old in Maryland used $600 of his own savings to make care packages for seniors and feed 90 students. When bad things happen, we can get strong, get smart, and unite. We can do something, a little something to brighten another person’s day, to donate to a cause that is important to us, to shop for someone, to write a note, to tell a story to do something to alleviate the loneliness, or to answer the needs of a neighbor or a friend or a stranger. Dawn Foreman finished her letter by saying, This crisis will be marked as a defining moment in world history--where we took a ‘time out’ to protect, heal and save our neighbors. As Malcolm X once said, “When ‘I’ is replaced by ‘we, even illness becomes wellness.” I pray that you all stay well, find new ways to communicate at this time, and find ways to feel fulfilled at this time. 
June 2020
I first met Gabe at a consulation on Conscience in Washington D.C. (from the Religious Action Center) when he was only ten years old. He was taking notes, talking to congresspeople, and I asked him where he learned to be such a social action activist. And what advice he had for grandparents to teach their grandchildren to be like him. This is what he told me then: Soon, the time will come for our parents and grandparents to "pass the torch" to the next generation of social action leaders in America, and we better be prepared. I'm talking about kids. When we arrive at the time when those who are now children become our nation's leaders, we must be sure that they have been prepared to get involved in social justice and politics. And getting kids prepared is very easy. When you attend a rally or a meeting of local leaders, take your grandchild along. When you go to a protest or go out to vote at your polling place, or in a caucus, take your grandchild along. If you are knocking on doors for a candidate or issue, it is just as simple as letting them come with you. If your grandchildren come for dinner or a visit, talk to them about different issues they can relate to. They will be much more interested than you think. If we don't do this now, the next generation will be empty of something that we so sorely need: social justice and those who are willing to step up and bring it upon us. The next decades will be very exciting ones in politics, and we will need leaders on both sides to make sure that the right things are happening. But this won't happen unless you do a very, very simple thing: just bring your grandchild along when you vote or campaign. Talk to them about issues. And soon, we will be sure that when the time comes, the next generation is willing and able to accept the torch with open arms and continue the work that everyone in the generations before us have started. Look at what he does now: Pretty amazing young man. What are we teaching our grandchildren about being socialaction advocates, and philanthropists today to be ready for when the torch is passed. Local High School Senior Gabe Fleisher Launches ‘Wake Up To Politics’ Podcast Gabe Fleisher is the host of "Wake Up To Politics," a new podcast from St. Louis Public Radio. DAVID KOVALUK | ST. LOUIS PUBLIC RADIOSince 2011, Gabe Fleisher has written a newsletter called “Wake Up To Politics.” Though newsletters are aplenty, what makes this one unique is that Fleisher — now a high school senior — started the newsletter when he was in third grade. Fleisher first came to St. Louis Public Radio’s attention in 2013, when his newsletter had nearly 600 subscribers. Today, “Wake Up To Politics” boasts more than 48,000 subscribers. And in partnership with St. Louis Public Radio, Fleisher has now launched a political podcast of the same name. 
August 2020
A good friend of mine recently had a first grandchild who lives out of town. I wanted to get a gift that was special so that she could help her grandchild to grow up to value herself, to share with others, and to have a great relationship with her out of town grandma. So these are the gifts I bought for them.
First, I bought 2 copies of the book “PAT the BUNNY, one copy for grandma to read to her out of town baby from the time the baby is perhaps 6 months old. Each page has a task for the baby to do. When the baby pats the bunny, the grandma says. "What a gentle child!”. When the baby plays peek-a-boo, grandma says, “What a playful baby” When the baby smells the flowers, Grandma can say. “Oh, you love nature.” When the baby looks in the mirror, grandma can say, “Oh, see the kind child.” When the baby feels daddy’s face, grandma can say, “You are such a loving child.” and both grandma and the baby on zoom will have the book in front of them. I once saw a 2 1/2 year old who was then reading the book to herself as she had been taught. The toddler turned each page, did the action and she said out loud, “I gentle—I playful—I love flowers —I kind—I loving— etc. I wish all parents and grandparents would read this book to the very very young children very often. It has lasting value results. I also bought the book," The little Engine that could” a great book to teach the child the theme, “I think I can, I think I can, I think I can. And the last thing I bought was a bank from the company MOONJAR, It has 3 sections, save, spend, share. I believe the child can ge the bank at the age of 3 or 4. Once a child begins to have an allowance it can be put into this bank and the child hopefully will begin to understand that we have the privilege and the necessity, with our own money, to spend and to save. The child can also learn that he has the privilege and the responsibility to share with others. I hope all new grandparents think carefully about gifts they give to their grandchildren, not the electric expensive things, but things that will stimulate their imagination, that will help them in a gentle way to grow to be a responsible adult who cares about others and understands himself or herself. It is a wonderful blessing we have when we finally have a grandchild and we can, play, read and teach values gently to that child. Perhaps next month, we will discuss more of the excitement of being a new grandmother, or grandfather. 
October 2020
Ideas for conversations and actions with grandchildren around theme of Halloween
This Halloween is going to be different from others because of social distancing. What can we do this year that will be fun and meaningful to ourselves and others. What can we collect and to whom will we give them? perhaps all the pennies in the whole house for the next two weeks. our outgrown winter clothes, Now is the time when people might have to have gloves and warm coats}, books we dont read anymore, toys we don’t play with anymore, stuffed animals we no longer want there are children in shelters at this time who would love them. What can we read? Books that teach how you can make the world a happier place- BE KIND - can you name one? What can we write and to whom?— perhaps to a newspaper to suggest something important, to a relative, to a neighbor, to a friend or who else. Compliment everyone you see today. Buy some Halloween candy for a neighbor or friend who can’t go trick or treating this year. Buy some rocks, paint a kind message on them or just write messages on note paper and drop them off at friends or neighbors or send to a teacher or a grandparent. 
December 2020
Dear friends, I hope you had a wonderful Chanukah, and that you have a great New Year, and I hope next year we will all be able to celebrate with our families.
This year, I sent each of my children and my grandchildren a monetary gift for Chanukah. If you like this idea, you can use it for birthdays or any holiday, or special time. I want to remind them that even if I dont see them, I still want them to remember to be philanthropists, and to be aware of others in this world. This is a copy of the letter that each one received in the mail with a check. Dear ……….., Dec. 2020 Happy Chanukah to you. I hope that you will be having lots of fun during the holidays, and that life is good to you. I am enclosing a Chanukah gift for you, but because I know you are a philanthropist, I ask the following of you. As a reminder, a philanthropist donates time, money and voice.
I love you and hope your holidays are REALLY good. Bubba. 
February 2021
When I was a child, my family celebrated Shabbat. We said the blessings on Friday evening, and my father would give us a Friday nite surprise. That was VERY significant to my brother and me because my father was working and going to school at the same time and was so busy. We REALLY appreciated that he did that. And he gave us great presents. One time he gave me a diamond ring. (That is a dime and a ring).
One time he gave me a stone that he found on his way home from work. That gift encouraged me to start a stone collection as an adult. Then whenever my grandchildren came over, they could take one of the stones and put the pebble or stone they found in my collection. It was a great fun activity for me to do with my grandchildren. Fast forward, my grandchildren are now ages 14-26 and live in Toronto, Boise and Chicago. Three months ago, I called all five of them, and asked if we could celebrate Shabbat together for an hour each Friday evening. Every week, we have an hour long zoom call. (A GREAT CORONA VIRUS ACTIVITY WITH YOUR GRANDKIDS)First, everyone just shares what their week was like. Then we say the blessings, and then either I or one of the grandchildren ask a question that each person answers. Questions have been: “What do you value most in life?” “What is a very important value you learned from your family?” “What was a moment you will never forget?” “What would you do if you won a billion dollars?” If you cant think of questions, there is a company www.shluffytime.com. They have a product called THE SHABBAT BOX OF QUESTIONS. You can use is for Shabbat or any other time too. 
April 2021
Becoming a grandparent is perhaps one of the greatest times in our lives. We might have more time than we did when we were younger, we might have a bit more money. We might have more energy than our own grandparents had. Ours is perhaps only the first or second generation of grandparents where travel, reading, boundless energy, are so evident, and it is the 100th generation or more of our loving grandchildren as an extension of the love we have for our own children. I hope you can take the time to spend time and appreciate every second of every moment you spend with them. So when they are young, read picture books, join PJ library for grandparents. (They will send books to you that you can read to them, as well as give you ideas of ways to connect with your grandchildren. Other websies to check out include: RAGING GRANNIES, GRANDPARENTS’ LINK. GRAND MAGAZINE. JEWISH GRANDPARENTS’ NETWORK. GRANDKIDS MATTER. GRANDPARENTS UNLEASHED. and many more. Check them out. But know that this site, Grandparentsforsocialaction.org, is one of the only sites that is directed primarily to help grandparents to help their grandchildren become philanthropists, social action activists, and pursuers of gemilut chasadim, (acts of lovingkindness.) and value laden young people starting at a very young age, and for the whole lives. . Next month we will discuss questions that grandparents can help your young and even your adult grandchildren reflect on how they can help others, and yet care about themselves, how they can notice and respond to issues they see where they can help, and so much more. Until next month, I wish you health, safety and AN END to this corona virus. 
June 2021
As the country and the world begins to open up after corona virus, it is important to connect with relatives, friends and particularly, our grandchildren. It is time to reconnect with friends by phone or perhaps for a cup of coffee, or maybe just a note. One friend of mine sent me a monthly note- “ I am thinking about you.” She is one of the first people I want to see in person.. Personally, I haven’t seen most people in person for over a year, and I look forward to reconnecting. But I need to remember how to budget my time.. Reconnect with people who you care about deeply, but have not seen for awhile. Stay in connection with those you love.
AND, check in again with grandchildren whether they are close or far. try to write a short note each week. If they are grown and live away, send them a picture of themselves when they were young. If they are very young, be sure to call them even if the whole conversation is “What does a cow say? What does a dog say? etc” Just so you hear their voice and they hear yours. Remember, that the people who are suffering financially are still needing help. Can your grandchildren help you to decide where you might give a donation this month, or where you might volunteer to make a day a bit easier for someone else. If you have a friend who has no grandchildren, might he or she like to be included in a family volunteer day? And take an opportunity to take a walk with your grandchildren if they are close by, and appreciate the flowers, the trees, the birds, even the bugs. Enjoy the summer months and STAY CONNECTED OR RECONNECT. This is a unique and special moment. Enjoy the summer! Let me know how you are reconnecting with family, friends, Just write to sharon@grandparentsforsocialaction.org. 
1. If I see your young child, and he/she doesn’t respond to my hello, please don’t tell me the child is shy. You might say, “My child is very good.” Or you might just say “thanks for the comment.” or you might even just wave me off.” I believe that if we say something often to our children and/or grandchildren, they begin to believe it, or be that quality, so let’s think carefully before we label them. 2. When I have spoken to grandparents in a group, I used to ask the question, “What do you want your grandchild to be when they grow up?” and often I got the answer, “HAPPY.” I would say “Think again. Happiness is fleeting, and all of us are sometimes happy and sometimes, not. Rather, I would choose the answer to be GOOD, because if we are good, the hope is that we wll always be good! 3. I have learned (I hope) never to ask a question if I wont accept a particular answer in response. (See no 2 above) Questions could be open and you can appreciate the answers. If someone disagrees with you, you can say, "Oh, I see it this way” or whatever you can say to suggest that there can be another answer, but not to be in a position to just say “WRONG.” Now when I speak to groups, I sometimes tell them about no 2. above and say I won’t ask the question because I just want to tell you what I think about this one issue, and then I go on with my topic. 4. Take the time to tell your children and grandchildren you love them at the end of each conversation, and sometimes in the middle of a conversation. Take time to applaud their successes, and tell them to try again when they fail. When a baby is just learning to walk, every time they fail and fall down, we say ‘Good job!” and then we help them to stand up and try again. Somehow, at some age, when they fail, we might say things that are deprecating. I suggest that whatever you see or hear, that suggests they failed, you can say, “OK try again, let’s discuss how to do this a different way this time.” 5. Good luck with these thoughts. Let me know what you think of the suggestions, or send in your advice and I will think to respond to you and/or to post it for others to read. Bubba Sharon. August 2021
October 2021
VALUES - Our values unite us - inspire us - and guide us.
This is a time in our lives to take the time to think about and discuss important values that we have received, that sustain us. (and that we want to transmit to the next generation.) What are the 5 most important values from this list; How do they influence your life decisions. What other values should be included in this list. Where did these values come from if they are your main values? Why might you want to transmit them to the next generation. Find moments in your life that the particular values are most important to you. When were they evidenced in your life, in the life of your family, friends, associates, grandchildren. Write the stories, or the reminder sentences that will recall the stories for you. Discuss them with your grandchildren. What are their values? How do they live them out? Partial LIST OF VALUES COMPILED BY 21/64 - ASSOCIATION OF SMALL FOUNDATIONS. Tolerance - Respecting the beliefs, practices or innate differences of others. Courage - Standing up in the face of adversity. Leadership - Motivating others to work towards achieving a common purpose. Community - feeling a meaningful connection to a group of people. Personal growth and education - pursuing new skills and self-awareness. Tradition - valuing a practice, custom, or story passed down from generation to generation. Freedom - Having the ability to exercise choice and free will. Helping - Taking care of others and meeting their needs. Friendship - experience close, ongoing relationships Responsibility - Voluntarily doing what is expected. Justice - pursuing what is fair and morally right. Integrity - Acting in alignment with your deeply held values. Family - Caring for and spending time with loved ones. Loyalty - Being devoted to a person, ideal, duty or cause Obligation - Committing to fulfill a duty or promise. Thanks to 2164.net, grandparentsforsocialaction.org, for assisting in this project. 
December 2021
Every month is a great time to help someone, but December is especially wonderful month for celebration, and therefore, it is also a wonderful month to remind our grandchildren that we all have a privilege and a responsibility to help others. 1. Have a conversation about the following:
3. To get ideas, go to Volunteermatch.com. No matter where you live in the U.S., no matter what is your interest, they will list activities in your zip code, on your areas of skill or interest. 4. Then contact the agency or the person and ask if you can help. 5. AND PLEASE, TAKE PICTURES AND WRITE UP THE STORY OF WHAT YOU DO. SEND THEM TO ME sharon@grandparentsforsocialaction.org SO WE CAN PUT IT ALL IN THE NEWSLETTER . 
February 2022
A Note from Bubba Sharon
February is a time when we think about love. I looked up many quotes on love, on loving your neighbor as yourself. I also looked up quotes on kindness and even on bullying. One that I like was by a man name Allan K. Chalmers. He wrote that the grand essentials of happiness are: something to do, something to love, and something to hope for. Can we instill these three things into the hearts and minds of our grandchildren? Can we help them to know that when they help others, they feel better themselves? Can we read a book or see a movie and discuss what it means to our grandchildren? Be sure to call your grandchildren and tell them how much you love them. Tell them how proud you are of them. Tell them that who they are makes a difference to you and to so many people in this world, and that they make a difference to you and your life. A couple of short-but-true stories:
April 2022
Dear friends, I sometimes need to send a birthday or Bar Mitzvah or wedding gift to people when I cannot attend the special event for one reason or another. I often send a check and suggest the following: Congratulations on this wonderful occasion. I am sending you this check hoping you will spend some of the money on yourself because you deserve a special gift, and I also hope that you will send a small portion of the money to a charity that is important to you, so that others may also benefit from this special time in your lives. Please send a note to me in which you indicate the organization to which you chose to donate, and I will make an additional donation to them in your honor. I recently received this note from a young woman on the occasion of her Bat Mitzvah. I share it will all of you and I hope it will encourage you to do something similar knowing that not only is it our privilege and responsibility to help our own grandchildren, nieces, nephews, to be philanthropists and social action activists, but that we can also reach out to friends’ children and let them know that we care about what they do. She wrote, “Thank you for your thoughtful gift. The charity that I decided to donate is the Ronald McDonald house in Long Island. For my mitzah project, I'm donating items from a wish list that they provided. Guests coming to my event can also donate. Thank you for thinking of me.” (And to top it all off, the thank you note she sent to me represented a donation to the MD Anderson Cancer Center). 
June 2022
So how and why did I start to write the grandparents newsletter and speak around the country with accolades, and why do I continue to do it?
I started grandparents for social action when my daughter married an amazingly wonderful Christian man who I love dearly. They chose to raise their children Christian. They seemed happy when I invited them and their two young sons to my home for Shabbat dinner regularly. I babysat every Friday when my three oldest grandsons were very young. They either stayed for Friday night dinner with their family or if they left early we said the blessings before they left I bought them beautiful silver kiddush cups and we had grape juice and sometimes Challah and sometimes little goldfish crackers. I decided that it was important for me and for them to be a part of each others lives in a meaningful way and that's when I started grandparentsforsocialaction.org. I realize that almost all of the things that people call Jewish values are really universal. Therefore it became quite easy to teach them the values of kindness, generosity, empathy, caring, loving, generous, and so much more. And as they grew up I suggested to them that I would teach them how to be philanthropist, ones who give money time and voice to the projects that are important to them. I wrote a letter for a national magazine of how it was, being a Jewish educator, and the grandparent of five grandchildren two of whom were being raised Christian, and how did I feel about that. I wrote back that my hope for my grandchildren was that they grew up to be moral, ethical, philanthropic, and kind, that was my hope. And I hoped that I would be able to be involved in each of them becoming the kind of person that I would cherish every single day of my life, and that has happened. I am grateful to GSA and to all thoe who have written in with their stories showing their relationships with grandchildren or nieces or nephews. And I am gratified each day that I continue to write my stories and yours. 
August 2022
Viktor Frankl was an Austrian psychiatrist who lived through the Holocaust. He theorized in a famous book he wrote that the primary motivation of a person is the search for meaning in life. His book, "MAN’S SEARCH FOR MEANING” is profound. One quote of his that I found recently was something that would be wonderful to discuss in a book group, with friends and certainly with your older grandchildren or nieces or nephews. If we pay attention to this quote, it can alleviate some anger, some worry, and it can lead to our growth and happiness.
"Between stimulus and response lies a space. In that space lies our freedom and power to choose a response. In our response lies our growth and our happiness." Viktor Frankl 
October 2022
Another story from my first year of teaching 60 years ago!! I began teaching 2 years after the Lady of Angel Catholic School fire in Chicago that killed so many children. The school where I was assigned as a new 20 year old teacher was one of the biggest schools in the city with not too many exits. I was terrified to be responsible for 37 first graders (no aid, no helper) in a hallway that had a rather steep stairway to get out of the building. I spoke several times to my class about fire drills, and the importance of getting out of the school quickly if we ever had a fire drill. I did say that it would most likely not be a real fire, but we had to practice to make sure that we would always be safe if ever there was a real fire. I also explained that once we heard the fire drill alert, we had to line up quickly without a word being spoken unless it was an emergency and someone couldn’t walk. (The children always listened to me).
It was a wonderful place to teach in spite of the hardships of the community.) Anyway, an alarm rang. the children lined up quickly and silently and we were the first ones to be out of the building. Then I looked over my class. They were very proud that they had followed directions, and that they felt they would likely be safe if ever there was a real fire. Then I looked at Danny. He had a nose bleed and the blood was dripping down the front of his shirt and he was just standing still. After I was able to quickly stop the nose bleed, I asked him why he didn’t tell me as we were lining up. He said, “Mrs Morton, I knew it was important that we get out of the building fast. And I knew I was okay because I have had nose bleeds before. And I knew you would take care of me as soon as you were able to stop and look at all of us, so I did the right thing.” I was grateful that Danny knew I would take care of him as soon as possible. I had explained carefully the importance of a fire drill and didn’t scare the children at the same time. So the lesson of this story is the reminder that in this world today, we need to be careful to give our grandchildren as full an explanation as possible for their ages, try NOT to frighten them, and also be as reassuring as possible. Bubba Sharon 
December 2022
I was in Seattle recently, taking my grandson on his belated 21 year old weekend trip. We went to a the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation Discovery center. It is a fabulous place to help to remind our grandchildren about possibilities in life to help others. There was a section of the museum that suggested ways to volunteer, to learn to show kindness, to use of voice, to raise money or start action, to use our voice to make the world just a bit better. These were a few of the ideas we discussed there.
Create your own! Create a project idea by combining a problem you are interested in and something you'd like to do. Step one: think about what you like to do. Examples: I like to teach I like to share I like to draw. I like to ... Step two: what is a problem you would like to help to solve? Example: I want to help to protect animals. I want to help ... Step three: combine step one and two to create a project. Example: I am going to create messages using social media that share information and how to help local animal shelters. What I can do: ... Bubba Sharon |
