Pen pals share Valentine's Day

A letter-writing program bridges the generations, as St. Paul's School students meet their senior correspondents.

By JULIANNE WU

© St. Petersburg Times, published February 15, 2000

SEMINOLE -- It didn't seem to bother Chris Kenny when Freedom Square resident Jo Cover gave him a big smooch on the cheek Monday. He didn't even try to wipe it off.

"Oh, dear," Mrs. Cover, 86, said, "I made a lipstick mark on his cheek."

Chris, 8, was one of about 40 second-graders from St. Paul's School in Clearwater who visited Freedom Square for a Valentine's Day party with three dozen residents and staffers.

Although it was the first time the schoolchildren and residents of the Seminole retirement complex met, they've had a special bond going since September -- as pen pals. The youngsters and adults correspond about once a month.

"This is my third year in this program," said Mrs. Cover, who was an elementary teacher for 35 years before retiring in the late 1970s. "I was never blessed with any children of my own, so I love to keep in touch with youngsters."

Chris, who plays left wing, middle defense and goalie in soccer, said he writes Mrs. Cover mostly about "soccer and other stuff. I also tell her about my pets. We have two cats and a dog."

Mrs. Cover replied: "I write him and tell him what I'm doing. Usually my letters are long ones -- aren't they, Chris?"

A tiny smile came over Chris' face.

Chris, who has grandparents of his own in Florida and Michigan, said he was happy to meet Mrs. Cover, finally. He even brought her a teddy bear and some candy.

One of the teachers, Betty Ann Southard, was all smiles as she saw the children go to their pen pals in Freedom Square's Roskamp auditorium.

"This is the most phenomenal program," she said. "I get goose bumps when I see the look of anticipation on the kids' faces. This letter-writing campaign also teaches the kids about life, love and emotions."

Later in the morning, she was given a Golden Hug award by Royal Ripley, who coordinates the program at Freedom Square with his wife, Vicki. Southard's fellow teacher, Winnie Abbott, got an Honorary Angel award.

In addition to getting to spend time with each other, the kids and adults enjoyed Valentine cookies and punch and had their pictures taken together.

As they waited their turn to get the snacks, Margaret Wright, 85, and pen pal Sally Case, 8, of Palm Harbor, engaged in some small talk at one of the large tables in the room.

"This is a real joy for me," said Mrs. Wright. "It's the first time I ever participated. It makes me think of my own grandchildren, who are all grown now. I wish I had been with them more when they were little."

Sally agreed with Mrs. Wright about the merits of the program. "I like to get letters," she said.

She promised Mrs. Wright she would try to come and visit her again sometime.

Before the youngsters boarded the bus for the return trip to St. Paul's School, they sang a Valentine song to the tune of "Happy Birthday."

"From this program, the children learn that the word "giving' doesn't mean just writing out a check," said Mindy Mast, a St. Paul's parent and program organizer. "It doesn't have to involve any money at all."

© St. Petersburg Times. All rights reserved.