The grandparent program started about three years ago. A fourth year nursing student at Dalhousie University sent out flyers to start a ‘grandparents go back to school’ program and Lorraine Lovett, founder of the Rustic Crafters Group, responded.
“I went to the school and started out with four students, teaching them rug hooking, which is what I love do to,” Lovett said. “They took right to it.”
Soon she realized more students were taking an interest, so she asked members of her crafters group to volunteer to join her at the school.
“Now we have seven to eight of us that go. It’s really wonderful because the children have such enthusiasm and are keen to learn,” she said.
Barton School has a positive environment, Lovett says.
“I just love going there. It’s not only what we’re doing, so much as the conversations that develop after awhile, it’s fun to hear the things students say and ask.”
Student Rylee Amon says spool knitting as fun and quiet easy to learn.
The program started in January and will run until April or so. Grandparents come by one day a week for an hour. Students are learning rug hooking, spool knitting and regular knitting.
Lovett would love to have a few male grandfathers volunteer as well. Those interested can call her at 837-7626.
