Prime Time Seniors to Bring Generations Together Through Skill-Sharing Classes

East Lansing seniors will pass their talents on to the new generation through a series of skill-sharing classes the Prime Time Seniors program will host in October.

The second annual series, which runs Oct. 6 through Oct. 8, celebrates lifelong learning and strengthens intergenerational relationships, as members of the Prime Time program volunteer to teach a life skill to elementary through high school-aged students and their parents.

There will be 12 classes offered, including watercolor painting, basics of carving, hand-crank sewing, origami, map reading and more. All classes are free, and unlike last year, parents are able to participate. Registration closes on Sept. 30 and people can register by emailing elprimetime@cityofeastlansing.com or calling 517-337-1113. A full schedule of classes can be viewed here.

Healthy snacking is one of the sessions offered by the Prime Time Seniors’ skill-sharing class series. (Courtesy photo)

“Having the kids and their parents introduced to seniors giving back to the community helps break down that stigma of ‘when we get older we aren’t needed anymore — that’s just not true,’” said Alesha Williams, director of the Prime Time Seniors Program.

For seniors, the skills-sharing classes help maintain a feeling of purpose, Williams said, adding that the experience also benefits children who have never interacted with seniors before.

“It can actually be scary for them, so the more interaction they have with a variety of ages is important for a child’s development,” Williams said.

Prime Time Seniors member Dawn Fleming feels similarly about bringing generations together, stating, “It’s good for the kids to be around older people, and it’s good for older people to be around kids.”

Dawn Fleming will teach a watercolor painting class at this year’s skill-sharing series. (Courtesy photo)

One of Fleming’s greatest joys in retirement has been becoming a member of the Seniors’ program. As a lifelong artist, she felt compelled to step outside her comfort zone and teach an art class last year as a way to give back to the organization that gave her so much.

“The Prime Time Program is one of the greatest things for being a senior in the Greater Lansing area, I’m not kidding,” Fleming said. “I have taken so many fabulous classes and met so many great friends – it has been really life-changing.”

Last year, Fleming had participants design cats using a pencil, permanent marker and watercolor paint. She highlighted that picking a simple subject was intentional so the children could complete the activity in the allotted time. She plans to lead the same activity this year but with a new design that is still to be determined.

“I think art is an important part of life,” Fleming said. “If people start enjoying art and having fun when they’re young, then hopefully they’ll continue being artists when they get older.”