‘Generations Together’

A first-time intergenerational event by the Old Colorado City Library and Westside Community Center went so well Sept. 28 that it could become an annual affair. LEFT: Sox the Fox (the Colorado Springs Sky Sox baseball mascot) makes friends with Cecilia Rico, a Midland Elementary fourth-grader whose face has just been painted. RIGHT: Old Colorado City Library Manager Jocelyne Sansing displays a ladybug-styled balloon that was made for her during the 2 1/2-hour event in the Westside Community Center. Westside Pioneer photo LEFT: Michael Tyndall and Ryan Maestas look on as Deegan Flores begins a Ukemi forward roll over Tyler Rodriguez as part of an Aikido martial arts demonstration. (Aikido classes, open to all ages, are taught at the center by Robert Mendiola.) RIGHT: Levi Giffin, 9, demonstrates a skill he recently taught himself - how to make a balloon shape behind his back while bouncing on a pogo stick. Westside Pioneer photos        Tiffany Paisley, the library staffer who brainstormed the 2˝-hour gathering at the center, said about 100 people attended, and those she talked to liked it.        Called “Generations Together,” the free event offered activities inside and outside, including games, crafts, early history on a computer, an aikido demonstration, balloon-making, live music and the Sox the Fox mascot. The timing was based on September being considered “Intergenerational Month,” she said.        One element Paisley would like to bolster (in planning a second annual “Generations” next year) is participation from senior citizens. Most of those who came were families with children. “We'll work on adding that attendance,” she said.        The library, which has limited space for big groups, uses the center regularly for large events. “We're so grateful to the West Center,” Paisley said. Westside Pioneer article