Valentine’s Day program brings out the creativity in kids

Alyssa works on a Valentine’s Day-themed black velvet poster. She said she will be placing all of her creations on her bedroom walls. Photos by Jennifer Coe.

With paints, glitter, markers and every other creative implement laid out on two cafeteria tables, kids attending the after-school Valentine’s Day program at McAlister Intermediate School had everything they needed at their fingertips to express their feelings about the most loving day of the year.

Donna Carney-Bastrzycki, the Suffield Parks and Recreation special programs coordinator, has been putting these sorts of programs on for about 10 years. Usually with a holiday as its theme, the crafting programs have a very good turnout. She runs classes for special needs adults, preschoolers and kids at McAlister.

“The goal is to make nice-quality decorations for the holidays,” said Carney-Bastrzycki. She hosts these enriching classes several times a year, including around Halloween and Easter, too.

“It’s fun. I like to do lots of crafts,” said Alyssa. “I’ll hang them in my bedroom.”

The other girls agreed and said that programs like this one inspire people to be creative. At least two of the girls mentioned they would be giving some of their artwork to their parents as Valentine’s Day presents.