The seniors from the Joyce C. Budrow Senior Center have been enjoying the art of jewelry making thanks to the creative talents of three young North Haven students – Amanda Jung, Jordyn and Eryn Sheeley. The girls are hosting a jewelry making workshop at the American Legion Hall on Tuesday afternoons during July and August.

“I have liked jewelry since I was a little girl,” said Amanda, an eighth grader at North Haven Middle School. “I became very interested in jewelry making when I entered middle school so I attended classes at an extended day program at the middle school. Since I learned so much and had a great time, I wanted to share my talents with others.”

Amanda enlisted the assistance of her two cousins, Jordyn and Eryn, who also share an interest in jewelry. Jordyn is fond of earrings and enjoyed wearing her mother’s jewelry when she played dress-up with her dolls when she was a little girl. Her sister Eryn has a fondness for necklaces.

“I like to dress up my American Girl Dolls with necklaces that are my favorite piece of jewelry,” said Eryn Sheeley, a second grader at Clintonville School. “I’m enjoying helping the seniors to make their own jewelry especially the necklaces.”

Both Jordyn and Eryn learned how to make jewelry from their cousin Amanda. Each one has her own favorite piece. For example, Amanda’s favorite jewelry is bracelets, Eryn’s is necklaces, and Jordyn favors earrings. The seniors have made a variety of beautiful bracelets, earrings, and necklaces under the careful instruction and guidance of these three girls.

“The girls are wonderful and patient teachers,” said Marcia Maresca. “We are making lovely jewelry and having a great time.”

Amanda and her cousins started the program last summer and it was well received, so they returned again this summer and the attendees have grown. While enjoying the class, the girls and the seniors engage in casual and cheerful conversation, share ideas and creativity, and bring smiles and joy to each other.

The center’s manager, Judy Amarone, came up with the idea of having a jewelry making session when program coordinator, Sue Jung, who is Amanda’s mother, came to work one day wearing a beautiful green necklace with a matching bracelet that Amanda made and gave to her mother as a gift on Mother’s Day.

“When I saw the beautiful necklace and bracelet, I asked Sue where she bought them and she told me that her daughter made them,” Amarone said. “Upon hearing this, I approached Amanda and asked if she would like to share her talent with the seniors. She graciously accepted and invited her cousins to assist her, and it’s been a wonderful experience for all.”

Amarone is also a supporter of intergenerational programs and the jewelry session has been a great start. For Amanda and her cousins, they are not only sharing a special talent but they are learning and listening to wonderful stories told by the seniors while they work. For the seniors, they are not only learning a new skill, but also have the opportunity to spend time with the youth of their community.

“Jewelry making takes a lot of patience and creativity, but the end products are beautiful,” said Amelia Kennedy. “The girls are excellent teachers and I’m happy to be with them.”

“I like giving back to others because it makes me happy, and I look forward to returning next year,” said Jordyn, a sixth grader at North Haven Middle School. “Caring is sharing with others and what better way to do it than from the heart.”

During their spare time, the girls enjoy each other’s company by going to the movies, visiting the library, and going shopping, especially at one of their favorite stores – Mona Mia – an affordable jewelry store on Sackett Point Road. Amanda and Jordyn are involved in cheerleading and are on a team called Spirit All Stars in Hamden where they travel around the United States participating in competitions. Eryn enjoys playing softball with her sister Jordyn and helping out at home. All three girls are avid readers and enjoy school and spending time with their friends.

“I commend Amanda, Jordyn, and Eryn for getting involved with the seniors and giving back to their community,” said First Selectman Janet M. McCarty. “I believe that intergenerational programs are important because they bring our young and our seniors together and give them an opportunity to learn from each other. It is time well spent with precious memories.”