WYOMING — Mia Correa and Gianna Welby, both 10, took their spots at a holiday-themed table at the Wyoming Free Library on Dec. 15 for an opportunity for music, refreshments and crafts reflecting the season.
The two Swoyersville girls have been coming to the monthly activity led by Lindsay Rysz for nearly five years.
When the girls and their mothers learned Rysz would no longer hold the events on a regular basis, they made sure to come out to the pajama-themed event.
“We’ve been coming with the girls since they were little,” said mom Melissa Correa. “It’s one of our favorite things.”
Originally, the “teas” were attended mostly by young girls, but that soon changed, as boys heard about the colorful, dynamic monthly activity that provided interaction and learning, presented in creative and innovative ways.
Gianna’s mom, Angela Welby, said, in addition to attending activities, trips to the library also provide opportunity to check out books and DVDs.
Up until last January, Rysz worked part time at the library but, for the last year, has worked as an administrative assistant at the Graham Academy.
With an increasingly busy schedule, Rysz felt she had to stop doing the event on a regular basis.
“This is the last one, but not really,” she said. “I’m going to do one next summer.”
Rysz took time out to ask the kids for ideas about what that activity would be.
Many shouted out summer themes like swimming and the beach.
She also gave each child a bell, having them ring it in a specific order to play several Christmas songs.
When the children realized they were actually playing “Jingle Bells,” they were surprised and excited.
Participants also made a necklace out of colorful candy and took time for a snack.
Rysz has always been painstaking in decorating for the event, and this was no exception.
A special Polar Bear Express Santa was carefully placed on a chair to greet the children, and the table was set with all the colors of the holiday.
Rysz said she started the program because, having no children herself, she wanted to share her creativity and love for learning with area youngsters.
Also at the helm of an organization that provides support and fellowship for adults with Asperger’s syndrome, she encourages children to overcome challenges they face, including the anxiety that comes with meeting new people in a group setting.
“I’ve come to believe in myself,” said Rysz.
And as the children who surrounded her worked on crafts, talked to each other and expressed their ideas, they seemed to gain confidence in themselves, as well.
