By Julia Boyle
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

Scads of newspaper clippings, a few poetry books, and a scrapbook cover the coffee table in their Charlestown home.

Morton and Tillie Friedenberg are no strangers to the press. His volunteer program, Bridging Generations (founded with Phyllis Lansing, also of Charlestown), and Tillie Friedenberg’s poetry have garnered media attention on several occasions. But this time, he has intentionally brought it upon himself.

“I want people to know what we’re doing, what can be done to make people’s lives better in many respects,” he says. “I think [Bridging Generations] has made a contribution that’s unique and needs to be known by other people.”

Threefold plan
The program links volunteers from Charlestown with prekindergarten through fifth grade students at Lansdowne Elementary School and, according to Friedenberg, benefits all who participate. “The purpose of Bridging Generations, from the beginning, focused on bringing together the oldest and youngest generations for happy results. It’s a wonderful thing to serve the needs of both groups,” he says.

Volunteers offer their time in one of two ways: as teacher aides and as pen pals. In turn, the children offer their talents by visiting Charlestown several times a year for musical performances and art shows.

Singing highest praises
Mort Friedenberg believes that after four years of incredible growth and success, the program and its 53 volunteers deserve applause.

“The volunteers deserve and have received praise for their efforts. The children have benefited from the love and wisdom bestowed upon them. Charlestown’s generous support has been rewarded by positive recognition in the community,” he wrote recently in the Sunburst, Charlestown’s monthly newsletter.