Pictured (l-r) at the Coral Gables Library are (seated) Esther Skolnick, Sandra Davis, Dori Klippen, Bud Klippen; (standing) Pamela Parker, Marcia Bosseler.
A group of senior citizens, residents at The Palace in Coral Gables, decided it was time to take an active part in an important issue of the day. They formed a group called Grandparents for Gun Reform and participated in a petition signing at the Coral Gables Branch Library polling location on Tuesday, Aug. 28, primary election day.
The volunteer group members, ages 85 and older, passionately believe they aren’t the forgotten generation; they still have purpose. Working in two hour shifts on the sidewalk outside the library, they spoke to voters and carried signs with their message.
Pamela Parker, the entertainment director for The Palace in Coral Gables, explained about the group.
“We had about 20 people out here, but the group is 70 strong,” Parker said. “They were sitting here through rain, with umbrellas, they got wet, but they’re committed. The group got started after the shooting at Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland.
“Many of my residents came to me, saying ‘We’re grandparents, we have kids this age. What can we do? Can we make a financial donation?’ I said, you could, but I think they need more than money, they need support. Do you want to form a group? They loved it. That’s how the group started. One woman sitting here is 97 years old. She has great grandchildren. Some of my residents have great, great grandchildren.”
Palace resident Sarah Wishnia expressed her feelings about the issue.
“I was so touched after the Parkland shooting that I felt I needed to do something for the future generations” Wishnia said. “It’s not enough to say our world
