Family Matters make, eat ice cream at meeting

BY Aprile McKinnon

The Canyon Lake Family Matters Club’s monthly meeting was all about ice cream. Those attending were not only involved in creating ice cream themed crafts, but were treated to the real thing as the meeting concluded Sunday.

The meeting and its ice cream social and craft theme had 12 in attendance and included kids ages 7 to 17 and their parents and grandparents. Tarrie Sullivan and her granddaughter Kailyn Sullivan enjoyed crafting together during the event. Likewise, Sandie Humphrey and her 7-year-old granddaughter, Hailey Humphrey, had a great time hanging out, enjoying ice cream, and making crafts together.

The gathering seemed to attract more grandmothers and their grandkids than the typical kids with their parents. The grandparent presence created a delightful atmosphere for everyone involved. The air-conditioned venue provided a welcome escape from the sun, making the activity even more enjoyable.

Shawna Bowen, the founder of the club, mingled with the attendees, and discussed the club‘s future and visions for the upcoming year and beyond.

Club Vice President Dawn Rankins expressed her satisfaction with the turnout.

“We had a really nice turnout today,” she said. “I especially enjoyed talking with the kids and hearing about what they enjoyed most about coming to the meetup today.”

A 7-year-old boy named Sean from New York, was visiting his grandma Cheryl, and he happily shared his experience.

“I had two ice creams today, vanilla and chocolate, and I even tried a mix of both flavors,” he said. “I made two ice cream crafts and got two ice creams.”

The club hopes to attract more young families who are looking for a safe place for their families to come together, make new friends and enjoy each other’s company. The next scheduled meetup and craft event is planned for Aug. 27 at 1:00 p.m. with a fun tropical shell craft theme.

Aiden Sharfner, 7, is all in during the Canyon Lake Family Matters monthly meeting Sunday. Photo by Dawn Rankins

Kailyn Sullivan, 17, works on a craft at the Canyon Lake Family Matters monthly meeting Sunday. Photo by Dawn Rankins