Family Matters pleads its case after only two show up

Only two youngsters showed up to the August monthly craft meeting of The Canyon Lake Family Matters Club Sunday.

“I was sad we didn’t have a better turnout,” Family Matters Club Vice President Dawn Rankins said. “I’ve worked in education off and on for many years and to see little ones put a craft together and be so proud of it, melts my heart. To see a mixture of kiddos come together from different ages and backgrounds and to see them mingle, or to see a teen or preteen help a young child accomplish something, makes the world a better place, even if it is just for that moment.”

Dayna Cascario brought her two granddaughters to the craft day, and she said she wished more kids would have come out to craft.

“It would have been nice to have my granddaughters Lauren and Aria make some new friends,” Dayna said.

Young 5-year-old Aria Cascario said she had fun anyway. Her cousin, 11-year-old Lauren Cascario, said she enjoyed making the craft at the meeting. The cousins were excited to make their sea life characters and were even thinking of great ideas of what to do with them when they got home.

“We can make a storyboard,” Lauren said.

“I’m going to paint my seashells first,” Aria said.

“Despite the low turnout today, we still had a blast,” Club President Jeannie Hoonnirun said. “I want to see Family Matters come back to life and bring more of these craft days to the kids of Canyon Lake and to kids who are visiting family and friends.”

Lauren Cascario, 11, and Aria Cascario, 5, enjoy crafting together at the Canyon Lake Family Matters Club monthly craft day meeting Sunday. The two were the only ones to show up for the event, causing club leaders to encourage members to support its activities.Photo by Dawn Rankins

Club founder Shawna Bowen said she had a vision for the Family Matters Club when she started the club years ago.

“It seems over the last year, we’ve had members of the community lose interest,” she said. “But, as a club, we want to change this moving forward. Family Matters is all about family and community.”

The club welcomes any suggestions for what the young ones would enjoy doing at craft day, Dawn said.

“How about a story to go along with the theme, or music, maybe even a game to play?” she said. “My vision for craft day would be to see young ones come to craft day, especially with the upcoming holidays, and make something as a gift for their parents, grandparents, siblings or even a teacher. I want to fill the room at East Port with kids enjoying a snack, making friends and doing a craft that they can feel proud they made.”

The Family Matters Club is so important for many reasons, Shawna said.

“I think one of the most important reasons for the club is to have families come together for a couple of hours and enjoy doing crafts together,” Shawna said. “When we bring families together, it makes our community stronger all while making memories with our kids.”

The club welcomes ideas and welcomes new members, Jeannie said. She wants to know what the board can do to make the club more inviting to the families of Canyon Lake.

“Family Matters became a club nearly 10 years ago,” Shawna said. “This club was formed with a vision to bring families together for no-cost or low-cost events. I want to see Family Matters thrive again and I want to see our kids here in Canyon Lake make memories during our events. I want to see kids and parents not only make new friends, but to enjoy old friends, too.”

The Family Matters Club is a club that gives meaning in its name, Dawn said.

“Families matter,” she said. “And while we live in a wonderful community with so much to do, sometimes it’s nice to keep it simple, keep it casual and have some fun with the kids, crafting, snacking, laughing and just being silly for a couple of hours.”

Meanwhile, the two who did show up Sunday want to be sure these craft days continue.

“Today was a great day,” Benjamin Cascario, Aria’s dad, said. “I hope Family Matters continues to have these Sunday craft days, especially when it’s so hot outside. It’s a great way to get out of the house, spend some time with my daughter and niece, all while keeping cool.”

“I appreciate Family Matters providing not only a craft, but a snack and drink,” Dayna said. “The only thing missing? More kids.”

Family Matters is planning another craft day this month. It will be on Sept. 24 at 1:00 p.m. All club members are invited.

“Come out and support your club, our club, and craft day,” Dawn said. “You never know what surprises may happen.”