The Grandma’s Club is a grassroots initiative started by a group of devoted grandmothers who wanted to support their grandchildren’s Catholic schools in meaningful ways. What began earlier this year as a few simple gestures of faith and love has quickly grown into a full-fledged community group with 27 active members — and counting.
The idea for the club goes back several years when a few grandmothers noticed the absence of nativity scenes in classrooms at Zanesville Bishop Fenwick. Moved by the importance of faith and tradition, they quietly took it upon themselves to place nativity scenes in each classroom, helping to remind students of the true meaning of Christmas.
That same spirit of service and generosity resurfaced at this past year’s Zanesville Bishop Rosecrans Annual Auction, Shimmer of the Night. A handful of grandmas donated a catered breakfast for 20-25 people, which was purchased by the parent of a graduating senior. The breakfast was used to host the senior class before graduation practice — a memorable send-off that inspired alumni director Megan Dosch to meet with two of the grandmothers, Brenda Lepi and Claire Tiberio, to discuss forming an official group.
After a mention in the school’s alumni newsletter, interest in the group surged. What started as five enthusiastic grandmothers quickly grew into a vibrant network of nearly 30 women, many of whom are grandmothers of current students or alumni of Bishop Rosecrans or Bishop Fenwick.
“This is really about building community and showing love,” Dosch said. “These grandmas bring warmth, wisdom and a lot of energy — and they’re already making a huge difference.”
The Grandma’s Club has wasted no time getting involved. In their first official act, the group provided breakfast for the joint back-to-school meeting of faculty and staff at both Bishop Rosecrans and Bishop Fenwick.
They then went above and beyond — organizing and serving a hot breakfast to the entire student body and staff of Bishop Rosecrans on the first day of school. In addition, they generously provided breakfast to both the staff and students at Bishop Rosecrans, making everyone feel welcomed and cared for as the new school year began.
Participation in the club is entirely voluntary, and events are decided collectively. Grandmas can contribute as little or as much as they wish, depending on their availability.
From baked goods and warm smiles to acts of faith and generosity, The Grandma’s Club is already proving to be a blessing to the school community.
“They’re setting a beautiful example for our students,” a Rosecrans staff member said. “It’s amazing to see this kind of love and support from our wider school family.”
With such a strong start and growing enthusiasm, The Grandma’s Club is poised to become a cherished part of school life for years to come.
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