In a world that is fast and not close online, the Grandma Stand is a reminder of something simple but important: everyone needs to be heard, and there's power in human connection. This activity invites anyone and everyone to stop by, sit for a while, and share a conversation with a "grandma"—wise, warm, and wonderfully understanding.
As Grandma Nancy recently told CBS News with a smile, "We're loving people as a rule." Her words show exactly what makes this project so special: a welcoming space where people of all ages can stop, talk, laugh, or simply be listened to.
The idea began back in 2012 in New York City, thanks to Mike Matthews. After seeing how a heartfelt chat with his 95-year-old grandma, Eileen, lifted a friend's spirits, he knew there was something powerful in grandmotherly warmth. It started as a small booth（摊位）and became a regular（定期的）Saturday routine of open-hearted dialogue on street corners across the city.
Even after Eileen died at the age of 102, Matthews thought the world still needed that gentle listening ear. So he brought back the Grandma Stand with a bright purple booth（Eileen's favourite colour）and a changing group of grandmas who were ready to give care, encouragement and wise
insights.
In places like McKinney and Texas, the Grandma Stand has become a local attraction, drawing neighbours for encouraging and free conversations. Later, the Grandma Stand appears throughout November and December with the goal of bringing people together—especially during times when people might feel lonely or stressed. It's a gentle reminder to slow down, hear one another, and remember that kindness is a gift we all can give.
(
B
) 4. What can people do at the Grandma Stand?
A. They can support a grandma in need.
B. They can be listened to kindly.
C. They can ask for help with money.
D. They can give advice to each other.
(
D
) 5. What made Mike Matthews start the Grandma Stand at first?
A. His plan to organize a popular street activity.
B. The goal to help lonely people in New York.
C. Eileen's wish to share her warmth with others.
D. The warm chat between his grandma and a friend.
(
B
) 6. What qualities do the grandmas in Grandma Stand have in common?
A. They are humorous and careful.
B. They are friendly and warm-hearted.
C. They are good at working with young people.
D. They have tough life experiences.
(
B
) 7. The underlined word "insights" in paragraph 4 most probably means "
useful opinions from life experience
".
A. expensive gifts for visitors
B. useful opinions from life experience
C. free money given to poor people
D. interesting stories about organizations
(
A
) 8. What is the purpose of the text?
A. To introduce the Grandma Stand.
B. To show Grandma Eileen's life story.
C. To teach people to talk with others politely.
D. To tell why Mike started the Grandma Stand.
