‘Friendship Bench’ inspires connection

RIDGEFIELD — Karen Moses’ fourth-grade class at South Ridge Elementary School has a new place to sit on the playground. A “Friendship Bench” was created and donated by Alex and Sarah Peru, complete with a plaque. Students added painted palm prints to decorate the bench, which will serve as a place for students to get together and talk through issues if they’re feeling lonely or left out. According to a news release, the concept was first introduced by a fifth-grade student in Florida who was born without complete arms and wanted a space to talk with friends.