Bloom Together Event Connects Generations of Women in Solomon

3/10/2026

Bloom Together, Round Table Conversation Activity

Student-led gathering hosted by Emma Boyer and Adalyn Kohman brings women and girls together for reflection, mentorship and community connection.

SOLOMON, KS — Laughter, conversation and the rustle of flowers filled the Solomon Friendship Center on Sunday as women and girls ranging in age from elementary school to senior citizen gathered for Bloom Together: Celebration of Women, a community event designed to encourage connection, reflection and support across generations.

The event welcomed approximately 40 attendees and was hosted by local students Emma Boyer and Adalyn Kohman, who organized the gathering with support from the Youth in Action Grant program through the Community Foundation of Dickinson County.

Natalie Wood said the event highlighted what can happen when young people are given the opportunity to lead. “Today’s event was remarkable,” Wood said. “It was impressive to hear how the young leaders sought out collaboration within the community and secured grant funding to make this event happen. They showed that age does not matter when you have a good idea and a willing spirit.”

Because the student organizers are not a nonprofit organization, the Solomon Public Library served as the project’s fiscal sponsor, helping facilitate the grant so the event could take place.

The idea behind Bloom Together was to create a welcoming space where women and girls could connect with one another, share experiences and celebrate the women who have helped shape their lives.

“When women come together to share their experiences and support one another, we create a community where everyone feels valued and encouraged,” Boyer said during her opening remarks.

“I hope every woman left our event today knowing she is strong, powerful and surrounded by other women who will inspire and encourage her,” Adalyn Kohman said.

Emma and Adalyn opened the event by sharing the inspiration behind the gathering before guests moved into guided small-group conversations facilitated by Brandy Gray. Participants were intentionally seated with women they did not arrive with, creating an opportunity for different generations to learn from one another.

Emma Boyer and Adalyn Kohman

“One of the most meaningful things to watch was how quickly women connected once they started sharing their experiences.” Gray said. “The wisdom from older generations paired with the curiosity of younger girls created really meaningful conversations.”

Gray said the conversations revealed something deeper as participants reflected on life experiences, advice and personal growth.

“Even though we’re all in different stages of life, we share many common thoughts, feelings and experiences,” Gray said. “When we realize we are more alike than different, we can relate and support each other in a positive way. .”

Conversation prompts encouraged guests to reflect on questions such as “What advice would you give your younger self?”, “Who was the first woman you admired?”, and “What was a life-changing moment in your life?”

The event also included creative workshop stations designed to continue conversations in a relaxed setting. River Radke, age 8, shows off the teacup bouquet she made.

Guests created teacup bouquets, arranging flowers inside decorative teacups to take home as keepsakes. Another activity allowed participants to design and laminate personalized bookmarks decorated with paper flowers and tassels.

A photo booth provided by Poppin Parties gave guests the opportunity to capture memories from the event, while volunteers from the Solomon United Methodist Women, along with Nancy Boyer, helped provide food and support throughout the afternoon.

For Emma’s grandmother, Nancy Boyer, the event was an opportunity to celebrate the young woman she has watched grow.

“Emma has a strong sense of who she is and what is right,” Boyer said. “She believes in equality and will fight to see it happen. I loved watching her shine today so others could see what I already know.” Gracyn Turner creates a bookmark.

Family members said the leadership shown by the girls reflected qualities they had seen growing for years.

“Since the day she was born, we’ve always called her our little lady,” said Ashley Kohman, Adalyn’s mother. “She’s always seemed a little older than her age in the way she thinks and carries herself. Seeing her help organize something like this is amazing — but not completely surprising.”

Ashley Kohman said her daughter has always enjoyed taking on challenges that bring people together.

“She’s a natural leader,” she said. “She’s motivated by the accomplishment itself and by making others feel valued and happy.”

For many attendees, the most meaningful part of the event was witnessing young women step forward to lead a community gathering centered
on encouragement and connection. Bloom Together, Round Table Conversations 2

“Seeing young women take initiative to empower others and create space for vulnerable conversations was inspiring,” said attendee Jackie Hynes. “Watching Emma and Adalyn step forward as young leaders in the community was exciting and something to be proud of.”

Gray echoed that sentiment, noting the significance of the young organizers’ leadership.

“Watching these girls take an idea and bring it to life has been really special,” Gray said. “They’ve put in a lot of thought and effort to create something that encourages women to support and celebrate each other.”Organizers say they hope Bloom Together becomes an event that continues to strengthen connections between generations of women in the Solomon community.