Meet Five Connecticut Seniors Who Spend Their
Saturday Mornings Knitting Baby Caps for the Mercy Learning
Center
NORWALK,
Conn., April 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- This
National Volunteer Month, while many organizations honored local
volunteers who generously gave of their time and talents all year
long, one community also saluted its own. Meet Maplewood at
Strawberry Hill—the vibrant senior living community that offers an
independent lifestyle and a personalized assisted living and Memory
Care experience—where an incredible group of residents, many in
their 80s, give back to the wider Connecticut community in the most endearing
way.
Over the past seven months, residents Abigail Hanford (64), Anne Davidson (88), Arthe Kelly (89) Janet
Reynolds (80), and Jerine
Smith (89) have devoted their Saturday mornings to knitting
baby hats for the Mercy Learning Center of Bridgeport, Inc., a program that provides
basic literacy and life skills training to women with low income,
using a holistic approach within a compassionate, supportive
environment.
Though these five women all hail from very different
backgrounds–Abigail was a receptionist in Norwalk, Jerine a school teacher, Janet a
social worker, Anne a nurse, and Arthe a librarian– they all share
a love of craft, knitting, and giving back. Most learned to knit
from their mothers as a hobby, while Janet picked up the skill from
her 6th-grade teacher, who encouraged everyone in the class to
learn, regardless of gender.
The knitting group originated when Maplewood at Strawberry
Hill's activity coordinator, Nayani Fernando, noticed resident
Abigail had been knitting by herself in her room. Recognizing an
opportunity to foster volunteerism and a sense of community
further, Nayani appointed Abigail as the group leader, and soon the
knitting group gained popularity among residents. The baby hats
marked the group's inaugural project, as all the volunteers knew
the required stitches for completion.
"This month, during National Volunteer Month, we
recognize and thank our local volunteers who come into our
community and make our lives brighter. But what might surprise some
people is that our own residents are equally active and creative in
giving back," says Nayani Fernando, activity coordinator at
Maplewood at Strawberry Hill. "Their tireless efforts highlight our
core elements of purpose, belonging, and giving back to the
community."
To date, the knitting group has completed 13 baby hats and
counting, eagerly anticipating their donations in the weeks
ahead.
About Maplewood Senior Living
Maplewood Senior Living
is known for its upscale senior living residences, offering a broad
range of premier services, amenities, and care to its residents.
Based in Westport, CT, Maplewood
Senior Living has 16 senior living communities in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New
Jersey, New York, and
Ohio. There are New York City and Washington D.C. locations within the company's
newest brand, Inspīr. This new senior living offering was launched
to provide a luxurious option for seniors looking to join a
residential community in major metropolitan areas. 203-557-4777
or http://www.maplewoodseniorliving.com.
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SOURCE Maplewood Senior Living