This year’s Older American’s Month theme, “Blazing a Trail,” emphasizes the ways older adults are reinventing themselves through new work and passions, engaging their communities, and blazing a trail of positive impact on the lives of people of all ages.  HESSCO is celebrating OAM by recognizing older adults in our area who have embraced this philosophy and are using their skills to make a difference.  Millis seniors Natalie Bossie, Jackie Carroll, Carol Fetter, Carol Russo, Camille Saitta, Dottie Skag and Pam Wilkey are the aptly named “Crafty Ladies.”  This lovely group of women get together ever Tuesday to do what they love – craft!  Their group first formed as a one-stroke painting art group and evolved into a weekly crafting group.  Sometimes they work on a specific project and other times they bring their own individual projects to work on.  They are not only following their passion for the arts, but they’re using their skills and years of experience to serve others.  One craft a month is dedicated to be shared with the HESSCO “Meals on Wheels” consumers who receive home delivered meals through the Millis Meal Site at Millis Council on Aging.  The ladies pick a seasonally themed craft that they think will be enjoyed by the consumers.  “It’s a little something extra, in addition to their lunch, to put a smile on their faces,” said Carol Fetter, the founder of the Group.  They have crafted “bunny bags” for Easter, “turkey pins” at Thanksgiving and snowmen in the winter, to name a few.  The items are adorable and the ladies try to include items that would also be useful…such as tea bags with handmade notecards.  Much of the crafting supplies come from their own donations.  Many of the ladies attend other activities at the Senior Center – some participate in exercise class, scrabble, outings and luncheons.  They all agreed that the crafting group is largely a social outlet, but it makes them feel good to give back.  Although the ladies don’t get to see the recipients’ reactions, they sometimes get positive feedback from the volunteer drivers, so they know their donations are appreciated. Carol added, “Just knowing that we may have brightened their days makes us feel good.”  This is a perfect example that the effort doesn’t need to be a monumental one in order to make a difference.  These ladies are doing something they love, and making a difference, one craft project at a time.

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