Senior Crafting Connection co-founder presents program to Golden K
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KINGSFORD -- Golden K seniors welcomed another Monday meeting with their usual happy chatter. At one end is a table of ladies sharing their weekend activities, and at the other a table of men reflecting about a great golfing experiences or sports. The middle is a mix of varied conversation. Topics ranged from family or news events to special happenings over the weekend. The room is always filled with excitement, as everyone has something to share.
Kathy Jo Anderson stepped up as chairperson to gather the group together for opening ceremonies.
She guides the club through the agenda. Alyce Derwinski on piano joined Lois Outcelt to lead some singing. The Welcome Song greeted guest speaker Renee Strom. Coffee and doughnuts is an integral part of the connection between members and guests. Candy Buchcuski's Happy Dollars congratulated Carlye Buchcuski and Erin Rutkowsky on their Saturday marriage. Bill Robert's Happy Dollar reflected his enjoyment of the spectacular performance of "The Sound of Music" at the Niagara High School auditorium last weekend.
Renee Strom, a communications teacher at Bay College in Iron Mountain, shared the history and mission of Senior Crafting Connections.
As a mother, communicating with your children is vital to staying connected. Her daughter, Emma, had some definite goals in mind when the family got together and brainstormed the Crafting Connection. "How about a youth-led non-profit that brings generations together through creativity and conversations?" she said. It evolved into a program giving seniors and young people opportunities to craft, laugh and share stories. It led to forming friendships and reducing loneliness and social isolation among older adults.
A visual display at the Dickinson County Library is one of their recent projects, called Threads of Wisdom. The display celebrates intergenerational connection by inviting seniors to share their experiences, advice and life lessons. Youth volunteers receive an opportunity to earn community service hours and seniors gain an outlet for their wisdom.
Crafting and connecting through community involvement gives young and old an opportunity to learn from each other.
The group invites students from all local schools to participate.
Events have been at local nursing and rehab centers in the area, as well as the Community Living Center at the Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center in Iron Mountain. There are also two community events opened to all ages.
More information can be found on the non-profit's Facebook page or Instagram.
Golden K meets at 10 a.m. Mondays at the First Presbyterian Church in Kingsford. Come share doughnuts and coffee, and maybe a story or two.