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The Osborn Knitters group gathers weekly to work on knitting and crochet projects and catch up on happenings in Sterling Park, the Independent Living community at The Osborn. The group consists of 14 members who donate their time and talents to make shawls, blankets, hats and other handcrafted items to be donated to local charities.
Mrs. Granik and Mrs. Harther
“This work means a lot to us,” said new resident, Mrs. Regina Slawek. Others agree that crafting items that help others gives them a sense of purpose. New friendships are made as knitters share ideas and pass around news of the community.
The Osborn Knitters have been knitting ‘Healing Blankets’ for those who receive chemotherapy at Greenwich Hospital. Their newest endeavor is to knit caps for men and women in that program as well. A copy of the pattern is available to anyone who wishes to donate their time and talent. For information, contact Susie McNamee, Social Program Coordinator for Sterling Park.
Mrs. Koch Rush and Mrs. Hirsch
The group had been making lap robes for their neighbors in long-term care in The Osborn Pavilion, the skilled nursing facility on the campus of The Osborn that is home to about 50 residents who require round the clock care.
The knitters also create hats, gloves, sweaters and blankets that are donated to My Sisters’ Place, an organization based in White Plains, that supports victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking and human trafficking.
Examples of the knitters’ handiwork are on view in the display case outside the Formal Dining Room in the main building at The Osborn.
Opportunities for Wellness
People have been gathering to work on crafts together for centuries. The traditional “Quilting Bees” provided more than just bed coverings, they gave neighbors a chance to share stories and pass along cultural traditions.
The psychological benefits of knitting and other handicrafts were well documented in an article that appeared in the New York Times two years ago (1/25/16). The article reported that Dr. Herbert Benson, a pioneer in mind/body medicine and author of “The Relaxation Response,” noted that the repetitive action of needlework can induce a relaxed state like that associated with meditation and yoga. Further research revealed that the rewards go well beyond replacing stress and anxiety with the satisfaction of creation.
Pictured left to right: Mrs. Harther, Mrs. Levy, Mrs. Zimmerman, Mrs. Hirsch, Mrs. Koch Rush, Mrs. Slawek, Mrs. Diamond, Mrs. Giambo, Mrs. Burdick, Mrs. Petach. Missing: Mrs. Aronoff, Mrs. Drago (volunteer), Mrs. Granik, Mrs. Model, Mrs. Stevens
“We are committed to creating opportunities for our residents to grow and thrive through our WellSpring program,” said Michele Schreer, Director of Independent Living. “It embraces the seven dimensions of wellness that enrich our lives at any age. Among them: Social, Occupational, Intellectual, and Emotional – all of these are central to the work of The Osborn Knitters!”