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It's knit one, purl two and much more for a group of Springside at Seneca Hill residents who have found a way to enjoy a hobby that also benefits others.
Sharon Figiera and Lorraine Nash, who live at Springside, Oswego Health's retirement facility for active seniors, started their knitting group after coming into some yarn. At the time, Figiera also thought it would be a great way to keep some hands nimble.
"I am a retired nurse and I've heard some of my fellow residents say they used to knit, but it now hurt their hands," she explained. "So I thought the club would be a good way to start them knitting again as well as a way to exercise, move muscles and improve dexterity."
It could be said that Figiera believes that knitting heals. Not so long ago, she once again located her knitting needles and found it comforting as she recovered from a serious illness. Soon, Figiera and Nash had 10 other Springside women knitting alongside them in Springside's library each week.
After a few months of knitting, what to do with all their handmade hats, mittens, scarves and other items was never a problem. Through the village of Hannibal's Christmas Bureau, they provided mittens, hats and scarves to some 168 families. Sixth-grade students at Volney Elementary School who visit Springside regularly were all given their own small hand-knit stocking during the holidays. The sale of some of their knitted goods allowed the group to donate money to charities. The knitters supported the jail ministry with new Bibles at the Oswego County Jail and the Food Bank of Central New York in this manner.
"I just feels good to contribute," Nash said.
During their knitting gatherings, they not only share needles and yarn but a few stories too.
"We share a lot of memories and have some pretty good discussions," Nash said.
