By Riley Fontana
Hometown Weekly Reporter
The Walpole Council on Aging (COA) hosts a monthly card-making class for its members, led by Marilyn Healy, who provides instructions to the group. These classes foster community engagement and provide opportunities for participants to celebrate various occasions each month.
For March, the group created three Easter-themed cards each, though many adapted them for other celebrations. Some members anticipated new additions to their families and transformed cards featuring bunnies and flowers into celebratory baby cards, while others commemorated spring birthdays. The versatility of the cards allows for use on any occasion, aiding individuals in finding reasons to celebrate.
The atmosphere in the room was filled with laughter as participants explored new crafting skills and shared their successes and failures. Many attendees are regular members of the class who eagerly anticipate seeing friends and discovering Marilyn's creations each month. Numerous individuals have already enrolled in next month's class, which will focus on April's spring rain theme.
All classes provided by the Council on Aging aim to foster community connections, and the arts and crafts sessions are no exception. Participants share advice and supplies while discussing recipients for their handmade cards. Bonding over shared experiences and crafting mishaps enhances the sense of community, a key aspect of the Council on Aging's appeal and the reason for attendees' continued participation.
Marilyn hosts her card-making classes on the first Wednesday of each month for interested individuals. These sessions offer an opportunity to experience the Council on Aging, meet new people, and explore a new craft.
