WESTFIELD-100 pink scarves.
That was the goal set by Agnes Fleming, activities aide at the Westfield Senior Center, for the Sassy Stitchers Knit and Crochet Group to donate to the Rays of Hope Walk & Run next month. The group meets Wednesdays from 9 to 10:30 a.m.
Agnes Fleming, second from left, checks out some of the recent pink scarves made by the Sassy Stitchers Knit & Crochet group at the Westfield Senior Center. Fleming is an activities aide at the center. Seen with Fleming are Rose White, Lana Fitzgerald and Persis Webb.
“I don’t knit or crochet but the men and women who are a part of this group came through and I have been dropping off boxes of scarves for the past few weeks to Baystate,” said Fleming, noting that a tent is set up on the day of the run/walk for breast cancer survivors to pick out a pink scarf since several organizations across Greater Springfield also make donations.
Fleming is passionate about the annual Rays of Hope fundraiser because she serves on its advocacy council which links the Rays of Hope community with Rays of Hope investigators to accelerate and focus research ideas. Fleming is also a breast cancer survivor and has been cancer free for 24 years.
“Last year was our first year of making scarves and we made close to 70,” said Fleming. “Every member of the group was eager to improve on that record for 2016 so they started last November working on scarves for this fall’s event.”
Scarves made by the Sassy Stitchers Knit & Crochet group at the Westfield Senior Center have a label stitched in. Scarves are given to breast cancer survivors at the Rays of Hope Run and Walk.
What sets each scarf apart from others donated by area organizations is a small label that reads: “A gift from Westfield Senior Center Sassy Stitchers.” A small red heart is also part of the labeling.
On Wednesday morning, a large table was covered with yarn and knitting needles – and coffee cups – as men and women were finishing up their pink scarves and also working on Community Cuddles donations which include blankets, slippers, booties and caps for area organizations serving seriously ill, traumatized, or at-risk children from birth to 18 years of age.
Fleming noted that individuals attending the Sassy Stitchers gathering may choose to work on individual projects, Community Cuddles donations, or Comfort Covers donations which include lap blankets and shawls that are given to hospice and home care patients being served through Baystate Noble Visiting Nurse & Hospice Services.
Fred Nason and Carol Griggs were among the local residents who took part in the Sassy Stitchers Knit & Crochet group on Wednesday morning at the Westfield Senior Center. “Sassy” the mascot with needles in hand is always part of the table décor.
Donations of new yarn, fleece, and quilting materials are graciously accepted year round – as well as monetary donations – at the senior center for use in the Community Cuddles or Comfort Cover projects.
“Many of the people in the group also purchase their own materials for the community projects,” said Fleming.
Edward Ekmalian, a greeter at the Southampton Road School, found he had a lot of down time so instead of reading magazines, he decided he wanted to learn a skill that would keep him busy and productive while on duty.
“I joined Sassy Stitchers three years ago to learn how to crochet,” he said, adding that making the pink scarves is also an important project to him.
“I’ve had cancer,” said Ekmalian, noting he has been cancer free for 11 years. “Even though I’m a little slower at crocheting, I have the time to create and work on projects.”
Edward Ekmalian puts the finishing touches on a pink scarf Wednesday morning at the Westfield Senior Center that will be donated to the Rays of Hope Run and Walk for breast cancer survivors.
While Ekmalian noted it takes him about six hours to complete a scarf that is traditionally about five feet long, he also is proud of his first place ribbon he won for his crocheted afghan that is now on display at the Eastern States Exposition during The Big E run.
“I would encourage others who enjoy knitting or crocheting to seek out this group,” he said. “Sassy Stitchers is a social group and one can learn patterns or if you have a problem with a project, someone will help you.”
Lana Fitzgerald concurred.
“Making the pink scarves makes me feel great,” said Fitzgerald. “It makes you feel good knowing you are helping someone else.”
Fitzgerald has been attending the Sassy Stitchers gatherings for five years with her best friend Persis Webb. Fitzgerald also helps out on registration at the Rays of Hope fundraiser.
“You don’t realize until you get involved how many people are affected by breast cancer,” said Fitzgerald.
For Fleming, she is indebted to the Sassy Stitchers for wanting to reach out and help others.
“When I was first diagnosed with breast cancer it was kind of a shock, then frightening,” said Fleming. “I was fortunate because I had a wonderful support system of family and friends. When I meet women who are newly diagnosed I know they can be worried. I tell them I’m a survivor and offer to help. Sometimes it can be a relief just talking to others who have followed a similar path.”
Next month Fleming will be joined by Fitzgerald, Webb, and three staff members of the Westfield Senior Center who will be volunteering their time at the Rays of Hope Run & Walk on Oct. 30. Both the walk and run start at Temple Beth El in Springfield and wind through and around Forest Park. For more details, visit www.baystatehealth.org/raysofhope or call (413) 794-8001.
“When you go to the Rays of Hope walk or run and see the women wearing the scarves it’s a wonderful and uplifting feeling,” said Fleming.
Area residents interested in checking out the Sassy Stitchers are invited to stop in any Wednesday morning.
“Being a part of the Sassy Stitchers is a wonderful way to socialize with others,” said Fleming, adding, “Projects we work on lift others up who may be facing a difficult time in their lives.”
