February is heart and stroke month.
Funds received from the door-to-door campaign or given at work go toward finding answers for life. Those welcoming the canvasser in their area will be offered a pamphlet of heart-healthy food choices that can help you live longer as well as some money-saving coupons bearing the health check emblem. They ask that we open a door to give Canadians more time and be able to live a long life.
Scrabble Tourney
The Quesnel Gold Pan Grannies are busy arranging a scrabble tournament to be held Feb. 27 at St. John’s Anglican hall. Posters have gone up at a number of sites and registrations are being taken but I’m afraid deadline for registration, Feb. 14, will have passed when you read this. The cost of participating in the tournament is $20. Money will go to support grandmothers in sub-Saharan Africa under the Stephen Lewis Foundation (SLF). This organization exists to support the efforts of grass-roots organizations working to turn the tide of HIV/AIDS in Africa. They fund community-level initiatives in 15 sub-Saharan African countries that provide care to women who are ill and struggling to survive, assist orphans and other AIDS-affected children, support grandmothers and the children in their care, and sustain networks of people living with HIV and AIDS.
Knitted squares going to grannies
I know there are other knitters but two Quesnel residents of Maeford Place, with flying fingers, have been busy knitting squares for blankets. Marion Cooper and Marion Patchett are among the most prolific knitters who make every minute count.
Marion Cooper began knitting when she was 14 years old and is now 87. In early years she knit sweaters in the heavy fisherman’s wool. She began knitting squares for Grannies to Grannies just last year but so far this year she estimates she has done 100 squares. It takes her about 75 minutes to complete a square. She knits while watching television or while attending Current Affairs at their residence.
Marian Patchett was taught to knit by her mother when she was only five (in, over, through, off). She knit her first sweater when she was 10. Prior to that she knit dolls clothes and sweater cuffs. She recalls being able to purchase wool for .95 cents and then price rose to $1.49. They have both made a great contribution to the Grannies to Grannies project. The squares are being sent directly to Africa where they will be stitched into warm blankets.
Ruth Scoullar is a seniors’ advocate and regular Observer contributor.
