Our Sewing and Craft Rooms
    
        Another very special feature of our Resort is our craft and sewing rooms and our guests and residents that use them.  At our Resort, sewing and crafts take place everyday.  We have sewing and quiliting machines for residents' use.  Our residents also quilt, make jewelry, do Scottish Weaving, knit, crochette, do applique, embroidery and a host of crafts.  You can find a craft you enjoy at either the west or east hall where a new activity or idea is welcomed.  

                             

    In addition, our residents are involved in three very special charitble projects that help those much less fortunate.  Each group is a made up of very special women dedicated to helping others.  First is a group affectionately known as:  Betty's Babies.  This group was spearheaded by a very special resident, Betty Spangler, who saw a great need by local hospitals for items for children, particularly newborns.   Betty has been featured in local newspapers for her charitable work and kind heart.  And Betty is not alone.  Betty and her fellow knitters and crochetters make dozens of blankets and outfits each season for newborns and deliver them to the local hospitals for distribution to needy families.  They make caps, gowns, mittens, booties and sweaters to fit the tinest of newborns.  They raise their own money to buy the yarn need and make every stitch with loving care.  Last year, another special resident, Frankie (and husband ReJean "Johnnie") were newcomers to the Trade Winds section of the resort.  Frankie jumped right in and began petitioning Walmart for funds for yarn.  She also crafted new designs for the babies clothing.  Frankie and many other ladies work very hard; but they will also tell you the work is extremely rewarding.  

 
 

    Second, our quilters, unofficially headed by Phyllis Casto, another long time resident, made 285 quilts and lap-robes last year for distribution to the Veterans Administration Hospital, several local nursing homes and the nurseries at some local hospitals.  Many were full-size quilts that they donated to local missions, food banks and churches.  To raise money, they rafled off 5 quilts, sold 10 and received donations for their yarn and material.  This is a very welcoming and positive group of about 20 women dedicated to helping others; and they do.

   

     Third, a very special group of men and women form every year to take part in an annual project in our Mission Bell multi-purpose craft room to make mattress for the homeless.  This creative project is done by stuffing tubular sewn rectangular mats with plastic shopping bags.  The result is fantastic.  The local shelters and churches cannot keep up with the demand for these items.  Some of them are also taken into Mexico to help the poor who have a very lowly existence compared with what we enjoy in the United States.  Last season, they made dozens and dozens of these mattresses to give away to these very grateful recipients. 

                 

    A fourth group of about 30 ladies gather together several days each week in the Mission Bell multi-purpose room to make Toys for Tots.  Each season, they make dozens of toys for this worthy organization dedicated to making the lives of children happy at Christmas.  At the end of last season, one of the local hospitals held a luncheon for all of the many volunteers who make items for them.  About 32 ladies from our Resort attended. 
 
                                                                                       

    I would be remiss if I did not mention the other charitible efforts or some of our residents.  Scott and Cynthia Swafford have dedicated their lives to helping the poor in Mexico.  Scott gives services every Sunday at the Trade Winds hall.  They carry food (rice and beans) and other supplies to a very poor city across the border and give spiritual comfort and much needed supplies to an area that has no running water or electricity.  This is one location where our mattresses and quilts are also delivered.  

    If you have a special craft, chances are we do it at our Resort.  If we don't, we would love for you to teach us.  If you are new to crafts, please join any of our groups; we love new faces.