Serving Our Seniors Magazine Jan - Mar 2021

It is unfortunate that talents, which were common generations ago are no longer prevalent Crocheting and knitting use to be a favorite past-time and was an everyday skill for most girls and women. The same is not true, today. That is why we want to appreciate Erie County residents, Josephine “Louettia” Bailey, age 83 and Marsha Bell, age 72. Josephine learned to crochet 71 years ago. It was an elderly lady at church, Mrs. Lange, who taught her. Her first creation was made at the age of 12. Today, she has donated 28 baby blankets to Erie County Job & Family Services, 13 scarfs to “Coats for Caring” at Vactionland Credit Union, 50 lap covers & afghans to Cancer Services; and throughout the years, numerous ones were also given to nursing homes. Her talents also came in handy for high school graduations. That’s when she crocheted an afghan for each of her 17 grandkids. Waiting on the shelf are afghans for 38 great- grandkids and five great-great grandkids. Besides lap covers & afghans Louettia also has crocheted tabletop doilies, Christmas ornaments, as well as embroidered pillow cases, tablecloths and aprons. Thank you, Josephine for sharing your gifts with those who will be helped by your kindness. Like Josephine, Marsha Bell is also very talented. She, too, can knit and crochet. Marsha has been knitting since she was 6 years old. In fact, she made the sweater she is wearing in this photo. At around age 30 she learned to crochet. Her mother-in-law came for a visit and taught her this skill that has become a favorite hobby. This year, Marsha gave 15 afghans to Serving Our Seniors and she asked if we would give them to those who would need and appreciate such a gift. And so we did. She said, “Every year I do this. I just call around and ask if they know people who have a need for what I am making. I just give them away. I drop it off and don’t tell them who I am.” Thank you, Marsha for your giving spirit and desire to help others. Hidden Talents and Lost Arts Josephine “Louettia” Bailey Marsha Bell 21