Senior Center group up in stitches

Published 10:30 pm Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Pictured are some members of the weekly Chat 'n' Stitch group at the Greater Niles Senior Center, clockwise from left: Sandy Klekowski, Janet Houseman, Eleanor VanDyke, Eleanor Parker, Sara Harrell, Lucille Brazo, Ruth Carey and Irene Chisek. (Daily Star photo/KATIE ROHMAN)

It’s 10 a.m. Wednesday, and the Greater Niles Senior Center is hopping.

Every spot in the parking lot is full; people are milling around the front desk; a country line dancing class is under way; and the ladies of Chat ‘n’ Stitch have assembled in their little room.

A dozen women meet each Wednesday at 10 a.m. for about an hour to knit and crochet baby caps and blankets for hospitals and chemotherapy patients.

The group is not sure how many items they have made, but they estimate several hundred have been donated.

“And I love the idea it’s all by seniors,” member Sandy Klekowski said.

Members are between ages 63 (Klekowski) and 100 (Eleanor VanDyke).

“I’m the baby,” Klekowski said.

Chat ‘n’ Stitch, however, welcomes anyone to join.

“We’re happy to teach them knitting and crocheting,” Klekowski said.

The Greater Niles Senior Center is located at 1109 Bell Rd., Niles. It can be reached at 683-9380.