In the know.

Barbie Fetterman began to teach herself to free motion machine quilt by making placemats or table runners. “I started on smaller items so I would not ruin an entire pieced quilt while I was practicing,” she explained. In the process, she gave away what she could but found herself with lots of extra placemats and table runners. 

That was until she joined The Crossings team as a Concierge. “When I first started working at MRC, I noticed that some of the elders had little things they held onto like tissues, notes, lip balm, or a phone. I wanted to make something for them to tie onto the walkers or hang onto the wheelchair handles with all the placemats and runners I had,” shared Fetterman. She ordered bulk zippers online and started making the zipper pouches. “I was telling my son about it and he insisted on making a financial contribution so I could make sure I had supplies. I graciously accepted it and I have kept him up to date on how the elders respond. We get the biggest kick out of the joy that comes from such a simple gesture.”

The gift has been more like an exchange as Fetterman has received more from the transaction than she gave. She expressed, “To be honest, I am alone now, and it has done far more for me than I could have imagined. Actually just getting to know the residents has helped me. They have the most interesting stories to tell, and seem excited to share them. So, when I give a pouch to someone, I get to meet them a little more, to talk to them and hear about their life. They like the pouches and I feel less alone as well. I am grateful for this opportunity to serve. I will continue to make them until all the residents that wants one, gets one.”

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