b'FOR LAKE FOREST PLACE RESIDENTBETTY WOOD, KNITTING IS A LARGE PART OF HER IDENTITY. Im 91, and Ive been knitting for 75 years. Thats my therapy, she shares. So when she and her husband moved into Lake Forest Place 10 years ago, she was excited to find new friends who might also enjoy her favorite hobby. A new home for a new chapter Betty and her husband, who come from Springfield, Illinois, were attracted to Lake Forest Place for a variety of reasons. They knew it would be a safe and comfortable place to live for their senior years and appreciated the security of the continuum of care should their needs change. Additionally, Betty knew she could do as much or as little as she liked, with plenty of opportunities to be involved. What she didnt know is that she herself would create one of those opportunities. Not long after their move, Betty had coordinated a group of senior women who would meet twice a month for several hours to knit and crochet. We also do a lot of socializing, she shares with a smile. In terms of finished products, the ladies were often making items for children, such as baby hats, blankets, and even some little sweaters. Betty knew there had to be something meaningful to do with these handmade garments. Finding a home for tiny clothes Betty connected with fellow Lake Forest Place resident Dr. Bill Cape, a retired cardiac surgeon and a volunteer at Erie Family Health CenterWaukegan. Betty asked if they would be able to use what she was making and received a resounding yes in reply. She made her first donation in 2019. The feedback from the mothers who were given the beautiful pieces for their babies was moving. One mother said she was so happy to get something brand-new for her baby after having so many hand-me-downs, Betty shares. The women knew they had to keep knitting, crocheting, and making an impact.Making an impact on families At the end of 2022, Betty coordinated the most recent donation of knitted clothes to Erie Family Health Center.To date, more than 1,000 items have been donated,and Betty is aiming for more!Bettys coordination of this project not only benefits the families at Erie Family Health Center; she is also providing Lake Forest Place residents the opportunity to actively contribute to their larger community. Philanthropy is strongly valued at our community, and Bettys project helps residents continue to engage in meaningful pursuits, remarks Beth Welch, Director of Community Programs for Lake Forest Place.The coordination of this effort to give back to families resonates with residents, staff, and citizens of the Greater Chicago area. Betty and her team exemplify the purposeful life one can enjoy at a senior living community, and were inspiredby their dedication. 6'