Senior Star Spearheads Project Benefitting People and Planet

In recognition of Earth Day, residents of Senior Star at Weber Place will present their specially hand-crocheted mats to New Life for Old Bags, Plainfield, a collaboration between people of all ages and abilities to make mats for the homeless out of used plastic bags.

Part of a new activity since winter 2018, residents at Senior Star took on the time-consuming yet timely environmental project of repurposing hundreds of plastic bags into comfortable, sleeping mats for the homeless. Requiring more than 20 steps in the process, each mat takes two to three months to make. Senior Star residents have completed two mats for this Earth Day occasion to help the homeless.

“I thought this would be a great way to engage our residents whether they have crocheting experience or have never crocheted in their life,” said Skirmante Vaiciuliene, programs assistant at Senior Star. “It is an excellent exercise for finger and hand dexterity. Plus, the end project benefits the homeless and the planet.”

Senior Star offers residents opportunities to gather daily to participate in numerous activities, including projects that keep them active and engaged beyond busy work. Senior Star resident Shirley Skopic is up for any project, “I try to get to at least ten different things a week,” she said. Though she crocheted all of her life, this was her first time crocheting with plarn, a “yarn” made out of plastic bags.

The presentation will take place at 2 p.m. on Monday, April 22 at Senior Star at Weber Place, 605 South Edward Drive.

For more information about Senior Star at Weber Place or to schedule a tour, call 815.439.9955 or visit the website at www.seniorstar.com/weberplace.