Dorothy Milbourne shows off her craft. Gemma Flores | Collegian

The Hillsdale Senior Center hosted a crafting class Oct. 29 to make festive holiday cards and ornaments in the shape of snowflakes and wreaths, some of which will be distributed to those in need. 

The crafting session was part of the senior center’s Successful Aging through Financial Empowerment program. The program aims to reduce the risk of identity fraud by keeping seniors engaged in the community.

“Our goal is to have people connect with each other. There are so many different events at the center,” said Maribeth Kaltz, case manager with SAFE+. “It’s just the hub of activity in Hillsdale.”

SAFE+ holds socialization events year-round for seniors to get out and try new activities. Kaltz said one of the regular attendees, Helen Fadness, suggested donating the ornaments and cards.. 

Fadness said she got the idea when she heard about a child donating cards to Meals on Wheels to be handed out to seniors during the COVID-19 pandemic. Meals on Wheels is a nationwide nonprofit that delivers meals to vulnerable people in communities.

“I thought to myself, ‘Some of these people don’t get any cards,’” Fadness said. 

Alicia Gorbutt has been attending the senior center events since she retired eight years ago.  

“I really enjoy the camaraderie here,” Gorbutt said. “Most of my friends live far away, so this is a great group to play with.”

Gorbutt attended the Oct. 29 SAFE+ event to make ornaments for the Meals on Wheels recipients.  

“I’m donating these to the Meals on Wheels because we have too many people in our community who are alone at the holidays,” Gorbutt said. “I think they need a little bit of cheer.”

SAFE+ and the Hillsdale Senior Center host many other events to keep seniors engaged in the community and up to date with the latest technology in an effort to reduce the risk of identity theft and fraud. One such event is a technology class taught by local high school students. 

“They come in and they sit down with the seniors and they show them how to use their phones. It’s a really nice little class,” Kaltz said. 

Gorbutt said the senior center events have helped her get more involved in the community.

“I’ve made a lot of wonderful, wonderful friends. You just feel good when you’re here,” Gorbutt said. “I encourage people to give us a try.”

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