Friday, April 8, 2016

Topsfield Fairgrounds Show features Peabody textile crafter Barbara Legere - Low Vision Success Story




Barbara Legere of Peabody is among the crafters featured in the textile painting, crafts division exhibit at the Topsfield Fairgrounds, off Route 1 in Topsfield, this past year.

Barbara shares her Blue Ribbon success story as a member of the low vision group at the Peabody Council on Aging.  Her story tells what she gained through her connections with mentors and how the low vision group helped her learn new activities they she never thought possible.

- Barbara Legere, 86 year old member of the low vision group at the Peabody Council on Aging
I am telling this story with great humility, not to seek accolades, but rather to acknowledge a community of wonderful men and women who made this happen & to encourage others with low vision or handicaps that may think they can't, to try.

My top 10 women who inspire me here at Torigian Community Life Center, managed by the Peabody Council On Aging are:

  1. Kay Morrocco - want to be just like her when I grow up! (she told me the other day I inspire her, perhaps I have begun to grow with your help Kay)
  2. Carolyn Wynn, Director - Nobody does it better! Who leads us with grace and takes time to visit & observe each activity and see how everyone is doing. Great dancer as well!
  3. April Lussier, Volunteer Coordinator - seeks upbeat people like herself to fit the bill and cheerfully keeps us rolling (such energy) wow!
  4. Sheila Dzengelewski, Social Services - who helps me patiently with mounds of paperwork and is teaching me to Blog. Super Job!
  5. Jen Buchanan, Brilliant Director of the Low Vision Group - who advocates, uplifts, educates, encourages and comforts us while informing us of resources and help available. Jen works untiringly, spearheading fundraisers to purchase items for low vision members. Truly amazing gal!
  6.  Judy Walker, Activities Director - awesome job planning dances, our trip to Rockport, flower show trips and, luckily for me, obtained Stacey Valletti, Peabody Glen Market Specialist.  Stacey put on the "Paint & Sip" program where my prize winning scarf was created, here at the Torigian Center. Thank you Judy and Stacey, never did I dream I could do it. My grandchildren think I'm a "rock star"!
  7. Betty Brennan - teaches us to serve with heart! (she has the biggest!) Ties a mean scarf! And is always ready to help :)
  8. Pat Jenkins, Tips & Topics volunteer - and dear friend who enlisted daughter, Donna Chigas of Salem (best mentor ever). Donna has won 40+ blue ribbons at the Topsfield Fairgrounds and is known for her coleus living wreaths. The wreaths which start with seeds, grow and change with the seasons; a tradition started by her grandmother in England. Donna helped me complete the entry application for the Topsfield Fairgrounds exhibition.  She and mom stood in line to ensure that it was entered into the proper division and class.  Their whole family whooped and hollered with joy when I got blue ribbon - thank you friends.
  9. Toni Dunn, Fitness Director, who keeps us fit, healthy and on our toes. Love her wit & humor.
  10. Dottie, in transportation, who gets us where we need to go on time and gives warm hugs when we lose a family member, great gal!
Such inspiration is hard to come by and I am so grateful to not only the above mentioned women but to ALL the fantastic men & women who volunteer and keep things humming at the PCOA.

I certainly must thank our competent photographers who capture "The Forever Young Spirit" of the seniors at work and play. Outstanding job gentlemen, you are the best!!

Kudos also to Tom Bennett, a neighbor, who took my photo for the blog. He is a professional and terrific!

Forgive me if I do not respond to comments, no internet yet, but hopefully soon.

1 comment:

  1. So proud of my beautiful Mama Mia! I always knew I got my artistic creativity from you!😉

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