By: Najla Alexander
Oh wow, you can feel that fall chill in the mornings, hear leaves crunch under your feet, and see the colors change. It’s that time again to hunker down, let the season slow things down a bit, and enjoy more personal time with your loved ones before all the holidays come up!
Hello there, RLS Metro Media family and friends! Fall is in full swing, which means bundling up, but don't forget to keep yourself locked away, too. Remember, whether you're going to pumpkin patches, fairs, or something small and simple, do it.
Being social in your community matters! That’s why I find this specific group of ladies so fun and fascinating!
“Such a great way to decompress and socialize, especially for people at my age; it’s very nice to have something to look forward to,” Rose Marie exclaimed!
According to local officials, ‘The Granny Squares’ is a local group of seniors who crochet/knit together in the Carteret Community Center at 100 Cooke Avenue, beside the Carteret Community Library. On October 26th, I got the chance to join them, and boy, did I leave smiling! At the end of the day, they donated several creations to the Union Public Library’s Community Baby Shower.
All of their yarn is donated, and all that is made, like hats, scarves, wheelchair blankets, and afghans, is distributed to a variety of groups, including Carteret-based organizations such as Saint Joseph’s Food Pantry and NJ Reentry Corp., as well as New Jersey Veterans Memorial Home at Menlo Park in Edison and Inspire Family Life Center, a support network for women and their children in Warren.
All ages and skill levels are welcome; they also come together for the Borough’s other senior activities, including crafts, games, a nutrition program, and an exercise program. ‘The Granny Squares’ meet on specific Mondays from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. throughout the year.
Mary Roche, one of The Granny Squares’ five Carteret-based founding organizers, stated, “Everybody has a story. Sitting down, getting to know each other’s story while creating something beautiful is just magical, and we know how to have fun.”
This group sure does know how to have fun; it even got me locked into my own little project, a scarf, and I am so excited to keep working on it with them! We even got to talking about a murder mystery party, “The Case of the Bloody Crochet Hook,” and it just kept going; it made me smile the whole time.
‘I’m not good at any of this, but trying unlocked that side of me that loved to make bracelets and legos, so the focus kicked in quickly. I love it and can’t wait to see the scarf I get to donate!” I exclaimed.
‘The Granny Squares’, according to the lovely ladies I spoke to, is named after a popular
crochet pattern and honestly fits perfectly as the name for these ladies. Who may be seniors, yes, but square? I don’t think so, given how much fun they are having at these meetings.
If you dare to join or want more info about ‘The Granny Squares’, contact Mary Roche at 732-969-2097 or frjasper@verizon.net. They'll be happy to welcome new members and share more about the good they do there!
Getting a glimpse inside another section of my Carteret community that I have never seen before is what I needed to slow down as winter creeps in. A hobby that keeps my hands busy and my mind quiet, with only what I need to focus on right in front of me, is amazing.
Have a great Autumn season, RLS friends and family. Slow down, but remember to enjoy the little things you never thought before! Holidays are coming, and we know Carteret always shows out, so we look forward to seeing what they have this year!