Poland Shepherd residents hammer out projects

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Neighbors | Sarah Foor .Poland Shepherd of the Valley activity director Paula Blakeman (left) joined the activity and helped out resident Fay Hawke (right) with the construction of her craft.

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Neighbors | Sarah Foor .Home Depot employee Gia Voitus (left) offered some assistance to Poland Shepherd of the Valley resident Leroy Bertelmay (right) as he built his coaster holder.

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Neighbors | Sarah Foor .Resident Norma Havanis (center left) swung her hammer like a pro.

By SARAH FOOR sfoor@vindy.com

With a bit of help from the Boardman Home Depot, the residents of Poland Shepherd of the Valley recently did some do-it-yourself construction.

To celebrate National Assisted Living Week, Home Depot employee Gia Voitus visited the facility to construct a coaster holder for the residents to use.

“Over at Home Depot, we do projects in a kids’ workshop every month. This is my maiden voyage teaching a class to adults and I think it’s a great opportunity. It’s all about getting out into the community and showing people how crafty they can be if they just give it a try,” said Voitus.

Each coaster kit provided the wooden pieces and nails for construction and Voitus provided the hammers from Home Depot and plenty of guidance.

The Shepherd residents noticed a few things as they hammered away at their crafts.

“Swinging a hammer really does help get all of your tension out,” offered Norma Havanis.

“I know it’s the afternoon, but if everyone isn’t awake yet, they are now,” joked Leroy Bartelmay about the noise.

After a bit of hard work, the plain wood coaster holders were finished. Voitus suggested the residents paint or decorate their new craft however they would like. Voitus said she enjoyed her time working and chatting with the Shepherd residents.

“Maybe I can come back for a party soon and we can start using all of the coasters from our kits,” she said.