Parents and kids of the Westerheim Flashing Stars 4-H group worked together to sew fidget/sensory wrist wraps for those struggling with dementia. Front row, left to right: Jodi Buysse, Jules Gossen, Violet Vlaminck, Sierra Gossen. Standing, left to right: Jenny Buysse, Hannah Vlaminck, Padaric Moriarty, Imogen Moriarty, Jessica Moriarty.

Helping others help themselves

Local 4-H group put sewing machines to good use for elderly with dementia

They've been sew busy lately.
Two local 4-H groups in Lyon and Yellow Medicine counties recently utilized a grant award to purchase six sewing machines to use for various projects.
The Westerheim Flashing Stars 4-H group used the machines first and made fidget/sensory wrist wraps for elderly people suffering with dementia.
Because of her past involvement in 4-H sewing projects as both a 4-H member and now with her kids, Jenny Buysse was asked to assist with the writing of the grant.
"I was asked by the leaders of Lyon and Yellow Medicine County 4-H groups to apply for the 2020 Helping Hands Award from the Tessman/Christiansen Endowment," said Buysse.
The groups received a $650 grant that they were able to use to purchase six sewing machines and cases.
The fidget/sensory wraps are designed to help dementia patients keep busy by using attached items such as ribbon, Velcro straps and buttons.
"They are to help keep their hands busy, which in turn keeps anxiety down," said Buysse, a registered nurse. "They are very similar to fidget spinners for kids."
There were seven 4-H kids of various ages, as well as some parents, that worked on making the wrist wraps.
"The kids did most of the sewing and parents helped with the hand sewing, too," Buysse explained. "Having enough machines made it much easier than the sewing projects we have done in the past. The kids did not have to wait in line (for a machine)."Westerheim Flashing Stars group leader Ronni Vlaminck, along with Marcia Vlaminck, a former 4-H mother and now grandmother; and 4-H mothers Buysse, Jessica Moriarty and Shannon Gossen, all assisted with the sewing projects.
The 4-H kids each selected the hand-sewn items they wanted on their wrap.
"We used scrap fleece pieces, Velcro, ribbons, buttons, beads, and other odds and ends to make these," Buysse noted. "It was all donated at no cost."
The 4-H kids were educated on dementia and how the wraps they made will benefit the residents.
"The kids seemed to understand and want to help," Buysse said. "It was fun, for sure."
The wraps were then delivered to residents at the Minneota Manor, along with a letter of explanation on who made them and why.
The sewing machines are kept at the Lyon County 4-H office and are for any group to use in Lyon and Yellow Medicine County.
"We plan to have a sewing class for the Yellow Medicine club in Porter this summer," said Buysse. "They want to make pillowcases. We had it set up last year, but had to cancel due to COVID."
The Westerheim Flashing Stars are often involved in fun and interesting projects that benefit the community.

Sierra Gossen, a Westerheim Flashing Stars 4-H member, displays one of the fidget/sensory wraps the group made that will benefit those with dementia. Contributed photo

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