The Wilton Garden Club is quite active in the community, even during these cold winter months. On the first Tuesday of every month, the club offers a Garden Therapy for Seniors program at the Comstock Community Center.
"It's a neat deal," said Wilton resident and co-chair of the program Leslie Hinshaw. "We serve lunch to the group, chat for 30 to 45 minutes and then do a project."
Lunch is made by Hinshaw and other volunteers. Meals in the past have been everything from a healthy quiche and salad to Hinshaw's homemade lasagna.
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"We found they like warm comfort foods," added co-chair Melinda Wolcott.
For the February program, for instance, the group dined on macaroni and cheese, salad, and shortbread hearts with red sprinkles for a special Valentine's Day dessert.
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The group currently consists of 14 or 15 ladies; men are welcome, but presently there are none in the group. Projects are usually theme related, such as a harvest theme for October or a holiday project during December.
"Sometimes it's flower arranging, sometimes it's planting seeds in cups," said Wolcott.
Participants are welcome to bring their creations home, except for the Garden Club's Mother's Day Plant Sale project, which will be sold at the event.
"We make them feel part of the club by joining in," said Wolcott.
Occasionally the volunteers even give pop quizzes and give out prizes.
"They're pretty sharp!" said Wolcott.
This time of year, you never know what the weather will be like and sometimes the program gets cancelled due to snow. This past January's meeting fell on a nice day and the ladies watched a video of the Chelsea Flower Show of London. Other activities are more interactive and chatting with each other is always part of the fun.
"We try to keep activities stimulating, hence the name garden therapy," said Wolcott.
"It's a neat bonding experience," added Hinshaw. "They're so spirited and you really see them benefit from it."
It is also a great way for seniors new to town who don't know anyone to meet others.
No one is really quite sure how long the popular program has been going on, but through word of mouth it continues year after year.
"I've been a member for thirty years and it's been going on at least that long," said Wolcott.
Pre-registration for the program is required through Wilton's Coordinator of Senior Activities Lizbeth Doty a day or so in advance. There is a nominal fee of $3 for the lunch.
And don't worry about transportation issues; Wilton's Dial-A-Ride will pick up participants and bring them home.
Registration can be made by calling 203-834-6240.
