October 25, 2013 (Four Oaks, NC) ─ Oakview Commons’ crocheting club, “The Happy Hookers,” are celebrating one year of crafting infant caps for newborns at Johnson Memorial Hospital.

Pictured above are Oakview residents Mazel Smith and Marjorie Woodard.

“It’s a great fellowship,” said Activities Director Maria Iadonisi. “We laugh and cry together over family struggles, our faith, health issues and bad jokes. We’ve gotten tangled up in our work and misjudged a pattern ending up with a cap for a giant. We discuss life lessons and what we might want to go back and change.”

Oakview Commons resident Marjorie Woodard, 91, has made many afghans and prayer shawls since she began crocheting as a teenager using a hook her father made her out of a piece of wood. She said crocheting relaxes her; in fact, it’s not unusual to go past her room and catch her taking a nap with her latest project in her lap.

“With every infant cap I make I pray that it will go to a healthy baby,” she said.

Over the last year, the Happy Hookers have created about 80 caps along with prayer shawls for sick family and friends, afghans, head bands, caps for other residents and burial gowns at the hospital’s request. The crocheting club includes a prayer and signature with each completed piece.

“With about 1,400 births each year, the crocheted caps are such a thoughtful gesture and our moms are so delighted to receive them as gifts for their newborns,” said Johnston Health Community Relations Specialist Suzette Rodriguez.

Iadonisi said they have received many thank you notes from recipients of their handiwork.

“The notes and pictures always make my ladies smile,” said Iadonisi. “I know at any age, we want to know we made a difference and can still help people.”

Oakview Commons’ crocheting club is always looking for donated yarn and hooks and needles. Contact Administrator Janis Carroll at (919) 963-2011 to arrange to supplies donations.