A fine sense of touch and decades of experience are two reasons Dorothy Reif is able to create multi-colored afghans. The other reason is Judith Prieto.
“Judith is my eyes,” Reif said. “I am legally blind and Judith is a great help. She helps me coordinate colors and lets me know if I have made a mistake.”
Reif, who turns 87 this month, is a two-year resident of the assisted-living area at Cherry Village Benevolence. Prieto is a certified medication aide at the long-term-care facility.
One of Reif’s most recent creations is an afghan she is donating to the Kans for Kids Fighting Cancer dinner/auction, which is set for 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29 at Camp Aldrich. The afghan’s colors are pink, blue and purple.
“Kans for Kids helps local children with cancer and their families,” Reif said. “It is a great cause and I want to do what I can to help.”
Reif has a special place in her heart for the organization because her grandchildren started it in 1994. Sarah was 11 and Shane 8 at the time. Duane and Deb Reif, Hoisington, are their parents.
The three-week afghan project is only one of many that have been completed or are in the works. They become gifts for grandkids, Cherry Village staff and others.
“I started crocheting when I was a teenager. I got married and we raised six children. When I started crocheting again, it was crude work,” Reif said, laughing while holding a small sample of an early attempt. “This square is not quite a square. But it is getting better and better.
“I like to do this in between things,” she continued. “I crochet for a while and then maybe lay back and take a nap. I can’t watch TV, and I can’t read or write very well.”
Reif emphasized that Prieto “doesn’t let other residents down when she helps me. She keeps her eyes and ears open. She will drop everything to help people. I appreciate Judith and everyone else at Cherry Village.”
The friendship began when Prieto sought Reif’s crocheting advice.
“I saw that she knew what she was doing,” recalled Prieto. “I like getting to know Dorothy and other residents. Dorothy is very active and concerned about other people.
“Her family is in and out of here all the time, which is great,” she added. “She is so proud of them. Because of her outlook on life, Dorothy has become my eyes. We are friends forever.”
Duane Reif, Dorothy’s son, said “Judith is a Godsend for Mom and all Cherry Village residents. This is not just a job for her; it is her calling. Crocheting is a way to connect with Mom, while showing concern for her overall health. I think Mom would be willing to adopt her.
“As a frequent Cherry Village visitor, I am always greeted by staff,” he added. “I am very pleased with Mom’s care and I can see other residents are well cared for too. I am grateful Cherry Village supports people as they enjoy life in the best way possible.”
Duane also noted the staff collects aluminum for Kans for Kids, and volunteers to deliver the recyclables to a drop-off site.
Cherry Village, 1401 Cherry Lane, is a non-profit facility managed by a local family.