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Clarkstown UMC Crafters making fidget boards

By Shirley Confer Boatman - | Nov 10, 2023

Nancy Winder, a member of the Clarkstown United Methodist Church, had a lot of material, curios, ornaments and bric-a-brac around her house. So did Marge Thompson, Donna Snyder, Lila Snyder and quite a few other United Methodist members. “I didn’t know what to do with all of it,” Nancy says. She prayed about it and one day she got an answer. “God winked and said, “You should use your collections to make things for others.” And that’s how our Fidget Board project began.”

The Church has had a group of Crafters for many years, but making Fidgets for the needs of special children, and adults with Alzheimer’s or dementia, is a new idea, and has brought on new crafters. “There is no lack of materials to work with. We all know how “things” collect over the years–souvenirs of all kinds, knick-knacks, pillows, key chains–you name it. The women brought in their goods. All we ever have to buy is thread,” Nancy says.

Fidgets are soft boards made for hands to have something to “fidget with” when the person is anxious or bored. No two boards are the same. Each crafter chooses different items to attach, such as buttons and buttonholes; zippers; scratchy fabric; soft fabric; plastic objects, stretchy and crocheted items, small metal objects, and other tactile pieces. Some Boards are used for Touchpoint Math, to help a child count, with the added benefit of beads or rings, for example, to feel as they count. The Fidgets are given to schools, nursing homes, hospitals and wherever there is a need. Donna expresses that she thinks the project is “wonderful.” “It’s amazing how this all took off once God gave Nancy the nudge. There are so many people using and benefitting from the Fidgets. We’ve made well over 200 of them so far, and most have been distributed.” The women explained that word-of-mouth is responsible for the choices of where to give the Boards. “We’ll just be talking about the project and someone listening will know where there is a need.” Nancy remarks. “I’m heading down to Manor North today,” Marge, a lay minister, says to the group. Should I take some with me?” “Sure,” Lila answers, and all agree. The Fidget Boards have been distributed to Hughesville, Muncy and South Williamsport School Districts, Wolf Run, and Lock Haven Nursing Homes, and the group is continually working on filling the requests of other organizations and individuals.

Tammy Seyler is Pastor of Clarkstown United Methodist. The regular members of the Fidget Group are: Barb Harnish; Deb Currinder; Cookie Smith; Millie Moyer; Stephanie Trimble; Dorothy Mensch; Deb Wagner; Pastor Tammy; Emily Shultz; Kathy Grenoble, Lila Snyder; Marge Thompson; Donna Snyder; Nancy Winder, and Joyce Warner (recently deceased).

As in many churches, there are other areas of giving.

United Methodist regularly donates food and requested clothing to the Orangeville Veterans’ Home. “We give to others,” Nancy says. “That’s our mission.” The Fidget Boards are a worthy part of that mission.