SOUTH POINT – Crafts keep Vada Kitts young at heart.

Wednesday, November 17, 1999

SOUTH POINT – Crafts keep Vada Kitts young at heart.

The Kitts Hill resident has been involved in her local homemakers club for more than 50 years.

She has been attending the Lawrence County Extension Homemaker’s annual meetings since the group first organized.

And she wouldn’t give up the activities for the world.

"If I didn’t use my hands, I’d be out of shape," Mrs. Kitts said. "I don’t walk too much, but I can sit down and use my hands and my mind. The Lord’s been good to me – I still have my memory."

Nearly 100 Lawrence County women attended the annual Homemakers Christmas Workshop Tuesday at the Grandview Inn.

Women of different ages and backgrounds joined together to learn how to make candy cane candles and angel Christmas tree ornaments while they ate a piece of pie.

This is the third year Vada Mount has participated in the Homemakers club, and she has enjoyed every moment of it.

"I have loved it," Mrs. Mount said. "I love to make these crafts and being with the people is just wonderful."

And with Christmas just around the corner, members not only got a look at some fresh new designs for gift ideas, but could purchase the work of others for their friends and families.

Only at the Christmas workshop may members sell their wares to other attendees, and the money always goes to a good cause, said Anita Quisenberry, organizer of this year’s workshop and member of the Ensee Club.

"The money pays our expenses and we give most of it back to charity," Mrs. Quisenberry said. "We donate food or whatever’s needed to the Community Mission Outreach, and the club as a whole donates to the other food pantries."

The group meets two other times throughout the year, current president Marta McCalvin said.

In April, the club holds its Achievement Day, where members bring in their best crafts to display and receive awards.

The third meeting’s topic alternates yearly. This year, the topic will be quilts and will take place in March at the Southern Branch of the Briggs Lawrence County Public Library.

And incoming president Leni Roache said she would like to see attendance increase.

"We welcome anyone," Mrs. Roache said. "All you have to do is come and be interested in learning, doing and helping."