by Sylene Argent
In preparing a special treat for local seniors, Essex Mayor Sherry Bondy invited community members out to the Essex Library on Saturday to add a splash of colour and a whole lot of creativity to what will become Valentine’s Day gifts.
Several individuals – of varying ages – attended the event and coloured around 80 drawings that will be placed on empty wine bottles that members of the community donated, which will be transformed into vases.
The Optimist Club of Essex, Bondy said, has offered to donate carnations for the vases.
Bondy and volunteers plan to distribute 140 of these special Valentine’s Day gifts to local seniors on Saturday.
It is hoped the community-made vases, topped off with flowers, will show the previously selected recipients they are cared for and will lift their spirits for the day dedicated to showing love.
Individuals can drop-off drawings at the Essex Library branch during its hours of operation, as Bondy hopes to create gifts for local seniors for various holidays over the year.
As a newly appointed member of the County of Essex’s Library Board, Bondy hopes to continue using library spaces to connect community members.