MARINETTE — Ivon Butman, from Menominee, fastened the yarn on her patriotic wall hanging as her son, Bryan, flipped through the family album to show his mother in pictures.
One as a young adult in ruby lips and professionally posed. One as an accomplished accordionist. One with a keen interest in traditional folk dancing.
“I’m very fortunate to have wonderful children,” Ivon said.
He spoke of his mom’s history, coming from upstate New York and having settled in the area. He talked about his most recent visits.
“I would come here every year and put in her garden,” said Bryan, who lives in Maryland.
This visit was a little different. She was spending her first day at Renaissance at Rennes, an assisted living facility, and getting acquainted with staff and other residents at the crafting club meetup.
Danielle Duke, activity director at Renaissance by Rennes, said the group was preparing for their craft fair this weekend.
“One of the main reasons we’re doing this craft fair is to have something for our residents,” Duke said. “It’s so that they can have different vendors and see different crafts and purchase things they’re normally unable to.”
The Spring Craft Fair will take place on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Rennaisance by Rennes, 2909 Shore Drive, Marinette. It will feature live music and 20 vendors selling leather goods, wood carvings, jewelry and a variety of crafts.
And some of them will be made by residents.
Duke said the knitting, sewing and crocheting club has about 10 members who meet almost every week. They’re selling their creations for a good cause.
“We’ve been making them to sell and raise money,” she said. “We pick a family at Christmastime and buy gifts.”
The event is part of a larger initiative by Duke to foster connections between the assisted living home and the surrounding community. In a recent effort, she arranged for the sheriff’s department and the Peshtigo Fire Museum to make a visit, further strengthening these ties
The facility also enjoys taking residents to the casino, museum and out to eat at local restaurants. The socialization is all for a good reason.
“A body in motion stays in motion,” Duke said. “Staying active is important for our residents’ mental health and social wellbeing because it keeps mind and body growing.”
The transition into the Renaissance can be a big one, she said.
“I believe having clubs and engaging activities for our residents daily is part of helping them in the next chapter of their life,” Duke said.
Ivon most recently lived with her daughter before moving to Renaissance. She said she was thankful for her health.
“I’m very fortunate to have the smarts that I do,” Ivon said.
And she was already warming up to the activities. As a former church secretary and member of West Shore Chorale, she said she was excited about the possibilities of the community.
“Everybody’s so friendly.”
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