Active lifestyle keeps Ann’s Choice resident busy and independent

By Tom Mackie
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

If there was an unofficial record for most afghan blankets knitted by someone, Myrtle Roeder would probably hold the honor. Myrtle, who moved to Ann’s Choice in July from Ambler, Pennsylvania, says she’s knitted more than 40 full-length afghan blankets.

"Since 1987, I’ve made 40 afghan blankets. Not the kind with patches that you fit together. But the big Irish knit afghans with the double-knit cable. They’re really beautiful and I make the big ones that fit on beds. I sold four of them and gave away five for church auctions and the rest I’ve given to friends and family members who admire them."

Myrtle recently moved to Ann’s Choice for the convenience and the freedom. That’s a good thing. Because at any age, she’s one of the busiest, most independent people you’ll ever meet.

"I have a wonderful apartment home," she says. "It’s a two-bedroom Fairmont and it’s on the third floor. I like the cabinets in the kitchen, the size of the living room with a dining room combination. The second bedroom is my den and I’m very comfortable in there. I have it fixed up real pretty. When I saw this one – I fell in love with it."

Activities galore
Even though Myrtle moved to Ann’s Choice in July, she’s been traveling so much that she’s just starting to take advantage of all the amenities and activities.

"I took a computer course to learn something new. But that’s not my life," she says. "I read, I knit, I enjoy other things. I just finished making a cake and a meatloaf for a covered dish supper tomorrow night."

When Myrtle isn’t traveling to Maine, Erie, Pennsylvania, or Pittsburgh to visit family, she does a lot of volunteering.

Myrtle worked 14 years in a flower shop then worked for Gwynedd-Mercy College for 21 years, 17 as treasurer.

"When I retired in 1985 I started doing all those things that retired people do including volunteering."