By Laurie Whittier
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

The official grand opening of Wind Crest’s wood shop on March 15 came just in time for members of the woodworking club to accept their first project: they’ll be building a four-person outdoor glider for fellow residents to enjoy.

The idea for the glider came from Karen Weerts, who lives at Wind Crest and holds strong to the belief that even older adults like to swing and have fun.

“I had been reading about how Europeans found that playgrounds are good for older adults,” Weerts says. “Many residents have said they would enjoy some sort of swing, and Craig [Erickson, executive director] supported the idea from the start.”

From there, residents took the initiative to raise money. First came a $500 donation from the Treasure Chest Committee, which oversees funds from the on-site resale store. Then a few residents organized an impromptu fundraising walk—not only for the glider, but also for a play set for grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. Nearly 70 people took part in the walk, which raised an additional $1,900 for the project.

Wood shop manager Len Hilgartner will oversee construction of the glider. With all the new tools Wind Crest purchased for the wood shop’s grand opening, he says the glider project couldn’t have come at a better time.

“I knew there would be a woodshop, but I had no idea we’d end up with equipment like this,” says Hilgartner, who spent many years as a precision tool and dye inspector at a machine shop. Up until the grand opening, the woodworking group had been using various tools that were donated early on by residents like Hilgartner.

“Erickson has spared no expense with the equipment they purchased,” he says. “With these tools, we’ll be able to rip or crosscut a 3/4-inch sheet of plywood and make some first-class furniture right here in our workshop.” Hilgartner expects the glider to be completed in May.