While the Chelsea Senior Center may not be recognized as a textile operation, visitors to the second floor would discover otherwise. A quilting group has been active there for 25 years, producing approximately 12 handmade quilts monthly.
The quilters trace their heritage to the Empty Spoolers, an even earlier quilting initiative that began at the Center more than 25 years ago.
The organization has become so established that some current members represent a second generation of participation – their mothers or other relatives were involved with the original group.
Through the dedicated efforts of Eileen Gregory (original member), Angela Panaresse (original member), Irene Malachowski (original member), Bunny Shuman, Louise Finnegan, Cathy DeVitto, Pat Doucette, Jackie Mackay, Elaine Patti, Anita Arsenault, and Ana Garcia, the group produces roughly a dozen quilts each month – a remarkable accomplishment.
Each quilt is crafted with particular attention because the recipients are disadvantaged youths and babies. Upon completion, the quilts go to infants and young children receiving services through Boston Medical Center, Mass. Dept. of Children and Family (DCF-Chelsea), with some reaching as far as Armenia.
The quilters welcome visitors, and the public is invited to observe their process. Those interested in visiting the Senior Center to see the work and meet the Empty Spoolers may do so every Friday between 9 a.m. and noon.