Tucked in a quiet, forested corner a few blocks from the busy freeway, warmth is materializing amidst this cooler July at the Madison House Retirement and Assisted Living.
During the last month, Madison House residents have worked nimbly to create 30 fleece blankets that were donated to Evergreen Hospice on July 19.
Bert Fisher, Madison House resident and Evergreen Hospice volunteer, inspired the project. “People needed a blanket to cover their lap when they went out,” he explained, referring to terminally ill patients at the Hospice. “One old gentleman said to me, ‘Young fella, I’m cold. Will you get me a blanket?’”
Soon after, Fisher and his wife, Marilyn, decided to make the blankets. The couple has acted as the “spark plug” for the project, encouraging other Madison House residents to work on the blankets, as well.
Karen Thoresen, activities director, has witnessed the Fisher’s unique role first hand. “They’re a couple that can rally and motivate other people to get involved in projects,” she said.
To make the blankets, several women, along with Fisher, carefully cut strips along the edges of a large square of fleece. Another piece of identically cut fleece is layered on top of the first, and the strips are tied in knots. The result is a thick, five-by-six foot blanket.
Resident Lu Harrison helped make blankets alongside many of her friends. “It was just an act of love,” she said. “He (Fisher) was there every day. He really helped a lot.”
According to Fisher, the project was simply, “a nice thing to do.” A couple years ago, he also organized to have hummingbird feeders placed outside Hospice patient’s windows.
Before Fisher retired 14 years ago, he was too busy to volunteer. Still, as the president of his company, Northwest Protective Service, he was a self-proclaimed “people person.” Frequently, he would visit his security guards during the night to drop off food or extra coats.
Now, his dedication to making blankets serves the families of loved ones in hospice at Evergreen. Often, the blankets become keepsakes for family members, and a way to remember their loved one. To Fisher, the blankets symbolize warmth, happiness, and peace of mind.
House resident Minnie Tachiyama still uses the blanket given to her late husband, Jack. “He’s gone now, but I still use it when I go to football games,” she said, smiling.
The blankets presented Tuesday were patterned with bright orange flowers or steel blue Seahawks logos. “They’re a cheery thing to give away,” Fisher said. For one friend, nicknamed “The Colonel,” he made a camouflaged blanket a few years ago.
The project has taken place since 2006, and was made possible this year by a $2,000 grant from the Evergreen Hospice Auxiliary.
Thoresen calls the donation a win-win situation. “It gave us something to do, and we were contributing to a good cause,” she said.
Fisher plans to continue the project next year, as long as fleece is donated again. He also hopes to return to the Hospice as a volunteer. A heart operation took him away for a year, but he is almost fully recovered.
“The hummingbird feeders and the blankets were two of the best things I’ve done in my life,” he said. “It’s very gratifying to volunteer there. I’m ready to go back again.”
Evergreen Hospice accepts volunteers from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Sunday. Call 425-899-1070.
