Carving for Parkinson’s gathers interest
TRURO, N.S. – Judy Decker’s fingers aren’t as nimble as they once were. But when she had the opportunity to try woodcarving, she didn’t hesitate.
“Harold (Boone) asked if I was interested and I said, ‘Sure!’” said the Truro resident, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease about four years ago. “I tried the boxing program for Parkinson’s and it was fun.”
She and her husband once ran the Wellington Bakery, in Wellington. She moved to Truro two years ago, after her husband died. She usually walks quite a bit but that’s been slowed down recently by fractured bones in one foot.
Harold Boone, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2011, was also trying woodcarving for the first time.
“I was looking for activities to help with dexterity and I heard this was good,” he said. “I thought if we had something organized for people with Parkinson’s, and their caregivers, it would be nice.”
He got in touch with Gerry Hale, who runs a woodcarving program for retired teachers.
“I started woodcarving about 23 years ago, carving with Rob Barrett,’ said Hale. “I started teaching with some exploratories at schools.
“It’s a great hobby. You can do it almost anywhere and it doesn’t cost much once you get the tools.”
The beginner carvers were taught about the importance of rounding edges during their first lesson, and got to use knives, files and sandpaper. They practised on a small block of wood and then moved on to a whale-shaped cutout.
“This is great,” said Decker. “My granddaughter loves whales.”
People with Parkinson’s are invited to stop by and learn about woodcarving Feb. 18 and 25, at 10:30 a.m., in the Rath-eastlink Community Centre. Carvers, including retired teachers, will be at a table in the hallway near the climbing wall. More information on taking part in the carving group is available by contacting Boone at booneharold@hotmail.com or 902-324-3932. Decker and Boone are both members of a Parkinson’s support group that meets the third Thursday of each month from 1-3 p.m. at Immanuel Baptist Church. More information on the group is available by emailing lisa.frankland@parkinson.ca or calling 1-800-565-3000, extension 3451.