BY AMANDA MOSES
JASA Starrett Senior Center offers a wide array of programs for older adults, from Zumba to paint classes. Each activity engages seniors mentally and physically, keeping them interacting with others as well as tapping into their creativity.
The first Wednesday of each month, JASA volunteer Ralfi Viera holds tie-dye classes at 11 am in the Aspen room, located in the lower level of the Brooklyn Sports Club (BSC). Using two rectangular tables covered in plastic, Viera places various colored dyes for the seniors to choose from, while also providing plastic aprons and gloves (since the dyes are hard to wash out). The seniors are given rubber bands to tie onto the white shirts in different shapes, which creates patterns when the dye is poured onto it.
There are no specific rules for these lessons, Viera explains the process to attendees and allows them to take whatever creative approach they choose. JASA also supplies the white t-shirts and now white face masks to dye, but Viera stresses that members can also bring whatever clothing they would like to color.
Longtime Spring Creek Towers’ resident, Migdalia Nieves enjoys her tie-dye classes describing it as a therapeutic process.
“I like the colors. It distracts me and I can meet friends, and I enjoy being here,” Nieves said, adding that she has created almost 10 t-shirts.
Photos by Amanda Moses
