The Rockville Centre Homemakers are preparing for another year of home economics workshops, social events and community service throughout the area.
Co-led by MaryAnn Grandazza and Karen Alterson, the group teaches skills such as sewing, knitting and cooking while continuing a tradition of community service that dates back to World War I and continues today.
The Homemakers will begin their new season on Sept. 8 at the Rockville Centre Recreation Center, ready to welcome past and new members for a year of crafts and community. The club meets every Tuesday, when school is in session, and nonmembers are welcome to join but cannot participate in classes.
The Homemakers Club was founded more than 100 years ago during World War I as part of a war effort led by women on the home front. From Red Cross volunteering to sewing bandages and collecting canned foods, the women played a major role in supporting the war effort. Although participation dwindled after the war ended and men returned home, the group’s commitment to community and service continued.
Today, around 400 members belong to 12 Homemakers chapters on Long Island, according to Grandazza. Their mission goes beyond aiding the military. It starts locally with organizations and hospitals such as Mount Sinai South Nassau in Oceanside, the Hewlett House and homeless shelters.
Every week, members learn different skills such as sewing, cooking, crocheting and crafting. Members create handmade items and collect donations for people in need.
“Anything from sewing, crocheting, knitting, all of these things are coming back,” said Grandazza. “We’re glad to teach it. We do more than just knitting, crocheting, cooking and crafting. We do a lot of things for the local community.”
Last year, the group collected and donated over 500 pairs of socks for overseas service members, Grandazza said.
Members also sew and donate “Surgi” dolls for pediatric patients as a visual tool to understand medical procedures and reduce anxiety.
At The Hewlett House, members make pillows designed to provide comfort to cancer patients. They also create baby hats, sweaters and burp blankets for Love, Nana, a Rockville Centre nonprofit that collects and cleans gently used baby clothes, books and small toys to create gift bundles for local families in need, as well as the Bethany House in Baldwin.
Besides their weekly workshops, the Homemakers organize fundraisers, including their upcoming Run for the Roses event in October.
Monthly business meetings feature guest speakers on topics ranging from identifying the newest phone and text scams to recreational activities like cardio ball drumming. In February, the group hosts a Galentine’s event, and in March, there will be Bagel Bingo.
Like many community organizations, the Homemakers face challenges with membership and funding. Annual memberships are $30, a price intended to be accessible to members, who are between 50 and 90 years old.
Despite those challenges, Grandazza believes the organization offers something that goes beyond its classes.
“People need people, and our groups are great,” she said. “They’re very friendly, warm people, and the more the merrier.”
