A new Hobby and Art Room at Homme Homes’ Forest Park Village in Wausau is helping senior residents tap into their creative talents and reconnect with past hobbies. An independent living apartment, complete with kitchen and restroom, was redesigned and converted to a workspace where residents can drop by anytime to work on rug making, painting, knitting and other projects and hobbies that interest them.

To encourage creativity, Wausau East High School art students, under the direction of their instructor, Joel Pataconi, painted an original, inspirational mural on one wall. Instructor-led classes and workshops led by local arts groups and other area hobbyists are also being planned.

The project was made possible with the support of a grant from the North Central Health Protection Fund at the Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin. A ribbon-cutting and dedication ceremony for the project’s supporters is scheduled for Thursday, April 19.

“As a provider of services to older adults in the Wausau community, Forest Park Village embraces the concept of creating and promoting a healthy, active lifestyle as we age,” said Amy Forst, director of operations. “Our new Hobby and Art Room will nourish the minds and souls of our residents for many years to come.”

For more information, contact Amy A. Forst, Director of Operations, Forest Park Village, 2901 N. 7th St., Wausau WI 54403; phone 715-845-1214 x311; fax 715-842-8389; or www.homme.org.