Media Advisory distributed via e-mail

Department of Community and Recreation Services
12011 Government Center Parkway, Suite 1050
Fairfax, Virginia 22035
703-324-45641, TTY 711, Fax 703-222-9792
Media Contact:  Patricia L. McClenic, Public Information Officer
DCRS@fairfaxcounty.gov
www.fairfaxcounty.gov/rec

January 29, 2008

Women of the World
Needle Work is the Language that Most Women Speak

According to Dr. Surjit Kaur, PhD and Fairfax County employee, “Needlework is the language all women speak. When women get together, they find common threads and weave them into a tapestry of friendship.”   The Fairfax County Department of Community and Recreation Services in partnership with Fairfax Cooperative Extension is sponsoring programs for women from all countries to come together to stitch, cut, sew, embroidery, crochet, and knit their way to understanding.  On Wednesday, February 13, 2008 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the second of many programs will be held at the Yorkville Community Room, 3146 Draper Drive in Fairfax.   The program is called “Women of the World”. 

This program was established by Dr. Kaur as therapeutic program for women from other countries who have similar problems and interests.  They come together, fellowship and discuss all kinds of things.  Women involved in this program do not need to speak English or another language other than their own.  Translators are on site to assist in communication.  They stitch, cut, sew, embroidery, crochet, and knit their way to understanding and have fun.  The items that are created are pulled together into blankets and quilts and distributed to the homeless.

Community and Recreation Services and Fairfax Cooperative Extension provide needles, thread, and other materials needed to stitch, cut, and sew, embroidery, crochet, and knit.  Women only need to show up and begin from there.  The program is free.

This is the second program of this type.  The first Women of the World program was held at the Herndon Senior Center, 873 Grace Street in Herndon and was very successful.  The women attending this program are still meeting on a regular basis.

For more information about sponsoring a Women of the World program, please contact Gretchen Johnson at 703-273-1210 or Gretchen.Johnson@fairfaxcounty.gov. 

Media representatives are welcome to attend the program on February 13.  Please contact Gretchen Johnson at the above number or Patricia McClenic at 703-324-5641 patricia.mcclenic@fairfaxcounty.gov.