When the Wilton Osteobuster Exercise group was asked to participate in the creation of the first New York State Osteoporosis quilts they knew their focus would be all about the bones.

After much discussion, they decided that their square would contain a skeleton pumping iron, just as they have done twice-a-week for the last year at the Wilton Fire House.

The biggest decision was whose face should grace the model. Osteobuster-member Donna Kloss said her daughter and granddaughter, Wendy and Jenny McKonkey, could do the artwork, so Osteo co-leader Janet Cohren asked Donna if she would be the model, but Donna had a better idea. She suggested a picture of her mom who passed away nearly four years ago.

The New York State Department of Health created the Osteoporosis Prevention and Education Program (NYSOPEP) to help residents gain insight into available resources for this condition and was responsible for getting the quilts built.

In July, local NYSOPEP Program Manger, Kelly Pilkey, brought the completed Saratoga County  quilt to Wilton, to the delight of each member. Lea Crowe, Osteobuster Volunteer Coordinator for the Office of the Aging also attended.

The Osteobuster classes, which are free of charge and include weight-bearing equipment, are operated through the Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) of the Saratoga County Office of the Aging. Classes are held in Corinth, Greenfield, Halfmoon, Malta, South Glens Falls, Rexford, Schuylerville, Saratoga Springs, Clifton Park and Wilton. For more information call RSVP Director Billie Jo McKonkey at 884-4110.