“Giving out free scarves is not something new” Marion Varec explained to The Press Nov. 5 while at Triangle Park in Emmaus.

Around 12 years ago, Susan Huxley decided to give out free scarves in Easton, where she’s from. With word-of-mouth, the idea took root in Emmaus a few years back with the members of the Emmaus Lionness Lions Club.

A little over 500 scarves were wrapped around the length of the fence this year. With the theme “Chase the Chill,” residents were out early to look at the different styles and colors. Within the first couple of hours, 50 visitors had selected new scarves to use for the fall and winter season.

One item that captured the attention of The Press was a twiddle muff. Although it will keep one’s hands warm, it was mainly designed for another use. Inside the muffs, one can find buttons, strings and bells which can help both autistic children, as well as those who suffer from dementia – two groups who suffer from anxiety, often fidgeting. These muffs help them keep calm. It has become a popular item according to Varec with the local schools and nursing homes.

To make the annual giveaway a success, knitters are needed, as well as supplies. Varec was happy to point out there was a real sense of community in the borough to help make this year’s event a success.

For example, Fields of Indian Creek donated 40 scarves this year, Pat Mattes donated 20 and Janice Engleman donated eight bags of yarn – all much appreciated by the Lioness knitters.

When the six knitters gathered for a picture, they requested it be taken on a specific bench. Nancy Keller was one of them, a lioness knitter for years with this tight group. She died last year and a plaque bearing her name is appropriately placed on a bench at the location where the event so important to her continues to grow.

For Varec and her friends, this is an important community event which she hopes will continue to grow and bring the residents of the borough together.