Helen Lell, a new Heath Village resident, recently presented her collection of

counted-cross stitch artwork at the Gallery at the Village.

After her husband passed away in 1984, Helen began doing counted-cross stitch to occupy her time.

It takes a tremendous amount of patience and talent to create these works of art. Each piece can take

up to a year to complete. Lell has a special interest in Native American Indians and featured this

culture in its own room in her former Toms River home. However, one of her most prized

pieces is that of her dog, “Lady Lell,” which was done using a custom made pattern.

Helen has been a member of the Order of the Eastern Star for many years. She donated one of her

counted-cross stitch pieces, an 11×14 piece featuring hot-air balloons, to the Order which raffled it off

for more than $1,700; the proceeds of which were donated to a charitable cause. Her current project is

again for the Order. Each year, the officers of The Grand Chapter Order of Eastern Star make a gift to

the Grand Matron and Grand Patron. The gift this year is a counted-cross stitch quilt. All of the Grand

Officers make two squares.

Heath Village is a full-service retirement community located at 430 Schooley’s Mountain Road in

Washington Township. For further information, call 908-852-4801 or visit www.heathvillage.com.