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By Nigel Maxwell

Passing the time

Hobbies prove right fit for self-isolation woes

Apr 22, 2020 | 5:00 PM

Mary Naytowhow has just finished putting the finishing touches on a 5,000 piece puzzle — a project that took nearly three weeks to finish, and helped take her mind off the stresses related to COVID-19.

“I love puzzles,” Naytowhow told paNOW. “It keeps your mind occupied and it isn’t boring while you are doing them.”

Based on the recent sales figures at J and P Hobby Supplies in Prince Albert, Naytowhow’s passion for puzzle-making appears to be spreading. Store owner Jack Turner confirmed in recent weeks there has been increased demand for puzzles, plastic models (planes, cars, tanks) and other similar hobbies that require a lot of patience and time.

“People are building train sets and doing layouts,” he said.

In order to abide by social distancing protocols, Turner has been forced to close his store to walk-in traffic, and instead is offering mail orders and curbside pick-ups.

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“We are having to describe stuff to people on the phone as to what it is, and what they need,” he said.

The store has been open since 1989, and Turner said he cannot remember ever encountering a situation like the one he’s experienced in recent weeks. He said orders for supplies have come in from all over Saskatchewan.

Due to a lack of ability to have meetings, members of the Prince Albert Model Railroaders club have used social media to interact and show the products of their self-isolation. (Facebook/ Prince Albert Model Railroaders)

Richard Stefanyshyn runs the Ukreations Gift Store at the Gateway Mall and told paNOW he just recently put some puzzles on sale last week.

“We’re getting quite a few calls but not a big rush on it yet,” he said.

The Prince Albert Model Railroaders club was forced to cancel their scheduled trade show earlier this month as a result of COVID-19. Club President Brian Randall told paNOW many members have enjoyed the extra time at home, working on their personal projects.

“I have a couple kits on the go and they are on the kitchen table so that’s our excuse to eat on the chesterfield,” he joked.

The annual trade show represents the club’s main fundraiser and Randall told paNOW he is in the process of applying for a provincial grant for assistance.

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nigel.maxwell@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell