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About Vernonia's voice. (Vernonia, OR) 2007-current | View Entire Issue (Feb. 22, 2011)
10 community february22 2011 Skein Slayers: Building Community and Connection One Stitch at a Time By Scott Laird There is new group in Vernonia-- maybe you’ve seen their flyer and wondered what it was all about. They’re called “Skein Slayers,” and in case you still haven’t figured out what they do, they’re working to bring together and improve our community through the power of yarn. OK-- first, lets explain the name. A skein is a loosely-wound ball of yarn. And this group takes those skeins and slays them through knitting-- turns them into beautiful hats and scarves for children and others in the community. “It’s an i n c r e d i b l e o u t r e a c h o p p o r t u n i t y, ” says original member DeAnna Pearl. Skein Slayers Skein Slayer DeAnna Pearl, left, was the brainchild donates scarves and hats to the of Pearl and Vernonia Police Department to c o m m u n i t y be given to children in need. member Catherine Helmer, who had been talking about forming a knitting group-- a place for people to gather to knit and talk. That idea expanded to knitting hats and scarves for the Vernonia Community Closet, which serves local families in need with clothing and personal hygiene supplies. The group formed with the idea of promoting collaboration between a number of local entities-- local businesses, citizens of all ages, the City of Vernonia, and local service organizations. The other intention was to create a place for cross- generational connection, a safe space for teens and adults WGS Students show off their scarves they bought with Bee-Bucks, earned for good to meet and discuss topics of behavior. were so energized by it.” interest or concern. The hope This led to another new collaboration. was to develop mentorships, to create support for Handmade hats and scarves are now in place each other and create educational opportunities by at the school stores at Vernonia schools. The School introducing newcomers to knitting-- which led to a few District has a program that rewards students for good more partnerships. Vernonia Florist became a collaborator when behavior. Each school has a slightly different program-- they started holding weekly classes which included at Washington Grade School, it’s called “Bee-Bucks.” Students receive points for an introduction to knitting. The positive behavior which can then Vernonia Prevention Coalition be spent at the school store to buy helped sponsor seven teens, paying themselves a reward. One of the for them to take an initial series of more popular items in the store knitting classes and for supplies. has become the knitting projects The Skein Slayers group of the Skein Slayers. began meeting this past November. The Skein Slayer’s donations One of their initial successes was to the Bee-Buck store have participating in the Giving Tree gained a lot of attention from the sponsored by US Bank and the students,” says WGS Guidance Vernonia Prevention Coalition. The Councilor David Spackman. group gathered gifts and personal “Any student can buy a hat or supplies for local children; when scarf for only three Bee-Bucks. the children came to pick up This allows them to get into the their gifts, there were many Catherine Helmer knitting a scarf at a hands of students who want and Skein Slayers gathering. handmade hats and scarves need them most. Their work available for them. The kids were thrilled! “The Go online for is of the highest quality and every item is beautifully kids just seemed to be transformed,” said Helmer more information unique.” about that day. “Their self esteem rose and they DairyCreekFarm.com “These kids are spending their personal reward or dollars to purchase clothes for themselves,” adds Pearl. Call Debi & David “They are taking care of themselves and we get to be a part of that. That’s very powerful.” 503-324-7819 The group meets on the second and fourth Shares are limited Monday of the month at the Vernonia Community Learning Center from 6:00 to 7:30 P.M. People can stop so don’t delay! by and stay as long as they like-- it is a very informal gathering and there is no need to RSVP ahead. The group has been gathering donations of supplies, and picking them up when they find a good deal or sale, so there are some supplies on hand. On the evening I visited the group, Vernonia C ommunity S upported A griculture Police Sergeant Mike Kay stopped by to gather a few hats and scarves for local police officers to keep in their Come Join Our CSA! Made with fresh patrol vehicles. They will be handed out to children in Pre-pay for a weekly share of fresh ingredients in Vernonia need of comfort when the officers arrive on the scene of a difficult call where young children might be present. locally grown produce for the season. Not just a salad dressing As the group grows and takes shape, their Full or partial shares available. Delicious as a dip for wings & vegies mission will adjust and form. The response to the hats Try it on chicken or steak Pick up options are the farm, at a and scarves at the schools has been very encouraging An experience you local farmers’ market or home direct. and, according to Helmer, “...hugely rewarding.” should not miss! Who knows what will happen next? 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