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?
Now Available at
Sentry Market
id e
v
o
pr rnet
w
n o I n te
e
W DSL
s t o We
ck no
ba w
tte
rie
s
aga s
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