BY KAREN BOSSICK
Twenty-two residential families being sheltered by The Advocates are about to become a little warmer, thanks to the efforts of members of the Wood River Jewish Community and friends.
More than 20 women in the WRJC’s Knitting Brigade have been busy since summer knitting nearly a hundred hats, scarves, headbands, blankets, shawls and lap robes for clients of The Advocates. And they handed them off to The Advocates this week, what with temperatures beginning to take a dip in the Wood River Valley.
“We appreciate all that the Advocates do to make a difference, and the club was thrilled to make this donation,” said Coni Foster, the group’s ringleader.
Foster started the Knitzvah Mitzvah Project three years ago as a way to help others during the COVID pandemic. Knitters began meeting outside on Carlyn Ring’s Ketchum patio, some sharing stories of how they learned to knit as veteran knitters helped those who were just beginning.
They named what they were doing Knitzvah Mitzvah after the Jewish faith’s dictum that its followers perform good deeds, or Mitzvahs. And they were occasionally rewarded with opportunities to enjoy glimpses of elk who watched them from the woods, in addition to enjoying other aspects of the summer and fall seasons.
“Helping others in need, which we call Tikun Olam, and doing a good deed are important concepts for us,” said Foster.
The first year a few women made 11 scarves and six hats. This year, with COVID restrictions lifting, the group expanded to include members of the Wood River Orchestra and mahjong players.
They met every other week throughout the summer. Some were picking up knitting needles after 50 years. Others, like jewelry maker Carlyn Ring have knitted for decades and could advise others even on color combinations.
Some used looms. Some crocheted. It all lent itself to different styes and different patterns.
“I personally love the creativity that went into the 93 items we donated,” said Foster.
Those involved this year include Claudie Goldstein, Nanci Rosenfeld, Mila Lyon, Fran Michael, Myrna Oliver, Flora Mason, Gail Stern, Leslie Kaplan, Ellen Campion, Carlyn Ring, Nancy Thompson, Deb Landrum, Karen Bliss, Tami Deagle, Bev Robinson, Cindy Shearstone, Linda Madsen, Marsha Azorsky and Coni Foster. Others who have been part of the effort the past couple years plan to pick up their knitting needles again in the future.
“It was interesting how we interconnected through mahjong, orchestra and other means,” said Foster. “People wanted to share their talent and some wanted to restart knitting again after a hiatus of many decades. When it was all said and done, we developed a beautiful warm bond while knitting together.”