Knitting group's blankets a hit with troops in Afghanistan

Trudy Ferrontello spreads the news of knitting for soldiers by word of mouth.
"And my mouth doesn't stop," the Mandarin resident said.
Nine years ago, Deanna Pettit started a knitting ministry at CrossRoad Church with four women. They made baby blankets and hats for newborns in the church. Others joined the ministry, and they've sent thousands of knitted or crocheted hats, scarves, booties and blankets to needy people all over the world.
When Ferrontello, a CrossRoad member, started a knitting group at the Williams Family YMCA in Mandarin last year, she was thrilled to have a new group of women to help.
"You don't have to know how to knit to be a part of this," Ferrontello said. "We can teach people who've never knitted to use a knitting loom."
Sandy Costa is a perfect example.
"I didn't know how to do this last year," Costa said, while wearing a red hat she knitted and working on a multicolor blanket for the soldiers. "I take every scrap of yarn and use it. Hopefully, this colorful blanket will cheer someone up."
Jane Case, dubbed "wonder fingers" by her fellow knitters, helps Ferrontello with patterns and yarn winding.
"These are easier to work with because they don't get tangled," Case said, holding up a thick gray ball she wound from two thinner skeins of yarn.
"We don't waste even a tiny bit of yarn," Ferrontello said. "We use everything."
They use it for a great cause. The knitters just received word from a hospital in Afghanistan that the soldiers appreciated the blankets they sent.
"We are now waiting to hear back from the soldiers on the front line," Ferrontello said. "We sent blankets to them too."
Ferrontello said she is grateful to Bob Ross of the Jacksonville Naval Air Station USO for helping send the blankets to where they are needed most.
Ruth Pitocchi said she hoped the colorful blanket she's working on will let the person who gets it know someone cares.
"It's kind of a Mardi Gras wounded warrior blanket," she said with a chuckle.
Many times members of the group will knit at home and bring their finished products to the Y. That was the case with Sue Defeo who donated several lap blankets last week.
"I believe that this is our way of giving back," Ferrontello said. For me, it is a way to thank God for what He has given me."
The Mandarin Y knitting group meets from 10 to 11 a.m. Fridays. Ferrontello also has started a knitting group at the Mandarin Senior Center that meets from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesdays. Both groups welcome donations of yarn.
Sale a hit
Once again, people poured into the Mandarin Garden Club and left with armfuls of bargain attire. The ever popular $1 clothing sale had something for everyone, including children's clothes, women and men's clothes, shoes, hats, belts, purses and even a little upscale boutique in the back of the Loretto Road clubhouse.
Jessica Mullen found the perfect computer bag for her laptop while her son Max tugged on her arm to go see the demonstration gardens out back.
Charlize Richardson, 2, had a blast at the sale. She entertained whoever would watch while she danced and laughed her way between tables laden with clothes.
"Her grandmother said she'll sleep good tonight," club member Barbara Price said, after the little girl gave her a surprise kiss on the cheek.
Mary Forester said the day went well and that all leftover clothing was being donated to charity.
The club is now gearing up for its September meetings after a summer off. Members also will be preparing for their October Trash to Treasure sale.
Writing workshop
Ever wanted to write fiction? If so, you'll want to register from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, Aug. 23-25, at Mandarin High School, 4831 Greenland Road, for author June Weltman's eight-week adult education workshop, "Writing Mysteries for Children and Teens." Classes, which are open to students ages 16 and older, will be from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursdays starting Sept. 8.
A long time Mandarin resident, Weltman is the author of "Mystery of the Missing Candlestick" for ages 9-13. The Florida Historical Society recognized the book with the Journeys for the Junior Historian Book Award.
A freelance writer, editor and book reviewer, Weltman also gives presentations on what's new in kids' mysteries to organizations, book festivals and educator conferences at schools and libraries. Weltman uses Edgar- and Agatha award-winning children's and young adult mysteries as the basis of class lectures and discussions.
"The past few years have brought major changes in the content as well as in the characterization and style of children's and young adult mysteries," Weltman said. "I want students to become familiar with what is being published and winning awards today."