March 21, 2008

Evergreen retired teachers knit caps

Youth and homeless are beneficiaries

By Donna H. Eliason
Staff Writer

For generations, teachers have made a difference in countless lives. Caring for others doesn’t stop when a teacher retires. About a dozen members of the Evergreen Retired Teachers’ Association knit either on their own or gather with others to chat as they knit. Some knit only hats, others include socks and afghans.

Annie Nagashima (left), retired Lyndale teacher, uses a loom to knit a hat, while Lee Someya (right), retired Norwood Creek teacher, uses circular needles to create her contribution. Photo by Donna H. Eliason

This project began in about l995 when Davey Thompson and a group from The Villages started knitting hundreds of hats for the shelters and Salvation Army. When the project began to dwindle, her good friend, Jean Moser recruited new knitters and the project continued. When Jean died last November, Jane Brekke accepted the challenge. Their goal for 2008 is 1,000 caps. The ladies use bits of leftover yarn, donated and bought yarn.

Annie Nagashima, a retired kindergarten teacher from Alum Rock’s Lyndale School, bought a loom knitting kit from Michaels. Every evening she enjoys watching 2 or 3 hours of TV while she knits about three hats. To date she’s made almost 200 caps.

Lee Sameya, a retired teacher who taught first through third grades at Norwood Creek School, uses a circular needle for her knitting. Even though her mother taught her to knit as a child, she said she “bought tons of books” to relearn the skills and the designs. Last year she donated 207 hats. Much of her knitting is done while her husband drives. He’s sure if she looks around, she’ll see some caps she’s made. Lee’s interest is contagious. She’s encouraged five Norwood Creek teacher friends to knit for the project. Knitting and socializing are a great combination.

Jane Brekke knits during the evening news. She says it’s “a pleasant way to spend an hour and to make a useful product for someone I hope will appreciate it.” Caps this last year went to the Bill Wilson Center and the Gilroy armory. This year they plan to expand their local outreach.

Another major project for the group is providing scholarships to future teachers. “We give three $3000 scholarships to SJSU students enrolled in the education program,” says Jane Brekke. “We also give one $500 award to an EVC student.” The money is raised through donations, and cookie and basket exchanges.