Held Together by a Common Thread

LRCS DSP Zeb Fontaine and the Crochet Group work together and create wonderful hand crocheted and knitted items that they donate to the community.

Community members who have been meeting regularly for a few months are learning valuable skills, connecting with each other and giving back to the community – one stitch at a time.

The Community Crochet and Knit group started in February is led by Zeb Fontaine, a Direct Support Professional for Lakes Region Community Services. It was originally a way for Zeb, who has been crocheting since childhood, to teach the skill he loves to people he supports. “I don’t idle well,” said Fontaine, explaining that crocheting holds a unique attraction because it keeps him busy and productive in any environment. Whatever project he’s working on usually travels with him, including places like the movies, because he doesn’t need light to crochet.

The Crochet group is open to anyone and its popularity is growing “There’s been a lot of word of mouth,” he said. Anyone, from a novice to expert, is welcome to join. The group is also open to knitters and there are a couple of small looms available for making winter hats.

“I will help anyone learn to crochet,” said Fontaine. “We just ask that people use the skills they learn to make a donation back to our community.”

And that’s where this group has become more than a way to pick up a new skill and enjoy the company of others. The group uses their talents to make an impact in the community. So far, they’ve donated 23 hats to the Pease Greeters, for soldiers being deployed. They have donated lap robes for residents at the NH Veterans Home and hats to another organization that helps people struggling with homelessness. Right now they’re well on their way to reaching a goal of making 370 hats to donate to Belmont High School for World Anti-Bullying Day in October.

The group meets regularly at the Gilford Public Library on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. – 11:15 a.m., and Saturdays at the McDonald’s in Franklin from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Zeb is always on the lookout for yarn sales but donations of 4 medium weight yarn are most welcome and appreciated. To find out more, contact Zeb at zeb.fontaine@lrcs.org.

Comments, questions, and ideas for future blog posts can be sent to:
Joanne Piper Lang, LRCS VP Development joanne.lang@lrcs.org