Knotty Girls, good times - #lakewoodnews

When 3 p.m. rolls around on Wednesdays at Atria Park of Applewood Senior Living, it's time for the Knotty Girls to get to work.

For more than a year around a dozen or so Atria residents gather in one of the home's meeting places and chat as they tie fleece blankets for patients at Children's Hospital.

"These blankets go to children who really need them," said resident Peggie Notarianni. "These blankets are especially for them, and they own them, so they can do whatever they want with them. They can drag them through the mud if they want to."

The Knotty Girls, so named by Peggy Windecker, was started as a for residents to have a social way to give back to the community, according to Pete Watson, engage life director at Atria. Participants range in age from 80 to 96-years-old, and come from a variety of backgrounds, but all have common interests --; staying engaged and helping others.

"In early March we took 136 blankets to Children's Hospital to donate them in person," Watson said. "It really hits home when you hear firsthand the stories about helping kids in times of trouble."

The blankets are made by taking two separate fleece blankets and Watson and his assistant cut all the edges into strips. They then bring the blankets to the Knotty Girls, who tie the blankets together. Designs completely vary, from floral and bright colors for girls to sports for boys.

As the participants work, they tell stories from their past, comment on the blanket designs, and just enjoy each other's company.

"My favorite part is just getting together with everyone," said Edith Domenico.

The ladies work for about an hour or so during their time together, and usually get around three or four blankets finished. And what keeps them going is thinking about where the blankets will be going.

"I just picture the little kids holding them," said Wilma Land. "I picture them playing with the knots we tied before going to sleep."

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.comhttp://lakewoodsentinel.com/stories/Knotty-Girls-good-times,212521?branding=15