By Marlis McAllister

The Partners for New Generations knitting class is a collaborative effort undertaken by Alta Vista High School teacher Claudia Loo and Saratoga’s Knitting Arts owner Jan Hurwitz.

Partners for New Generations (PNG) Mentoring Program originated with individual mentoring that pairs a single mentor with a single student.

Several years ago, PNG member and Rotarian Bob Adams introduced group mentoring when he helped coach a basketball team at Alta Vista High School.

The group mentoring concept has expanded to include a soccer team, coached by fellow Rotarians Herb Marshall and Chris Elson, and a knitting class and club, also at Alta Vista.

The knitting class is a collaborative effort undertaken by Alta Vista teacher Claudia Loo, Saratoga’s Knitting Arts owner Jan Hurwitz, PNG mentors Tricia Bourdakis and Sandie Rosenblum, and PNG member and Alta Vista case manager Hinda Weber.

The idea was to find an activity in which multiple generations could learn from each other while they shared thoughts and ideas.

The class has produced new knitters and has opened doors of communication. Its success has extended beyond the classroom.

Students have started knitting with their mothers, aunts and grandmothers.

Hurwitz donates yarn and other materials and once a year invites the knitters to the Knitting Arts store where she gives them lessons and new projects.

After the visit, students have lunch at a local restaurant. In addition to enjoying a good meal, they have an opportunity to learn proper table etiquette.

The knitting class and Wednesday afternoon knitting club both need more volunteers.

PNG has scheduled a new mentor training session for noon on Nov. 2 and a returning mentor refresher course for noon on Nov. 16.

McAllister is a member of PNG. For more information, call 949-0828, ext. 4, or e-mail partners@losaltosrotary.org.