By Liz McBreen
The current Bellmore resident decided to use a talent she learned from her second grade teacher, Ms. Pepitone, while she attended Covert. "I learned to crochet when I was younger. It's something I'm really good at," said the talented youngster.
Without a pattern to go by, Jessica began work on an American flag blanket in honor of her Uncle Dom. Weaving whenever she had a spare moment, Jessica finished the seven and a half by five foot blanket within a week's time. In the past, Jessica has crocheted several king-size blankets, as well as a baby blanket for her aunt. The ten-year-old also completed these works in a very short amount of time.
Once the American flag blanket was complete, Jessica set out to raffle her creation off. After a few weeks of brisk sales, the drawing was held on Sunday, Dec. 23, at Carmela's Restaurant in Franklin Square. About 30 friends and family members attended, and the restaurant generously donated dinner for the occasion.
The winning ticket, #0748, was purchased by George Visintin, an employee of the New York Stock Exchange.
The Calia family wished to thank all those who bought raffle tickets or who simply made a donation to the Dominick E. Calia Memorial Fund.
They would also like to thank all the local businesses who posted flyers to promote the raffle including Carmela's Pizzeria and Restaurant and Best Beepers of Franklin Square, King Umbertos in Elmont, Buon Appetito Pizzeria in Levittown, Java Java in Garden City South, The Nest in Rockville Centre, and The Girl Scouts of America. Sandy's Party Supply in Franklin Square donated the raffle machine and the Levittown Knights of Columbus made a generous donation to the fund.
The Calias also offer a special thanks to their cousin Fran Raniolo, a Franklin Square resident who donated her time producing the flyers, printing the tickets and promoting the raffle.
Because of the generosity of all those who bought raffle tickets, Jessica was able to raise over $9,000. According to Jessica, her aunt and cousins knew about the raffle a few weeks prior to the drawing, but "they were surprised that the raffle raised so much money." Jessica presented the check to her Aunt Janet and cousins Jeanna, Jaclyn and Dominick just in time for Christmas.
