GENOA – According to Chuck Alessi, every person with developmental disabilities has at least one thing they’re very good at.

For his daughter, Marie Alessi, that thing is knitting – with a little bit of crocheting thrown in. Marie, of Genoa, learned to knit when she was 12. Chuck Alessi says his daughter graduated from high school through special education and attends social functions through Opportunity House.

“With her developmental disability, it’s amazing she can do this,” Chuck Alessi said. “This would be hard for somebody who is really smart in an educated way. Her younger sister has a master’s degree and she couldn’t do it. But Marie has the patience to do it.”