Congratulations to our own Selma Sklar, winner of “Family Ties.”

The following story and pictures were sent to us by Terese Thomas who is our contact person for donating quilts to the Wounded Warrior Battalion at Camp Pendleton. This is her account of the ribbon cutting ceremony for their new barracks:

Friday, March 26, 2010
Phew what a day!! Lots of “suits” were there, a two star general, and brass from all aspects of the Wounded Warrior Battalion mission.  It was an impressive day, with the highlight being this gorgeous new barracks.  What really surprised me, though I guess I should not have been, was the full aspect of the grand plan.  This new barracks is only the first step of a huge master plan.  Within one year two additional buildings will be completed in the same general area – an administration building and a Hope and Care center (think USMC version of a Ronald McDonald house).  After that will come a huge new gym.  They discussed that the master plan was to bring Marines back to fitness – FOR LIFE!  If they were capable of returning to active duty, then they would be expected to be fit.  If they were going to a permanent limited duty program with the USMC or getting out to civilian life, the hope was there would be **some** physical activity they could find to be within their capabilities and stay with them for life.   They are adding barracks, admin buildings, gym and support structures in Camp LeJeune, too.  One of the things in the plan is a huge center focusing on TBI (traumatic Brain Injury).  These Marines are incredibly dedicated and to be honored for not forgetting their WII (new acronym:  Wounded, Ill and Injured) Marines.  I scanned and attached the mission statement which is far more eloquent than I could ever be….
 
So what did I see:  two floors;  central offices at the entrance with ancillary offices down the wings.  Main kitchen (with an oven!!) upstairs, with loads of seating around in the building and outside under cover.  The small and cozy building they now occupy worked for a while.  When they get to 200+ residents the one central galley just won’t work.  Each wing (and floor) had small kitchenettes down them for quick meal and group gathering. 
 
Each room had two beds, a flat screen television, desks, lockers, a sink suitable for wheelchair and a wheelchair friendly shower.  Bed size:  I think they were full, but when I return on Wednesday I’ll take one of my full quilts to toss on an unoccupied bed for measurement perspective.  Everything was clean, friendly, well laid out and totally bare – nobody has moved in yet.  (Guess what they are doing today…..)
 
Now with my tax return visits I will start taking quilts so the rooms won’t be so stark…..and to clear out my spare bedroom!!

Thanks to our guild photographer, Kat Stephens, we have another collection of photos from the recent workshop by Raymond Houston.

Oopsie! Opportunity: How I fell into the quilt rack(et)

Approximately two years ago I was asked if I might help Glenda R. with the Opportunity Quilt. Not knowing what this meant, I said Yes. Glenda and I had a quick pow-wow over the phone. She let me know that she could use new venues to show the quilt(s) and sell raffle tickets. Having recently been a small business owner, I had a few connections and ideas so after a couple of days of recon I let Glenda know about the farmer’s markets and other fund-raising events for non-profits.

I finished the conversation with, “Let me know what else I can do to help”, thinking surely she would holler. Well, she didn’t holler and I didn’t ask – and the better part of a year went by. One day, I had occasion to talk with Sharon “the Librarian” Fry.

She said, “remember way back when… We talked about you assisting Glenda with the Op Quilt?”

Swallowing hard, I said, “Ummmm…yes…”

“What ever happened with that?”

I shrugged, “Um mmm mm. I thought she would let me know what she needed…”

You may have noticed I am now the Opportunity Quilt Raffle Ticket Sales Associate at every meeting fore and aft. As it happens, when someone is there to take the money sales improve immediately. I enjoy – very much – the time I spend with the quilt at the meetings, fairs, home shows, and so on. At this year’s home show, I get to bunk with Judith C. She has a heart I can only aspire to.

I have waited until the last minute to buy my tickets. I did that last year, too. We all know what happened then. My very own sweet baby girl of 27 years, Jacqui, won the art quilt! We only have until April 15th to rein in possibly the biggest fund-raiser of the year. Betty Upchurch and her mini group, You Snooze You Loose, have made a spectacular quilt for the 2010-2011 year. I can’t wait to see it but in the interim we only have a few more meetings to kick the pants off You Snooze You Loose.

Glenda is a super-trooper taking our quilt hither, tither, and yon and always with a lovely smile. Glenda Ross…you are a Rockstar!

Rhonda Denny files this report from the latest SRQG program and workshop. Thanks Rhonda!

Linda T. picked me up at 12:30 for our journey to San Francisco airport to fetch Raymond Houston. I suppose I should have told her earlier that I had post-traumatic stress disorder and that I may well be the worst backseat driver ever. I said prayers, took an anti-anxiety med and hoped that Linda would still call me friend after our field trip.

I had made oatmeal cookies in the morning especially for the ride back to Santa Rosa. These uber-fantastic stick-to-your-ribs oatmeal cookies were sure to leave an extremely favorable impression of the SRQG, starting with his tummy.

We arrived with a few minutes to spare so we circled the terminal on a recon mission looking for American Airlines and the cell phone wait lot. Once situated, we were to wait for his call. It seemed like a good plan…except he had Linda’s home phone number. Suspecting this may be the case when no phone call came, we waited until about ten minutes after his flight was to have arrived and set out to circle the terminal.

We saw an appropriate looking man sitting on a bench outside the correct airline. I rolled my window down and hollered, “Raymond! Raymond Houston!”

The gentleman looked up and shook his head no! Wow! I thought for sure that was Raymond. Linda said, “I‘m not altogether sure it wasn’t him”.

Once again we went around the terminal. I asked, “How many times do we go around before I get to write that we got dizzy?” Three is the answer. The phone rang. It was Steve, Linda’s husband, calling to let us know we had just driven past Raymond and he was waiting for us.

As we closed in, it appeared to be the same man who had just said he wasn’t the Raymond for whom we were looking. He said later he doesn’t know why he shook his head ‘no’ when he heard his name being called at the airport where he was expecting strangers to pick him up…

The good news is we got him – and he was ready for cookies. The trip home was as lovely as the trip to SF. Linda T. is a sweetheart (and a good driver). Raymond is dear and it was good to spend time with him before the program and workshop.

I fell in love with his ‘Running Man’ quilt and his ‘Line On Design’ system. I copied the ‘Running Man’ in the workshop as a mini. I call it ‘Running Wo-man’. It moves me. I am glad I had this time with Linda and Raymond and the class. We began the day by introducing ourselves, including our middle names. There are some beautiful names and stories to go with these lovely people. If you want to know them please attend a class. We had a wonderful six hours, plus lunch. I hope Raymond thinks of us fondly every time he enjoys an oatmeal cookie….

The following report was filed by our roving reporter, Rhonda Denny. As always, Rhonda brings us a thoughtful perspective, laced with her refreshing sense of humor.

The RSVP Report
An Asian Elegance Expo
Tri-Guild Luncheon 2010

The air was crisp and cold, my shoulders clad in my favorite black shawl. I barely noticed my bright red nose and my visible breath as I entered the Scottish Rite Center for our annual luncheon. It was 9:30 and, somehow, I was late. A line of SRQG helpers and guests had formed. They were waiting for me and my crew to get them signed in and off to work or seated. I glanced at the line but was mesmerized by the transformation of the main hall with its finely decorated tables, gorgeous raffle baskets, quilts donated to the cause, and quilts of opportunity. It was something to behold and I was very happy to be a part.

The raffle baskets were big and beautiful. There were 29 of them including two amazing quilts, one gifted by Genie Becker and the other by Mitzi Dowling and Marylyn Swanson. The tables had floral centerpieces surrounded by fan blocks surrounded by Chinese Zodiac placements, chopsticks wearing kimono, and utensils wrapped (and rewrapped) in ribbons. I enjoyed the company of my hostess Valeska and guests Mitzi, Earlene, Pat B., Chris F., and Rachel S. From my perspective, Norma’s kitchen ran like clockwork. The servers met us wearing smiles, knowing that both the salad dressing and cookies were over-the-top delicious and would leave us wanting more. I sat there holding my fantastic (and gigantic) gift basket donated by the ‘You Snooze, You Lose’ mini-group. Looking around, I saw a sea of delighted faces and it made me think of all the things that had to happen to make this luncheon such a wonderful success.

This started some months back when I heard whisper of a Japanese-themed luncheon and that it was the SRQG’s turn to host this year’s tri-guild get-together. We met at Linda Hooper’s, the director for said event, several times. I volunteered to be the “Respond et vous” gal. How hard can it be to take 150 phone calls and/or emails!?! We had a sewing party to make the fan blocks – all 80 of them. Linda fed us the yummiest of soups, with salad and bread. Pam Brown entertained us with an incredible Japanese story, complete with stage and actors. Linda Z. is really good at making the right side of the fan block. I drew lines on the existing pattern pieces…something about print-to-fit and .pdq files had Jan A. and Linda H. THIS CLOSE to a sick headache. The day turned out well, though, and we had great fun. We made 40 of the blocks and we each agreed to finish the remainder on our own.

The next get-together was for sewing Kimono to hold chopsticks and double as an adorable favor for the guests. They are the cutest kimono ever (imho). I missed this gathering but heard that all 160 kimono were completed while Pam told another story.

The last meeting was held at Jan Andrews’ house. The Goal: to prepare 20 hostess bundles containing: 4 fan blocks per table, 8 kimono and chopsticks, and 8 wrapped silverware sets. One set should hold a green dot and one should hold a pink dot for determining door prize winners. Well guess what? Green dots and pink dots can be a problem if Earlene and I are involved. Don’t ask. Just understand. I don’t do math. It makes me dizzy. Earlene is always a little dizzy. Having found the missing dots, the 10 of us went to our respective corners and re-wrapped silverware.

Last-minute To-Do’s: Accompany Betty Up to ‘The Sewing Machine and Vacuum Store’ to collect raffle basket items. Not only were they not expecting us, B-up locked the keys in the car so we couldn’t even come back later. Joni B.’s husband rescued us by bringing a spare key…from Windsor. (The additional hour was just what the affiliate needed to get the gift basket in order…)

Judy Mathieson, author and teacher, our guest speaker, and an extraordinary guild member we are fortunate to call our own, put on a lovely fashion and slide show in all manor of Asian style dress. Vibrant and gracious Pam McVey acted as Mistress of Ceremonies. Eve Cooper, the President of the Petaluma guild, gave Jan Andrews a gorgeous bouquet of flowers as a Thank-You. There were 52 door prizes in addition to the 29 raffle baskets, of which, Cynthia Bessonen, Moonlighters President, won two. Carolle and Georgieann, our block runners, put together 6 sets holding 20 blocks each as door prizes. In all, 44 people helped in some way. Many said it was the best luncheon yet.

Raffle baskets and Asian Elegance Blocks adorned the room.

Miniature kimono held chopsticks and fascinated each of our guests.

Many participants left with a beautiful basket of goodies thanks to the hard work of Betty and her team.

Another happy raffle prize winner.

Barbara Youngblood models a kimono as a part of Judy Mathieson’s presentation.

Where did Janice Rodgers find this gorgeous kimono?

Carolle LeMonnier truly enjoyed her time on the runway.

Donna Marvin went home with a generous package of the Asain Elegance Blocks.

Our luncheon chair, Linda Hooper, looks on with great satisfaction as members of the Santa Rosa Quilt Guild made us all proud.

Congratulations one and all!

Installation of the Annual Pointless Sisters Spring Quilt Show

Thanks to the Elizabeth Marrs, Janet Shore, Selma Sklar, Ann Hines, Carroll Hirsch, Cathy Hoehn and Linda Sims the Pointless Sisters Spring Quilt Show was hung on March 2nd. The quilts are at the Rincon Valley Regional Library through April 26th. There are a variety of art and traditional quilts, including the group’s 2010 Water Challenge Group Quilt. It was the inspiration of Cathy Hansen with 20 sisters designing their quilt sections. A brochure about the show is available at the library information desk. The library is located at 6959 Montecito Blvd, Santa Rosa and the hours are: Monday and Tuesday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Wednesday – Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and closed on Sunday, (707) 537-0289.

A special thanks to Mirna Estes a SRQG member for arriving at 8 a.m. to take photos.

Selma Sklar and Elizabeth Marrs hanging quilts

Linda Sims and Cathy Hoehn matching quilts

Ann Hines and Janet Shore enjoying our show in the air.

Carroll Hirsch holding “Willow” by Joyce Marty

Pointless Sisters working together to get the show up.

“Water” our 2010 Challenge Quilt

Mirna Estes, our photographer

article by Linda Sims, A Pointless Sister

Santa Rosa Quilt Guild
Business Meeting
January 7, 2010

The meeting was called to order by President Linda Hooper at 10:00 a.m.
Linda introduced 3 new members and several guests.

Minutes: Approved as read. Moved: Lavella Cassinelli. Second: DottieZagar. The
motion carried.

The new board officers and committee chairs were introduced.Executive Committee
President Jan Andrews, Vice President Jan Head, Treasurer Phyllis Gallaway, Recording
Secretary Pam Beebe, Corresponding Secretary Lavella Cassinelli, Program Co-Chair
Rhonda Denny & Linda Thomas, Progran Chair Elect Janice Rodgers & Diana Roberts,
Parliamentarian Janice Juul. Standing Committees– Bag Lady Juanita Campbell, Block
of the Month Linda Ziemer, Rhonda Denny, Barbara Cortelyou, Joyce Wood, Boutique
Betty Upchurch, Community Projects Lavella Cassinelli, Fair Liaison Pam McVey, Field
Trips Meilssa Trunick, Finance Phyllis Gallaway, Friendship Blocks Veline Ball,
Historian Sharon Fry, Hospitality Georgiann Morrisey & Carolle LeMonnier, Library
Sharon Fry, Membership Carmen Black, Pam McVey, (Blanche Mansour, backup),
MQSC Liaison Phyllis Gallaway, Newsletter Editor Jan Andrews, NCQC Liaison Janice
Rodgers, Nominating (Parl.) Janice Juul, Opportunity Quilt Glenda Ross, Past President
Linda Hooper, Photographer Kat Stephens, Sunshine Mirna Estes, TSW Tera Antaree
and Website Jan Head. The meeting was then conducted by new President Jan Andrews
Treasurer’s Report: Jan Head reported that an anonymous donation of $700 was received for Community Quilts, plus a matching donation from an employer.

Announcements: The Sewing & Vacuum Place is holding a Quilter’s Dream Retreat
with Eleanor Burns March 12-14.

Phyllis Gallaway– MQSG will be having a round robin at their next regular meeting,
with nine teachers doing 15 minute workshops.

EBHQ Opportunity Quilt tickets on sale; their show will be Apr. 10-11.

Melissa Trunick needs help organizing the PIQF bus trips. The UFO Challenge will end
May 20th. The Sewing Room Clean Out will have monthly goals; the first will be to
return all Library items. Each item returned will earnone ticket toward a drawing.

Jan Andrews presented Linda Hooper with a large basket of fabric as her President’s gift.

Cloverdale Citrus Fair is Feb. 12– 15th. The theme is “Salute to the Military.”

Linda Hooper asked for sign-ups for table hostesses for the Tri-Guild Luncheon Mar. 6th. Also needed are Asian (handleless) teacups.

Pat Meiswinkle– there are kits for the Bag Along Project.

Committee Reports:
Block of the Month– Rhonda Denny, Linda Ziemer & Barbara Cortelyou: The Almost
Amish block for Jan. is on the web. Winnersof BOM: Dec.– Rhonda Denny; Jan.–
Barbara Cortelyou.

Community Projects: Lavella Cassinelli:donated 1,604 quilts last year. The guild
received donations from S. R. Rotary East ($500) and fromKenwood Yacht Club
($1200.29).
Friendship Blocks:Veline showed 3 blocks.
Librarian–Sharon introduced a variety of new books and magazines.
Membership– Carmen Black and Pam McVey would like to have members greet new
members and show them around.
Newsletter: Jan Andrews encouraged members to please pick up their copy of the
newsletter so it doesn’t have to be mailed, better yet, read the letter online.
Opportunity Quilt: Glenda Ross & Rhonda Denny– The Home Show will be Mar. 20th,
need volunteers to sell tickets for the Opportunity Quilt.
TSW: Tera Antaree– Jan. 21st Jan Head will teach how to make flat borders and how to prepare quilts for long-arm quilting.
Show and Tell was held along with the Fifty-Fifty and Name Tag drawings.
The meeting was adjourned at 12:30p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Pam Beebe
Recording Secretary

Santa Rosa Quilt Guild
Business Meeting
December 3, 2009

The meeting was called to order by President Linda Hooper at 10:04 AM.

Linda Hooper introduced new members and several guests.

Minutes: Judith Clarke moved to accept the November minutes. Janice Rodgers seconded and the motion carried.

Treasurer’s Report: Jan Head presented the proposed 2010 budget. Dotty Zagar moved to approve the 2010 budget as proposed. Kat Stephens seconded and the motion carried.

Announcements:

Outgoing president Linda Hooper thanked committee chairs and the general membership for their support over this last year.

Items made by members of the Woman’s Community in the Ukraine are available for sale at the meeting. Materials donated by our guild are used in the making of the Ukrainian Dolls.

Chris Nolan announced that a Lions Club Christmas Day Dinner for seniors, families, and people alone will be held at the Veterans Home.

June Moes is leading a TSW and needs to borrow the book Creating Body Coverings.

Earlene Maffioli announced the Mom’s Group is having a fundraiser at Marie Callender’s today.

New Business:

The Community Quilt program requested a budget overrun of $500 for a large year-end purchase of flannel. Dotty Zagar moved that the budget overrun be approved. Jan Andrews seconded and the motion carried.

The Holiday Gift exchange will be held after the meeting.

Committee Reports:

Block of the Month – Rhonda Denny, Linda Ziemer and Barbara Cortelyou: The last two blocks of “Create a Village” were introduced.

Boutique – Betty Upchurch: Betty encouraged members to shop at the Boutique and purchase raffle tickets.

Community Projects – Lavella Cassinelli: Lavella gave a heartfelt thank you for the support of membership this year. The total number of quilts delivered in 2009 is 1,604.

Friendship Blocks – Veline Ball: Two new friendship blocks were shared.

Librarian – Sharon Fry: Sharon introduced a variety of new books and magazines.

Membership – Anne Dondero and Pam Brown: It’s annual membership renewal time. Please mail your membership check to the Guild post office box. New rosters and membership cards will be available at the February meeting.

Opportunity Quilt – Glenda Ross and Rhonda Denny: Members were reminded to pick up tickets for the Opportunity Quilt.

Program and Workshops- Genie Becker and Janice Rodgers: Janice and Genie thanked the membership for supporting the workshops this last year.

Sunshine – Jenine Giblin: Jenine announced that two cards are circulating for signatures.

TSW – Tera Antaree and Phyllis Gallaway: The January TSW will highlight a fast way to sew baby quilts. In February, Jan Head will explain how to get a flat quilt and how to prepare your quilt for the long arm quilter.

Show and Tell was held along with the Fifty-Fifty and Name Tag drawings.

The meeting was adjourned at 11:25 AM.

Respectfully Submitted,

Janice Juul for

Cathy Rapp, Recording Secretary

Here are the highlights from the Diane Steele Workshop, “One Block Wonder”.

Class participants began working by ironing their fabrics.

Next step was measuring the repeats in the fabric.

Notice how everyone’s head is down, such concentration and decisions!

Hey, you just broke my concentration!

The next step was to cut your strips into lengths.

Now we cut the strips into triangles.

Diane Steele shows us the many choices for assembling the triangles.

Why was everyone sewing as many units as quickly as they could? Because Janice Rodgers and Diane Steele ironed all the units for the participants!

Designs begin to take shape. Oh, now this is really fun!

The magic happens before your eyes!

Thanks Diane! We learned a lot and had a fun day!