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Wounded Warrior Project

December 18th, 2008

Made another quick run to the Wounded Warrior Battalion on Wednesday. I had
set this up as a leisurely trip but forgot that I was in Las Vegas for the
National Finals Rodeo the day prior….so I was very tired. As a result I made
two mistakes, which will be explained and your indulgence begged. I had
received a large box of quilts from the Simi Valley Quilt Guild, known as
the Material Girls. As I packed the truck for departure I grabbed the quilts
from the packing material – and didn’t realize there was a third quilt in
the bottom, sigh. So two of their pretty quilts were delivered and another
will be taken on the next trip. Mea culpa?

Had really good seats for the rodeo – eh?

This quilt was significantly larger – it was folded!! This Marine had just
arrived at the unit and was so excited to have first pick of a cover for his
bed. This was one of the Material Girls’ quilts

Jane R from San Diego met me at the local machine quilting shop and dropped
off this quilt. It was folded in the photo, so was much larger. Love the
RW&B in the non-square blocks.

This is the first of some quilts with a long story attached. Last year
during the fires some quilters in Pennsylvania heard of needy families and
sent a whole lot of material in boxes to a church in Escondido. The ladies
at that church make fleece blankets for military transport patients that get
cold on the long plane flights. The materials weren’t quite appropriate for
their use, but were too good to discard, so they waited until they could
find the right recipient. This year they found out about the WWB and brought
me some of the material and a whole lot of tops they found tucked in the
material boxes. With my promise that the tops would go to the WWB, they left
them in my care. Most are small, but are perfect for the children of the WWB
Marines. Kelli, a very special lady, visited me and found out about these
small tops, taking several of them to her home to finish. This is one of her
completed quilts from the donated tops. Now if
 that isn’t a long, convoluted path to great recipients, I don’t know what
would be. They were being looked over closely as several of the Marines have
new babies and were very interested in small quilts for their families.

Kelli and the new WWB resident with one of the donated tops she finished
with wonderful Hawaiian prints.

A third of the donated quilts – all those pieces in the house just needed to
go to a special home. The church ladies in Escondido will be happy to see
the completed quilts.

Kelli made this one herself with lots of Christmas fabrics

This top, complete with backing material, was already machine quilted, just
needing the binding sewn. I did this during the past month. That car will be
treasured by some little boy…and so it is another of the church donated
quilts.

This beauty was sent by Dee K from Colbert Washington.


Nice use of dark, manly colors – another sent by Dee K from Colbert
Washington


One of my own log cabin scrap quilts. Did you notice that I’m finally
allowing photographs of me – after 60 pounds off. Only 40 more to go!!

The WWB was really busy. They have moved offices of the staff Sgts – AGAIN.
Don’t know how they get any work done with having to move repetitively. See
the Christmas tree in the corner? No decorations yet, but they were all
getting in the mood.

There were also several baby blankets that Kelli made that I left in my
craft room. Guess with the Material Girls’ quilt I left home and the baby
blankets I’ll have to just force myself to make another trip before
Christmas???

Thanks for all you do in support of these wonderful Marines. Have a peaceful
holiday period (if possible) and enjoy time with friends and family.

Therese Thomas
Enrolled Agent
Thomas Tax Preparation
30457 Valley Center Rd
Valley Center CA 92082
(760) 751-2542 (home office)
(760) 749-3794 (home)
(760) 860-5301 (fax)
(760) 803-4299 (cell/text) Phone doesn’t ring in the house but texts arrive

Blue Star Memorial Marker

December 9th, 2008

The Luther Burbank District (this includes garden clubs of Sonoma, Napa and Marin Counties) is a member of California Garden Clubs, Inc., which is part of National Garden Clubs. Cathy Biggins, director of Luther Burbank District thought there should be a special marker at the Santa Rosa Vet’s Building. The marker is placed within a garden that a club or district designs and
plants. The dedication is a military ceremony with all the bells and whistles of the military. There was a Posting of Colors, which is a flag from each of the different branches (Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines and Coast Guard), and the American flag. Then there are some brief speeches from various people, followed by the acceptance of the markers.  "Taps" are played, then the Colors are retired.

For more information on the Blue Star Memorial Marker, click on the link below.
http://www.californiagardenclubs.org/html/Chairmen/bluestar.htm


Quilt on display will be donated to the Wounded Warriors Project at Camp Pendleton, Ca.
Left: Lavella Cassinelli of the Santa Rosa Quilt Guild. Right: Mirna Estes of the Santa Rosa Quilt Guild and Cathy Biggins,Luher Burbank District Director.

 

 

December Business Meeting Minutes

December 9th, 2008
Santa Rosa Quilt Guild
Business Meeting
December 4, 2008
 
President Pam McVey called her last meeting as Guild President to order at 10:04 AM. 
 
Three guests were introduced and welcomed to the Guild.
 
Minutes: The November minutes were sent to the membership via e-mail. Doris Maneke moved the minutes be accepted as written. Doty Zagar and Lee Trevelyan seconded. Accepted. A copy of the minutes is available at the library table. The September Business Meeting’s Minutes indicated that Lavella Cassinelli requested permission to purchase a mangle, when what transpired was that Linda Morand requested the purchase.
 
Treasurer’s Report:   Jan announced that a copy of the proposed budget for 2009 is on each table today. She pointed out to the membership that the proposed budget is out of balance. At this time the expenses are larger than the income expected. Due to the poor economy, no donations have been included in the budgeting for the year.   This is a very conservative budget and Jan assured the membership that it would be watched very closely. There are options for the membership to increase the income or take the budget deficit out of the Guild’s reserves. A list of ideas will be compiled for other options such as: increasing workshop fees, fundraisers at a local restaurant or increasing membership dues. Please e-mail Jan Head, if you have suggestions or ideas about where new grant letters can be sent or ways of obtaining additional funds.
 
Announcements: Linda Sims reminded the membership that one easy way to increase the income of the Guild is by using the Smartcards. The new cards expire in 2013. If members know of family members or friends that might be interested, they can also participate in the program. 
 
John Masura showed a slide show called “Colors and Patterns of the Ukraine”. He is connected with the Cherkasy Women’s Center in the Ukraine. The Guild has donated sewing supplies and fabric to the Women’s Center.
 
Old Business:   None
 
New Business: None
 
Committee Reports: 
 
Glenda Ross-Opportunity Quilts: Glenda reminded the membership to pick-up their raffle tickets  for the Opportunity Quilts. Each member is asked to sell forty raffle tickets each year. Money can be turned in after the sale of the raffle tickets. 
 
Phyllis Gallaway-MQSC Liaison: Phyllis announced that if anyone wanted to receive a subscription for the “Quilter’s Home” magazine by Mark Lipinski, she will be taking orders.  Mark has agreed to donate a percentage of the subscriptions to the Guild. Phyllis has a couple of reverse action tweezers on sale if anyone is interested.    
 
Jan Andrews-Newsletter/Sew-A-Row: Jan announced there would be a small December newsletter online. If people wanted to receive a hard copy of the newsletter in 2009 Jan is asking for members to provide her with stamps at the first of the year. The 2009 budget for the newsletter has been reduced. She showed a few Sew-A-Rows that need someone to finish them. Jan showed a flier of two Sew-A-Rows that have gone missing. If anyone knows where these projects have gone, please let her know.
 
Anne Dondero-Membership: Membership dues for 2009 are being accepted. Please renew immediately to keep the membership roster current. 
 
Linda Hooper-Friendship Block: Linda showed two “Tanzanian Star” blocks she completed for Pam Beebe. There are two other blocks in the program at this time.
 
Tera Antaree-Technique Sharing Workshops: Lavella Cassinelli will be holding an orientation on the Community Projects and the Quilt-A-Thon on January 15th.  Betty Upchurch volunteered to teach members free motion quilting if, in turn, they will complete a Community Quilt at the first 5th Thursday Retreat to be held on January 29th. The first Quilt-A-Thon of the New Year will be held at the February 5th meeting
 
Janice Rodgers-Program Chair: Janice introduced Guild member Judy Mathieson who will be teaching the first program of the year on January 16th. It is called “Mariner’s Compass – Split to the Center”.  Janice modeled the vest that Judy Mullen is offering for the “More Than a Vest” workshop on February 20th.
 
Kathy Hannan-Block of the Month:  Kathy displayed the Block of the Month for December called “Christmas Star”. The drawing for the “Jewel Star” will take place later in the meeting.
 
Lavella Cassinelli-Community Projects: Lavella reported the Guild donated a quilt to the Blue Star Memorial dedication to be held at the Veteran’s Building December 7th at 11:15 AM. Since the inception of the Community Projects, the Guild has donated a grand total of 9,164 quilts to various organizations. Since she took over as chairperson of the Community Projects, she has delivered 6,861 quilts. This year there have been 1,573 quilts in various sizes and 532 hats delivered. There have been a grand total of 6,615 hats delivered since the beginning of the project.   The Guild has delivered 162 wheelchair bags and 14 sidearm bags to date.   Pam McVey thanked Lavella for all the service she gives to the Community Project program. 
 
Sharon Fry-Librarian: Sharon introduced a variety of brand new and donated books and magazines. 
 
Show and Tell was held along with the Fifty-Fifty and Name Tag drawings. 
 
The meeting was adjourned at 11:05 AM for the start of the holiday luncheon. 
 
Respectfully Submitted,
 
Linda M. Emis, Recording Secretary
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

The Baguettes tour the Veterans Home at Yountville

November 24th, 2008
Earlier this month the Baguettes, Cora Moore, Leslie Ary, Mirna Estes, Lavella Cassinelli and Cora Stewart visited the Veterans Home in Yountville.  They delivered 62 wheelchair bags (year to date 162! have been delivered) and 6 sidearm bags.  The volunteer director, Susan Heims, seen with them in the photo, took them on a tour of the facilities and narrated a brief history.  The home, the largest of its kind in the country, was founded in 1882.  It had nearly 1000 acres and was a working farm.  500+ acres remain.  While Veterans’ Day is observed there, the bigest celebration and ceremony is Memorial day in the spring.  The town of Yountville has several facilities on the grounds, such as a municipal swimming pool and a baseball field, which are open to the residents. 
 
 
From Left to Right:
Lavella Cassinelli, Leslie Ary, Susan Heims, Myrna Estes, and Cora Moore.
 

 

Quilted Cottage Open House

November 23rd, 2008
Quilted Cottage
567 First St. East
Sonoma, CA 95476
707/938-3650
Hrs:  Mon.-Sat. 10-5PM
Sunday until 1/109; 12-4PM
 
CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE WITH STOREWIDE DISCOUNTS, REFRESHMENTS AND A CHANCE TO WIN A $50 GIFT CERTIFICATE.  LOTS OF GIFT IDEAS FOR STOCKING STUFFERS AND QUICK PROJECTS ….
 
WHEN:  SATURDAY, 11/29, 10-5pm
 
We have a ideas for you so that you can make your gifts this year; there is still time…..

Table Runner Pattern from November TSW

November 21st, 2008

If you were unable to attend November’s Technique Sharing Workshop, TSW, you may download the pattern by clicking on the link below.

Spiral Table Runner

IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS

November 16th, 2008

IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS

 SIX QUILTERS CUPBOARDS

 REGULAR PRICE $5665.00

 CHRISTMAS SPECIAL

 40% OFF

 $3399.00
 Plus shipping and sales tax
 Payment in full with order

 .
 HANSONS FACADES USA
 20876 Maranatha Rd
 800 827-4553 Fax 800 586-4709 Order on web site www.facadesusa.com

Wounded Warriors News and Quilts

October 25th, 2008
By Therese Thomas
Sorry for the long time between email newsletters.  Fall is supposed to be a fun and relaxing time of preparation for the winter, right?  Instead I was hefting LOTS of wood, getting posts and 20 foot long rails primed and painted for installation.  My neighbors horses ATE 300 feet of wood fencing.  The area is zoned that you cannot use a common property line fence for livestock containment – an inner fence that is five foot from the property line fence is supposed to be a deterrent to equine munching.  My neighbor didn’t follow that zoning rule and over the past four years her animals have gleefully consumed the fence.
 
There wasn’t much left, and the wire wasn’t held in place enough to contain my doggies (the top rail had been added the prior week….but was too little, too late).  Two weeks later and  many gallons of primer, paint, sacks of concrete and boxes of nails the result is:
 
Now I just hope the animals are contained and don’t immediately head for the new buffet? 
 
FINALLY I get to escape into the craft room!
 
There was a big fire this past week at Camp Pendleton, but I didn’t hear of any structures being lost.  Acres of scorched earth were dramatic reminder of this same time last year.  On the anniversary of last year’s fires there were Santa Ana winds again and a whole lot of folks were nervous – but in San Diego Country we didn’t have anything quite so dramatic (yet).  I did hear from Toni S. after the hurricanes left.  Remember the assortment of gorgeous quilts that she and her husband, Ken, brought out from the Klein Methodist Church last year?  She reported that when they returned home the trees that had fallen had missed their house.  There was, however, no power for 13 days.  Food can be discarded and replaced but I’m not certain about frayed nerves after enduring nearly 2 weeks of hot and humid Texas weather with no air conditioning???  I remember when the power came back on here after the Cedar fires of 2003; when the overhead fans started their delicious whispering again a huge grin split my face;  we, however, didn’t have to endure high humidity, so I can only begin to understand the discomfort and misery.  Any more news from your area, Toni??
 
The Wounded Warrior Battalion was once again a busy place.  This time there were no drivers with idling vehicles waiting for brass, but Marines were very busily occupied.  Talked with the XO, who told me the plans for expansion into the 200 bed facility were moving forward handily.  Plans are being drawn and approved right now, with ground breaking expected in the next year.  Completion is anticipated sometime in 2010.  It should include some family quarters, which would greatly assist with mental healing of those with families. 
 
I had three deliveries to make.  A beautiful box of greeting cards and holiday ornaments arrived – even with postage for the cards.  The Marines who spotted the Thanksgiving and Christmas cards were excited.  These were sent by the folks from Malibu who sent such carefully packed and planned assortment of household articles after last year’s fires.  Once again the attention to detail and care for little things really touched me.  Postage can really mount and to have included it was the true icing on the gift cake.  Good job!
 
Next to it was a bag filled with cotton dish cloths (I call them scrubbies).  Having worked for Food and Drug (in a prior life), I have an aversion for kitchen sponges – those nasty things that smear germs all over your countertop.  Those cotton scrubbies can be laundered and sanitized;  they make kitchen clean-up so easy and ease my mind of the microscopic critters that could be vectored all over your kitchen.
 
Those scrubbies and the following THIRTEEN quilts were delivered in three huge boxes from Warm the World in Canon City, Colorado.  There was no hint that they were arriving, just a huffing UPS driver.  Beautifully made and very welcome!  I know of at least two of them that were quickly spirited away to bedrooms before they got packed up for storage and future use….
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The last thing to share was a fleece blanket I made.  Found these great fabric panels at www.fabric.com – made up this one blanket and there was almost a fight over it before it was whisked away.  They also had the other branches of service, should you be interested in Christmas presents for your own family…..
 
 
I had to use both types of panels as I couldn’t decide which version I preferred…..soft, nice and the perfect size to settle under for some chilly weather television viewing during football season!
 
On a personal note I’ve finally admitted that my personal willpower wasn’t sufficient to handle the task and have enrolled in Kaiser’s medically supervised weight loss program.  To date I’ve lost 40 pounds and have another 60 or so to go to reach my goal.  No photos yet – but when I’m closer to target I won’t be so camera shy?  All my fitness training has helped with keeping my balance and flexibility as with such rapid weight loss there is never an equilibrium point and I don’t want to lose balance and fall.  Being around all those fit young Marines who were striving so hard to get back to normal life finally shamed me into getting the help I needed to tackle the weight loss.  Of course  I know that this part is the easy portion;   after the weight is lost begins the life-long struggle to keep it off!!  At least this will be the easiest holiday period in my life, as there will be no temptations nor snacking.  That should start again at the end of January – just in time for the stressors of tax season.  Do I need to be committed to have attempted this in my busy schedule??
 
Therese Thomas
Enrolled Agent
Thomas Tax Preparation
30457 Valley Center Rd
Valley Center CA 92082
(760) 751-2542 (home office)
(760) 749-3794 (home)
(760) 860-5301 (fax)
(760) 803-4299 (cell/text) Phone doesn’t ring in the house but texts arrive
 

Wheel Chair Bags

October 16th, 2008

In 2008, the SRQG began a project making wheelchair bags for the Veteran’s Home at Yountville, CA.  Several members of the guild worked with occupational therapists at the hospital to refine the design for the bag.  There are over 1000 residents at the Veterans Home in Yountville, the largest of it’s kind in the country.  Approximately 750 residents are in wheelchairs, both motorized and manual.  We have delivered 100 WC bags and expect to deliver another 100 bags by year’s end.
 
A mini-group, the Baguettes, was formed by Leslie Ary, Mirna Estes, Lavella Castinelli, Cora Moore and Cora Stewart.  At work parties, the Baguettes and members of the guild made bags and refined the bag instructions.  Kathy Hannan turned the instructions and the rough pencil sketches into a fine set of instructions.  Members donated upolstery fabric for the bags’ pockets.  
 
There has been a Technique Sharing Workshop, (TWS), and there will be another one in the spring of 2009.  The instructions for the bags can be downloaded by clicking the link below.

Wheelchair Bag Instructions

The Press Democrat Pictures

October 9th, 2008

During our last Quilt-a-thon on October 2nd, the Press Democrat came and took pictures for the newspaper. For more information about our Quilt-a-thons and community projects check out our Community Quilts page on our website.

Mirna Estes, left, and Lee Beardsley, both of Santa Rosa work on a quilt at the Santa Rosa Quilt Guilds annual quiltathon at the Scottish Rite Masonic Center in Santa Rosa on Thursday October 2, 2008.

 

 Bob Oliver, of Calistoga, one of two male members, of the Santa Rosa Quilt Guild sews a quilt during the guilds annual quiltathon

Quilters, left to right, Georgiann Morrissey, of Cloverdale , Pam Brown, of Sebastopol, and Carolle Lemonnier, of Cloverdale, of the Santa Rosa Quilt Guild sews a quilt during the guilds annual quiltathon

Joyce Wood irons quilts in front of an opportunity quilt, one of two that will be raffled off at the end of the year, at the Santa Rosa Quilt Guilds annual quiltathon

Muriel Leary stitches labels onto quilts at the Santa Rosa Quilt Guilds annual quiltathon

Dotty Zagar, one of the founding members of the Santa Rosa Quilt Guild sews quilts during the guilds annual quiltathon

Members, left to right, Jackie Harris, Pat Schabel, and Valeska Lattin of the Santa Rosa Quilt Guild enjoy each others company as the work together to sew quilts during the guilds annual quiltathon

98 year old Dolly Haines of Santa rosa dosn’t quilt but knits hats to the tune of over 1,000 so far this year. Here she knits at the Santa Rosa Quilt Guilds annual quiltathon

Members of the Santa Rosa Quilt Guild sew quilts during the guilds annual quiltathon

Members of the Santa Rosa Quilt Guild sew a quilt during the guilds annual quiltathon

Sharon Fry of Sonoma runs the Santa Rosa Quilt Guild’s library of over 2,000 quilt books. Fry says it is the largest quilt book library in the world.

Lavella Cassinelli, standing, winner of the Jeferson Award in July, chats with Mirna Estes at the Santa Rosa Quilt Guilds annual quiltathon

A day of quilting includes lunch at the Santa Rosa Quilt Guilds annual quiltathon

Jenine Giblen works on a quilt at the Santa Rosa Quilt Guilds annual quiltathon

Photo Credit: Scott Manchester / The Press Democrat