President’s Message

Monthly Newsletter

1 Sep, 2023

President’s Message – 09/23

2023-09-01T09:50:28-04:00Member Showcase, President's Message|

Fox Lane High School Atrium

Atrium Entrance Area and Parking

We hope you all are having a wonderful summer and quilting up a storm.  

 

This year we have a number of exciting things to look forward to.  Jo Thomas has managed to snare Irene Roderick (www.ireneroderick.com)  for World of Quilts XLIII.  She is planning on 3 unique lectures, so plan on spending the weekend with us.  We will also be having a 2 day workshop with her after the show and be sure and check out our other workshops scheduled throughout the year.  We have our Super Saturday again in February headed by Lefa Alksne and our very own comedian, Linda Finegan running the ever popular Ugly Fabric Auction.  Jody Sullivan will be running 2 retreats at the Mariandale Center in Ossining.  Check it out in this newsletter.  Constance Toplansky is heading our 2023-24 Black and White Challenge.  Orphan blocks are being collected by Patricia Loquet for later distribution to make into Comfort Quilts.  Finally, we have a number of SIGs making plans for the year and we hope you will join.

 

As a reminder, our new location is Fox Lane High School, 632 South Bedford Rd. Bedford, NY 10506.  This is just east of Exit 4 (Mt.Kisco) of I-684.  There are 2 entrances.  The first is the immediate right turn just past 684.  It is not labeled but the road enters at the back of the campus where the two story atrium is our entrance.  If you miss that turnoff, make a right at the light and follow the main roads around to the back.  This will lead you to the other end of the campus where the 2-story atrium is at the back of the last building.  There is ample parking adjacent to the door.  We will be meeting in the cafeteria which is almost immediately on your right upon entering the building.

 

Before the meeting, at 4pm at her shop, Lisa Alfonzetti of Pins and Needles in Mt. Kisco is running a Sewing Machine Maintenance class and pizza party,  free of charge for members, signup is requested – use the signup link later in the newsletter.  Thank you so much, we are sure your pointers will be very helpful.

 

September is here.  Hope to see you at our first meeting on Wednesday, September 20st at 5:30!

Member Notices:

17 Jul, 2023

Special Edition July 2023

2023-07-17T17:10:28-04:00Member Showcase, President's Message|


Member Notices:

1 Jun, 2023

President’s Message – 06/23

2023-07-12T17:15:11-04:00Member Showcase, President's Message|

Our term as your presidents is coming to an end and we can honestly say it’s been an education as well as a rewarding experience.  We wish to thank the current board for all their help and hard work throughout the year.  The guild is indebted to you for what you have accomplished the past two years.  And thank you again to each new and continuing board member who stepped up to serve 2023-2024.  We wish you the very best.
We’ve had our challenges from finding a new venue for the quilt show, a new venue for workshops, and most recently, securing a new space for our monthly meetings. Now we can announce that we have a new location – the large cafeteria at Fox Lane High School in Bedford, NY.  We believe this new location may prove to be advantageous to many as it is located right off Rte 684.  Meeting dates are expected to continue on the third Wednesday of the month, except for December which will be on the second Wednesday.  You will be receiving more information from your new presidents, Helen May and Sheryl Fleishaker.   We look forward to seeing you there in the fall!
Once again we wish to thank Lisa Alfonzetti and her incredible committee who made World of Quilts XLII a success. We gained 17 new memberships during the show!
We hope to see many of you on Wednesday, June 21 at the Salad Supper Meeting which starts at 6 pm at Kennedy Catholic HS.  Details follow in the hospitality section.
Warmest wishes for an enjoyable summer,

Margaret and Jody



Member Notices:

1 May, 2023

President’s Message – 05/23

2023-05-01T20:40:00-04:00Member Showcase, President's Message|

The Annual Meeting of the Northern Star Quilters’ Guild will be held from 6:00 – 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 17 at Kennedy Catholic High. At this meeting the membership will vote on the candidates who have generously stepped forward to serve on the Board for the 2023-2024 guild year. Please read the brief bios below and come to the meeting and take part in the voting.

Our speaker that evening will be Sheri Cifaldi-Morrill — a designer, quilt pattern publisher, award-winning quilter, educator and creative entrepreneur.

You may be reading this as you’re viewing our amazing World of Quilts XLII or perhaps sitting home with your feet up after enjoying the show. It is truly something we can all be proud to present for public enjoyment. We sincerely thank everyone who contributed their time, energy and talents to make this show a success. We especially thank Lisa Alfonzetti and her incredible committee who worked tirelessly to make it happen.

Weren’t this year’s “Card Tricks” Challenge Quilts fantastic? Thank you, April Russell, for all of your efforts to pull together a stunning exhibit.

Do you have something you’ve recently finished or is a work in progress? What’s holding you back from sharing it during Show and Tell in May? We love seeing what our members are working on and We want to cheer for you.

Margaret and Jody



1 Apr, 2023

President’s Message – 04/23

2023-04-01T12:26:51-04:00Member Showcase, President's Message|

Click to Print our Poster

We are pleased to announce the proposed slate of candidates. They will be introduced at our Guild Meeting on April 19 and we thank these candidates for agreeing to give their time and talents to this guild.  Voting will take place at the May Annual Meeting.

Nominees for elected Board positions for the 2023-2024 year are:

  • Co-Presidents:  Helen May and Sheryl Fleishaker
  • Secretary:  Amanda Curley
  • Treasurer:  Kathy Vanacoro
  • VP Communications:  Debra Oaks
  • VP Quilt Show:  Debbie Warren
  • VP Programs:  Jo Thomas
  • VP Membership:  Joanne Visovsky (returning for a second year)

Additionally, the following members have agreed to serve as appointed chairpersons of the Board Standing Committees:

  • Charitable Activities:  Dee Plouffe
  • Activities Liaison:  Rona Spar
  • Hospitality:  Alona Harmon
  • Library:  Susan Andrews

Furthermore, we have a crew of members who have agreed to assist both the elected and appointed leaders.  HOWEVER, we are still seeking more members who can be counted on “when life happens” and assistance would be wonderful.   Won’t you put your name forward?  Volunteerism is an important factor in this organization and responsibilities ought to be spread among as many members as possible.  It’s what makes all of our ongoing activities successful. We welcome your service.

We look forward to seeing you on Wednesday, April 19 at 6 pm at Kennedy Catholic High School.  Our speaker will be David Hornung, a painter, author, and professor of art who has taught workshops designed for quilt makers and fiber artists. David’s workshop, Investigating Color, takes place Thursday at Millwood Fire Company.

Thank you to Linda Finegan. Rosemary DePaola and the rest of  their committee for another entertaining and successful Ugly Fabric Auction!

Reminder – Quilt Show drop off is Saturday, April 29 from 12-4 at North Salem Volunteer Ambulance Corps.

Margaret and Jody, president@northernstarquilters.com



1 Mar, 2023

President’s Message – 03/23

2023-03-01T08:34:23-05:00Member Showcase, President's Message|

—————– Ugly? Not Ugly?

Firstly, thank you to those members who agreed to serve as elected officers on the Guild Board ’23-’24. A slate of candidates will be presented for approval at the March board meeting. We also thank the other members of the Nominating Committee, Rosemary De Paola, Kathy Keane and Grace Zipprich, who met with us on Zoom, made numerous phone calls and wrote emails.
 
Secondly, we’re looking forward to seeing many of you in person at our next meeting, Wednesday, March 15, at Kennedy Catholic. And we hope that those of you have been to our retreat at Mariandale and/or Super Saturday in Ossining and at Quilt Con in Atlanta will share your adventures and perhaps show us some work (even WIP).
 
‘Card Tricks’ Challenge Quilts should be brought to the March meeting. 

Bring extra cash and a sense of fun to this meeting because the main feature will be our Ugly Fabric Auction. It’s amazing to see what beauty you all can create from what some others may think is “ugly.”

Margaret and Jody

NSQG Members at the Guild Quilt Retreat



1 Feb, 2023

President’s Message – 02/23

2023-02-04T08:15:35-05:00Member Showcase, President's Message|

Our priority is finding a President, Programs VP, Communications VP and Library Chair for the 2023-24 guild season.  Any of these positions could be shared with another member.  If you are nervous about taking on any of the responsibilities that come with these jobs, don’t be!  Past leaders are prepared and willing to assist.  If you want this guild to continue, we need folks to take the plunge and commit to maintaining and growing a community that is important to them.  Members of the nominating committee will be making calls.  When we reach out to you, we hope you’ll say YES.  Our guild’s future depends on you!

The next guild meeting on Zoom is Wednesday, February 15th and features a lecture by Suzi Parron about Barn Quilt painting and quilt trails.

Last month’s Show & Tell on Zoom was fabulous, and we hope that more of you will participate this month.  Perhaps some of you who took Tara Faughnan’s color workshop at the end of January will share.

We look forward to Super Saturday coming up on February 18th.  We feel confident it will be filled with learning and laughter.

Registration for showing your quilt(s) at our World of Quilts XLII is open.  The form can be accessed via our website – northernstarquilters.com – or use the link in the Latest News section.

‘Card Tricks’ Challenge Quilts will be collected at our in-person March 15 meeting at Kennedy Catholic HS.
Mark your calendars as that is also the date for the beautiful Ugly Fabric Auction.

Stay healthy and keep warm.

Margaret and Jody, president@northernstarquilters.com



1 Jan, 2023

President’s Message – 01/23

2023-01-01T15:40:30-05:00Member Showcase, President's Message|

We hope that you all enjoyed your holidays and send warm wishes for a happy, healthy, and creative New Year.  Additionally, some frigid weather has come our way and we hope that you are able to stay warm … working on a quilt or cuddling under one are both good ways to accomplish that!

It was wonderful seeing many of you at our December holiday meeting.

Don’t forget that our next two meetings will be on zoom:  January 18 and February 15.  You can log on at 5:45 to “socialize” before the business meeting which will start at 6:00 followed by a lecture.  You will receive login information ahead of each meeting by email.  While we won’t have our traditional Show and Tell, there may be time to highlight a few of you between the meeting and the lecture.  So keep your work nearby if you wish to share.

Check our Latest News below and our website and mark your calendars for the upcoming speakers and workshops scheduled.

Our nominating committee is formed and will be reaching out to members soon to fill elected positions for 2023-2024.  We are thrilled that a few of you have already volunteered for some positions.  We will be looking for candidates for President, Programs and Communications.  We know you care about the future of our guild so please consider saying YES when you are asked.  Grab a friend and work as a team … it’s definitely worked for us!

The World of Quilts XLII will be here before you know it.  Quilt Registration runs mid-January through March.  All details are on our website.

There’s still time to register for Super Saturday on February from 9am-3pm.  Check our website for more information.

Margaret and Jody

Margaret Cibulsky and Jody Sullivan, president@northernstarquilters.com

Two pics from Ukraine orphanage where our last shipment of quilts went (seen on beds) as well as knitted “peace pocket pals”. Please do not publicize elsewhere. Jody



1 Dec, 2022

President’s Message – 12/22

2022-12-06T13:21:42-05:00President's Message|

Metropolis Sunrise Volunteers-Eagle eyes will spot Rona, Althea, Brenda and Anne in the crowd!

Hopefully, you all had an enjoyable Thanksgiving Day and were even able to get in some sewing during the days following.  Something we cannot say enough: we are extremely thankful for all those members who donate their time and talent to this Guild.  Without you this organization would cease to thrive and be vibrant.

Can you believe that December is already here?  Now the truly hectic holidays season begins.  Our December 14th meeting, the 2nd Wednesday, at Kennedy will be more casual because we do not have a scheduled speaker.  That means there is plenty of time for Show and Tell … always a highlight of our meetings.  Plan now to bring something and sign your name on the Clipboard sheet when you enter!  The usual refreshments will be provided and you’re more than welcome to bring in a wee bit to share.

During the next few months, we will be looking for members to take on the elected positions of President, Secretary, Treasurer, Programs, Quilt Show and Communications for the next guild year, July 2022- thru June 2023.  All these positions could be “Co-Jobs” with shared responsibilities.  How wonderful it would be if two members who work well together would just step up and volunteer!

Our meetings in January and February will be Zoom meetings.  You will receive Zoom link information ahead of each meeting.  Be sure to check our website for all activities, speakers and workshops planned for the new year.

The February 3rd-5th retreat at the Center in Mariandale will be a fun and productive weekend!  There are a few spots available.  The fee is $230 which includes a private room, meals, snacks, and a comfortable workroom on a beautiful campus.  Contact Jody Sullivan (jodysull@optonline.net) or Margaret Cibulsky (margy52@gmail.com) if interested.

Be sure to sign up for Super Saturday on February 18, it promises to be an enjoyable day.

Take care of yourselves until we see you soon,
Margaret Cibulsky and Jody Sullivan, president@northernstarquilters.com



27 Oct, 2022

President’s Message – 11/22

2022-10-28T08:21:54-04:00President's Message|

Scissor Man

October’s meeting was great fun with 72 members present.  We were entertained by guest lecturer Linda Hahn and six members took her workshop the following day.  The Comfort Quilt Summer Challenge Raffle was a success: we collected over $300 so there were three quilt winners.  It was not easy for the raffle winners to choose a quilt because of the beautiful display.   Ohhh … and many of us went home with sharp scissors!

The last shipment of more than 170 quilts has reached Ukraine and it was heartwarming to see photos confirming this information.  Quilts were donated by members of this guild, NYC Metro Mod, a guild from Long Island, a group from Cape Cod and other individuals.  Thank you all for your generosity!  (Notice the photo with a NSQG Comfort Quilt label.)

Our planned retreat at the Center at Mariandale is scheduled for February 3-5 (Friday afternoon through Sunday afternoon).  The price is $230 which includes room and board, six meals, snacks and beverages, and plenty of sewing time. To sum it all up – a weekend of camaraderie, relaxation and fun! If you definitely want to attend, please email jodysull@optonline.net and margy52@gmail.com

We look forward to seeing you again at Kennedy on Wednesday, November 16.  Please bring a Show and Tell and sign up at the entry.  Also bring “ugly fabrics” in a bag or box and drop off with Rosemary DePaola.

Make it a habit to check our website, northernstarquilters.com to see what else is happening, check under the menu heading ‘Happenings’, review the event calendar items, or click on the ‘Quick Links’ entry.  You can see samples and descriptions for the February 18th Super Saturday classes by clicking on the Super Saturday links.

See you soon!
Margaret Cibulsky and Jody Sullivan, co-presidents



1 Oct, 2022

President’s Message – 10/22

2022-10-01T07:37:29-04:00President's Message|


Despite several unexpected “technical” difficulties, we had a wonderful start to our new guild season. It was good to see new faces and to welcome back the “old” ones. We had 76 folks sign in and perhaps missed a few of you. (By the way, the fee for guest visitors was raised to $15 in case you missed that announcement.) Also, if you haven’t yet renewed or have a photo or update for the directory, please do so NOW! You can go online or contact Joanne Visovsky.

We’re always inspired by the many and varied talents revealed at Show and Tell! Be brave! Bring something to share and put your name on the Show and Tell clipboard near the sign in sheets as you enter the cafeteria. If we have a long agenda, we may have to limit you to one item, but we love seeing it ALL.

Bring any scissors/shears you want sharpened to the October meeting. Use masking tape to label each pair with your name or initials. Do not place scissors/ shears in any type of bag, container or holster.
Price: $8 for either large or small

There will be a new regular feature at our monthly meetings called “The Doctor Is In”.  Nancy Mirman will be at one of the tables and you can bring any quilting question to her for help – from how to make a quilt lie flat to how to go from a picture to a quilt.  Nancy has been a member of the Guild since 1985 and taught quilting at The Country Quilter for almost 20 years.

We have many upcoming events.  Remember information about all our activities is available on our website pages.

  • At our October meeting we’ll have the Comfort Quilts “Summer Challenge” Raffle.  Members of CQ will be displaying finished quilts for all to see and take a chance on.
  • April Russell is overseeing the Guild Challenge of “Card Tricks”.
  • Linda Stern and Annette Nash Govan are organizing Super Saturday, February 18, at Ossining High School.
  • Linda Finnegan and Rosemary DePaola are running the Ugly Fabric collection and auction for the March meeting. Start bringing in your “ugly” fabric now, quarter yard minimum.
  • April Russell is overseeing the Guild Challenge of “Card Tricks”.
  • We (your co-presidents) are organizing a quilting retreat at Mariandale Retreat Center the first weekend in February, Friday the 3rd thru Sunday the 5th. There will be a minimum of 10 and right now a maximum of 15 participants (with a waiting list if more spots become available). The cost is $230 prepaid which includes meals from dinner Friday evening through lunch on Sunday. Sign up details will follow.

Wouldn’t you like to be in charge of something where all the work is done?!? If you noticed, all five previously mentioned activities are up and running. It would be great to have ONE (or 2) member(s) to oversee these guild activities. Of course we wouldn’t limit you from creating and/or introducing even more fun ideas. Volunteers welcome!

Looking forward to seeing you October 19 at Kennedy Catholic if not before.

Margaret Cibulsky and Jody Sullivan, co-presidents



-- GUILD EVENTS --



1 Sep, 2022

President’s Message – 09/22

2022-09-13T15:50:11-04:00President's Message|


Welcome back!  It’s hard to believe that our hot and dry summer is almost over.  We hope you had a restful summer and were also able to get in some happy sewing time.  Let’s make it an exciting year!  Greetings to several new members who have joined us and to those of you returning.  If you haven’t renewed your membership, now is the time!

Our first in-person meeting is Wednesday, September 21, at Kennedy Catholic HS in Somers from 6:00-8:30.  Hospitality will be providing cookies, be sure to buy tickets at the Table Raffle.  Think about one Show and Tell you might share which helps everyone to better know our members.  Then prepare to learn from our guest lecturer, Deborah Kalenty, who will hold a workshop the next day at Millwood Fire Co#1 from 9:00-3:00.  There is still room for members to sign up for her “Love Links” workshop before we publicize it widely.

We’d like to announce that we have received a $3000 grant from ArtsWestchester to assist with funding our 2022 programs and quilt show, with many thanks for the efforts of Anne Chehebar and Susan Fasnacht.

This year we are excited to invite you to participate in a quilting retreat weekend at The Center at Mariandale in Ossining.  We have attended retreats there for years with our other guild (NYCMetroMod) and have loved every single one.  It is scheduled for the first weekend in February.  There is a minimum number required to reserve our space (as well as a cut-off number).   Details will follow at our meeting and in a future email.

Do you have scissors that need sharpening?  We have a contact who is good and is willing to come during a meeting with his equipment.  We’ll ask for a show of hands during our next meeting to gauge interest.   Prices: $10 large, $8 small.

The Ugly Fabric auction will resume and it’s already time to start gathering your donations!  Because our January and February meetings are on Zoom, we will start collecting fabric in the Fall.

We plan to resume Super Saturday this February or March – stay tuned for details.

If you signed up for the “Card Tricks” Guild Challenge, we hope you’ve been “shuffling” your skills and designs and coming up with a winning card!  This is an opportunity for some members to have their quilts displayed in an AQS Show in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Comfort Quilts Summer Challenge and Quilt Raffle will be presented in October.  If you’ve not been able to come to one of our CQ sewing days, please come to one of our upcoming CQ meetings or check out Comfort Quilts at our meeting.

One hundred and forty quilts, made and donated by our members and many other guilds and groups, were successfully delivered to Ukraine.  We’ve seen photos as the boxes were being received and opened.  Since then, we’ve been asked to make quilts for a Ukrainian orphanage in the Carpathian Mountains.  We are nearly ready to send out another delivery.

We need someone to step up and “oversee” the Activities Committee.  The subcommittees are already operating under leaders.  A coordinator would be most helpful.   Please volunteer if you want to do something to help the guild.

Details on these various activities follow in the Latest News section.  Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have questions, suggestions or want to volunteer in any capacity, our personal emails are in your member directory.  In the meantime, continue to enjoy your summer!

Happy Quilting!  See you soon!
Margaret Cibulsky and Jody Sullivan



-- GUILD EVENTS --



Go to Top