2026 April Meeting Minutes
Country Star Quilt Guild Meeting Minutes
04/13/26
Call to Order
President, Lori Frederick called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm.
Welcome
Lori welcomed everyone and recognized our visitor, Sherry Thrift. Peggy Smith gave an update on her sister and Brother-In-Law. They have returned home after rehabilitation in Jacksonville. Prayer requests were shared for several members and their families.
Devotion
Elaine Wilkerson presented our devotion entitled “How your Garden Grows”. It is based on Matthew 13:23a (AMP) and Galatians 5:22-23 (AMP). Elaine talked about the quilt pattern “Grandmother’s Flower Garden” as an illustration.
Announcements
Our next Sit n Sew’s are April 24th and May 8th at the Masonic Lodge in Callahan. Our next meeting will be May 11th at The Anchor Church in Callahan. The March meeting minutes were approved with a motion by Karen Byrd and a second by Elaine Wilkerson.
Guild Supported Charities
Lori advised she has a few more kits for pillowcases from our Guild stash, please pick some up before you leave tonight.
Quilt of Valor
Sue Deyo advised there will be a presentation on Sunday, April 19th at 2 pm where five quilts will be presented. This presentation will be held in downtown Jacksonville at the dock next to the USS Orleck Naval Museum. We will be privileged to present to our first 100-year-old veteran. On June 5th we will participate in the Quilt of Valor Foundation National Catch-Up Day at the Masonic Lodge in Callahan from 9am to 3pm. We currently have seventeen recipients in our queue for our November presentation. Please come to our June 5th sew day. Our focus is the veteran and what we can do to thank them.
Quilt Guild Challenge
Lori reminded everyone that Carol Blanchard is off on her latest adventure and had passed the results from last month’s judging to her. Carol was very pleased with everyone stepping out of their comfort zone. We had seven members participate and each one was invited to the front to show which quilt they made. Notes were given to each participant from Carol including those given by our members at the judging. The top three quilts were:
3rd Place. (Quilt F) Sue Deyo
2nd Place. (Quilt B). Ramona Lee
1st Place (Quilt G) Bonnie Eisenhower
Our next quilt challenge will start in September……No Hints……..But Think Hue!!! (This non-hint provided by Lori)
Nominating Committee
Our committee, Karen Anderson has found nominations for our offices and committees to ensure the guild will continue.
Co-Presidents: Lynette Talak and Bonnie Eisenhower; Vice President: Tracey Calhoun; Secretary: Joanne Griffis; Treasurer: Ellie Boette; Communications: Peggy Smith. Committee Chairs will be Hospitality: Gail Bowen; Membership: Sabrina Faircloth; Photography: Elaine Wilkerson; Programs: Karen Anderson, Lori Frederick and Team; Ways & Means: Robin Larabee; Sunshine: Anne Hines; Historian: Kathy Jo Waldron; Sit n Sew Hostess: Lilah Sykes; 2027 Retreat Lead Sue Deyo.
2027 Guild Retreat
For those who were not at last month’s meeting, Lori advised she made the tough decision not to rebook at Stephen Foster Eco Lodge for the 2027 Retreat. Sue and Lori went to Crooked River State Park in St Mary’s, Ga to view the meeting room area. We have booked February 23-27, 2027 for next year’s retreat. Please save the dates. There will be more news to share in the coming months.
Items of Interest
Lori thanked Helen Henderson for providing the flower centerpieces on each table tonight. Pin cushions brought in as part of tonight’s “Start Up Topic” were shown by the member who brought them in. Tracey Calhoun brought in a friendship quilt she has that a group of 25 people collaborated on.
Treasurer’s Report
Balances as of March 31, 2026
Savings Account: $ 14, 132.77
Checking Account $ 4,099.19
Sixteen cat beds were delivered to Nassau Humane Society, Fernandina Beach, Fl
April Birthdays
Our April Birthdays are: Sue Deyo, JoAnn Cicero, Norma Johnson and Karen Byrd
May Birthdays
Our May birthdays are: Glenda Stonecipher, Sandy Arcari, Joanne Griffis, Linda Jones and Jeanie Gilreath.
Programs
Sara thanked everyone for bringing in their pin cushions and friendship quilt. Our “Start-Up Topic” for May will be Watercolor Quilts. Sara reminded everyone to locate the sheet given out in September of various tasks to be completed throughout the quild year. Please be ready to turn in at our June meeting. Next month’s program will be “Tea and a Bed Turning”; invitations were handed out to everyone present as a reminder. Participation is limited to two quilts per member, please let Sara know if you plan to participate. This is an excellent way of getting to know about the quilts and the story behind them. Lisa Maechtlen will lead two classes on free motion quilting on a domestic machine at the Sit n Sew’s on April 24th and May 8th. (Both classes are needed). Sara turned the program over to Chris Sandstrom to present “Solve the Batting Quandary”.
Things to consider when selecting batting. Who will use it? Baby, child, as a wall hanging, live in the North or South How will it be used? Show quilt, stored part of the year, dog bed, practice piece, hand quilted, long armed?
Battings are made of many different components- polyester, cotton, bamboo, wool, blends and more. Each one has a purpose depending on the quilt and personal preference. The batting package label will provide a wealth of information when deciding which one is right for you. The right batting can take care of a lot of issues with the quilt itself. Chris provided much information on the correct batting used for various applications.
Other Items of Interest
Door prizes were given and we had Show n Tell.
Lori adjourned the meeting at 8:53pm.
Submitted By. Joanne Griffis, Secretary