March newsletter

February 27, 2012                            Blankets delivered: 8652

Dear Blanketeers,

What a busy month February has been!  So much to do, learn and accomplish!  Thank you to everyone who continue to support our chapter!  Without you it could not be done!!

We said goodbye to Kathy as our chapter coordinator, but she didn’t go far!  I knew she couldn’t stay away and we were so glad to see her at our blanket making days.  The ladies up at North Valley provided a nice lunch & yummy chocolate cake to honor Kathy for her time & friendship.  It was a great afternoon!  Our South Valley make a blanket day was cut short by another even at the library, but we accomplished lots in our short time & Kathy stopped by to see us for a while too!

I have a few introductions & wanted to share them with you.  I’m honored to take over as coordinator for our chapter, but could not do it without your helping hands & those who have been recruited as assistant coordinators.

 

Millie Martensen has agreed to organize things for our North Valley make a blanket day.  Millie is a retired educator.  She holds a BA degree in English and physical education,  MA in speech communications,  PhD in education administration.  Millie has taught in English in high schools; served as principal in elementary, junior high, and high school; has been director in district curriculum design and in school services – all in Granite District over a 32 year career.   As a child she learned to sew and has always loved to “make things.”  Upon hearing that the ladies in Project Linus would teach her how to make blankets she became interested.  She first learned the fringe technique, and then Nan taught her to crochet.  She has been a part of our chapter for two years and she says “helping children in crisis and being able to give to those in need (especially to children) is a joy and a privilege for me.”

 Melissa Thayer is our other assistant coordinator & you will meet her at both our make a blanket days.  Melissa was born and raised in Idaho.  As a small child she spent some time in Shiners Hospital to correct scoliosis and receive testing for a genetic condition that she has.  At that time personal blankets were not allowed as all of the girls were in one large room and they did not want anyone to feel left out because they were without a blanket.  But, one day her dad snuck in her favorite blanket from home for a few hours.  Well, her dad got caught but the nurse let it slide as long as she hid it under the blankets on her bed.  That blanket was a huge comfort to her during a scary and uncomfortable time, even if it was only for a few hours.  Fast forward about 27 years and Melissa is a new stay at home mom to a six month old baby boy.  She is also new to the Salt Lake area after her husband was transferred for his job.  Melissa was introduced to Project Linus through Kristin.  At first Melissa thought it would be a great way to meet some new people, get out of the house, and volunteer some of her time.  But then she realized that it was much more than that.  After the first day she was hooked and loves how many kids are being comforted by these blankets as they go through difficult and scary times.  Melissa will also help us with our reporting requirements & keep track of all our numbers (a huge help to Kristin!).

 Well,  I guess that leaves me.  I’m Kristin Vance & I love anything crafty & creative!  I still feel new to Utah, but we moved down with my husband’s job almost 6 years ago from Idaho.  I’m go greatful I was introduced to Kathy & Project Linus.  I was seeking something to become involved in & had no idea where it would lead!  I’m a mom to 2 teenage boys & last fall returned to work part time.  I’m still trying to figure out where to keep everything & how to keep it organized, but my husband is quite patient to have blankets around all the time.  I love to crochet & am learning to quilt.  I have to squeeze in time to make personal gifts with all my project linus blanket making, but it’s what I love!

 New email:  slcprojectlinus@gmail.com for Kristin, Melissa or Millie

 “Make a Blanket Day” for the north VALLEY WILL be March 5th ... come join us at Our Saviour’s Lutheran church 3900 S. 2500 E. From 10-2.   Bring your lunch – we have a wonderful time!!

 The next South Valley “Make a Blanket Day” will be march 20th… at the South Jordan Library from 10:15 – 2:00.  our numbers are growing & we look forward to meeting you!  please come join us!

we have been talking about TAPS blankets.  it’s been tougher this year to find red, white & blue, so keep an eye out!  These blankets are made for children who have lost a parent in service to our country.   We need large (60” x 72”) and medium (45” x 60”) blankets in patriotic colors.  Please – no knitted and crocheted blankets as they are too heavy and don’t travel well.  more information can be found at taps.org & our blankets are made for the children at good grief camp in May,(this is the only time our blankets travel outside of salt lake county).

Thank you to everyone who contributes to Project Linus in Salt Lake County.  Whether you make blankets, sew labels on, package blankets, donate funds for shipping and stamps, or donate paper, yarn or fabric, each one of you helps to grow our chapter so we may give a little bit of love and security to a child in crisis. 

Hugs to you all,

Kristin

slcprojectlinus@gmail.com
801-386-5917