Newsletter January 2015

Dear Blanketeers,                                                                 December 2014

Our annual Christmas social this year was another success!  20 plus blanketeers, all worked together and then enjoyed a lovely lunch.  Thanks Kristin for bringing the main course (wrap sandwiches, veggies and chips).  Thank you also to the blanketeers who brought fruit and desserts.  Last month we received 153 blankets and that allowed us to distribute 306 blankets in December, (included in this total was a once a year delivery to Shop with a Cop South Jordan).  For those who could not attend, we missed you!  Thank you for keeping our project running great!

Spotlight on Blanketeers

Doris Long, who has been a long time blanketeer with Project Linus, is going to spend the winter in St. George (rather than her usual Arizona destination).  It happens that we have a group of Project Linus contributors who live either full time of part time in St. George.  Doris is anxious to meet them and work on Linus blankets this winter.

Two of our St George blanketeers are: Terry Whittrey and Bea Keohane.  Terry has been crocheting for most of her life.  Her mom taught her when she was very young.  Terry's blankets are beautiful and she says she can complete two of them during a television football game!

Bea has been a quilter for several years, but has given it up and now concentrates on crochet.  She has not only donated blankets, but also contributed her cutting boards, rotary cutters and fabric punchers. This makes it possible for her, Rochelle Pacheco and Karen Park, to operate quite independently.

Millie is always happy to drop off and pick up blankets  on her frequent trips thru St. George.  In this picture, Bea is on the left and Terry on the right.  Thanks ladies for all your many donated hours!

Olympus Hills Stake Service Project

Olympus Hills Stake held it's annual service-day project in December.  The theme of the day was "The Night before Christmas?  Among their projects, the  pajama clad volunteers (about 40 of them) worked on Project Linus blankets.  Sarah Harris and Somer Holt organized the volunteers, shopped for the fleece, and also prepared the fleece for this event.  Their prep work of squaring material, removing selvage, cutting the corners and taping one side, allowed their workers to quickly see what had to be done.  They completed 30 beautiful snuggle blankets for children this Christmas.  Our chapter was able to distribute a large number of blankets in December thanks to projects like this one.  We so appreciate the generosity of the members of Olympus Hills LDS Stake!

A note of thanks for Darren Orr, Director of Shop with a Cop (South Jordan)

Greetings all,

     Just a quick note to follow up on our event and to thank you so very much for your support!!

     We had 87 children show up for the event this year and as always, the blankets were a huge hit!  They are so soft and comforting, I always get joy watching the ones who snuggle them as they shop around the store.

     We had 9 children who couldn't make the event so we did a home delivery of gifts, stockings and of course blankets and the remaining ones we have given to Salt Lake Police officers to put in their cars to use as a comfort for calls involving children.

     Again, I can't thank you and your volunteers enough for your continued support of the program, it is truly and greatly appreciated.

     Merry Christmas and all the best,

     Darren

Again, we want to thank you all for supporting our Salt Lake County Chapter of Project Linus!  We appreciate each and every one of you and the contribution you make to provide blankets for children in a time of crisis.  Enjoy the holidays with your family and friends!  We hope to see you all in 2015!

With a blanket hug,

Kristin & Millie

email: slcprojectlinus@gmail.com

Newsletter December 2014

Dear Blanketeers,

November has gotten busy and we couldn't be more pleased!  As we approach the holiday season we are happy to have groups doing amazing service work and a few extra blankets coming in to help fill the requests and needs for the end of the year!  It's keeping Millie and Kristin very busy!

December blanket day - includes a Holiday Lunch, hosted by Millie and Kristin

Please join us at our North Valley make a blanket day on Monday, December 1st from 10:00am to 2:00pm at Our Saviours Lutheran Church 2500 East 3900 South in Holladay.  We will have our normal work day and lunch is provided for all who can attend.  We hope to see you there!

America First Credit Union

     Another year with the volunteers at America First Credit Union. 

 Randi Jackson has inspired 60 of the America First team from branches all over town to again volunteer to make blankets for Project Linus.    In order to accomplish the completion of 15 blankets in 45 minutes they had to start at 7:30 in the morning.  About 8 of the employees met with Millie earlier in the week to cut and lay the tape so the fleece would be ready for fringe work.  

  

The giving spirit of all these volunteers was a pleasure to experience.  Thanks Randi and your team for your continued interest and participation in Project Linus. 

University Student Accountants

      Corbin Christensen, was in charge of the annual volunteer project this year for his professional organization.  While searching for a worthy project, he remembered his experience with Project Linus a few years ago when he participated in the program at his high school – Rowland Hall.   So he organized the accounting students from the Institute of Management Accountants to make blankets for Project Linus. 

       

 

IIn order to complete the project in a two-hour period of time, Corbin and Millie had shopped, cut the fleece square and had the corners cut out and ready to fringe.  These students, with their faculty sponsor, Shannon Charles (and her two children), “Managed” in a “Businesslike” manner to “Account” for 18 blankets.  All the blankets were well made and beautiful.   Several participants said they would love to do the blankets again.  They are a wonderful addition to the volunteer blanket-making team and we thank them sincerely.  

LDS Riverton's 14th Ward Young Women

Last month Kristin was invited by Evelyn Beck to join the Young Women (and their leaders) to talk about Project Linus and make some beautiful blankets.  We had to make due with a small space, because of a Halloween Party going on the same night, that's why a few leaders were sitting on the job!  Kristin was happy to introduce Evelyn to Project Linus 2 years ago, when we worked together at Herriman High.  For this work night Evelyn purchased all the fleece and had everything in various stages of completion.  Evelyn's prep work made the evening a great success!  The girls completed several blankets, all of amazing quality.  Thank you ladies and your great leaders, we appreciate your care in making such great blankets!

TIPS & Tricks

When crocheting the edge on a blanket, make sure to stitch 2 single crochet in each hole or 1 single crochet and a chain to prevent the blanket from bunching.  Sometimes the corners also require an extra stitch or two.   This will ensure your blanket lies flat.

When fringing no sew fleece, make sure to use tape; so when you cut the fringe it is all the same length.  We have attached sew fleece instructions under "blanket making guidelines" to offer help for the steps.  Always remove the tape before flipping the fringe up to make the tiny slit to pull the fringe through to finish the edge.  This allows for the slip to be in the right place and not too low.

We appreciate your attention to detail, so that we have beautiful, well made blankets to donate.  Blankets that you are proud enough to put your name on and think of as a gift to a child in need.

We have much to be thankful for....we hope you enjoy Thanksgiving with family and friends this week.  We look forward to seeing you all December 1st for our annual holiday lunch.  We so appreciate all that you do to support our chapter of Project Linus.  The children of Salt Lake County receive comfort in our blankets with each donation.

With a blanket hug,

Kristin & Millie
email: slcprojectlinus@gmail.com

Newsletter - November 2014

Dear Blanketeers,

I hope you have all been enjoying this beautiful fall weather.  It has been wonderful!  As we know living in Utah means the weather can change in an instant, so I hope we have a few more weeks of this to enjoy before it gets too cold.  We have had a great month and been very busy!

Our next north valley blanket day will be Monday, November 3rd from 10:00am to 2:00pm at Our Saviours Lutheran Church 2500 East 3900 South, Holladay.  Please join us for a great day of blanket making!

Also, mark your calendar to join us for a Holiday celebration at out next North Valley blanket day on Monday, December 1st.  Kristin & Millie will provide lunch and treats!  We'd love to have you all join us to celebrate a successful 2014 and get into the spirit of the season!

Blanketeer Spotlight....

From Executive V. P. -  to Volunteer
 There is always more to be done for Project Linus than the actual blanket-making function.  In previous newsletters I have spotlighted Denna for delivering blankets all over town, Dayle for always making the food for blanket day workers, Barbara for her fund raising success, as well as others who have actually made the blankets.

     Today I wish to spotlight my husband, Dean Martensen.  After his retirement Dean volunteered at Ronald McDonald House for four years .  But now he volunteers with Project Linus.  No, he doesn’t make blankets!  He is the muscles in our organization and does the heavy work for us.  He is on the job every blanket day to set up a dozen tables and chairs before the blanketeers arrive.  In the afternoon when we are finished, he returns to fold them all up, stack and store them.

    Dean is always there to load the equipment and fleece into the car for me in the morning, the finished blankets back into the car in the afternoon, and to unload the car when I arrive with the bags at home.   If you never noticed, those plastic bags full of blankets are very heavy.  Dean carries the ones to be labeled upstairs and the ones to tag, package for delivery downstairs.  Then of course, when the deliveries are organized for the month, he carries the finished bags up from the basement again and helps Denna load them into her delivery van. 

       It’s not every woman who is lucky enough to have an executive vice president assist her with the heavy work.  Thanks Dean, not only for your physical help, but for your patience and tolerance as you endure a house full of blankets, and the constant presence of “fuzz” from cutting blanket fabric.      Millie

Rowland Hall High School - Half Day of Service

      We were so happy to be invited back to help with Rowland Hall's Half Day of Service.  High School students participate in a variety of service projects around Salt Lake and we had a great group of 36 students make blankets for our chapter of Project Linus.  

 Each student brought a new piece of fleece (or two) to make a beautiful no sew fleece/fringed blankets in under 2 hours.  Kristin spoke to the students about our Chapter, who we make blankets for and some of our donation sites.  We so appreciated the students, their adult volunteers and teacher/soccer coach Missy who were such a huge help!






The students immediately got to work and in the final count of donated material and completed blankets we have a grand total of 47!!  Their contribution is a huge boost for the project as we attempt to meet the needs of children who need the hug of a beautiful Linus blanket. Thank you Rowland Hall High School...you are all amazing!

We are working to meet the requests from our drop offs for the next couple of months.  We are so grateful for all of you to help us keep children in Salt Lake County supplied with blankets.  Your time, talent and donations keep us moving forward.  Thank you for all that you do!

We hope to see you all soon!

Millie & Kristin

email: slcprojectlinus@gmail.com

Newsletter - October 2014

Dear Blanketeers,

Welcome fall!  Has anyone had a chance to drive through the canyons?  I couldn't believe how the colors are so quickly changing!  What a beautiful time of year!

North Valley blanket day will be held, Monday, October 6th from 10:00am until about 2:00pm.  Our Saviours Lutheran Church, 2500 E 3900 S, Holladay.  We have a wonderful group - we hope you can join us!

Service Sunday—“God’s Work - Our Hands”

         Once a year several Salt Lake valley protestant churches gather together to give service to the community in as many ways as they can.  One of the ways this year was to make blankets for Project Linus to be given to the Maliheh Free Clinic.  The clinic offers medical care to people who have neither insurance nor the ability to pay. 

      Pictured here are some of the volunteers who purchased materials and donated their time on that Sunday.   There is a happiness and satisfaction in giving and in knowing that someone in crisis or in need will be given a cuddly hug in the form of a Project Linus beautiful blanket.      

                            

Blanketeer Spotlight   ----   Linda Kesler

       Utah born and raised, Linda Kesler, is a devoted Project Linus volunteer.  Her early years were spent in Bingham Canyon and she later went to school in Sandy.   As a girl, her family always loved music and encouraged her and her brother to play.   She played the clarinet in the school band and orchestra.  She has two daughters and four grandchildren.  Must also mention her two cats, Kati and Kali. 

    

      Her friends, Carol Holmes and Shirley Geary, recruited her to Project Linus four years ago, and she has been making blankets ever since.  Her aunt taught her to crochet and embroider, so it was fun for her to pick it up again in later years.

     Linda has had an impressive career of 29 years of service as a nurse.  She first earned her LPN and worked at Holy Cross Hospital.  Later, with the help of a program called “Upward Mobility”, she was assisted by the V. A. hospital in earning her RN degree.    

     Linda still enjoys music and sings in the church choir.  She also paints with water- color, makes jewelry, and enjoys meeting with the “Red Hat” ladies.   Our chapter is pleased to enjoy Linda’s company and appreciative of her talent and contributions.  

        

              Sharing the purpose and meaning of  “Project Linus” with children

      Laura Nixon of Herriman, Utah planned several craft projects in which her family members could participate at their annual Nixon family reunion.  Pictured here are her niece  and nephew showing off the quilts that they worked on.  Laura planned the experience so quilts could be completed in the single day.  She cut the fabric and batting in advance to have it ready so the kids could have the “hands on” experience of tying the quilts.     

     How nice that kids can learn to give, and to help other little ones who need the hug of a cuddly blanket.  Thanks Laura!

We picked up some very nice quilts at Quilts, Etc and have no idea who made them!  If you leave blankets at one of our drop offs, please leave us a note!  

A blanket making reminder...

We love all kinds and types of blankets that are new and homemade in kid friendly prints, in soft and washable fabrics.  Here is a tip for afghans...

Please use small knitting needles or crochet hooks and soft yarn to make preemie/baby afghans.  Litle fingers and toes, and medical instruments, can get caught in big stitches.  Please use soft washable yarns, we are unable to accept blankets with wool or wool blends (due to allergies and washability).  If you prefer using larger size crochet hooks or knitting needles, please consider making bigger afghans in larger child and teen sizes.  Weave in all yarn ends on crocheted and knitted afghans, do not just tie and cut them off since yarn stretches and knots may come apart on your wonderful work!

Thank you to everyone who contributes to our chapter.  It's been a great year!  We know that some specific requests for blankets come in for the holidays and special events, so we are working hard to meet everyone's requests in our distribution.  Your continued support allows us to distribute and provide for many children in Salt Lake County.  All of our blanketeers make an impact.  Thank you for your part!

We hope to see you soon!

Millie & Kristin

email:slcprojectlinus@gmail.com

Newsletter - September 2014

Dear Blankeers,

Well Summer is coming to a close.  Schools are back in session and we've enjoyed some wonderful, cooler weather.  It makes me think of cooler evenings, when I can sit and crochet and all things pumpkin!  I love fall and am very excited that we are headed into that season.  I'm hoping we have cooler weather, but no snow! Thank you for including Project Linus in your summer.  I know many of you have travelled and had lots of other things going on.  We are going strong in 2014!

Our blanket day has moved a week - due to Labor day - so we hope to see you Monday, September 8th from 10:00am to 2:00pm at Our Saviours Lutheran Church, 2500 East 3900 South in Holladay.  Please join us for a great time and blanket making too!  We hope to see you there!

This month Millie suggested a Kathy Morrow update.  Kathy was our amazing coordinator that opened the Salt Lake County Chapter after moving from Wyoming.  She moved to Colorado and here's what she's been up to...

We love Grand Junction!  The people are very friendly and so many are transplants, we fit in well.  The scenery is gorgeous and there are so many outdoor activities, including hiking, biking and camping.  We spent our first winter working on insulating and sheet rocking the inside of the "car barn".  It's not quite finished because spring came and there were outside jobs to take care of.  We're learning how to control the weeds, planted lots of corn ( should be ready for harvest this week and next), beans and cherry tomatoes.  We have 2 grape vines on a pergola and with luck will have red and green grapes in about a month.  Who knew I'd like gentleman farming so much?   There is always work to do on the house and property - it was a little overgrown and needs some updating inside ( that's this winters project).

Three of our daughters, Ann Marie and her very significant other, Laura and her VSO and Kristen and James came for the Fourth of July weekend. We went to a Pioneer League ballgame, BBQ'd and had smores with lots of laughter.   We had a wonderful visit and enjoyed getting to know the young men even better.   We plan on fall trips to SLC and Dallas to see the girls.   We get to Denver every couple of months to see my Dad and sister.  Phil's sister and family live in Cortez and we've been to see them at their mountain ranch.  We take 2-3 day trips from time to time just to see the area and explore western Colorado.

I do continue to make blankets, the PL chapter here is much smaller but does the same kind of good work you do there.  I often think of all of you and hope you are well.   Each of you has a very special place in my heart!

My best to you all,

Kathy

For all you Joann Fabric shoppers - you may have been advised or noticed the expiration on your non-profit discount card, they expire August 31, 2014.  Here is the link to renew for another year.  http://www.joann.com/non-profit-program.html 

                                                          Quilting Literature

    Am I the only one who was not aware of author Jennifer Chiaverini and her series of books/novels about quilters and quilt making? 

    You all may already know of her, but her “Thanksgiving – The Giving Quilt” actually has instructions and patterns on line for making it.  Phyllis McKininn, a quilter from Cedar City, told me about her.   Phyllis contacted her for permission to use the quilt pattern and Ms. Chiaverini said, “of course,” and that she would also like to see a picture of it when it is finished. 

    I have since read her novel “Mrs. Lincoln’s Dressmaker” and enjoyed it very much.  She has written some 20 + books that you may be interested in reading.  Among them are: The Wedding Quilt, The Union Quilters, The Quilter’s Legacy and on and on….  

     Let me know if you read one that I should check out.    

                                                  Millie

Thank you for all you do!  Have a wonderful September!

Hugs,

Kristin & Millie

email: slcprojectlinus@gmail.com

Newsletter - August 2014

July 27, 2014

Dear Blanketeers,

We hope you are all doing well.  We can't believe how quick summer is flying by!  We appreciate all of you and your continued support.  We have had a great year and have distributed more than a 1,000 blankets to children in need so far this year!  Thank you to all of you who continue to support our chapter.  We also want to add a thank you to Denna for all her hard work taking care of our deliveries.  In July, Denna picked up 14 bags of blankets to deliver throughout the valley.  Thank you Denna!

Our next blanket day will be Monday, August 4th from 10:00am to 2:00pm at Our Saviours Lutheran Church, 2500 East 3900 South in Holladay.  Please join us for a great time and blanket making too!  We hope to see you there! 

(Please note..Labor Day will shift our blanket day to the 2nd Monday in September - mark your calendars for Monday, September 8th)

BLANKETEER SPOTLIGHT

“Whither Thou Goest – I Will Go”(Ruth 1:16) 

     Spotlight this month is on blanketeer - Dayle Young – who hails originally from Mount Vernon, Washington.  She puts me in mind of Ruth from the Bible because of her travels with her hubby, Pastor Gordon Young.  His callings as a Lutheran minister, took her from Chehalis, Washington; to Pocatello, Idaho; to El Paso Texas; to Roy, Utah; and finally to SLC. 

      Dayle spent 15 years teaching elementary school P.E. in Washington and Utah.  She also spent her early career as a lay associate, working with different churches to set up programs for singles, and for Sunday schools.  She and Gordon have two daughters, Katie and Elizabeth, and three grandchildren.

     In her early youth Dayle learned two special skills from her cousin Mable – sewing and baking – both of which our Linus Chapter happily enjoys now.  She began sewing at age 10 with embroidery, crocheting, tatting, and later on when she needed a square dance dress, she simply made it herself.

     Since Dayle joined our chapter, she has baked something special for us every blanket day – rhubarb cake is my personal favorite – but her biscotti runs a close second.   We are so happy to have Dayle in our Chapter.  Thank you Dayle for your generosity, for blankets, and for goodies. 

This month we are a little low on the small size blankets (1 & 1/4 yard).  If you have a small blanket that you were meaning to finish...we need it!  When asked we always say we need all sizes and both boy and girl, it just seems we are a running a little low in the smalls this month.

We hope to see you in August and plan for September 8th for next month too!

With a blanket hug,

Millie & Kristin
email: slcprojectlinus@gmail.com

newsletter - July 2014

Dear Blanketeers,                                                              June 2 9, 2014

Happy Summer!  I can't believe how fast the days fly by!  I hope you are all well and enjoying the sunshine and warm weather.

Our next blanket day will be Monday, July 7th from 10:00am to 2:00pm at Our Saviours Lutheran Church, 2500 East 3900 South in Holladay.  Please join us to drop off blankets and say "hi" or to spend some time with us this month.  We hope to see you there!

Our chapter is doing great things!  Thank you to you all that you do!  I know summer usually gets busy with family and additional commitments.  We've had a great summer with our donations remaining steady.  You continued support is so appreciated and makes a huge difference to a child in crisis.  The blanket we make, mean the world to a child.

Millie and Kristin go shopping!
Shopping for new materials is always fun and we've been watching the sales.  Both Millie and Kristin did some shopping with funds generously donated by Center Shift.  There are some great new materials to work on at our blanket days.  Thank you again to Center Shift for your support of our Chapter of Project Linus!

This month I wanted to share a couple of pictures of beautiful blankets made by some great blanketeers.  These were made from scraps that we received as a donation.  We appreciate these generous donations of materials and have some talented quilt makers!  I envy them for their skill, as I'm learning to quilt and it take a talent to put materials together and to sew straight!  It's a lot harder than you'd think!

  Thank you Lola, Jean Ann and Jean.  You are some of our regular contributors who love to sew!  We are so happy to receive your blankets they are so amazing!

Millie is working to set aside the blankets we need for South Jordan's Shop with a Cop - so we'd love to see your medium size (1 1/2 yard) fleece blankets.  They can be crocheted on the edges or fringed.  Just look for fun, kid friendly prints appropriate for ages 8-10.

Kristin picked up a donation of well made medium and large sized blankets from Bingham High School Service Club.  Their leader had been in contact with us a few times and did such a great job making the blankets all ready to label and distribute.  The club members met during their lunch hours and after school to work on many service projects.  We were glad to have them include us in their year and hope to hear from them again.  We so appreciate their beautiful work and fun teen printed blankets.  Thank you BHS Service Club!

Have a wonderful and safe 4th of July!  We hope to see you soon!

Hugs,

Millie & Kristin
email: slcprojectlinus@gmail.com

newsletter - June 2014

Dear blanketeers,                                                              May 26, 2014

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

 We are planning ahead to some blanket needs coming up this fall.  We've supported South Jordan's Shop with a Cop for several seasons.  Each year before Christmas they take deserving children, who may not always have much, shopping with a law enforcement officer.  This year Millie has started collecting & setting aside the blankets we need.  Please start to think of this project & bring a 1-1/2 yard piece of fleece in print appropriate for 7-10 year olds.  We'll need both boy and girl prints.  These children have had some contact with law enforcement, sometimes now always positive.  This program allows them to have a good experience & some fun with the police officers.   Thank you to all the loving blanketeers making this project possible!  

AFTER THE BLANKETS ARE MADE - Blanketeer Spotlight - Beverley Cook

      There are lots of things to get done before a Linus Blanket is given to a child in need.  One of those is the labeling.  When a blanket passes our high quality standards it is given a special label, packaged, tagged to indicate the appropriate age and gender of the child who should receive it. 

     Beverley Cook, has been the official label sewer for months now.  She sews labels for us from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, the first Monday of every month.  She says she loves this job because she gets to see and handle every beautiful cuddly blanket.

       Thanks to Bev for her diligent attention to this important task.    

Blanketeer spotlight

Last week Millie was invited by Barbara Brae (who also crochets, and raises funds for Project Linus) to spend the evening training her Quail Run Ward relief society friends to make fringed no-sew blankets.   They learned how to make a Perfect blanket and completed 6 flawless, cuddly, beautiful pieces during the evening.  As all of us know, there are some pitfalls to be aware of and avoid in order to fringe a high quality blanket.   This group plans to continue making blankets for Project Linus as an ongoing activity.  Many pieces of fleece have already been purchased and are just waiting for their next meeting to be completed.   Thanks ladies for your interest, generosity, and willingness to do good things for children!

All of your time and talent is so appreciated!  We love your beautiful, bright, well made blankets!  Also, if you ever leave a blanket at a drop off site, please leave your name on it so we know who donated it to us.  We do have receipts, if you ever need one from your donation, just contact Kristin.

Thank you to everyone who contributes to Project Linus in Salt Lake County.  Whether you make blankets, sew labels on, package blankets, 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,

Millie & Kristin

Millie #801-272-4024

email: slcprojectlinus@gmail.com

newsletter - May 2014

Dear Blanketeers,

Happy Spring!  At least spring in Utah, which can be rain, snow, sunshine or everything in between.  I am so happy that the days are longer and weather is warming up!  I have lived  her long enough to not be tricked, so I'm still waiting to shop for flowers and officially welcome the sunshine.

We are busy, busy with some beautiful blankets coming in.  We are always to pleased to receive beautiful, well made quilts, crocheted blankets and bright, soft fleece blankets.  You are all amazingly talented.  We so appreciate your loving and amazing talent.  Thank you  for sharing your time and continuing to donate bright, kid friendly blankets.

MAKE A BLANKET DAY at North Valley will be Monday, May 5th from 10:00am to 2:00pm.  Please join us at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church 3900 S 2500 E in Holladay.  We can't wait to see you!

      Spotlight on: Two Close Friends written by Millie

      Shirley Geary and Nan DeBernardi

      I chose to spotlight these two friends together as every time  see them they are together.   Usually Nan drops by and picks up Shirley on her way to make-a-blanket day every mont.  They joined Project Linus together when Kathy Morrow first organized, but their friendship goes back much further – 28 years.

     Nan and Shirley shared their teaching careers at St Ann’s Catholic School in Salt Lake City. Together they covered the spectrum of grades.  Nan taught 1^st and 3^rd in Wyoming, and Kindergarten at St. Ann’s.  Shirley taught 4^th, 5^th, and 6^th at St. Ann’s. 

     Shirley was raised in New Bedford, Massachusetts and she came to Utah when her husband was employed as an Engineer at H.E.Cramer Co.   They have one daughter and also a son who has given them 3 grandkids – all are living in nearby.  Must not forget to mention her special Wheaten Terrier – Maxwell. 

     Nan has two sons who have each managed to have twins.  She now has two sets of twin grandchildren and an additional girl for good measure.   Except for Nan, who was a teacher, it’s an engineering family - her husband, two sons, and one daughter in law.

     Both of these blanketeers learned to crochet after joining our chapter.  Not only do they make blankets together, they belong to a book club, shop, and often lunch together.  Their sons attended Judge Memorial together.  

     Shirley says the thing she likes most about PL “is being of service for the many kids who are in need.”   Nan says “after leaving the our blanket day she goes home feeling uplifted and happy.”

    Our Project Linus Chapter is very lucky to have such devoted and supportive women.  You both are loved and appreciated.   Our heartfelt thanks to both Nan and Shirley.         

We received this wonderful thank you letter from Primary Children's Hospital:

Dear Salt Lake County Project Linus Members,

Thank you for being a hero to children at Primary Children's Hospital.  Your gift of all sizes and kinds of blankets will help our patients as they battle complex illnesses and injuries.

There are common traits among heroes:  They excel in strength and courage; they accept challenges; they battle demons.  All of these can be said of our patients and their families.  Thank you for thinking of them and helping to ease their burden.  On the third floor of the hospital are life-size statues of Superman and Spider Man.  Our patients love to look up to them.  Likewise, we look up to you for your thoughtfulness and caring.

The delightful Mr. Rogers once said, "Anyone who does anything to help a child in his life is a hero to me."  On behalf of the staff at Primary Children's Hospital and especially the patients, thank you for your kind act of service.

Warmest reguards,

Sharon A. Goodrich
Foundation Director

We wanted you to know that everything you put into our project is noticed.  Thank you for your continued participation and support of our chapter.  We hope to see you next Monday on May 5th or sometime soon!  North Valley always meets the 1st Monday each month (unless it's a holiday) so we hope you can join us!

With a blanket hug,

Kristin & Millie
email: slcprojectlinus@gmail.com

newsletter - April 2014

March 31, 2014

Dear Blanketeers,

Welcome Spring!  I hope you are happy to be outside, at least when it's not snowing!  It's spring in Utah, so you never know what to expect.  I'm looking forward to flowers and warmer evenings.  Just the chance to be outside makes me happy!

"MAKE A BLANKET DAY" for North Valley will be Monday, April 7th come join us at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church 3900 S 2500 E from 10am to 2pm.  Bring your lunch - we have a wonderful time!

Just a reminder of our drop off locations:
Mill Creek - The Wool Cabin 2020 East 3300 South
West Jordan - The Quilt Shop (inside the Fabric Center) 9135 S Redwood Rd
Sandy - Quilts, Etc. 8720 S State Street or the Cotton Shop 9441 South 700 East

If you drop off blankets at any of the above locations - please leave a note with your name and contact information and email: slcprojectlinus@gmail.com or call one of us, so we know to stop by!

Just a clarification on blanket making guidelines:
We are unable to accept tied, knotted no sew fleece blankets.
Tied quilts and fringed fleece that is pulled through (no knots) are still completely acceptable.  We've just encountered too many poorly made fleece blankets with knots.

Kristin also spent some time up at Primary Children's with her son.  He had a planned surgery.  He was offered a blanket that was not well made.  It was long and skinny and all knotted and bunched up.  It was also a double.  My son said he didn't need a blankets, as his mom was a blanket maker, so she saved it for another child.  It made me appreciate the quality standards we have at Project Linus and that our blankets are truly a gift.  Also, many people I encountered said that the double blankets are just too heavy, especially for children that are healing at the hospital.  So just something to keep in mind, the single fleece, light weight quilts and crocheted blankets are all wonderful when we donate to hospitals.  Healing children are sometimes feverish and heavy blankets are not desired.  Just some information I came across that I wanted to share.

Thank you to everyone to contributes to our chapter of Project Linus.  We appreciate each and every one of you!

Have a great April and we hope to see you soon!

Hugs to you all,

Millie & Kristin
email: slcprojectlinus@gmail.com
Millie phone #801-272-4024
Kristin cell #801-386-5917

newsletter - March 2014

Dear Blanketeers,                                                                                    

January ended very busy and February didn't slow down much.  Millie has been super busy meeting with groups and individuals and participating in project days!  Millie gives generously of her time and her dedication is over the top!  She supports our ladies at North Valley, takes time to visit JeanAnn and the  ladies at Mountain Vista, rallies her friends to help label and package, hauls blankets to southern Utah and back and coordinates deliveries with Denna.  Her energy seems endless and I wanted to make sure you all knew what an amazing job she does!  Millie, thank you for all you do!  Our chapter is running smooth and we are reaching out to more drop off locations than ever before.  Please take a moment to thank Millie (and Dean too), she keeps us going!

Make a blanket day will be Monday, March 3rd from 10am to 2pm.  Come join us at our Saviour's Lutheral Church, 3900 South 2500 East.  Bring your lunch - we have a wonderful time!!  Plus, you never know who will bake a wonderful treat!

Grand America Adventure

     With the help and guidance of Linda Manion and Millie, 100 Amgen district reps did the impossible.  They completed 35 no sew blankets in an hour and a half of diligent work.  Amgen Corp is a bio-tech company that had a huge convention at Grand America Hotel in January.  At the end of their meeting days, all 400+ of them worked on one of four charitable projects, three for children – bikes – books – and blankets; and for military personnel -  packages and letters. 

      Mary Hansen, a key planning person for Amgen was familiar with Project Linus, and that’s how we were lucky enough to be included.  As a result, we have 35 beautiful blankets, and will be getting a copy of a professionally made video about Project Linus to use in our chapter.   Special thanks to Amgen – we appreciate your generosity and service. 

Spotlight on “Snow Birds”

     Several Salt Lake women who spend the winter in St. George have become very active in their work to crochet edges on blankets for Project Linus children.  It is so nice that they keep working for kids all winter no matter where they are.  Millie meets with them and picks up their blankets once a month.  Their names are:

     Karen Park, Rochelle Pacheco, Terry Wittry, Bea Keohane, and Linda Caudill.  We so much appreciate the talent, skill, and generosity of these women.  Pictured here among their beautiful blankets are blanketeers, Karen and Rochelle.  Thanks ladies, you do such beautiful work!

donates $1000 to our chapter!

We just received the most wonderful news!  Centershift, a Salt Lake City based software company, has donated $1000 to our Project Linus Chapter!

Why did Centershift donate to Project Linus?  "Part of our company culture is to find ways to give back to our community," said Centershift President James Hafen.  "We are pleased to help Project Linus in any way we can.  It is certainly a worthy cause."

And who is Centershift?  Centershift is a Salt Lake City based software company that has provided management software and other services to the self-storage industry since 2001, when Centershift brought Internet-based technology to the industry.  www.centershift.com

Can you spot our dedicated blanketeer Barbara Bray in the Centershift picture? She's standing on the right corner of the sign, holding the corner.

Here's some of her biography from the company website: "Barbara is the company's Executive Assistant.  Whenever a baby is born to a Centershift employee, Barbara provides a handmade crochet-edge flannel baby blanket for their bundle of joy.  When she's not making blankets for employees, she donates them to Project Linus, a national organization that gives blankets to children in need.  She has donated more than 100 blankets over the past 5 years and has a stash of flannel that will keep her busy for many years to come."

We want to send a HUGE THANK YOU to Centershift for their support of our local chapter.  Kristin and Millie are so excited to be able to reach more children in 2014 and this generous donation makes it possible for us to print our tags, buy more labels and needed supplies and materials.  Your generosity will be felt by children all over Salt Lake County!

Thank you for all you do!  Have a great March!

Hugs,

Kristin & Millie
co-coordinators
email: slcprojectlinus@gmail.com

newsletter - February 2014

Dear Blanketeers,

Our next make a blanket day will be at north valley on Monday, February 3rd from 10:00am to 2:00pm at Our Saviours Lutheran Church, 2500 E 3900 South, Holladay.  Bring your lunch and come spend some time with us!  We hope to see you there!

Our numbers are calculated for 2013 and we are so happy to share that we distributed/delivered 1682 blankets!!  What a great year!  We continue to be the only supplier of blankets to Guardian ad Litem, donating over 500 blankets this past year.  What a great comfort to children in Salt Lake County.  We are currently delivering to 13 locations in the valley.  To understand what a huge comfort a blanket can provide, here is an email we received:

I wanted to thank you for the 2 blankets my daughters received at the Guardian ad Litem's office at the Mattheson Courthouse on October 29th 2013. My 16 year old and my 9 year old had to speak to the guardian that day because of their father/my husband's domestic violence and child abuse charges. They were both afraid but my 9 year old was so scared that I was afraid she wouldn't be able to talk to the guardian. Before it was her turn the secretary in the office told her about the Linus Blankets and let her pick one. She found one with Pandas on it and was so happy. Pandas are her favorite animal and she has wanted to work on a Panda reserve in China as a doctor. I wrapped her in that blanket and when the Guardian came to get her she stood up, smiling and went right away. It was a miracle and it was because of you and your kindness and thoughtfulness. In this horrible time of the lives of my 3 daughters (I have a 19 year old also) it is so sweet to find selfless strangers who show love to people they will never meet and maybe never be thanked by. I'm sorry that this letter took so long. I am in the middle of divorcing that man and going to his criminal trials and trying to help my 3 girls heal and live normal lives. Please know how very grateful we are for you and your kindness. The blankets my daughters chose were made by Millie and Pat and they are beautiful and so very special to my girls now. But I thank everyone who has helped with Project Linus. sincerely, Cheryl 

Spotlight on Bernie Sprecher

     Bernie - a long time supporter of our SLC Project Linus.  She does it all – participates faithfully in monthly blanket-day; during the month crochets fleece blankets to donate; and does fund raising.   She is a master at finding fleece sales!  She often purchases fleece pieces and gives them for others to crochet – a lovely gift for people who love to do the handwork, but not the shopping.   Her fundraising efforts - through “Thrivent” have certainly been a huge help to the survival of our chapter. 

          Bernie and her “car buff” husband Denny are originally from Cedar Rapids Iowa. They have lived in several states and in SLC for 22 years.   They raised their two children in Wyoming where Denny was in heavy equipment sales.   Sewing was always Bernie’s hobby, but she learned to crochet just 3 years ago.   Her wry sense of humor as well as her kind and caring nature, are a pleasure to all of us who work with her at blanket day.  

We appreciate and enjoy you so very much Bernie.   Thanks for your dedication to Project Linus.   

p.s. Bernie doesn't like her picture taken, but I caught her working away :)

An Eagle Scout’s Project

     Enthusiastic 8^th grade scout, Parker Simpson of West Jordan has completed a volunteer project for Project Linus.  Parker’s group of scouts, have made 20 medium sized blankets – using the no-sew technique.   Parker and his mother met with Millie early in the planning and learned how to make a quality blanket.  Millie worked with them last week – brought scissors, tape, and instructions to help Parker as he taught the other boys to carefully complete the work.   It is great to see kids of this age doing such great volunteer work!  Parker even recruited a few girls for his project and they were a huge help.  Nice job Parker (and his mom)!  

Thank you for all you do!  Keep up the amazing work!  We'll touch even more children in Salt Lake that need our blankets to keep them warm, make them feel safe, and provide a blanket hug when they need that extra love.

Hugs,

Millie & Kristin

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