Remember the Installation Rally in October in Salem, Illinois at the Marion County Fairgrounds. All inductees; dress for this occasion is formal; dark pants or skirt; white blouse or shirt; red tie or scarf; dark shoes; blue berets.

When Jim and I were first sworn in as Secretary and Treasurer and found out the next step was going up the ladder to become your President and First Lady, I knew I wanted to do a project that was dear to my heart.

My Grandmother had always machine quilted and I had toyed with the idea of the quilt on many different levels. Each doing a block and what have you. The time came to make that decision and at the April Rally in Waterloo I discussed the quilt idea and the ladies in our unit willingly grabbed hold and away we went. The May Rally would begin the making of the quilt to be raffled. There were a couple of projects going on in May; they were the bulletin board and The “Common Cents for Kids” Project.

The plan came together and in May we started on the quilt. My idea was starting to come together and hopefully it would be a big success! It was, it did and it took all of us. By the end of the rally it was a quilt top and then it was quilted and ready for International in June. No expenses were taken out of the donations, it was my project and as your President and First Lady we wanted to absorb all the cost, which we did. Circumstances beyond our control kept us from going to Perry, GA. The members took the quilt and the tickets and sold them, we again sold ticket during the rallies and at Region 5.

We made a total of $1013.00, clear profit. The drawing was held at Region 5, Tom Collier, 2nd VP of International drew out the winning ticket. The winner of the quilt is Betty Zimmerman of Paradise Park, Punta Gorda, FL. Jim and I will present her with the quilt as well as getting a picture. Fortunately Jim and I winter in Paradise Park so it makes it special to actually know who won this.

Thanks to all who purchased tickets, helped in selling tickets and all who had a hand in it. I thank the good Lord for giving me the idea and for you the members of the Southern Illinois Unit for helping to make it happen. But it really isn’t about the quilt, it is about the children who will benefit from the money we collected and that my friend is the blessing.

Remember all of our service men and women who are now serving and those of our loved ones who will be going to Iraq. They are special people and we should always remember them in our prayers.

Vera Pittman we heard you were doing somewhat better and know we are thinking of you.

Elmer Koen and family we continue to pray for you.

CORRECTION as to Dave Daniel’s health problem. He had a severe heart attack; had angioplasty and a stint put in an artery that was clogged. His recovery has been remarkable but not up to hitching up an Airstream yet.