Win a quilt support Hospice
It’s hoped that not one but two quilts will entice the public to contribute to Plumas Community Hospice .
Winning ticket holders will be announced during the Hospice Benefit Concert on Saturday, Nov. 18, at the Town Hall Theatre in Quincy. Drawing tickets are $5 each and can be purchased during the event or in advance at Quincy Pharmacy and Plumas Arts, or by calling 283-7228.
In years past, there has been one quilt available in the drawing, but this year there are two: one by Carolyn Kenney and the other by Jane Giacalone.
Kenney has contributed a quilt every year that the concert has been held – initially that was annually, but now the concert is held every two years.
This is Giacalone’s first year and she approached organizers of the annual event to contribute. Both women donate the quilts because they believe in the service that Plumas Community Hospice provides.
Carolyn Kenney
“I have sewn since I was young, but I started quilting about 20 years ago. After I had retired from nursing, I had an opportunity to start teaching quilting classes at Feather River College. As it has turned out, I have continued to teach, which I love doing.
“I attended a seminar by well-known quilter/author Eleanor Burns called Teach the Teacher. I like her method of teaching, and rely primarily on her books when I give classes.
“I continue to try new methods, but find that my comfort zone is with the traditional patterns and styles. I used to make all my quilts by hand, but now rely predominantly on my sewing machine. I belong to the Quincy Crazy Quilters, where I have so many good friends.
“Besides providing programs and classes related to quilting, we make and donate hundreds of Cuddle quilts to our community. I also individually donate quilts to numerous groups in town for their various benefits.”
Jane Giacalone
Giacalone created a quilt she calls “Cabin in Butterfly Valley.” Here she recounts the history of the Log Cabin quilt.
“Back in pioneer days, while the men raised the barn, the women would hand quilt the already completed log cabin quilt top, made from scraps from all the families. The center square of the log cabin traditionally is red, for the heart of the home. The stripes around the center square are said to represent the sun in front of the cabin. The light side of the block represents the sun in front of the cabin.
“Compare ‘the light side’ to happiness, weddings, babies, family and friends. The dark side of the block represents the shadow behind the cabin. Compare ‘the dark side’ to sadness, death, disaster, etc. The ‘dark’ moments in life help us realize how wonderful the ‘light’ moments really are.
“My choice of fabrics and colors are: Center — three different shades of red for the different love you have for your family and friends.
“Light side: White on white for passing of this life with butterflies. The meaning of butterflies is ‘a new beginning.’ Red for love, yellow for friendship, lilac for peace.
“Dark side: Greens for Serenity. Black with flowers, butterflies and ladybugs — so even in the sad days may you have the love and peace of family and friends around you. Black with swirls — that even in those darkest of times, there is hope.”
