The mission of EGA is to stimulate appreciation for and celebrate the heritage of embroidery by advancing the highest standards of excellence in its practice through education, exhibition, preservation, collection and research.
Contact our chapter through email: egaggr at yahoo dot com.
The GGR-EGA Evening Group meets the 4th Thursday of the month at Heather Hills Retirement Village, 1055 Forest Hill Avenue SE, at 6:45PM in the months of January through October. If Forest Hills schools are closed for inclement weather, then the night group meetings are cancelled. The GGR-EGA Day Group meets the 4th Friday of the month at First Methodist Church, 227 East Fulton, Grand Rapids, at 9:00AM in the months of January through April and September through October. If Grand Rapids schools are closed for inclement weather, then the day group meetings are cancelled.
NEWSLETTER INFORMATION
The GGR-EGA newsletter is published monthly throughout the year. Articles for the newsletter are to be submitted to the editor by the 20th of the preceding month.
Any interesting needlework links are for your enjoyment. The inclusion of these sites does not imply an endorsement.
COPYRIGHT
No part of this website may be published, reproduced, stored in, or introduced into a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means whatsoever (including electronic, mechanical, photocopy) other than for personal or chapter use without written permission from the copyright holder.
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2009
NOTICE - DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER, THE CHRISTMAS PARTY HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED FOR THURSDAY DECEMBER 17. SAME PLACE & SAME TIME. CONTACT ALICE WITH QUESTIONS.
MUSINGS FROM MARIJO - A WORD FOR OUR PRESIDENT The world is getting ready for winter - for many of us, that means more time inside for stitching. I hope all of you have a stash of projects to hold you through the winter. I certainly do.
Remember to keep Saturday, February 13, open to stitch at the Grand Rapids Museum. This will be the third year we will be doing something at the museum. We always have a good time and it's good publicity for us.
As you can see from this abbreviated newsletter - we still need an editor. Please consider doing this for our group. EGA runs on volunteers. What can you do?
Remember our Christmas party is the second Thursday in December this year. It will be the same place as last year. We'll start with a short business meeting to okay the budget and install officers. We will be collecting mittens, hats, and scarves for In The Image. We will also be exchanging ornaments. I hope to see you there.
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CALENDAR NOVEMBER 2 Sampler Group - Monday, 12:30 pm 20 Board Meeting - Friday, 9:30 am at Marijo's house
DECEMBER 7 Sampler Group - Monday 12:30 pm NOTE CHANGE OF DATE 17 Christmas Party - Thursday, 5:30 pm at Radisson Hotel .
CHAPTER BYLAWS UPDATE
Our chapter approved several amendments to our bylaws at the October membership meetings. The amended bylaws were then sent to National for its approval. Thanks to our Bylaws Committee - Margie S., Vonnie H., and Peg H. - for its help in reviewing and revising our bylaws. We will not need to review our bylaws again until 2019.
CHRISTMAS PARTY SCHEDULE Thursday December 17 - NOTE CHANGE OF DATE 5:30 Cocktails (on your own) 6:00 Brief Business Meeting (installation of officers and approval of the budget) 6:30 Dinner
JANUARY MEETINGS
Both the day and the night groups will work on Habitat samplers. Bring white or off-white 14 or 28 count fabric to work on (cut at least 12" by 14") and DMC 798 and 912. Patterns will be provided. Bring the usual stitching supplies.
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SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2009
MUSINGS FROM MARIJO - A WORD FROM OUR PRESIDENT
Now is the time of year I get energized. Cooler days make me want to be doing something outside instead of sitting in the air conditioning. I'm looking forward to new projects and learning new skills.
I enjoyed learning a new finishing technique from Betsy Morgan. I've already finished that project and used the technique to finish a UFO (one down - twenty to go).
I also enjoyed the canvas work project Peg H. and I did with the Marshall EGA Chapter.
I'm looking for an easy project to be a "make-it-and-take-it" project for February's Stitch-In at the Grand Rapid's Museum. I know it seems a long way away, but the museum will put it in their brochure if we can get it to them soon. Please talk to me the next time you see me if you have ideas.
CALENDAR September 14 Sampler Group - Monday at 12:30 PM at Susie's house 18 Board Meeting - Friday at 9:00 AM at Marijo's house 24 Night Meeting - Thursday at 6:45 PM at Heather Hills Retirement Village 25 Day Meeting - Friday at 9:00 AM at First United Methodist Church October 5 Sampler Group - Monday at 12:30 PM at Pat P's house 10 NEWSLETTER INFORMATION due 20 Board Meeting - Tuesday at 7:00 PM at Jane's house 22 Night Meeting - Thursday at 6:45 PM at Heather Hills Retirement Village 23 Day Meeting - Friday at 9:00 AM at First United Methodist Church December 10 Christmas Party - Thursday at the Radisson Hotel
NEW MEETING LOCATION FOR NIGHT GROUP
Beginning with the September meeting, the night group will be meeting at Heather Hills Retirement Village. This is located at 1055 Forest Hill Avenue SE, on the west side of Forest Hill Avenue, south of Cascade Road. They have invited us to meet there for free.
There is a small amount of parking in the front, but most will need to park in the south lot. They have promised to put out signs directing us to appropriate parking. A side door will be marked and left unlocked so that we may enter by the parking lot rather than going outside to the front. The parking lot is well lit and Heather Hills does have security.
We will be in one of their recreation rooms. This room is spacious enough for us to move around. There are a number of long tables that we like for our work. The lighting is excellent for embroidery. The room has a small hospitality area for our treats. Directions will be well marked from either parking area to our room.
DAY PROGRAMS September Hostesses: Dick H. and Rosie A. Program: Betty N. will present a program for which you need not bring any stitching supplies October Hostesses: Diane H. and Annie B. Program: Connie W. will show a video on peyote stitch.
NIGHT PROGRAMS September Hostesses: Carolyn N. and Pat A. Program: Nancy has designed an adorable button bag and a thimble case that coordinate with our set. Bring your usual stitching supplies.
October Hostesses: Mary W. and Karen V. Program: Nancy is designing a ruler case to go with our accessories. At the September meeting she will discuss any special materials needed.
WORKSHOP Betsy Morgan taught two delightful workshops. Twenty people in the morning and twelve in the afternoon had the opportunity to learn advanced finishing techniques. Betsy was an excellent teacher who made it feel like an individual class. She also was a delightful person and some of our members enjoyed dinner with her Saturday evening. On the day before, due to a misunderstanding, we almost had no place to hold our workshop. Bob F., Judy's husband, saved our workshop and got us special permission to use Banner of Christ Church. It was perfect for our needs. We extend a big hand of appreciation to Bob for making our event happen. Jane did an excellent job on the luncheon and snacks. We all oohed and aahed over the door prizes made by Jane, Judy, Alice, and Carol.
BOARD NEWS BYLAWS Our national requires that our bylaws be reviewed every 7 years which is this year for us. Margie S.chaired this committee with Vonnie H. and Peggy H. as members. This process allows us to align our organization with our current practices. The recommended revisions were presented to our board and then to national who approved our recommended changes. A copy of these changes can be found by clicking on August (2) issue under Blog Archives (left column of this issue). The changes will appear at the bottom of this issue. These changes will be presented for the members' consideration and discussion at the September meetings. Ratification will be voted on at the October meetings.
NOMINATIONS The offices of Secretary (day and night), Program Chair (day and night), and Workshop Chair need to be filled this year. Nominations will be presented in September, and the election is held at the October meetings. New officers will be installed at the Christmas meeting. Nominations to be presented are : Secretary PM - JanaleeK. Secretary AM - no candidate Programs PM - Nancy B. Programs AM - (co-ordinated as a group) Workshops - no candidate Additional candidates may be nominated from the floor with the permission of the person.
DUES For those who usually pay in the fall, your dues are now payable. This year they are only $21.50. A reminder that next year all dues will be collected in May and will be $43. If you do not see Claudia at a meeting, you may mail her your check, payable to GGREGA. (See directory for her address.)
CHRISTMAS PARTY Note that this years our party is on a new date, the second Thursday in December which is December 10. We will again be at the Radisson Hotel on Ann Street. The committee is hard at work planning fun and surprises. If you plan on participating in the ornament exchange, you will want to start deciding on what pattern to do. We will again collect mittens, hats, and scarves for poor children. The menu choices are listed below on the reservation sheet. These are due to Alice Rufener by November 1.
CHRISTMAS PARTY RESERVATION
______Fettuccine Alfredo with Grilled Chicken (Fettuccine tossed with Alfredo sauce with broccoli and mushrooms and topped with sliced chicken breast), served with house salad and garlic bread, beverage , and choice of dessert (below). Cost $26.50
______Fresh Walleye Almondine (lightly floured fillet of walleye sauteed and finished with almonds) served with house salad, vegetable medley, rice pilaf, roll, beverage, and choice of dessert (below). Cost $30
_____Prime Rib of Beef (slow roasted prime rib with creamed horseradish sauce, aujus - 8 oz.) served with house salad, vegetable medley, redskin potatoes, roll, beverage, and choice of dessert (below). Cost $30
______Vegetarian Lasagna (layered pasta in rich sauce with Italian cheeses) served with house salad, garlic bread, beverage, and choice of dessert (below). Cost $24
Choose your dessert (included with each dinner)
______Sherbet
______Chocolate Cake
______Ice Cream
______Fruit Pie
Your name: __________________________
Am't enclosed: ________
Return this form to Alice R. (See directory for her address.)
Reservations due November 1, 2009
EDUCATION CORRESPONDENCE COURSES Our National offers a wide variety of high quality courses that allow members to take intensive learning in a specialized area. After completing the course, you will be able to submit your work to the National teacher and receive a valuable critique. The listing of these courses may be seen in Needle Arts or on the website http://www.egausa.org/. There are four ways to take these courses: 1. Form an interest group of about 10 members here to share the costs and appoint one person to serve as coordinator. 2. For those with only one or two local members interested, the Great Lakes Region serves as coordinator for a number of classes each year. The list for 2010 may be found below. You must register by November and you will receive your materials some time in January. 3. The website sponsors two new classes every other month. 4. Each edition of Needle Arts has class special specific to that edition.
2010 GLR CORRESPONDENCE COURSES Molly: A Dimensional Bear (Australian Wool Embroidery) Dianne Lewandowski $50 Beading Color Play (Beadwork) Peggy Wright $55 Lady Larkspur Lace Necklace (Beadwork) Jeannette Carmichael $53 Cleopatra's Cat (Canvas Sampler) Mary Long $60 Dutch Legacy (Canvas Shading & Blackwork) Sandy Rodgers $62 Angelina (Italian Drawn Thread) Barbara Kershaw $50 Ikebana (Pulled Thread) Ilse Altherr $51 Tiramisu (Blackwork) Dakota Rogers $57 Crazy Patch Adventure (Surface Embroidery) Kathleen N. Herman $45 Shading Stitches (Surface Embroidery) Judy Jeroy $55 Silk & Metal Embroidery (Silk & Metal) Kay Stanis $53 Silk Ribbon Pond (Silk Ribbon Embroidery) Kim Sanders $50 In its continuing mission to stimulate the appreciation of embroidery and to advance the highest standards of excellence in the practice of embroidery, EGA offers many educational opportunities through its Correspondence Courses. Chapters are not able to offer every course that would meet all the interests of every member of their group. To that end, the GLR underwrites the cost of a selected group of classes each year that will allow chapter members to pursue their interests without having to form a group from their home chapter. The GLR CC Coordinator serves as the liaison between the class participants and the designers/teachers. You will not have a local group leader and you will be stitching on your own. Many new exciting classes are being offered for 2010 as well as some outstanding perennials. Many techniques and all skill levels are represented. For details regarding course content and the approximate cost of supplies, please refer to the Correspondence Course section of the 2009-2010 Education Catalog attached to your December 2008 Needle Arts magazine. Registration deadline is November 1, 2009. Send the registration form below to the GLR Coordinator who will order and distribute instruction materials, and remind you of deadlines to submit your work for teacher evaluation. The deadline to submit pieces for class evaluations will be October 15, 2010. The Coordinator receives and sorts the work, sends the pieces to the course instructor, receives them back from the teacher with critiques, repacks them and returns them to you. The cost includes the course fee, instruction materials, and postage with delivery confirmation. You will receive you manuals in late January or early February 2010. You are responsible for purchasing your own supplies. Supply sources are provided with each course. If you have any questions, you can call the GLR Coordinator or email her. Send the registration form below to her with your check payable to the Great Lakes Region EGA. See the GLR's website http://www.ega-glr.org/ for the CC Coordinator's name, mailing and email addresses, and phone number.
COURSE TITLE & COURSE FEE
1. ______________________________________________
2. ______________________________________________
3. ______________________________________________
Your name _______________________________________
EGA Membership # _________________________________
MUSEUM EVENT This year we will be at the Public Museum in February to celebrate National Stitch In Public Day. The purpose of this day is to increase the visibility of our art and to let people know that it can be easily done anywhere. Put the Saturday of February 13, 2010, on your calendar now. We will plan to bring our current stitching projects as well as show some of our members' work. We are also developing a small teaching project for those who would like to learn.
OUTREACH HABITAT FOR HUMANITY Twelve new houses will be dedicated in November and December, but we only have five completed samplers. There will be about 20 new houses dedicated in 2010 with several planned for January and February. Consider making a sampler (or two) - it only takes a night or two. Leave out the family name and the last two numbers of the year. Completed samplers may be given to Margie, Marijo, or Peggy. Thank you in advance. The recipients treasure these.
HEALING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE VICTIMS In Big Rapids Geri J-B. is helping in a project that works with women who are recovering from domestic violence. While they are regaining their lives, recreational activities become important to the healing process. Geri is introducing some of the women to cross stitch. We all know how it helps us in our personal lives. Many of these women have left their homes with nothing but the clothes on their backs and so cannot afford even basic supplies. To support this project, we are collecting small complete kits (we would describe as one day projects). Kits need to include fabric, all floss, directions, and needle to be of help. Give donations to Geri.
FORT SAM HUSTON
We continue to collect complete kits for families of soldiers healing in the hospital at Fort Sam Houston. Since this place is many miles from stores, only complete kits can be accepted. Marijo D. is coordinating this project for which we have received letters of appreciation.
PERSONAL EFFORTS Several of our members have made works of needlework which they have donated to their churches. Our history of the art is so entwined with ecclesiastical work. It is beautiful to hear that our work is being seen in the community at large, and especially when it is to glorify God.
REGION NEWS SEMINAR REVIEW At the next regional meeting there will be a major discussion about the seminars to help better meet members' needs. Think about the following questions and give Dick H. your impressions so that he can better reflect our organization as well as make the seminars more user-friendly. How many GLR seminars have you attended? How many National seminars have you attended? What is it you like best about seminar? Do you usually find a class/teacher you would like to take? Do you usually sign up for the Studio Time? Do you like having all the meals together? Would you like to have a participants' exhibit? Do you enjoy traveling around the region for seminar? Would you prefer GLR seminar be held in the few hotels around the region that offer us the best prices and accommodations? What month works better in your schedule for seminar - April or May? What expenses would you consider eliminating to reduce the costs - favors, table center pieces, meals? Do you have comments about the registration process? If you did not attend seminar, tell us why. Is it the cost? Is it the travel? Do you have a hard time finding a class/teacher to sign up for? Is it the teacher kit costs? Is it your employment that keeps you from attending? Is it young children or family obligations that keep you from attending?
MICHIGAN STATE LIAISON NEEDED Would you like to get more involved on the region level of EGA? GLR has an opening for a Michigan state liaison. Our state liaisons serve on the board and keep in touch with the chapters in their states and are involved in the planning of state day among other duties. The people in these positions will be serving until next April when the new board is appointed. If you are interested, please get in touch with Kris Kyles: kkristen858 at att dot net
OF INTEREST SHOP HOP This year's Shop Hop looks to be bigger and better than ever! The dates are September 11-20 (a Friday through a Sunday). Stores will have minimum uniform hours: Mon-Tu-Th-Fri 10-6, Wed-Sat 10-8 and Sun 12-4. Stitching Bits and Bobs (our advertiser) and five other stores are participating. Get a passport for $5 which will include a free chart. At each store the passport is stamped, you get a charm for the chart, and you get a 20% discount during the Shop Hop as well as discount coupon for a return visit to each store. Completed passports will be entered in the main drawings. The grand prize is a Longenberger basket filled with over a thousand dollars of needlework goodies. There will be five second prizes worth over a hundred dollars. Individual stores will also have prizes for which you do not need to attend all stores. Much fun and surprises are being planned at the stores. The Shop Hop is planned to coincide with a major market so the stores will be stocked with many new things. This is the perfect time to do Christmas shopping.
UPCOMING EVENTS More information on the following events can be found on http://www.ega-glr.org/: 1. Illinois State Day is September 19. Eilleen Bennett will teach "Underground Railroad Quilts". 2. Indiana State Day is October 17. The hardanger project is "Web in Autumn Garden". 3. Great Lakes Region Seminar "River of Threads" will be held in Fort Wayne Indiana April 25-29, 2010. 4. The national seminar "Bridge to Stitches" will be held October 4-9 in Pittsburgh PA. More information is on http://www.egausa.org/.
WEB SITES The following two web sites have been recommended: 1. Needlecrafter stitch dictionary
OUR ADVERTISERS Our newsletter is possible through the support of our advertisers. Please let them know you saw their ad here.
PROPOSED AMENDED BYLAWS
This is a special issue of The Thread Vine with the proposed amended bylaws. A discussion will be held at our September meetings with a vote at our October meetings. The regular September-October issue of our newsletter will be posted shortly.
* * * * * *
AMENDED GGR-EGA BYLAWS
August 24, 2009
The GGR-EGA Bylaws Committee recommends the following amendments to the bylaws:
1.Chapter Bylaws: Change date 2002 to 2009
2.ARTICLE III, Section 1: Change “Any person, regardless of race, color, creed, sex, or national origin, may become…” to “Any person, regardless of race, gender, religion, national or ethnic origin, may become…”(Wording change required by National.)
3.ARTICLE IV OFFICERS, Section 1: Change third vice-president/programs AM to third vice-president/programs PM; change fourth vice-president/ programs PM to fourth vice-president/liaison AM; delete secretary AM and secretary PM, changing to secretary.
4.ARTICLE IV OFFICERS, Section 5.a: Change election of nominating committee from April Board meeting to May Board meeting.
5.ARTICLE IV OFFICERS, Section 5.e: Change third vice-president/programs AM to third vice-president/programs PM; change fourth vice-president/ programs PM to fourth vice-president/ liaison AM; delete secretary AM and secretary PM, changing to secretary.(This makes the officers’ titles consistent with the changes in Section 1.)
6.ARTICLE V MEETINGS, Section 1: Change “…fourth Friday of each month” to “January through April and September and October.”Change “…fourth Thursday of eachmonth”to “January through April and September and October.”(This accurately reflects the chapter’s meeting schedule.)
7.ARTICLE VI BOARD OF DIRECTORS, Section 5: Change “…third Friday of January, March, May, September, and November in the morning” to “third Thursday of…in the evening,” and change “third Thursday of February, April, August and October in the evening” to “third Friday of…in the morning.”(Swap the day board meetings schedule with the evening board meetings schedule, with five meetings in the evening and four meetings in the day.)
8.ARTICLE VIII COMMITTEES, Section 1: Education was added as a standing committee. (National requires that education be a standing committee.)
9.ARTICLE VIII COMMITTEES, Section 2: Added the second sentence: The Region Representative shall be appointed chairman of education.
10.ARTICLE IX, Section 3: Add this sentence to end of paragraph: “EGA prohibits the use of membership lists other than for EGA purposes.”(This sentence is required by National.)
Margie Scoville, Chair
Vonnie Hawkins
Peg Hill
* * * * * *
GREATER GRAND RAPIDS CHAPTER
THE EMBROIDERERS' GUILD OF AMERICA, INC.
GREAT LAKES REGION
Chapter Bylaws: 2009
ARTICLE INAME; USE OF EGA’S TRADEMARKS
The name of this organization shall be the Greater Grand Rapids Chapter, (GGRC) of The Embroiderers' Guild of America, Inc., (EGA).While this chapter is recognized as a chapter by EGA, the chapter and its members may use EGA’s registered trademarks: the name “The Embroiderers’ Guild of America, Inc.”, the stylized needle and thimble logo and design, andthe letters “EGA”, under standards approved by EGA.All use of such registered trademarks shall be discontinued upon the suspension, withdrawal of recognition, resignation or dissolution of this chapter.
ARTICLE IIOBJECT
The purpose of this chapter shall be to foster the highest standard of excellence in the practice of the art of embroidery through an active program of education and study, and to preserve the heritage of the art of embroidery.
ARTICLE IIIMEMBERSHIP
SECTION 1.Any person, regardless of race, gender,religion, national or ethnic origin, may
become a member of this chapter upon application and payment of dues.
SECTION 2.Annual dues shall be payable upon notification by the chapter Membership Chairman.
SECTION 3.Those whose dues are not paid within the quarter of notification shall be automatically dropped from membership.
SECTION 4.Transfer and plural members shall be accepted by this chapter upon notification andpayment of chapter dues and appropriate region dues, provided the member's current nationaldues have been paid through the primary chapter.The current status of the applicant'snational and regional membership must be confirmed.
ARTICLE IVOFFICERS
SECTION 1.The officers of this chapter shall be a president, a first-vice president, a second-vicepresident/workshops, a third vice president/programs PM, a fourth vice-president/liaison AM, a secretary, a treasurer, and a region representative.
SECTION 2.Officers shall serve for a term of two years or until their successors are elected, and the term of office shall begin in January following November/December installation.
SECTION 3.No member shall be eligible to serve more than two terms consecutively in the same office, and no member shall hold more than one elected office at a time.
SECTION 4.If a vacancy in the office of president occurs, the first vice-president shall automaticallybecome president; all other vacancies in office shall be filled by an election by the board ofdirectors.Nominations to fill vacancies shall be made by the Board of Directors.
SECTION 5.Nominations and Elections:
a.A nominating committee of at least three members shall be elected by the Board of Directors at the May Board meeting.
b.It shall be the duty of the nominating committee to nominate at least one candidate for each of the offices to be filled and report at the September meeting, having obtained consent for nomination from each.
c.The election of officers shall be at the October meeting.Additional nominations from the floor may be made providing consent to serve has been obtained from the nominee prior to the meeting.If there is more than one candidate for an office, the vote shall be taken by ballot.
d.The president, first-vice president, region representative, and treasurershall be elected in the even numbered years.
e.The second vice-president/workshops, third vice-president/programs PM, secretary, and fourth vice-president/liaison AM shall be elected in the odd numbered years.
ARTICLE V MEETINGS
SECTION 1.Regular day meetings shall be held on the fourth Friday of January through April and September and October and regular evening meetings on the fourth Thursday of January through April and September and October unless otherwise ordered by the membership or the Board of Directors.
a)The November & December meetings are combined to one date.The date of this meeting is determined annually by the board and is a joint meeting of day and evening members.
b) The May meeting is also a joint meeting of day and evening members.
SECTION 2.The annual meeting shall be held at the November/December meeting for the purposeof installation of officers, receiving annual reports from the officers and standing committees,adopting a budget and transacting any other business that may arise.
SECTION 3.Special meetings may be called by the president, by the board of directors, or by any five members, two of whom must be board members.A seven day notice stating the business of the special meeting is required, and no business other than that stated in the notice maybe transacted.
SECTION 4.The quorum for all chapter meetings shall be twenty-five percent of the membership.
ARTICLE VI BOARD OF DIRECTORS
SECTION 1.The Board of Directors shall be composed of the elected officers, standing committee chairmen, special committee chairmen, and the immediate past president.
SECTION 2.The president may appoint a parliamentarian, with the approval of the executivecommittee.The appointment shall be announced at the first chapter meeting after election or as appropriate.The parliamentarian shall serve without a vote.
SECTION 3.Unless otherwise stated, the term for the appointed members of the board shall be concurrent with the term of the president who appointed them.
SECTION 4.The Board of Directors shall have general supervision of the affairs of the chapter between its business meetings:fix the day, hour, and place of meetings; make other recommendations to the chapter; and perform other duties specified in these bylaws.The board shall be subject to the orders of
the chapter and its acts shall in no way conflict with action taken by the general membership.
SECTION 5.Meetings of the board of directors shall be held on the third Thursday of January,
March, May, September, and November in the evening, and the third Friday of February, April, August, and October in the morning unless otherwise ordered.
SECTION 6.Special meetings of the board of directors may be called by the president or by any three members of the board, one of whom shall be an elected officer.A seven day notice stating the business of the special meeting is required, and no business other than that stated on the notice may be transacted.
SECTION 7.The quorum for all Board of Directors meetings shall be a majority of its members.
ARTICLE VIIEXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
SECTION 1.The executive committee shall be the elected officers of the chapter.
SECTION 2.The executive committee shall have general authority over the chapter between meetings of the board of directors and they shall also perform other duties specified in thesebylaws. Any action taken by the committee shall be reported at the next board meeting.
SECTION 3.Meetings of the executive committee shall be held between meetings of the board of directors, if necessary.
SECTION 4.The quorum of the Executive Committee shall be a majority of its members.
ARTICLE VIII
COMMITTEES
SECTION 1. The standing committees of this chapter shall be advertising/publicity, membership, education, and newsletter.
SECTION 2.The president shall appoint all standing committee chairmen.The Region Representative shall be appointed chairman of education.Committee
appointments shall be approved by the executive committee.The president shall
announce said appointments at the first chapter meeting following the election or as appropriate.
SECTION 3.Special committees or additional standing committees shall be appointed by the president as the chapter or the board of directors deems necessary.
SECTION 4.The President shall be an ex officio member of all committees except the nominatingcommittee.
ARTICLE IX
FISCAL POLICIES
SECTION 1.The fiscal year shall run from January 1 through December 31.
SECTION 2.The books and accounts of the chapter shall be kept in accordance with sound accounting practices.The treasurer shall furnish EGA with a report of the finances of the chapter by February 15 of each year, and shall send proportionate amounts of eachmember's dues to both EGA and the Region on a regular basis.Chapter financial recordsshall be audited each year, either professionally or by an Audit Committee appointed by theChapter President.
SECTION 3.No one may profit from membership in the chapter by sales, or solicitation of sales, at EGA meetings or workshops; however, the chapter may contract with members in their professional capacities.EGA prohibits the use of membership lists other than for EGA purposes.
SECTION 4. Annual Budget
a)The chapter shall prepare and present a budget to the membership for approval no later than the meeting prior to the effective date of the budget.
b)The Board of Directors and/or the Executive Committee shall not spend any non -budgeted funds in excess of $ 300.00 during the fiscal year.The chapter may approve an expenditure in excess of this amount provided:
1) the membership is notified in writing at least thirty days prior to the meeting at which the vote is taken,
2) the written notice shall include the amount and purpose of the expenditure, and
3) the approval is by a two-thirds vote of the members present at the chapter meeting.
SECTION 5.DONATIONS. Donations of monies by the chapter may be made to any organization which is in compliance with Section 501 (c) (3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code and which the chapter, by a two-thirds vote, has designated as the recipient.Notice of sucha proposed donation shall be submitted in writing to the members at least thirty days priorto the meeting at which such vote is taken.
SECTION 6.DISSOLUTION.In the event of dissolution of the chapter, all its assets and funds remaining after payment or provision for payment of all debts and liabilities of the chapter shall be distributed to one or more organizations which have been in existence for a periodof two years, which are in compliance with Section 501 (c)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code, and which the chapter has designated as a recipient by a two-thirds vote.Notification to the membership shall be provided in writing, at least thirty days prior to the meeting at which such a vote is to be taken.
SECTION 7.INDEMNIFICATIONOF DIRECTORS OR OFFICERS.See attached sheet.
ARTICLE X
PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY
The rules contained in the current edition of Roberts Rules of Order Newly Revisedshall govern the chapter in all cases applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with the Chapter bylaws, Great Lakes Region bylaws, bylaws of The Embroiderers' Guild of America, Inc, any special rules of order the chapter may adopt, or any statutes applicable to this organization.
ARTICLE XI
AMENDMENT TO BYLAWS
SECTION 1.Any bylaws amendments effected by EGA that necessitates amendment(s) to the chapter bylaws shall be incorporated automatically in the chapter bylaws and that the membership shall be informed of such changes at the next regular meeting, and
SECTION 2.These bylaws may also be amended by a two thirds vote at any regular
meeting of the chapter provided the proposed amendment has been submitted in writing to the membership at least thirty days before the meeting and that the proposed amendment hasreceived the approval of The Embroiderers' Guild of America, Inc. prior to the meeting.
MAY-AUGUST 2009
MUSINGS FROM MARIJO - A WORD FROM OUR PRESIDENT
We have a good thing going in our local EGA Chapter. We have great members who collectively have a lot of knowledge about stitching, both historical and practical, that they are willing to share. What we don’t have are people willing to be officers. We should elect an AM and a PM program chair and an AM and a PM secretary and a workshop chair. I couldn’t even get anyone to be on the nominating committee. Our chapter business and meetings don’t just happen. They must be planned and scheduled, and our members have to be told about those plans. We need more volunteers so that everyone’s load can be a little lighter. Please consider what you can do to alleviate this situation. I want to thank Bobbie S. for volunteering to be publicity chair. I am looking forward to our summer stitch-ins at the Gaines Township Library. I hope to see many of you there.
CALENDAR May 4 Sampler Group - Monday at 12:30 - Call Susie 15 Board Meeting - Friday at 9:30 at Marijo's 28 Potluck - Thursday at 5:45 at Plainfield Senior Center
June 1 Sampler Group - Monday at 12:30 - Call Susie 27 Stitch-in - Saturday 9:30-5:00 at Gaines Public Library
July 25 Betsy Morgan Workshop - Saturday 9:30-5:00 at Gaines Public Library - NOTE DATE CHANGE
August 1 Stitch-in - Saturday 9:30-5:00 at Gaines Public Library 10 Newsletter info due 18 Board Meeting - Tuesday at 7:00 at Jane's 22 Stitch-in - Saturday 9:30-5:00 at Gaines Public Library
FORD MUSEUM EXHIBIT * UPDATE *
In conjunction with the Caroline Kennedy dolls exhibit at the Gerald Ford Museum, the Studio Art Quilt Association will have a display entitled "Musings" June 19 to August 30, 2009. The museum has many special events that may be of interest to our members. On June 22-26 there will be ethnic doll making workshops for children aged 9-12. Each Wednesday will be Family Days, and there will be opportunities to create colorful paper quilt squares. For more information on these events, call 616-254-0384 or www.fordlibrarymuseum.gov.
ANNUAL POTLUCK
We will hold our annual potluck dinner at the Plainfield Senior Center on Thursday, May 28. Setting up at 5:45, dinner will begin at 6:00 PM. Our program will be a slide presentation from National entitled Church Embroidery in America. You will need no stitching supplies for this, but you, of course, may want to show off your latest project so we can all see (and decide we absolutely need another good project for our stashes). This meeting is always a good time to invite a friend who is interested in embroidery and might be a potential member. A non-member may attend one meeting before joining. Sign-up sheets for what to bring were passed around at the April day and night meetings. Otherwise, plan to bring dishes based on the following groupings determined by the first letter of your last name.
Side Dishes A-F Salads G-K Desserts M-R Main Dishes S-Z
In addition to a dish to pass, we are asking people to bring a place setting and napkin for themselves and their guests. (We are joining the green movement!)
SUMMER STITCH-INS
By popular request we have again secured the Gaines Library (corner of 68th and Madison SE) to hold summer stitch-ins (NOTE DATE CHANGE) on the fourth Saturday in June and August, and on August 1. There is plenty of room for us to set out our projects and the lighting is great. The library opens at 9:30 AM, and we tend to stay until 3:00-4:00 PM. Lunch is on your own with some people bring theirs, and others exploring the many nearby restaurants. Come and share the stitching fun. See what others are working on and get new ideas for projects to do!
WORKSHOP * UPDATE *
(NOTE CHANGE OF DATE) Due to problem's with Betsy Morgan's schedule, we have changed the date for the workshop to Saturday, July 25. The workshop will be held at the Gaines Public Library. Two projects were selected. In the morning we will start promptly at 9:30 AM with the “All Year Cube”. We will break briefly for lunch from 12:30 to 1:00. Afterwards, we will start the “Quaker School Girl Etui”. You may do either one or both of these projects. Because the lunch break is so short, there will not be time to go out so you may plan to bring your lunch or order a light luncheon with us (meats, cheese, croissants, salads, chips, desserts, drinks). In order to plan for the workshop you must turn in the coupon (in this newsletter below) with your money to Jane W. no later than at the potluck dinner May 28. Make checks payable to GGREGA. Checks may or may not be deposited until July. Jane hopes to be able to get the kits early so that you may do some prestitching. Therefore, be sure Jane has a way to contact you during the summer.
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BETSY MORGAN WORKSHOP
All Year Square $70 _____________
Quaker School Girl Etui $110 ______________
Lunch $7 ______________
Total enclosed ______________
Name__________________________________________________________________ Money due to Jane W. by May 28 , 2009 (Checks may or may not be deposited until July.)
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BOARD NEWS
Nominating Committee: A nominating committee is being formed to recommend candidates for the following offices: Secretary, Day and Night; Programs, Day and Night; and Workshops. If you are willing to serve on this committee, contact Marijo. This committee will present a slate to the membership in September, and then the election is held in October. New officers will be installed at the Christmas party. By-Laws Committee: In accordance with National EGA's policy, we are due to review our by-laws. Margie S. will chair this committee. Vonnie H. and Peggy H. have already volunteered to serve here. Anyone else interested in working on this should contact Margie or Marijo. The group plans to present the revisions, if any, to the membership in the fall. New Location: * UPDATE * This fall the night group will meet at a new location for their meetings. The new location is Heather Hills at Forest Hills and Cascade Roads on the same night and at the same time. More information to follow.
ANNUAL DUES In the past we have collected dues by the quarter in which you joined. Next year the National EGA is going to collect all national dues in the spring quarter. In order to make it simpler for our members, we have decided to do this as well. This quarter we will collect dues for those who would normally have paid in the winter or spring. If your dues were payable in either of these quarters, they are now due in the amounts shown below: Winter $53.75 Spring $43.00 If your dues should be paid in the summer, this year only, you will pay $32.25. If you pay in the fall, your dues this year only will be $21.50. For both of these the dues will come payable in their usual quarters. After this, everyone’s dues will again be $43 yearly but always due by May 31.
* INDIANA STATE DAY * UPDATE *
Needle Artisans of Northwest Indiana will host Indiana State Day on Saturday, October 17, 2009. The theme this year is Web in an Autumn Garden. For more information, check the blog at INStateDay2009.blogspot.com or contact them via email at INStateDay2009 at gmail dot com
SHOP HOP Mark your calendar for September 11-20 for the annual Michigan Shop Hop. The same stores will be participating except for one that has closed. There will be the usual fun and surprises, and as our group knows so well ---Door prizes!
SCOTCH TAPE
In Eileen B’s column of usual stitching supplies, she includes scotch tape as one of those items to make sure you bring with you. We all know how wonderful tape is to help take out ripped stitches. At a recent workshop I found more uses for this basic supply. It can be used to hold a strip onto a fabric much like a baste stitch, so you can attach it. Also, tape makes a great straight edge for stitching, even for laying rows of parallel stitches or honeycombing.
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY In our area about 20 to 25 homes are finished each year. We have promised to provide a sampler at the dedication of each new home. These samplers are so appreciated by the recipients. These samplers work up quickly in just one or two evenings. We currently have only enough to meet the summer needs with many of this year’s houses being completed in the fall. Take a pattern (Be sure to use the one using just DMC 912 and 798: it’s the one Habitat prefers) and work up one or more. Peggy is the Chairperson of this committee, with Margie and Marijo serving on this committee. Completed samplers can be given to any of us. We wish to thank Karen V’s daughter, Jennifer, who graphed the very clear chart which many of us are now using
BLACKWORK GUILD
For those who are interested in blackwork, Leslie Wilkins is creating a special group beginning June 1, 2009. For membership information and details, contact http://www.theblackworkguild.com/. In the early stage of development, this site hopes to become a wealth of information, patterns, designers, history, and museum pieces.
DIRECTORY CORRECTIONS
We have discovered a number of corrections for the recently published directory. These include changes for Eileen B., Eleanore B., Barbara C., Susie H., Peggy H., Geri J-B, Janalee K., Kelly L., Carolyn N., Margie S., Karen V., and Carol W. Please contact these people directly or the newsletter editor for the correct information.
EVENTS OF INTEREST Trunk Show The West Michigan Lace Guild is holding its annual trunk show on Monday, May 11 at the Hampton Inn on Alpine Ave. from 4:00 to 9:00 PM. Kathy Kirchner has a store near Detroit that sells all things related to lace making Knitting and crochet with thread. There is a wonderful collection of books as well as all things needed for bobbin lace. The fibers, not to be found here, are so diverse. Anyone interested in any form of lace will find this a fascinating and informative show. You might find another new venue to pursue. The lacemakers there are very friendly and will be happy to help newcomers. Fiber Fest The annual Fiber Fest is this August 15-16 at the Allegan Fair Grounds. There are booths on all aspects of fiber work, from shearing sheep, to carding, spinning, dyeing weaving , and knitting and much more. There are so many interesting booths including some who sell associated products that are not available elsewhere, such as, books, special yarns, etc. Earlier in the week, there are many workshops and classes. For more information, contact http://www.michiganfiberfest.com/
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March-April 2009
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MUSINGS FROM MARIJO - A WORD FROM OUR PRESIDENT
I don’t know about you, but I’m one lady who is ready for spring. I know it’s still at least a month away, (I did grow up here!) nevertheless one can hope. One nice thing about a cold snowy winter is that there’s always a good excuse to stay home and stitch. I hope all of you got a lot done. I’m looking forward to the programs coming up these next few months. I want to do a couple of Habitat samplers and finish at least one of the big projects I have underway. When summer finally comes, I know I’ll go to the all day stitch-ins at the Gaines Library (4th Saturday of June, July, and August). It’s always inspiring to see what everybody is working on. Please plan to join us. The room is large, well lit, and air conditioned. The EGA Educational Catalog should be in the mail any day now. Look through it and see if there is any course you would like to try to form a group to do. Let Dick or me know. If there is enough interest, we will do that.
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CALENDAR MARCH 2 Sampler Group – Monday 12:30 PM. Call Susie. 20 Board Meeting – Friday 9:30 AM at Marijo’s house. 26 Night Meeting – Thursday 6:45 PM 27 Day Meeting – Friday 9:30 AM
APRIL 6 Sampler Group – Monday 12:30 PM. Call Susie. 10 Newsletter information due 21 Board Meeting – Tuesday 7:00 PM at Jane’s house. 23 Night Meeting – Thursday 6:45 PM 24 Day Meeting – Friday 9:30 AM
DAY PROGRAMS MARCH Hostess: Eleanore & Yvonna Teacher: Dick H. Program: Assisi Work Poinsettia For this project you will need: a 9” X 9” Piece of 14 count Aida white or opalescent; 1 skein Wildflowers thread, color# 045 Flame (could use DMC solid or shaded red – make sure it does not clash with the following two colors some DMC floss #498 and 895 (a couple of yards of each should be plenty) 18 inch piece of DMC floss #783 or 3-7 small gold beads tapestry needle size 24 or 26 embroidery hoop, if you usually use one for cross stitch normal stitching supplies
APRIL Hostesses: Connie W. and Starlette P. Teacher: Claudia D. Program: Claudia will teach techniques that incorporate "found objects" into an embroidery piece.
NIGHT PROGRAMS MARCH Hostess: Bobbie and Cam S. Teacher: Nancy B. Program: Scissor Fobs
The March program will be a set of scissor fobs to go in your sewing basket. You will need a piece of linen approximately 6” by 8” to do all 3 fobs. Each fob has a twisted cord hanger and a tassel. The tassel skirt for each fob requires 2 full skeins of floss.
APRIL Hostesses: Geri J-B and Susan D. Teacher: Nancy B. Program: Tape measure cover and scissor case This project is still in process so more information will be given at the March meeting.
MERNA’S EXHIBITION Reviewed by Margie S.
During the month of January, eighteen needlework pieces stitched by Merna O. were on display at Park Church. Several members of the Sampler Group spent part of the morning viewing these pieces. The needlework on display included pieces on canvas and on linen, and included pieces Merna took through correspondence courses, workshops, chapter programs, and on her own. We saw colorful gardens, heavenly creatures, and the reversible Loara Standish sampler. Merna was a long-time member of our chapter and a beloved member of the Sampler Group. Having the opportunity to see these pieces again was like a delightful visit with Merna.
BOARD NEWS
Many of you have had conflicts with our annual Christmas party date so this year we will have our party on the second Thursday in December. Put December 10 on your calendar. We will again be at the Radisson on Ann St. We are in need of a new publicity chairperson. This person contacts the advertisers for the newsletter and coordinates their ads. If you are willing to do this job, contact Marijo. By popular demand we have again reserved the Gaines library for the fourth Saturday in June, July, and August, for our stitch-ins.
ANNUAL DUES
In the past we have collected dues by the quarter in which you joined. Next year the National EGA is going to collect all national dues in the spring quarter. In order to make it simpler for our members, we have decided to do this as well. Otherwise, you might pay local dues one quarter and national another, creating a bookkeeping nightmare. This year that will mean an adjustment of dues to bring everyone in alignment. For this year only, if you payment is due in:
Winter $53.75 Spring $43.00 You will pay the above amount this spring, with nothing due until the following spring.
If your dues should be paid in the summer, this year only, you will pay $32.25. If you pay in the fall, your dues this year only will be $21.50. For both of these the dues will come payable in their usual quarters.
After this everyone’s dues will again be $43 yearly but always due by May 31.
EGA CONSIGNMENT SHOP
EGA’s museum has a consignment shop and here are the guidelines: EGA seeks original work by embroiderers and other fiber artists for sale by consignment in the Embroidery Museum’s retail shop in Louisville, Kentucky. Wall art, jewelry, three-dimensional pieces, wearable, and needlework accessories will all be considered. Artists practicing any embroidery techniques who have work they would like to sell are encouraged to apply. To apply, send an email to Brad Cape bcape at egausa dot org briefly describing the type of work you do along with images of your work, a link to the site may be submitted in lieu of attached photographs. It is not necessary to send pictures of the actual pieces to be sold. Please include your price (wholesale) for each piece. Notification of acceptance or denial will be sent within two weeks of receipt of submission. Work should be ready for display when it arrives at the EMRC (i.e. jewelry should have appropriate stands, pieces meant to be framed should be framed, etc). Payment for items sold will be sent monthly. Artists will receive 70% of the retail price of any item sold.
EGA LIBRARY A much overlooked resource is our national library. This is loaded with books on all aspects of needlework from basic skills to hard to find early volumes. If you are interested in a particular field of needlework, you are sure to find many books on the subject. Some of the volumes are no longer in print. There is a listing of books running 53 pages Perhaps this is the best such resource available. Most of these cannot found in local collections. If you are interested in looking for a book, go to the website: http://www.egausa.org/ and click on the lending library. For the first book you pay $3 shipping and $1 for each after that (maximum of four). You may keep the book out as long as you need, and will need to pay the return shipping.
Having used this resource, I can attest to the quality of this service. When a book I requested was not available, the librarian substituted a similar themed (and valuable) book.
RECIPE By popular request here is the recipe for the Turtle Pizza that Alice brought to the pot luck: Four 10-inch flour tortillas One 12 oz. package of caramel candies, unwrapped ½ cup sweetened condensed milk 1 cup chocolate chips 1 cup toasted pecans Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Cut each tortilla into 8 wedges. Bake the tortilla wedges for 7-9 minutes, until a light golden color. (If you try to cut the baked tortilla, it will crack.) Combine the caramels and the condensed milk in a microwave safe glass dish. Microwave on high (100%) for one minute, stir, and microwave again for one minute. When the caramels are melted, stir the mixture until it is smooth. Spread it evenly on the 32 tortilla wedges. Melt the chocolate chips in a microwave safe dish for one minute, stir, and microwave 10 seconds more. Stir until smooth. Spread the chocolate layer over the caramel layer. Sprinkle the pecans over the chocolate. Refrigerate until serving time. Makes 32 servings.
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CALENDAR
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October
ANNUAL DUES
APRIL
