MARQUETTE COUNTY
QUILTERS
ASSOCIATION
est.  1978

Changes for the Monthly Membership Meeting
Report from MCQA President Ragene Henry
We are evolving as a guild and concentrating on the things we really love - quilting,  show & tell, programs, and learning.  With that goal in mind, starting in February 2012 we are going to try operating a little differently.   As you heard if you were at the January meeting, most of our routine business will be carried on during board meetings, leaving more time at general meetings for show & tell, visiting with friends, and participating in interesting, informative  programs.
Anyone interested in the nitty-gritty business of running the guild is welcome to attend board meetings.  They will occur in the Dandelion Cottage room at PW library one hour before our general meeting each month (5:30 P.M.)  Minutes of the board meeting will be published, and thorough reports given at each general meeting, as well as any items which require a membership vote.
We will all have to become good communicators.  You will have to communicate any concerns you have to the board, and the board will have to communicate all business with you.  You can email or phone me anytime.  Email is ragenehenry@charter.net  and  my phone number is 249-9210.
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Website Change
Please note that there has been a recent change and updating of one of our website pages.  You will now find a page/link entitled:  
“PROGRAMS/ SHOW & TELL”
In the past, you have found stories about past MCQA programs on the “Announcements/Calendar” page.  Upcoming program details will still be shown on that page however past program information will be moved to this new location which will give more room to set up a Program Archive of past programs and links to information from those programs.  In the weeks ahead I will add to the program archive link.  Please take a minute to familiarize yourself with both pages.  If you have any questions, please email Nancy at: quilters@marquettequilters.com 
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MCQA 2011:  A Year In Review!  
2011 was an exciting year for MCQA.  We accomplished so much.  Past President Judy Parlato has prepared a wonderful document summarizing everything we've accomplished including our charity work, our wonderful programs and retreats plus our revision of our Bylaws & Constitution.  Take time to read it by clicking here and congratulate yourself for being part of this amazing guild.
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Quilt Talk
Many thanks to Sara Doubledee for providing a wonderful glossary of quilting terms and abbreviations.  It's a helpful guide to keep on hand so that the next time you see one of these abbreviations in a pattern or article, you'll know what it means.  To print the list please go to the December 2011 newsletter page #2.  Click here. 
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Meeting Etiquette
Our monthly membership meetings are the most important way we as members communicate with everyone about what is happening in MCQA. It's a busy night with a lot to accomplish in a very short period of time. Our board works hard to provide an interesting educational program, while allowing sufficient time for show and tell and the business meeting. While every attempt is made to keep the meeting within a certain time frame, occasionally the meeting agenda dictates a longer meeting. Please be courteous to the speaker, the board and those around you that are trying to listen to the meeting agenda. While it is sometimes the only opportunity we have to see other guild members, we ask that you come early, stay late or visit during the break and be respectful during the meeting.
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Charity Requests: Can You Help?
MCQA is often contacted with requests to help a charity or individual. Currently the guild can not take on any additional ongoing projects however we will attempt to let members know how they might help those in need. Please help where you can.

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A House Is A House For Me!
Members of the Explorers' Friendship Group participates each year in the Lake Superior Art Association Glacier Glide at Presque Isle in Marquette.  In February 2011 their quilts titled "A House Is A House For Me" based on the children's book by Mary Ann Hoberman were displayed along with various other media in the throughout the park.  Based on votes cast by the viewing public, the Explorers' entry won 3rd place in the adult division.  Additional pictures of the quilts may be seen by clicking here.  The quilts were also displayed in the Children's Room of the Peter White Public Library.  The group's 2010 entry was based on the calendar months reflecting native American or "Yooper" activities for each month.  Additional pictures of these quilts may be seen by clicking here. 
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Hints for Sending Email
There are several direct links to email addresses on the website including MCQA quilters@marquettequilters.com. When you click on an email address a new window should open for your default email program.
 If a different email program opens other than what you normally use, simply close it and go to your regular email program, enter the email address from the website.