Myra Day gifted quilting teacher of Gales Ferry holds up an original quilt designed by herself. Myra never tires of making quilts and vests such as the one she is wearing. She donates many quilts to community members.
story & photo
by Maren Schober
If you ever have the desire to learn how to quilt and start looking around for a teacher, you are bound to come across Myra Day of Gales Ferry. More than thirty years ago Myra started making quilts at the encouragement of her husband, Bill and today, she is just as enthusiastic about quilting as she was in the beginning. She never tires of it.
“When I was a young newlywed,” Myra tells me, “Bill gave me a Singer sewing machine for Christmas. He encouraged me to save my sewing scraps from all the dresses I made so that I could make quilts. There were very few quilting books on the market so I thought I could teach myself. I quickly found out what works and what doesn’t. I took a quilting class from a wonderful mentor, Barbara McKie. After that I was hooked on quilting! I learned the entire process from piecing patches into blocks and blocks into quilt tops to hand quilting the quilt itself. Over the coming years I became accomplished at it..”
The Navy relocated Bill and Myra to Hawaii where Myra became keenly interested in Hawaiian quilting. She learned from Hawaiian ladies who were expert quilters there.
“My first king sized Hawaiian quilt took me three years to complete,” Myra declares. “It won the Best of Show at quilt and art shows. Today, it remains one of my favorites.”
In the 1980’s Myra made the switch from hand quilting to making quilts by machine. “Machine quilting is a technique that requires practice, practice, practice!” Myra acknowledges. “I love it because it allows me to pursue my creative spirit in a free form way.”
Myra teaches quilting classes through the Ledyard Parks and Recreation Dept. “It is a great way to meet people who want to learn the art of quilting. Quilting brings the thrill of success in creating something beautiful and useful at the same time.”
If you walk into the sanctuary of St. David’s Episcopal Church in Gales Ferry, you will discover a large sampler quilt made by Myra hanging almost from ceiling to floor on the back wall. “I designed and hand quilted this quilt for my church’s 30th anniversary. Many of the church members were asked to create a personal design on a square using a 12” muslin background that they were given. They became very creative! After I received the completed squares, I put them together in a sampler design and quilted the quilt.”
Over the years Myra donated many of her quilts to community members and non-profit organizations. “I made a quilt for one of the participants in the Survivors Of Homicide meetings I was attending in connection with my ministerial course. I made this quilt to aid in the grieving process in which the quilt would bring happy memories and comfort. I find it very rewarding to assist in the healing process through quilt making.”
“I love every part of the quilting process from the minute I dream up an idea to the final result. In addition to teaching quilting, I provide consultation services for quilting needs or making commissioned quilts.” You can contact Myra at 860.334.5732
(l-r) Senator Andrea Stillman, Luke Robinson, 2 Dogs 2,000 Miles, and Blaze Schwaller, owner, Spirit Gallery, with Hudson and Murphy, at the Spirit Gallery on Sunday, April 25, for the 2 Dogs 2,000 Miles meet and greet.
story & photos
by Angela Olsen
On Sunday April 25, Luke Robinson, with his two beloved Great Pyrenees Mountain Dogs, Hudson and Murphy, made a stop in New London as part of his 2,000 mile walk from Austin to Boston to raise awareness about cancer in man’s best friend. There was a mini-walk on the pier with other proud dog owners and choreographed canine dance routines by Top Hat & Tails Canine Dance Troupe! The event wrapped with a meet and greet at a fabulous venue, Spirit Gallery on Bank Street. Senator Andrea Stillman also turned out with her Katrina rescue Basset Hound, Deanie, from New Orleans.
Luke, a native of Texas, admittedly, was not always a dog person. His girlfriend, brought home Malcom, Luke’s first Great Pyrenees. Before he knew it, he was in love, calling Malcom, a one month-old fluff ball, “fuzzy-britches.” Sadly, when Malcom turned six, he was diagnosed with cancer and shortly thereafter succumbed to the cancer.
Luke was so moved by the bond he formed with Malcom, he decided to take Hudson and Murphy, on the road, to spread awareness about cancer in dogs.
In March 2008, Luke put all of his property in storage and committed to walk from Austin to Boston for the cause. He met many supporters along the way, and has formed a unique relationship with his dogs, saying that he “is turning Pyrenees, not gray.”
Dogs are thought to be psychic and have strong intuitions. I asked Luke about this and he told quite the story! On a spring day, walking in San Gabriel, Texas, Luke was looking for somewhere to setup camp and asked a neighbor if it was alright to stay. Meanwhile, Murphy barked relentlessly. Luke decided to get the dogs out of there! Within seconds, a drunk driver crashed at the very spot where the dogs were only a few moments before! Lucky for Luke, he trusts the intuition of his pack.
Luke invited me to dinner, where he promised to cook authentic Tex-Mex. Lori Stockman and her husband, Rich, were so moved by his story when it aired on NBC, that they got involved by putting Luke up at The Villa in Watch Hill. This was a welcome change for him, since he spends most of his time braving the elements. While Luke, a natural in the kitchen, prepared pescatarian quesadillas (he is a vegetarian who allows himself fish), he spoke of the two books he plans to write; one for adults about his journey and a children’s book narrated by Hudson and Murphy.
Luke and the boys are scheduled to reach Boston on June 18th, and Lori is hoping for a “Forrest Gump-effect,” where the whole town will be supporting him through his last strides. For more information, or to get involved, please check out 2dogs2000miles.org.
On Friday, April 30th, nine young people were honored by the City of Norwich for their volunteer service, as part of National Youth Service Day. (l-r) Gathered together are Vicki Bentley, Kayla Flaherty, Katherine Rose, Marilu Barrientos, City Councilman Tucker Braddock, Susan Weisbrod, Faraline Clebet, Rachel Dunham and Latisha Jicha.
story & photos
by Maren Schober
In conjunction with National Youth Service Day, Friday, April 30th, the City of Norwich presented youth service awards to nine local students. Being honored are Catariny Depina, Cape Verdean Santiago Society Inc., Katherine Rose, Norwich Anti-Bullying Coalition, Latisha Jicha, Project Outreach, Faraline Clebert, Norwich Branch NAACP, Susan Weisbrod, Junior Volunteer at Backus Hospital, Marilu Barrientos, NFA Diversity Program, Kayla Flaherty, New London County 4-H Camping Program, Vicki Bentley, Hogie’s Heroes, Norwich Technical High School and Rachel Dunham, CT 4-H Teen Ambassador Program.
Gathered with familes and friends inside Norwich City Hall the youth were presented awards by City Councilman Tucker Braddock. “If one person turns down a volunteer job, and then and second person and third, this country is in trouble,” Tucker points out. “Volunteering is vital to our nation and we are so proud of our youth volunteers!”
The nine award recipients are all involved with many and diversified volunteer projects and our community is fortunate to receive their time, energy and enthusiasm!
For instance there is Faraline Clebert, 11th grader at Norwich Free Academy. She is very involved with Project Outreach, NEXUS and the Haitian Club at NFA. “One of my favorite projects is making battery powered flashlights for the people of Haiti. They really need battery lights and I am happy to make sure they receive them,” Faraline tells me. “I call it the Sunlight Project.”
Then there is Katherine Rose of the Anti-Bullying Coalition. “I love working on the Bully-Busters Club newsletter and drumming with the group,” she states. She helps with the community meals every month by making desserts. She also makes sleeping bags for the community.
Marilu Marrientos, a senior at NFA, tutors students, helps new Latino students learn English and participates in cultural events in the community. “I teach in the EnglishAs A Second Language program,” Marilu remarks. “I moved to this country from Peru five years ago and I know how it feels to be a new immigrant. I try to make them feel at home here.”
Kayla Flaherty is very involved with the New London County 4-H Camp among other projects. “I love getting to meet staff from five different countries,” she comments.
Rachel Dunham is making a major contribution to the Teen Ambassador Program. She is a leader in its programs. “I love going on the State 4-H Teen Leader Weekend where I help train youth leaders. I was fortunate to work with an autistic child during the weekend,” Rachel reflects.
We can be proud of all these youth service award recipients. They deserve our heartiest congratulations and thanks.
Elizabeth Maloney “There is no need for me to quit Girl Scouts after I achieve the Gold Award.” The Gold Award is the highest award in Girl Scouts.
story & photo
by Maren Schober
For many of us the month of March means Cookies!, as the Cookie Monster on Sesame Street says. In particular we anticipate a knock on our door and the opportunity to order our favorite Girl Scout cookies. For me it is the Thin Mints, my all time favorite. At the same time we are reminded of the Girl Scouts and the good they do in our communities.
Elizabeth Maloney, 17, of East Lyme is as enthusiastic today about her experiences in Girl Scouts as she was in the beginning. There is no thought of quitting Girl Scouts even as she approaches earning the Gold Award, which is the highest award in Girl Scouts.
“There is no need for me to quit Girl Scouts after I achieve the Gold Award,” Liz tells me. “There is always more Girl Scout programs to join. I also love to encourage younger Girl Scouts to stay in this wonderful program as well as teach them camping skills.”
Liz explains to me her current project which will earn her Gold Award this summer. “I plan to teach an eight session Special Needs Tennis Clinic at East Lyme High School this July for children with special needs. The needs of these children are so individual that I will be teaching them one at a time. To do this I need to enlist the help of many professionals and service clubs in the area. I am doing all the planning from the ground up.”
Liz is also involved in many other community service projects. “I serve on the Girl Scout Board of Directors, work at the Old Lyme Shoreline Soup Kitchen, and am an active member of Best Buddies, a high school club that pairs typical and atypical students to better integrate the atypical students into the main stream. Next month I will begin to volunteer at the Crescent Point Assisted Living Home in Niantic.”
This past Wednesday, Liz had an experience she will never forget. “I was given the opportunity to travel to Hartford and have private meetings with Senators and Representatives, including our own Representative Ed Jutila!, to advocate for what I love about Girl Scouts as well as our new initiative to stop cyber bullying. I spoke at a press conference in front of a room full of politicians, cameras and news reporters and got to induct House Majority Leader Denise Merrill as an honorary Girl Scout. The whole day was amazing and gave me a true look into the workings of politics and the difference you can make on a statewide level!”
“Doing community service is so rewarding in many ways,” Elizabeth concludes. “So join in! If you find a cause you are really passionate about, it doesn’t become “service” or work, it becomes fun. You have the chance to enrich other’s lives while enriching your own.”
Michael Meade, a senior at Connecticut College, volunteers with Fiddleheads and New London’s FRESH community garden.
photo & story
by Maren Schober
Michael Meade, a senior at ConnCollege, knows what he wants and he is going for a “green world.”
“My major is Student Designed Interdisciplinary Sustainability which includes Green Architecture, Ethnobotany, Environmental Politics and Anthropology.”
A lot of big words, but what does it mean? “It means I am gaining knowledge about sustaining life using environmentally friendly materials and resources. I believe this is important in the present and for the future. I am also doing independent study projects such as Rainwater Harvesting and using art as a tool for education about sustainability.”
Michael puts his beliefs and studies to practice by donating hours of his time to two community efforts in this direction. “I volunteer with Fiddleheads, the natural foods co-op in New London, three hours a week working the register and helping manage the co-op. I also volunteer at New London’s FRESH community garden two hours about every other week helping build raised vegetable garden beds and doing various garden work.”
Michael lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico. What brought him all the way to Connecticut?
“ConnCollege offers me the small classes and close relationships between students and faculty that I like. I also have some relatives living nearby.”
“I like working with children,” Michael continues. “When I was fourteen years old I started doing volunteer work in Middle School teaching reading to first grade students in Santa Fe. Now I find ways to work with children during special family events at Fiddleheads. Sometimes I teach a craft to the kids.”
“Through my current volunteer work I am learning what it takes to bring a community garden to fruition. I am also getting a basic understanding of the economic and social management requirements for a community co-op like Fiddleheads.”
“I am currently working on an art project that addresses a big concern of mine. Only about 20% of the plastic water bottles we produce are actually recycled. The other 80% ends up in landfills, wilderness or in the oceans. If we shifted the money we spend on bottled water to improving our water infrastructure (such as the repair of leaky pipes and integration of better filtration systems) we would all be healthier and ultimately be polluting much less.”
“Last year I took the opportunity to spend five months in Australia observing the community garden process in that country. That was a wonderful experience. After I graduate from college, I plan to spend the summer working with children in the Children’s Adventure Company which includes an environmental wilderness program. Following that I will work for a company in Maui, Hawaii where I will be active in organic farming.”
One thing is for sure. Whatever Michael Meade does in life will help improve our own knowledge of how to best use the resouces we have to sustain our own lives. We are fortunate to have students like Michael who care enough to want to keep our planet green.
