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Quilts bring warmth to military families
(by Joseph Koziol Jr. - November 12, 2008)
Quilts bring warmth to military families
By JOSEPH KOZIOL JR.
Borrowing from a World War II tradition, a group of quilters from Fowler's Mill Christian Church in Munson Township have shown their support for the men and women serving their country overseas.
The group, known as Cherished Memories Quilters, has used its talents to provide a comforting reminder to the parents of those who are serving in the armed forces in Iraq, Kuwait and Afghanistan.
Last Sunday in the church at 10755 Mayfield Road (Route 322), the group presented six quilts they made to the families of those whose children are serving their country. Among those accepting the quilts were the church's pastor, Roy Williams, and his wife, Linda, whose daughter, Jennifer, is stationed in Kuwait, and Painesville Municipal Court Judge Michael A. Cicconetti, whose son, Mario, also is stationed overseas.
It marked the second time the group has provided the quilts, which are to be used as wall hangings, to families.
Martha Adams, a member of the quilting group, said the idea for the quilts is reminiscent of the blue stars that families hung in their windows for their sons who went off to fight during World War II.
The quilting group similarly provides a quilt with a blue star to signify their families service to their country, Mrs. Adams said. The quilt also comes with a pledge that the church's congregation will pray for the service men and women each Sunday.
"Being a senior citizen and remembering World War II, it is something I feel very deeply," Mrs. Adams said. "We feel honored to have the ability to contribute to the families and let them know what a great sacrifice they're making."
Sometimes, it can be the ultimate sacrifice that families are asked to make, she said. About two years ago, Mrs. Adams said, the group was preparing to provide the set of quilts to families. The blue stars had been set on the quilts and were ready to be presented when they got the news that one of the servicemen had been killed. She said the blue star had to be changed to a gold star, and the group's members had to drive through a blizzard to deliver the quilt to the funeral.
She said the pledge the group makes to the families has no boundaries. She said the group will provide the service to families wherever they may be. Last Sunday, she said, a quilt was provided to a mother from Pennsylvania who had asked that prayers be said for her son in the service. She said the woman's brother received the quilt in her place.
The quilting group has always provided a helping hand to the church, she said, whether it is simply to provide a quilt for the pastor's bed or to provide ones that can be raffled off at fund-raisers.
Mrs. Adams said the quilting is more of a dedication than a hobby for the half dozen or so of the group's members.
Mrs. Adams said she joined the group about six or seven years ago. "I always knew how to sew," she said.
The group is led by Kathryn Gostola, whom Mrs. Adams described as an expert quilter. She said Mrs. Gostola has participated in quilt shows at the Lake Farm Park's annual show and at shows out of state.
"We meet every week," she said. "We always work on the quilts and settle the world's problems."
The group also has lunch at each of its meetings.
The quilters also welcome anyone who might be interested in joining the group. "We'd love to have anyone come," she said.
Those interested can attend the weekly meetings on Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the church.
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