Several Sun City residents and quilters donate their time and talent to recognize veterans of all service branches. They honor them by presenting them with a valor quilt to thank them.
Recently, the group lost a member, Joan Ausbury, who passed away unexpectedly in her home. Ausbury was an avid quilter and volunteered at Gazebo Valor Quilters of Huntley, making quilts for veterans.
Catherine Ennis, Sun City resident, said, “Joan had stored quilts, material, and supplies in her basement, and there were racks and tables. I offered the space in my home to house everything, but I knew moving everything from Joan’s house to mine would not be easy. All we had to do was ask; we got so many volunteers. They got it done.”
The volunteers received a heartfelt thank you and a certificate of appreciation. Ennis recognized Caden Ames, Bob Bywalec, Michael Fisher, Ken Kenny, Karl Langer, Joseph Middaugh, Michael O’Reilly, John Ronge, Liam Stanger, Jared Wacker, and Adam Wojcik. Some were present at the recent presentation of quilts to Veterans on April 21.
Veterans and families gathered at Shepherd of the Prairie Lutheran Church in Huntley.
Bev Kenny said, “Today, we are honored to recognize our veterans. Each quilt is not just a piece of fabric, but a labor of love, handmade and unique. On the back of the quilt is a valor label containing the name of the piece, the name of the quilter, and the name of the recipient with the date of the presentation. All we ask in return is a hug, maybe two.”
There was a formal ceremony with a color guard and patriotic songs, and each veteran was individually honored and wrapped in his quilt. Annette Markovich played the guitar and led the Group in song, “God Bless America.” Markovich is also a member of the valor quilting guild.
Ennis said, “Each veteran also receives a star from a retired flag. My granddaughter, Leah Fisher, gladly puts a color catcher, the star, and instructions for washing in an envelope for the presentation.”
After the ceremony, there were homemade treats made by Helen Langer for the event in a red, white, and blue package for all to enjoy.
Kenny asks readers to support the Group by attending Culver’s Scoopie Share Night & Valor Quilts fundraiser. “Come and join the Huntley Gazebo Quilters Valor Quilt ladies on Monday, May 19, for a fundraiser night from 4-8 p.m. Huntley Gazebo Guild Valor Quilts will earn a percentage of all sales: dine-in, take-out, and drive-thru. Participate in a 50/50 raffle drawing for that evening. Please come out and support our Veterans.”
