Well, as I typically do, I spent some time the few days before Christmas getting some blanket deliveries done. I had prepared a bunch for the NICU, and some bigger ones, and some holiday ones, for Haven of Hope (women and children shelter) and Benefis Pediatrics. With the number I usually give to the shelter, I thought there would be plenty to cover both facilities. There wasn't. There are usually 9-18 kids there... this year, 29. So I gave them all they needed, which left mostly just little ones for the Peds. I came home, got some more ready to go, and took those out very early the next morning - Christmas Eve.
After entering these in the system, our preliminary total of blankets delivered for the year is 1314!!! That's over 100 more than my goal of 1200 - 100 per month!!!
So, how about you - did you make it through the holidays? Did all those gifts get done? It was very busy...crazy busy.... for me getting ready for the day - especially the last 4 to 6 weeks, but the day itself was quiet. I even found time to take a several mile walk.... a perfect day for that!
Now, we're on the cusp of a new year. What will be our goal this time? Same amount - 100 per month? Push it up some? I haven't decided what I think would be best - what do you think?
Moose Looking for a Raffle Quilt
I was asked recently if we could help out the Moose in creating a quilt for them to raffle as a fund-raiser at their next state conference. We cannot give them a quilt donated to Project Linus, but if you have one you would like to donate to them for this purpose, that would be very generous! Let me know soon!Quilting in Thirds
In December, Mary mentioned her technique of quilting in thirds, and brought in a handout that describes this. I did a google search and found a few different mentions of the technique, along with lots of other good ideas! Those links are below. If you're interested, you might also google 'quilt as you go techniques' - I'm sure there is a wealth of ideas there as well!- http://blog.ajpadilla.com/2010/08/22/machine-quilting-what-works-for-me/
- http://quiltlessons.blogspot.com/
- http://www.quiltingboard.com/resources/article-73.html
Fabric Donations
Both Big Sky Quilts and Bernina Silver Thimble have given generous donations of several bolts of fabric in the last few weeks. If you've purchased any fabric in the last year, you know the value of these donations! Please thank them next time you are in their shops!
... Resolutions
And if that sign isn't enough, the reading on my scale is. As I do most every year, I let myself enjoy the 'treats' of the holidays a little more than I probably should have. Time to rein in the splurging and get back to healthier habits. 2015 will be the 5th year of the Moving Forward Mary-thon. I've done this every year - twice. That's at least 50 weeks of making sure I did at least a little exercise 5 days a week. I don't know why this works for me, I just know it does, so I will be doing it again this year.As you may remember, Mary is the PL national VP, and founder of the Mary-thon. She started exercising to bring her own health to better levels. If you've looked into this before, there are some changes to the 2015 Mary-thon. I've put some of the frequently asked questions from www.mary-thon.net below.
There is a registration fee, and part of that goes to Project Linus. Please designate our chapter as the recipient when you register.
WHAT IS A MARY-THON?
A Mary-thon is a 26 WEEK fitness program where YOU set a fitness goal, YOU decide what type of exercise(s) you are ABLE to do, YOU commit to exercise throughout the 26 weeks and I (Mary) provide you with the inspiration, motivation and applause along the way. You are given 30 weeks to complete your 26 week commitment.
IS THIS SIMILAR TO A MARATHON?
Not exactly…Although both are fitness events, a Marathon is a 26.2 mile long distance foot race and the Mary-thon is a 26 WEEK fitness program. A Marathon is usually an event that involves running, but you do NOT need to be a runner in order to be a Mary-thoner.
WHAT IS DIFFERENT FOR THE 2015 REGISTRATION?
We have decided to give you 30 weeks to complete your 26 week program. Because of this, there will be no re-starts! When you start, you exercise regularly and then you finish! There will be three start dates - you decide which "corral" best fits your 2015 schedule. The dates are: January 4 (finished by July 2), April 5 (finished by October 1), or May 31 (finished by Dec 26). If you need to change your corral for any reason, you must notify Mary at mary@mary-thon.net and mail in a $10 check to
Moving Forward Mary-thon c/o Mary Balagna
730 Stevens Creek Blvd
Forsyth, IL 62535
HOW DO THE CORRALS WORK?
In a marathon, you are assigned a corral based on your projected finish time. Here at the Moving Forward Mary-thon you can choose your corral based on your schedule. You will have the same starting date as everyone else in your chosen corral. As you progress, you will receive incentives for completion.
*Finish 6 weeks and you will earn your "Rookie" status and receive a downloadable certificate.
*Finish 13 weeks and you will earn your "Semi-Pro" status and receive a Mary-thon reflector head/arm band or headband (your choice).
*Finish 19 weeks and you will earn your "Pro" Status and receive an official Mary-thon drawstring "sports pack".
*Finish your 26 weeks and you will receive your beautiful 2015 Finishers Medal and your name will be listed on the website as a 2015 Mary-thon finisher!
IF I MISS MY CORRAL, CAN I JOIN IN ON THE NEXT CORRAL?
If you miss too many weeks of working out in your corral and there is a corral that hasn't started yet, you can mail in a $10 check to join the new corral. However, you will not receive two of the same incentives for completed weeks. For example, if you start with Corral 1 and make it to "Semi-Pro Status" and then quit, you may start with Corral 3, but no awards will be given until you reach the "Pro" Status.
WHAT EXACTLY DO I NEED TO DO?
You DO need to commit to regular exercise for 26 weeks with the following guidelines:
Regular exercise means 30 minutes per day, 5 days per week (for the Full Mary-thon) or 3 days per week (for the Half Mary-thon) for 26 weeks.
- You design your own personal workout by selecting the exercises that best suit your abilities, health and physical endurance. **Be sure to check with your physician BEFORE beginning any fitness program, including the Mary-thon!
- Walking, running, weight lifting, elipitcal, yoga, Zumba, stair stepping, swimming, etc. are just a few of the many ways you may want to try.
- The Moving Forward Mary-thon™ Workbook also contains several GREAT workouts with three levels of intensity – Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced if you need some suggestions. The best part is that if you cannot exercise for 30 minutes straight, you are allowed to break up your workout into manageable increments (5-10 minutes each) as you build your endurance, energy level and strength.
- You MUST report your progress to Mary along the way. It’s the Honor System! You are welcome to e-mail Mary (mary@marython.net) as often as you like with your questions, concerns, successes, and progress. You MUST report in quarterly (Week #6, #13, #19 AND when you finish) in order to receive your incentives as well as your finishers medal.
The Corral start dates are January 4, October 1, or May 31. Choose the one that works best with your 2015 schedule.
WHY DOES THE MARY-THON WORK?
Working together supporting each other, being accountable to someone (YOU and Mary), making a financial commitment, signing a pledge, and being rewarded a beautiful finisher's medal for completing our goal is why the Mary-thon is successful! You will be stronger and more physically fit as a result of 26 weeks of regular exercise AND you will be supporting a charity through your participation!
More Ways to Help Project Linus
As a bonus, order the CD and you can get a free quilt pattern, Stars of Wonder, designed by Mary for Alex! Mary designed and completed this quilt as a gift for Alex in celebration of his new record. You can receive a free copy of Mary's Stars of Wonder quilt pattern with your purchase of Joy of Christmas when purchased through Alex's website. Just email a copy of your receipt to Mary at Mary@projectlinus.org and your pattern will be on it's way!
Also, Project Linus came out with our first ever Limited Edition Project Linus ornament - again, my apologies for the late notice, again, paragraph 3. Antique silver in color, it comes with a white/silver corded string perfect for hanging on your Christmas tree. Features a beautiful black velveteen draw string pouch ideal for giving to that special someone in your life. Whether you purchase for your own tree, or as a gift, you'll also be helping bring comfort and security to children in need. Find it at the Project Linus Store.
And Finally...
A Very Special Thank-You9/29/2014
To: All the wonderful people of Linus
Dear Linus,
Words cannot possibly express the phenomena that occurred last Thursday here at Butteville Elementary school. To say that our students loved the gift of your beautiful quilts and blankets would be an understatement. I know that for those of you who were part of this, I need not explain. The kids literally lit up when they were given their quilt. They instantly wrapped themselves in the warmth of both the fabric and the gift itself. We heard the same from parents who received both child and blanket when they arrived at home. Kids stayed wrapped up from the moment they got home until they went to bed!
We know that many of our students were distraught over the recent fire and the incredible loss faced by family and friends. Your decision to give every child a quilt was indeed generous but also met a huge psychological need. It was truly amazing. Again, thank you, to all of you at Linus for this astounding gift!
Sincerely,
Todd Clark ~ Principal/Superintendent
Butteville Elementary School
I think that's all for now... and my computer is acting up. As always Thank You ALL for everything you do! You are the best!
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