By Sue Magyar
Another year in the bag. Phew! We had a fabulous time, our first year of three as Retreat Co-Chairs. Much to relearn, as we did this before, but new things as well.
For the most part, things went smoothly, and the majority of attendees enjoyed themselves. Of course there were glitches, and we endeavor to get ahead of that in 2027. We SO appreciated your kind words and thanks, and your smiles and laughter. It gives us a good feeling to learn that a good time can be had amidst the issues.
We would really like to thank the following for donating gifts: Sheila, for making those handy bags and for the goodies inside! One can never have too many bags. Shonda, for the 35% off coupons, the Band-Aid holder, and bookmark with Kenai River Quilt Show information. I seriously cannot believe how many band aids I saw being sported! Heather Johnston, from Arkansas, for donating the sharps containers with KPQG decoration. One doesn’t realize how handy those are until you don’t have one! Jenne Long, for the jar openers. What a lovely, practical gift!
Thanks also for our volunteers. Thanks to Dana Lewis for designing our T-Shirts and working with Gamas to fine tune all the details. LOVED the shirts! Carol Renfrew for toting the parts and pieces we needed - mats, ironing board covers, lifters, etc., and the Homer gals for supplying extra local support when needed. Janet and Bette, thank you for leading the exercise sessions! They were wonderful! We’ll make sure to have you on the calendar next year. To all our Seward Voluntold - Karen O’Leary, Cathy Howlett, and Patty Nyholm. You do great work! So much to be done, and you jumped right on it. Thank you. We also want to thank the makers of the aprons: Karen O’Leary, Karen Sefton, Patty Nyholm, Marsha Vincent, Nancy Mathew, Sue Denzine, Jody Marker, et al. Great job! And with a smile on your faces!
Some of you may have taken pictures or videos. If you would send the photos, and stills from the videos to me, either text 907-491-0244, or email budsuem@yahoo.com. I’ll get them on the website and Facebook. Especially the chorus line! Such naturals! Oh my! The hats set off the whole thing, and I believe inspired you all!!!
Next year, the retreat will be February 19, 20 and 21 (Friday through Sunday). You can show up to sew beginning Wednesday the 17th no earlier than 1:00. Top secret stuff happens before that, so don’t try to spy!!!