Groovin' to the sounds of a new tune

So, a few days ago, I was talking with my mom -- yup, that'd be Betty Nielsen, FQ founder -- and the subject of music came up...

I've been listening to a lot of country lately, she says to me. It's what we listen to while we're quilting. The girls like it -- they like it better than my stuff. And it's starting to grow on me.

Mom even went on to talk about The Girls getting together to have their own in-house Freedom Quilts night of line dancing lessons. Linda Madsen offered to teach The Girls a whole new set of moves. Admittedly, this sounds like a lot of fun. But still, I almost couldn't believe Mom's big swing in music tastes.

The Betty who spoon-fed mashed up carrots into a much smaller version of my brother and me was a woman who'd strut her stuff to the soulful sounds of Motown. Mom often interrupted the Saturday cleaning routine so that she could teach my brother and I how to swing our hips to the beat of Diana Ross, Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye, The Temptations and Gladys Knight & the Pips.

Now, I know Mom still loves Motown. But her movement into brand new tastes and preferences is a testament to how close this group is, how much they've ventured to learn... and to grow together.

Janet Petty

To Janet Petty:

In trying to get all the names of our supporters, I forgot to put the * in front of your name which means you are one of the loving families who have lost a loved one. In your case, it was your beloved son SSgt Erickson H. Petty. Please forgive me for making this mistake. We honor all of those we have lost and we honor all of the families who have lost a love one. As one of our supporters, to me it shows why your son was such a hero -- he learned how to care from his parents.

God bless you and thank you. Thank you all for caring and supporting this project so we can continue to comfort others.

What Goes in a Quilt?

A lot of time, love, attention to detail... and money.

Fabric and Supplies

Freedom Quilts makes large, bed-sized quilts for families. Each quilt requires about 14 yards of top fabric and the backing requires about 9 to 10 additional yards. That already brings our total cost up to approximately $260 for fabric alone. Then, there's batting, thread, needles, rotary blades, and Band-Aids.
The total cost for one quilt can easily reach $300 - $350.

A Whole Lotta Time

Even one quilt requires hours and hours of planning, shopping for the right fabric combinations, designing individual blocks, organizing, cutting fabric swatches, sewing, quilting or tying, and binding.
Our volunteers dedicate about 80 - 100 hours of work per quilt.

In addition to raw materials costs, Freedom Quilts also incurs repairs and maintenance costs for sewing machines that are often pushed to their limit. Currently, of FQ's 10 sewing machines, 1 is in need of immediate repair and 2 are ready to be tossed (after many repairs and re-repairs).

Last year, Freedom Quilts gave 279 quilts to family members.

Freedom Quilts is able to continue comforting families because of
the loving support of people who donate their

Time
our dedicated volunteers

and

Money
our family of supporters

Thank You!

Thank you! We couldn't do it without your help.

Members in our Family of Support, Thank You

Rose E. Kreft
*Margaret Ann Johnson
*Mr. Alexander Santora
Milet L. Kraft
Yvonne Victoria
Sandra Terwilleger
*Deborah A. Lasko
The Hermine & Julius H. Gerwirtz Foundation
*Lorraine Nedell
*Bernadette McHugh
*Elizabeth Mattson
Thomas D. Cole
Nancy D. Gatzke
*Mrs. Christine Evans Serafin
*Marie Fisher
St Paul Lutheran Ladies Aid, Alden
*Zoe P. Kousoulis
Graeve Construction Company ,Lytton
Sac County American Legion
Joan Reiter
Sac County American Legion Auxiliary
American Legion Hutchinson-Liechty Post 546
Mary Proffitt
Mary Lou Morrison
*Roger Marti
Darlene J. Garrels
*Mrs. Iris Rothberg
Guys and Gals of Grant 4-H'er
Alan Reiss
Janet Petty
John D. Kopriva Kopriva Farming Company
*Chris Stanton
Carolyn Shook
Frances K. Roberg
Gladys A. Eddie
American Legion Auxiliary Polk City
Genevieve and Kelvin Langmiad DBA K&G Farms
St Peter and Paul's Catholic Ladies Aid West Bend
Carol Ann Larsen and Larsen Farms
Jean A. Hoesing
*Nancy Knight
Kathleen J. Elbert
Nola Carlson
*Raymond Downey Scholarship Charity Fund

* We wish to extend special tributes to families who have lost a loved one. May we always hold dear the honor and memory of their beloved.

*Margaret Ann Johnson lost her son Scott M. Johnson on September 11th, 2001

*Mr. Alexander Santora lost his son NY FF Christoper A Santora on September 11th, 2001

*Deborah A. Lasko lost her son Gary Lasko on September 11th, 2001

*Lorraine Nedell lost her husband Lawrence Nedell on September 11th, 2001

*Bernadette McHugh lost her brother FF Dennis McHugh on September 11th, 2001

*Elizabeth Mattson lost her husband Robert D. Mattson on September 11th, 2001. (Robert Mattson was a survivor of the 1993 bombing of the twin towers.)

*Mrs. Christine Evans Serafin lost her son Robert Serafin on September 11th, 2001

*Marie Fisher lost her son Andrew Fisher on September 11th, 2001

*Zoe P. Kousoulis lost daughter Danielle Kousoulis on September 11th, 2001

*Roger Marti lost his son Michael A. Marti on September 11th, 2001

*Mrs. Iris Rothberg lost her son Michael Rothberg on September 11th, 2001

*Chris Stanton lost son SFC Ricahrd J. Henkes on September 3, 2006 of injuries sustianed when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle during combat operations in Yusifiyah, Iraq.

*Nancy Knight lost her son Sgt Kyle W. Childress on January 21, 2005 in Balad, Iraq when his unit was attacked by enemy forces using small arms fire.

*Raymond Downey Scholarship Charity Fund (lost FF Raymond Downey, Deputy Chief of Special Operations Command FDNY, was lost on September 11, 2001)

We will post as often as possible to honor and celebrate our Family of Supporters.
Thank you for being a part of our Family.

Thank You! YOU keep us going.

Members in our Family of Support, Thank You

Judith C. Stothoff
Janis C. Scharingson
Katherine Safris
Mrs. Elizabeth Roehrer
First Christian Church Guthrie Center, IA
Hamilton Law Firm, PC
Darla Pearce
Sally Peterson
Troy B. Wiens, D.D.S. Family Dental Center
Shirley Skadeland
Sue Hass
Jill Oman
Lundell Construction Co., Inc.
First Presbyterian Church Battle Creek, IA
Patricia Ruppier
Bargloff & Company
Women Baptist Missionary Society Lake City, IA
Stan Coombs
St. John Lutheran Church
Dennis Renquist
Bernadette Hayes Griffin
Vetter Equipment Company
Court St. Cecelia no # 283 Algona, IA
Katherine Safris
Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative Estherville, IA
*Carole Zion
*Mary A. Dowd
* John and Fran Bulaga
*Iris Rothberg
*Margaret Ann Johnson
* Ethal M. Henry
Irene M. Mobley
Mary A. Brown
*June Wildman
Lorraine Y Dixon
* Kurt and Diane Horning
* Debra Jean Cleary
* Oliva J. Smith
* Diane Keating Parks
*Diane Fairben
*Christel Desimone
*Dorine E. Toyen
*Beth Murphy
* Mrs Irene V. Ramirez
*Mary Jean Heller
*Marcia Lillianthal
*Judith A. Youngkin
Woven Hearts Quilt Guild
Frances Bean
*Barbara A. Hayes
*Kenneth Paul and Sharon Ambrose
*Emily Howell
* Edward and Mary Ann Sweeney
* Maie Mills Charitable Fund
Karen C. Jones
* Nickolette Maxwell

* We wish to extend special tributes to families who have lost a loved one. May we always hold dear the honor and memory of their beloved.


* Carole Zion lost her husband Charles A. Zion on September 11, 2001

* Mary A. Dowd lost her son Thomas Dowd on September 11, 2001

* John and Fran Bulaga lost thier son John E. Bulaga Jr. on September 11, 2001

* Iris Rothberg lost her son Michael Rothberg on September 11, 2001

* Margaret Ann Johnson lost her son Scott M. Johnson on September 11, 2001

* Ethal M. Henry lost her son FF William Henry on September 11, 2001

* June Wildman lost her daughter Alison Marie Wildman on September 11, 2001

* Kurt and Diane Horning lost their son Matthew Horning on September 11, 2001

* Debra Jean Cleary lost Kevin Cleary on September 11, 2001

* Oliva J. Smith lost her husband CWO Bruce A. Smith

* Diane Keating Parks lost her son Ryan Fitzgerald on September 11, 2001

* Diane Fairben lost her son Keith Fairben on September 11, 2001

* Christel Desimone lost her son Christian L. DeSimone on September 11, 2001

* Dorine E. Toyen lost her daughter Amy Toyen on September 11, 2001

* Beth Murphy lost her husband Kevin J. Murphy on September 11, 2001

* Mrs Irene V. Ramirez lost her son Sgt Christopher Ramirez

* Mary Jean Heller lost her husband Howard Joseph Heller Jr on September 11, 2001

* Marcia Lillianthal lost her son Steven B. Lillianthal

* Judith A. Youngkin lost her son David M. Tapper, Navy Seal

* Barbara A. Hayes lost her son Bob Hayes

* Kenneth Paul and Sharon Ambrose lose their son Paul Wesley Ambrose M.D. MPH on September 11, 2001

* Emily Howell lost her husband Michael Howell on September 11, 2001

* Edward and Mary Ann Sweeney lost son Brian Sweeney on September 11, 2001

* Maie Mills Charitable Fund, In Memory of Charles Mills who died on September 11, 2001

* Nickolette Maxwell lost her son Sgt Jason G. Maxwell

We will post as often as possible to honor and celebrate our Family of Supporters.
Thank you for being a part of our Family.

Thank You! To our Growing Family of Support.

Thank you so very much for your support! Your help gives us the resources, the strength and the hope we need to continue comforting our mourning families.

*Beverly Eckert
*Cindy Fortenberry
*Regina Coyle
*Alice A. Henry
Ray B and Margaret Nielsen
Elk Horn Lutheran Church Women
Mary A. Miller
Donald A. Beneke
Pocahontas Title Company, LLC
Evening Out Club
Bernetta Pudenz
Jean Meier
Marie A. Nelson
Ann M. Thomas
Gary Lee Friedman
Elva Doorenbos
Janice Zabel
Evelyn Berglund
D & G Woodin, Inc (Gretchen Woodin)
Mary Hayungs
Pocahontas Farm and Home Inc
Mrs. Mary Mohr
Mary Nyren
Lori Jensen Wells
Garnet Vierow
Linda Eichelberger
Kimberly Gutz
Lois M. Biggs
Dennis Koenigsfeld
Marilyn Lesan
*Martin L. McNulty
Steven Schroder
Ione Edwards
Winona Chrisman
Kent B. Willis
*Jane Pollicino
Francis L. Henderson
Margit Behrens
*Mrs. Anne Hohlweck
Mrs Lois K. Crouch
Dott M. Barney
Presbyterian Woman of Pocahontas
*Mrs. Dolores Caproni
Alpha Delta Kappa of Council Bluffs
*Tracy Gazzani
* Adele Milanowycz
Lois K. Crouch
*Barbara M. Weiss
* Mrs. Phyllis Schreier
Dorothy Kultala
*Christi Slavenas

* We wish to extend special tributes to families who have lost a loved one. May we always hold dear the honor and memory of their beloved.

* Beverly Eckert lost her husband Sean Rooney on September 11, 2001. While Betty and Dennis were in Connecticut giving quilts to the families of 9/11, Beverly kindly invited them into her home. She shared her story of a great man and a great love and the last minutes of that devasting day. Beverly will always be in our hearts and prayers as are all of the families who have lost a love one.

* Cindy Fortenberry lost her husband CW3 Wesley Charles Fortenberry when his helicopter was shot down in Baghdad.

* Regina Coyle lost her son FF James R. Coyle on September 11, 2001
http://iaff2498.org/news/the-343-fire-fighters.html

* Alice A. Henry lost her son FF Joseph P. Henry on September 11, 2001

* Martin L. McNulty lost a love in on September 11, 2001

* Jane Pollicino lost her husband Steve Pollicino on September 11, 2001

* Mrs. Anne Hohlweck lost Thomas W. Hohlweck on September 11, 2001

* Mrs. Dolores Caproni lost her son Richard Caproni on September 11, 2001

* Tracy Gazzani lost her son Terrence D. Gazzani on September 11, 2001

* Adele Milanowycz lost her son Greg Milanowycz on September 11, 2001

* Barbara M. Weiss lost FF David Weiss on September 11, 2001

* Mrs. Phyllis Schreier lost her husband Jeffrey H. Schreier on September 11, 2001

* Christi Slavenas lost her son 1st Lt Brian D. Slavenas

We will post as often as possible to honor and celebrate our Family of Supporters.
Thank you for being a part of our Family.

Many Thanks to Our Family of Support

Thank you so very much for your generosity, your compassion
and your heart-felt dedication to our mission...
to comfort those who have lost a loved one.

Members in our Family of Support, Thank You
*Diane Miller
*Linda Cavalier
Sarah Gittins
Mary L. Smalley
*Joan E. Tino
*Patricia Wotton
Mrs. La Donna De Young
*Marilyn W. Thorpe
American National Bank Sac City, IA
Lila M. Johnson
Valeria Sauter
Mildred B. Devereaux
Ms Elaine Mackey
Donna B. Buckmiller
Mrs. Arlene Carlson
Thursday Study club
Marjorie N. Buntz
Shari Siemsen Stelling
*Barbara Blass
Lenora R. Babb
*Brenda Bishop
*Janet A. Dunstan
* Barbara Jackman
Joyce C. Johnson
Marlene Beadle
*Linda G. Creamer
*Doris Mardovich
* Joanne A. Blankenbecler
Debra E. Haak
Judy Herrin
Jane Ann Van Oss
Vivian E. Hickman
* Dorothy Scales
*Eleanor Gillette
SMSgt Jean M. Colby USAF Ret
*Gloria Ingrassia
Vicky Schroeder
Barbara Artist
Judy Genson
Riverside Presbyterian Women
Susan Grieme
Ted Shold
Dennis Walter
Judy Steffen

* We wish to extend special tributes to families who have lost a loved one. May we always hold dear the honor and memory of their beloved.

* Diane Miller lost her husband, Firefighter Henry Miller from Ladder 105 on September 11, 2001
* Linda Cavalier lost her son Judd Cavalier on Sept 11, 2001
* Joan E. Tino lost her daughter Jennifer Tino on Sept 11, 2001
* Patricia Wotton lost her husband Rodney James Wotton on Sept 11, 2001
* Marilyn W. Thorpe lost her son Eric Raymond Thorpe on Sept 11, 2001
* Barbara Blass lost her son Craig Michael Blass on September 11, 2001
* Brenda Bishop lost her son SFC Jason L. Bishop
* Janet A. Dunstan lost her husband Richard Dunstan on September 11, 2001
* Barbara Jackman lost her daughter Brooke Alexandra Jackson on September 11,
2001
* Linda G. Creamer lost beloved Susan M. Clyne on September 11, 2001
* Doris Mardovich lost her son Ed Mardovich on September 11, 2001
* Joanne A. Blankenbecler lost her son Sgt Major James D. Blankenbecler
* Dorothy Scales lost her son Col David M. Scales at the Pentagon on September 11, 2001
* Eleanor Gillette lost her son Evan H. Gillette on September 11, 2001
* Gloria Ingrassia lost her son Christoper Ingrassia on September 11, 2001

We will post as often as possible to honor and celebrate our Family of Supporters.
Thank you for being a part of our Family.

Patty Archer, a Friend and a True Sister

Those who know Patty Archer love her. You can depend on her and know that she'll always have your back. Patty is a very trusting soul and is more like a sister to us all. Patty is single and has two very awesome nephews that she loves dearly and a brother Paul. She loves quilting, reading, and going to activities that her nephews are involved in. Patty can do anything you ask her to, and if she doesn't know how believe me, it doesn't take her long before she catches on and then does it.

Patty helped to start our Freedom Quilts project. She got a call from me asking what she thought about making quilts for the 9/11 families. With out hesitation, she said yes she would help. Patty has many talents and shares them with all of us. I have never seen someone stretch material and make it fit like Patty does.

Some of the things Patty does for Freedom Quilts is sew blocks, tie quilts, occasionally sweeps the floor, or helps to set up the frames, and she helps with the annual mailers.

Patty used to help with presentations, but after her aunt got sick and then her brother with cancer, Patty couldn't do presentations any more. It was too painful. What people don't understand is, every time we do a presentation, we find ourselves reliving all the pain witnessed and it tears your heart to pieces. Patty puts her heart into everything she does and every time we did a presentation, it took a toll on her. Patty knows how it feels to lose someone you love. She has had her share of losses.

She lost her dad, her mom, her Aunt Betty, her brother Tom was killed in a propane explosion, and not too long ago she lost her amazing brother Mike. She knows that pain oh too well, and if there is anyone who really knows how to talk to families who have lost a love one, Patty would be the person to talk to.

She is strong in her faith and will support you 100 percent. She has both witnessed first-hand and has helped me through the ups and downs of this project. There were many of nights we went to bed in tears or upset because when things weren't going well, but never did she give up. She had faith and knew that God was going to pull us through all the hardships. Sometime I wondered if we would pull through, and she would remind me that I had to have faith and believe.

Many of nights we work and didn't get much sleep trying to get quilts done, and always her thoughts were with the families of those who lost a love one and on the project. Patty went to New York on the very first trip and got to see Ground Zero. She also made other trips with us to deliver quilts to families. Patty feels like we are making a difference. She hopes the quilts help families get through those tough days, but most important to Patty is the hope that families realize their loved ones made a difference too with their heroic acts. Patty feels always humbled and overwhelmed to see families receive their quilts. The families are always so thankful and that really touches Patty.

When you ask Patty what kind of feeling do you get when you are working on a quilt, she will tell you that she has a sense of peace and calm and that we are doing something to make a difference. When you ask her where she sees this project going, she'll tell you that only God knows -- and she means that literally.

We both have witness many miracles that only God would have his hands on, so we put our faith in the Lord and let him guide us. Even though Patty has touched so many hearts and has given so much, she will tell you that she probably received more from this project then what she put into it -- but we all know better than that. We know all she has done.

Patty has met many people that she would never have gotten to know, and yes this project has brought us together. Friendships have sprung up and have bonded us together. These friendships are priceless, and the quilts we make are an extension of that friendship. We are trying to extend our hugs and friendship to families across the nation. Patty is a huge part of this project and she is someone I know I can turn to for good advice. She has faith and that my friends, is what keeps this project going.

Thank you Louise Knapp for the beautiful Flowers

How touch I was to receive these beautiful flowers they took my breath away. I was both honor and humble at the same time. Thank you so very much.

Families of 2.26.1993

Yesterday, we wrote about remembering those who died in the first World Trade Center attacks on February 26, 1993. We also mentioned that Freedom Quilts sent handmade quilts to these families in honor of their loved ones.

Here are photos of families receiving their quilts.
(To view notes for each photo, move your pointer to "notes")

Thank You! To our Growing Family of Support.

Because of your generosity, together, we can continue to reach out to families with love to comfort.

Members in our Family of Support, Thank You
Michael Korsonsky*
Liz Wright
Dyan Zinzi
Fedex
A Stitch Above the Rest ( Sandee Petersen and Diane Knupp)
Loisanne Diehl
Donna Reynold
Mary Ann Sandvoid
Marlene Nielsen
Beverly Armstrong
Iska Hendricks
Pandora Phills, LMT
Leona King
Mary lou Johnson
Mrs. James M. Prichard
LaVon Barkmeyer
Helen Hall
Delorse Greeve
LaVon Mason
Laura Andrews
Francis Long
Beatrice Pudenz
Faye Hogan
Cletus Brincks
Mary Ellen Nilson
Paul Snyder
Richard E. Tesdahl
Coletta A. Ammann
Curt Manatt
Edgar F. Hansell
F.R. Ruliffson
Iowa State Bank (Sac City , Iowa)
Mary Turner
Angela Podraza
Betty Westmoreland
James N. Armstrong
Bernice Chambers
Irene Porter
Jeaunette Nall
Cleo L. Titon
Dale Butch Sleezer, Jr (Sleezer Select Stock)
Joyce Shriner
Michael M. Cullen
American Identity (Barbara Heying)

* We wish to extend a special tribute to Michael Korsonsky in honor and memory of his beloved Jeanette LaFond Menichino who died on September 11, 2001.

We will post as often as possible to honor and celebrate our Family of Supporters.
Thank you for being a part of our Family.

Remembering February 26, 1993

What were you doing on February 26, 2008? Do you remember what happened 15 years ago on February 26, 1993?
...it was the beginning of the pain, the sadness, and the terror.

On February 26, 1993 12:17 PM, a truck filled with 1,500 pounds of explosives was planted by Ramzi Yousef and detonated in the underground garage of the North Tower, opening a 100 foot (30 m) hole through 5 sublevels of concrete leaving six people dead and 50,000 other workers and visitors gasping for air in the shafts of the 110 story towers.

Many people inside the North Tower were forced to walk down darkened stairwells which contained no emergency lighting, some taking two hours or more to reach safety. As the Port Authority was a bistate agency, the towers were exempt from New York City building codes. Subsequent to the bombing The Port Authority installed emergency lighting in the stairwells. It is believed that this lighting saved many lives during the events of September 11, 2001.

In 1997 and 1998, six Islamic extremists were convicted and sentenced to life in prison for their roles in the bombing. According to a presiding judge, the conspirators' chief aim at the time of the attack was to destabilize the north tower and send it crashing into the south tower, toppling both landmarks.

As a memorial to the victims of the bombing of the tower, a reflecting pool was installed with the names of those who had been killed in the blast. Following the September 11, 2001 attacks, relief workers found a single fractured piece of the fountain etched with the word "John"; to date it is the only remaining part of the 1993 memorial that survived the collapse of the towers.
- Quoted from Wikipedia

A fragment of the memorial to the 1993 victims
that was destroyed in the September 11 attacks.


Did you take time to pray for the families who lost so much on that day? For those who will always have that day so painfully etched into their hearts? Freedom Quilts took time to reflect on the families and to pray for them. We also took the time to make quilts for the families and let them know that yes, it's been 15 years but we still have not forgotten. It is when we fail to stop and remember that things happen.

May we always hold in blessed memory
those who were killed during the attack on February 26, 1993

Stephen Knapp
John Di Govanni
Bill Macko
Bob Kirkpatrick
Wilfred Mercado
Monica Smith, who was pregnant

Please take time to think of all who died on that day and pray
that God will continue to give all mourning families comfort and the strength to carry on.