President’s Message – 05/25
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING – MAY 21, 2025
2025-26 Board Nominees Bios
President - JoAnne Hochstein and Mary Rossetti
JoAnne Hochstein
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Mary Rossetti:
I first joined the Guild in September 1990 when we met at the Somers Intermediate School. I have held a number of positions…show and guild treasurer and hospitality co-chair. I am a traditional quilter who still likes to hand quilt, but am planning to do some machine quiting. I’m retiring the end of June and am looking forward to having more time to quilt.
Treasurer - Kathy Vanacoro
Kathy Vanacoro
Secretary - Patricia Loquet
Patricia Loquet
As a new mom I did some sewing but it never really interested me, but whenever I went to the library I always took out quilting books to pore over. It wasn’t until a neighbor who was a guild member told me about “Country Quilter” a shop in Somers that I finally found my “forever craft”. I joined the guild in 2001 as a beginning quilter and immediately signed up to go on the Lancaster trip which was a great way to meet my fellow guild members. I was able to join Comfort Quilts in 2004 and have been making quilts for people in need since then. I have worked on the quilt show committee a number of times, I’ve been on the Board (very early on) and have done many ‘One Offs” including Row By Row, Square Robins, Mystery Quilts, and Orphan Blocks which many members have participated in. At the current time I run the monthly raffle table, another great way to meet and chat with my quilting sisters and brothers. I wish to continue working for the guild and the secretary position is a perfect fit.
Membership - Shelley Lounsbury and Jeanne Hinrichs
Jeanne Hinrichs
I was so pleased to be asked to help with membership. I look forward to working with Shelley Lounsbury as we meet and greet new members. Joanne Visovsky and Carol Sterk did amazing work organizing all the backroom systems needed for membership. They have made our job easy, and I appreciate their support as we transition into our new roles. I have been quilting for over 40 years. I joined the Guild many years ago when my children were young. I had too much on my plate at the time to do the Guild justice. I rejoined 3 years ago and have enjoyed participating in Comfort Quilts and guest workshops. I try all types of quilting and like learning new techniques, but my love is hand applique and hand quilting. I look forward to meeting more and more guild members in my new role.
Shelley Lounsbury
Shelley Lounsbury began quilting 30 years ago at the Country Quilter in Somers, NY, and has attended many of the quilt shows sponsored by the Northern Star Quilters’ Guild. Prior to joining the NSQG in 2021, her understanding of quilting was mostly book-based. She joins the membership team appreciating how being in this community has opened the world of quilting to her and enriched her life in many ways: providing opportunities to learn from others, make friends, and grow as a quilter. She is a member of Comfort Quilts and has worked on the quilt show’s “Take a Chance” raffle baskets team for three years.
Programs - Katie O'Brien
Katie O’Brien
In the 1980’s, when my mom’s sewing circle made a baby quilt for me, they included four traditional blocks, plus a sailboat and a sewing machine block. I have always said that the sewing group was actually a witches’ coven and they blessed me to marry a sailor and have a passion for sewing.
I began quilting 20 years ago using traditional patterns. I learned so much from my mom and the wonderful women in her sewing circle. My favorite part of being a quilter has always been the community! Quilters are such generous artists – willing to share tricks and tips and quick with kind words of encouragement. My favorite part of making a quilt is picking the patterns and the colors, and I have a harder time getting through the repetitive parts of quilt-making, which is why improv quilting is such a good fit for me. I enjoy constantly making decisions and choosing fabrics the entire time I’m working on a quilt.
When I’m not sewing, I’m spending time with my husband, four children, and ding-dong of a dog, Salami.
Communications - Debra Oaks
Debra Oaks
I come to quilting through my mother who has been a very accomplished quilter for my entire life. As a kid I used to “help” her when she hand quilted all the pieces she made. For myself, I really started sewing during the pandemic. As my daughter says, it was the hobby I was looking for. I love learning all the techniques and intricacies of piecing and, as a longarm quilter, the finishes. I’ve met some great people and look forward to deepening my relationships in the community.
As we write this everyone is gearing up for World of Quilts XLIV. Looking forward to seeing you there. Thanks to all who are helping to make it the wonderful show it always is!
Our May meeting is in-person as usual. It is the annual meeting and we will be electing the 2025-26 board members. This month’s entertainment will be our Fabulous Fabric Auction. Don’t forget your cash or checks! There are going to be great bargains and as usual we expect a real fun evening.
Rona Spar has done a great job in planning an exciting event for our salad supper. Stay tuned for more information at the meeting.
There are still a few seats open in Sue Benner’s workshop. We expect it will be filled at the Show because it is now open to non-members. Don’t miss the opportunity to take a class with this fabulous quilter, sign up immediately!
You all should have received your membership survey. Please fill it out. Your input will help make a guild that meets your needs!
See you soon!
Sheryl and Helen, president@northernstarquilters.com
Hi Everyone.
