Arkansas Quilters Guild Newsletter
Number 527 August 2026. www.arkansasquiltersguild.org
P. O. Box 2258. North Little Rock, AR 72115
President – Cynthia Barszczewski
1st VP/Membership – Kathy Borrelli
2nd VP – Cynthia Quick
Secretary – Phillis Westerfield
Treasurer – Carrie Weindorf
AWOL Retreats (spring & fall) – Eddie & Melissa Landreth, Leah Sample
Challenge Coordinator – Sherri Dodds
Communications Manager – Sherri Dodds
Community Service – Riley Middaugh, Amy King, Sherry Williams
Demos/Vendors – YOUR name here?
Donations/Free Table – Laura Ziegler
FUNd Raising – Sue Womack
Historian –
Hostesses – Beverly & Daphne Emery
Newsletter – Jackie Bibbs
Newsletter Ads/PR – Debbie Lewis
Photographer – Susi Olson, Donna Toombs
Programs – Angie Heifner and Jane Doty
Program Notes – Jackie Bibbs, Cynthia Grubbs, Brenda Wall
Property – Angie Heifner
Quilt Exhibit - Cynthia Quick, MJ Beard, Nancy Sahrakar
Social media – Sherri Dodds
Sunshine Chair – Bev Phillips
Webmaster – Thomas Dodds, AQGquilters@gmail.com
Visit our web site at: www.arkansasquiltersguild.org
Number 528 September 2026
The Purpose of the Arkansas Quilters Guild is to promote the appreciation of the rich heritage of the art of quilting and to enhance each member's own quilting skills and knowledge. It shall also be the purpose of this organization to expand and to enrich the art of quilting for future generations and preserve the existing quilts.
Dear Quilters,
The leaves are falling; at my house they are weird looking shriveled things that crunch when stepped on. Nothing like the pretty yellow and orangey ones that says Fall is here.
That is a good reason to make a quilt in Fall colors. I am going through my stash to get started. There is always a reason for making another quilt!
I hope everyone had a good summer and that you have those pretty leaves falling in your yard.
Your President,
Cindy Barszczewski
September Fat Quarter Drawing:
Pumpkins, Leaves colors or prints
AQG Board Meeting: Officers, Chairs, interested members, Thursday evening before Monthly AQG meeting; 9/10/2026 6pm via Zoom; link is emailed to members prior to each meeting. AQG Meeting: 2nd Monday 9/14/2026 6:00pm at the North Little Rock Community Center, 2700 Willow in NLR., Program: Bo Renshaw, Physical Therapist on Quilting Ergonomics
Happy birthday to AQG members
Who have ???? Birthdays!
Minutes from ???
The ??? AQG meeting was called to order by President, Cindy Barszczewski at 6:00pm. The minutes were read by members and Janell Barkley made a motion to accept. Brenda Wall seconded.
Carrie Weindorf gave the treasurer's report. She reported the CD has been closed and the interest removed. The balance was reinvested. Interest will be used to pay rent for our meeting space. All details of the report may be viewed in the member’s only section of the website.
Announcements
Cindy B. received an advertisement for Buffalo River Quilt Studio in Bryant. They will be opening Saturday, August 15 at 10am. The address is 23233 Bryant Plaza. The notice did not include any information about the owners so Cindy plans to check them out and let us know.
Carol Hurt invited everyone to the Mike Huckabee Nature Center Quilt Show in Pine Bluff. It will be 9/2-3 with several categories and prizes.
Committee reports
AWOL - The fall retreat is at Ferncliff Camp in Ferndale from October 30 - November 1. There will not be a table for payment in September but the final payment is due at the October meeting. There are 29 signed up with space for 35.
Community Service - Riley had five or six quilts turned in tonight and has several to be quilted. She received a thank you note from Providence Park and read it to the group.
Challenges - Sherri Dodds has handed out all the hearts and asked that members try and turn them in by September. The Bookworm challenge is due in September. #6 in the UFO challenge is due tonight and #3 is due in September.
Library Quilt Show - Cynthia announced the show will be from October 6 - December 8. She has application forms tonight and they are also on the website. Bookworm challenge quilts will be displayed on a black background. Non-members are allowed to show quilts this year if they have a member sponsor although space may be limited.
Programs - Angie Heifner said Bo Renshaw is a PT who will present next month on quilting ergonomics. Leah will present a program on how to use EQ in October.
Hostesses - Beverly and Daphne Emery confirmed that we have 58 members present and 2 guests: Claire Myers and Mabry Keene. Sherry Williams won the FQ stack and Door Prizes went to Bo Mittelstaedt and Cindy Matteson
New Business - none
Old Business
Proposed changes to the by-laws were presented. Leah made a motion to change the officer nominating committee to a minimum of three people instead of two. Jim Gatlin seconded the motion. Carrie then motioned to accept the changes as written above. Leah seconded. The motion was passed. Angie Heifner, Leah Sample, Jim Gatling, and Donna Oates volunteered for the nominating committee.
Show and Tell
Susi Olson brought ’Saguaro’. It is a UFO made from Missouri Star fabric she’s had for 4 years.
Daphne Emery showed a dining scarf, bowl cozy, and toiletry bag made by her church Mission Stitchers.
Riley Middaugh finished this quilt from blocks a friend’s mother had made.
Bonnie Fratesi made 'Violet’s quilt’ using the no cut block in a block pattern using a 5” square and a 2.5” square for each block.
Carol Hurt brought 2 quilts. One is her nature center quilt as you go that was UFO #2, second was UFO #6 made from blocks on the free table.
Brenda Wall’s grandson is a turkey hunter and she made him this ’Turkey Trot’ panel quilt.
Sharon Jones used free motion for the first time on this 'Lost in the Garden’ quilt.
Janell Barkley showed several projects including a future queen size bedspread, a child’s donation quilt, and one made from free table squares.
Close Morgan made a ‘Route 66’ quilt made for friends who are making the drive, a no binding quilt, a church donation quilt made from 10” squares, and a baby donation quilt.
Bailey Barnes brought ‘Hello Posy” that she had to remake due to fabric dye bleeding and a quilted baby sleep sack to match the quilt.
Nanette Crenshaw showed Jade, a large two sided quilt.
Alpha Hopkins showed her 3-yard quilts. ’Town Square’ that was red and green but not Christmasy and ‘Perspective’ that took her three tries to get the right orange.
Diana Soteropoulos would like to start a hand work knot at the North Little Rock Library that meets one Saturday per month. If anyone is interested, please contact her.
Cynthia Quick found the blocks for this quilt at a church bazaar and couldn’t stand to let them go.
Sheila Simpson is trying to use up her orphan blocks. She made quilted mats for dog and cat carriers that will be donated to an animal shelter.
After Errin Stangler spoke to us about Providence Park, the meeting adjourned at 7:41pm.
Submitted by,
Phyllis Westerfield, Secretary
CALENDAR
· 9/12 Delta Rivers Nature Center Quilt Show 1400 Black Dog Road- Regional Park, Pine Bluff, AR from 9am – 3pm
· 9/14 AQG meeting with therapist Bo Renshaw
· 9/23-26 AQS Show in Columbus, OH
· 10/6/2026 AQG Quilts hang at Terry Library
· 10/12 AQG meeting with Leah Sample & EQ
· 10/1-31/2026 Argenta Library Mini Quilt Show
· 10/30-11/1 AQG FALL AWOL Fall Quilt Retreat
· 11/12-15 International Quilt Festival, Houston, TX; classes begin Nov 10, 2026; details at quilts.com; online enrollment has begun
· 12/7/2026 AQG Quilts down at Terry Library
· 4/21-24, 2027 AQS Quilt Week in Paducah, KY
· 9/30-10/2/2027 Saline County Quilters Show at Saline County Fairgrounds, Benton, AR
Upcoming AQG Programs
September – Bo Renshaw, a NLR physical therapist. He will teach us the physical ergonomics of sewing, cutting, and ironing to avoid stress to our bodies.
October – Leah Sample & Intro to Electric Quilt Quilting Software
Program Notes from
Errin Stanger’s Providence Park Project
We were happy to welcome Errin Stanger, CEO of Providence Park, to our August meeting! Errin described meeting a chronically homeless woman at the door of the NLR Innovation Hub, which she headed. Errin befriended Joan to help her get what she needed, focusing on the immediate needs but wanting to offer more. The plight of the chronically homeless, defined as without shelter for more than a year or for 3 instances in a year, tugged at her heart. As a LR native, she saw this as a local challenge and started doing research for solutions.
She found Community First in Austin, TX, spending 3 days at the facility to understand how to replicate the work. She returned home to meet with the powers that be in the LR/NLR area, pitching her idea. They said “yes” and Providence Park was born!
In May 2024, they broke ground on 50 acres near the Landmark area of southern LR. The infrastructure is complete and tiny houses are being built. They are on track to build 25=30 homes this year with 60=70 in 2027. Tours are given every week for visitors to see the development in progress.
Applicants are screened. They pay rent and agree to the contract terms for living in the park.
A Central Harmony Hall will offer residents, aka neighbors, a P. O. Box, store, medical and dental services. The residents use a communal kitchen and laundry space. Providence Park will offer garden space, fruit trees, a chapel and memorial wall as well as a scatter garden for ashes, a labyrinth walk and a dog park. Future projects include an amphitheater, a craft room and a movie theater. A City bus stop is being added to the site.
AQG’s donations are welcomed by the residents. Erin opened her heart to Joan’s needs and created a neighborhood of love! What a servant!
Jackie Bibbs
ARKANSAS QUILTERS GUILD
QUILT EXHIBIT
Adolphine Fletcher Terry Library, 2015 Napa Valley Road, Little Rock, AR
October 6 to December 8, 2026
Please be generous in your offer of your treasured quilting items. To ensure entry and inclusion in the program, return this completed submission form by September 16 to either Cynthia Quick, 22 Desoto Circle, NLR, AR. 72116, OR e-mail to Bookmaster1832@gmail.com ; OR to Nancy Sahrakar at nsahrakar@yahoo.com . Entries will be accepted based on date of submission and available space.
Quilt(s) submitted by _________________________ e-mail ____________________________
Phone (H) __________________________ (C) _______________________________________
QUILT 1. Length _______Width _________Who worked on it? ____________________________
Machine Applique/Handwork? ____Name of quilt ____________________________________
QUILT 2. Length _______Width _________Who worked on it? ____________________________
Machine Applique/Handwork? ____Name of quilt ___________________________________
A 4-inch sleeve fitting the full width of the quilt must be attached to the top of the back of the entry for hanging. Any quilt measuring less than 24 x 24 inches may use a 2-inch sleeve. All quilts must be labeled on the back bottom corner with the name of the quilt and the quilt maker. A quilt measuring longer than 74 inches in length MUST have a 4-inch sleeve sewn the full width of the quilt 70 inches from the bottom of the quilt. Quilts without the correct sleeve will not be accepted nor will quilts that been shown in this exhibit previously.
NOTE: Items to be delivered on October 6 should be taken to the library at 0830 AM. Quilts should be picked up at the Terry Library on December 8th starting at 9AM. Number of quilts determines how long we will stay at the library afterwards for pickup of quilts.
I understand and agree that Central Arkansas Library System/Adolphine Fletcher Terry Library and Arkansas Quilters Guild are not liable in any way for my exhibit and I will be responsible for my own insurance if needed.
Signature Date
Date entry received by Cynthia/Nancy _____________________________________________
Alternate Letter from the President
Cindy B wondered what AI would change in her letter, asking for a more professional slant.
Here’s what AI did with Cindy B’s September Letter:
Dear Quilters,
The leaves are beginning to fall; at my house, they are shriveled and crunchy rather than the vibrant yellow and orange colors that typically welcome autumn.
Regardless, the changing season is a perfect reason to start a quilt in fall colors. I am currently going through my fabric stash to get started, as there is always a good reason to make another quilt.
I hope everyone had a wonderful summer and that you are enjoying more colorful autumn leaves in your yard.
Your President,
Cindy Barszczewski
I don’t think it sounds like our President! I vote for a letter in her own words!
Jackie Bibbs
Celebrate the beauty of quilting at the Governor Mike Huckabee Delta Rivers Nature Center to see the Nature Quilters Quilt Show on September 12th, 9 am to 3 pm! Nature inspired quilts will be displayed at the center by many different artists, with quilt supply vendors present and the chance to meet other creatives. If you’re a quilter who would like to enter your own work, contact us at 501-712-2947 for an entry form.
For more information or to register, visit https://ar-events.s3licensing.com/eventprofile/1262
The Purpose of the Arkansas Quilters Guild is to promote the appreciation of the rich heritage of the art of quilting and to enhance each member's own quilting skills and knowledge. It shall also be the purpose of this organization to expand and to enrich the art of quilting for future generations and preserve the existing quilts.
Dear Quilters, president’s message
Your President
Cindy Barszczewski
Officers and Chairpersons:
President – Cynthia Barszczewski
1st VP/Membership – Kathy Borrelli
2nd VP – Cynthia Quick
Secretary – Phillis Westerfield
Treasurer – Carrie Weindorf
AWOL Retreats (spring & fall) – Eddie &
Melissa Landreth, Leah Sample
Challenge Coordinator – Sherri Dodds
Communications Manager – Sherri Dodds
Community Service – Riley Middaugh, Amy
King, Sherry Williams
Demos/Vendors – YOUR name here?
Donations/Free Table – Laura Ziegler
FUNd Raising – Sue Womack
Historian –
Hostesses – Beverly & Daphne Emery
Newsletter – Jackie Bibbs
Newsletter Ads/PR – Debbie Lewis
Photographer – Susi Olson, Donna Toombs
Programs – Angie Heifner and Jane Doty
Program Notes – Jackie Bibbs, Cynthia
Grubbs, Brenda Wall
Property – Angie Heifner
Quilt Exhibit - Cynthia Quick, MJ Beard,
Nancy Sahrakar
Social media – Sherri Dodds
Sunshine Chair – Bev Phillips
Webmaster – Thomas Dodds,
Email: AQGquilters@gmail.com
FACEBOOK LOGO AND LINK
AQG Board Meeting for Officers, Chairs and interested members, Thursday evening before Monthly AQG
meeting; 9/3/2026 6pm via Zoom; link is emailed to members prior to each meeting.
AQG Meeting is the 2nd Monday, each month. Our next meeting is 9/14/2026 6:00pm at the North Little Rock Community Center, 2700 Willow in NLR.,
Program: ???
CHALLENGES:
HAVE A HEART: Please try to get your hearts returned to Sherri D, asap.
SEPTEMTER FAT Quarter Drawing
Happy birthday to AQG members
born in SEPTEMBER!
Jan Partain 08/13
Frances Wade 08/13
Melissa Landreth 08/23
Beverly Emery 08/31
Minutes from 7/13/2026
Community Service
Providence Park.
The CALL later this summer.
Thank you for donating quilts up to full size and baby
quilts for our ongoing projects.
Riley Middaugh, Amy King, Sherry Williams
Upcoming AQG Programs
August – Errin Stanger with Providence Park
September – Bo Renshaw on sewing ergonomics
October – Leah Sample & Intro to Electric Quilt
meeting minutes:
The ???????? 2026 AQG meeting was called to order by
Cindy Barszczewski at 6:00pm. The ?????? meeting minutes
were read and accepted. The motion to accept was made
by ???? and seconded by ?????
Treasurer’s Report
The full details may be viewed on
the Members Only section of the website. AWOL and
membership funds received tonight should be given to
Sherry.
Committee Reports
AWOL
Leah Sample reported for the AWOL committee. Fall
AWOL will be Friday, October 30 - Sunday, November 1,
2026 at Ferncliff Camp. We have several spots left. There are
different packages including day only, day and night,
specific days, full meal package. The deadline for signing
up and final payment is the October 12 meeting.
Webmaster
Sherri Dodds reminded members if they are not receiving
the newsletter email there is something wrong with your
email or it is in the spam folder. If you have a problem, let
her know so she can follow up. Unless you’ve opted out,
you should be receiving the newsletter.
Challenges
We have 3 ongoing challenges. There is the UFO challenge
for people that signed up earlier this year. It is ongoing
until January. Number 6 is due in August and Number 4 is
due today.
The Bookworm challenge is due in September and should
be library or book related. The quilts made will bedisplayed at the Terry Library. There are very few rules
with exception of size. They are asking for approximately
18” x 24”. The orientation does not matter. Black borders
are not recommended since they will be hung on a black
drapery. Instructions are online and at her table.
The Have a Heart challenge is wrapping up. Please get your hearts returned to Sherri asap. We hope to have them all back and announce prize winners at the October meeting.
Terry Library Quilt Show
Nancy Sahakar announced the quilt show will start
October 7 and they are calling for quilts. Last year we had
about 20 and they would love to have more. She saw a
Facebook post about the Terry Library show when two
participants said they were planning to go. She
encouraged keeping our art alive and going as well as
contributing to the show. She and Cynthia will talk more
about needing volunteers for the intake day as the time
approaches. There will be a special exhibit for the small
Bookworm Challenge quilts. There are no rules with
exception of size. Quilts from non-members may be
entered as space allows since AQG members get first
chance.
Community Service
Amy King thanked everyone for participating. They
handed out at least 6 quilts to be bound and there is one
left to be taken. Sherry has a small one that needs to be
quilted.
Programs
Angie Heifner provided an update on programs for the
next couple of months. August will be Errin from
Providence Homes that is our community service project
for this year. September we will have Bo Crenshaw, a
physical therapist, come and speak to us about taking care
of our bodies while quilting. In October Leah will talk
about the Electric Quilt computer program to help
members decide if it would be a worthy investment for
them.
Announcements
Donna Tombs announced there is a new quilt entity in
Conway. It used to be Conway Sewing Center and it has
been sold to Mandy Massey . She has renamed it Seams
Sew Crazy and they will be moving the store soon to a
location on Donaghey. She has a handout about the
changes, classes and upcoming moving sales. They are
selling both Bernina and Brother sewing machines. There
will be a repairman available to work on every brand of
machine but can only obtain parts from the two they
carry. He has been ill, so they are a couple of weeks
behind.
Hostesses
Members Present: 63
Guests: Gwen Rogers, Pat Wade, Brandy Childress &
Linda Zionce
Fat Quarter winners: Cookie Taylor & Peggy Morris
Door Prize Winners: Barbara Middleton & Nannette
Crawshaw
Membership
Kathy Borelli reminded members that if they need or want
a new name tag, they are available for $15. We have a
new member, Belinda Eley.
New Business
Show and Tell
.
After a program and trunk show by Diane Harris, the
meeting was adjourned around 8:30.
Submitted by
Phillis Westerfield, Secretary
CALENDAR
• 8/10 AQG meeting with Errin Stranger
• 9/14 AQG meeting with therapist Bo Renshaw
• 9/23-26 AQS Show in Columbus, OH
• 10/6/2026 AQG Quilts hang at Terry Library
• 10/12 AQG meeting with Leah Sample & EQ
• 10/1-31/2026 Argenta Library Mini Quilt Show
• 10/30-11/1 AQG FALL AWOL Fall Quilt Retreat
• 11/12-15 International Quilt Festival, Houston, TX;
classes begin Nov 10, 2026; details at quilts.com;
online enrollment has begun
• 12/7/2026 AQG Quilts down at Terry Library
• 4/21-24, 2027 AQS Quilt Week in Paducah, KY
• 9/30-10/2/2027 Saline County Quilters Show at
Saline County Fairgrounds, Benton, AR
PROGRAM NOTES – July 13, 2026
Respectfully submitted by Brenda Wall
Jackie Bibbs
966 Yielding Road
Ward, AR 72176
Next Newsletter Deadline:
Aug 17, 2026
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