GAG continues to meet very Wednesday morning in the education wing, including the summer months. One never knows how many will be attending. Peggy and Karen continue to lead the group coming up with projects or facilitating projects that women in the group want to do. Some of the projects initiated by the young women include slings to carry infants much like those seen in third world countries, robes for young ones made from a towel and wash cloth, small cozy baby blankets they refer to as “lovies” and “snotties” (burp rags to my generation.) Money that is raised by GAG goes to help send women and their families to both PIM and FMC family camps. This past year we made 5 baby comforters to fill an order from Jorge and Blanca that they gave as gifts to friends. We also tied a number of large comforters and Peggy donated the money she earned as the church wedding consultant. Prior to the two camps this year we had approximately $400.00 in our fund. GAG hemmed 15 table runners that Ro Linscheid requested for a dinner at Sierra View. We also made the bags for 50 school kits and bought the school supplies as well. We set the tables for the Mennonite Women’s soup supper in January. All the newborn babies at FMC and PIM receive comforters made by the Get-along Gang; these last few months have been really busy in that department. The Sun Bonnet Sue comforter we made last year sold at the auction for $120.00. The women who attend GAG come with all different skill levels in sewing and knitting. Mpumi from South Africa joined GAG for a few months last spring and summer; she wanted to learn to sew. She made a jeans skirt and another skirt made entirely of men’s ties. Her last day with us was a farewell potluck luncheon; Graciela taught everyone how to make home made flour tortillas, delicious. Every year we have a retreat which is really a time to be together without the children for a project and luncheon. Last year we were thrilled to be invited to Julie Ishimaru’s house to see all of her artwork and to make fancy decorated Easter Eggs. We had a great time. Some of the young women from PIM are starting to come. Last September, Juan brought Martha and her daughter, Leah, from Dinuba to join us for the morning. She went right to work relearning to use the sewing machine and helping Peggy finish the school kit bags that Cathy Ratmeyer cut for us. We thank Mennonite Women for their continued support. When we have questions, the quilting group is there for good advice. And we can’t forget the support in the past when they shared their space with us.
