We are a chapter of The Embroiderers' Guild of America, Inc. located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa in the Heartland Region. Our chapter was founded in 1976 as a non profit educational organization. Cedar Valley Chapter has over 100 regular members and many plural members. We share a love of all forms of embroidery. Our goal is to promote this art and provide education to members and the community.

WHAT DO WE DO?

We have a very active chapter with morning and evening monthly meetings, workshops, retreats, bus trips, and a biennial needlework exhibit for the public to share our art with others. Typical monthly meeting format includes a short business meeting, introduction of visitors and new members, Show 'n' Tell, Question / Answers, and Main Program.

WHERE DO WE MEET?

The Cedar Valley Chapter meets regularly on the third Thursday of the month. There is a morning meeting at 9:30 AM and an evening meeting at 7:00 PM at Christ Episcopal Church, 220 40th Street NE, Cedar Rapids, IA. Contact an officer for directions and information. The same program is usually presented at both meetings. Guests are invited to attend two meetings, after which they are asked to become members if they wish to attend future meetings.

Our annual meeting for the election of new officers is in May. This is typically a Saturday brunch with a speaker. In June we have an evening potluck picnic to introduce the programs for the next year. In December we have a holiday brunch meeting.

HOW DO I JOIN?

If you are thinking about joining, Cedar Valley Chapter invites you to visit two meetings before making your decision.

Dues are $43.00 per year for regular membership, which includes national and regional dues. Members of other EGA chapters may become a plural member for $9.00 per year if they are members of Heartland Region or $11.00 per year if they are not a member of Heartland Region. To join, send a check payable to "Cedar Valley Chapter EGA" to our membership chairman, Marj Grimm, 222 McKinsie Court NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52402-3365. Please include your name, mailing address, telephone number(s), and e-mail address, if you use email. Questions? Call Marj at 319-364-0889.

ACTIVITIES

Our chapter has a needlework inspired program at each regular meeting. In addition, we have "New Kid" meetings where you can learn new techniques. Correspondence courses are offered at least twice a year. We offer workshops taught by local, regional and national teachers. We also have monthly stitch-ins where you can meet with other members and enjoy stitching together.

Our chapter presents a biennial needlework exhibit called "Showcase of NeedleArts". Our members display their needlework to the public. We present educational displays and demonstrations.

WORKSHOPS

Our chapter offers workshops to our members at a very reasonable cost. Become a chapter member or plural member to take advantage of local, national and regional instructors. We will publish the registration form for 2 months in the newsletter. The information will be available much longer on-line. You will find the dates of workshops and deadline for registration. Registration forms can be printed to register for classes.

Checks are not deposited until after the deadline for registration to ensure class will be held. If minimum registration is not met the class will not be held and checks will be returned. Please make separate checks out for each class and membership dues. This allows us to turn you check for dues in immediately so you will begin to receive the newsletter in a more timely manner. Separate checks for the classes will allow us to track the expenses for each class in a more accurate manner.

You may call to see if there is a space in a class after the deadline is past. We will do our best to get you in.

COMMUNITY PROJECTS

The chapter members sew and embellish "Wee Care Gowns" that are donated to the local hospitals for use when an infant is stillborn. The special gowns are used to dress these special infants when they are presented to the parents.

The chapter members have been working on samplers to be presented to the proud owners of a new home specially built by "Habitat for Humanity". The sampler includes the name of the new owner.

We present education programs for children at schools and other events. We also do community education to advance the knowledge and enjoyment of embroidery.

NEWSLETTER

Our newsletter is published monthly, except January and July. We are beginning to investigate the possibility of an electronic newsletter.