Quilters who meet at the H.Y. Price Center on 222 W. San Antonio Street, in San Marcos, are an industrious group. Seventeen strong, they get together at 9 a.m. on the second and fourth Thursday morning of each month.

Some quilters arrive a few minutes early, carrying their satchels filled with sewing materials, including fabric for projects, pins, scissors, and quilting squares in various stages of completion. Others tote rolling luggage-cases filled with their quilting items.

A happy bunch, they are in for a surprise.

Previously the group met in the Center’s Tea Room where lunches are normally served to patrons on Monday through Wednesday of each week. Today it will be different.

Greeting them in the entrance lobby were Ron and Marie Jager, who announce that the group will be the first to meet in the renovated craft/art studio on the second floor. Ron and Marie have been the inspiration and organizing force behind the development and renovations at the Price Center.

Taking their turn, the quilters step into the newly installed elevator and ride to the second floor. Affectionately known as Gwen’s Lift, it was purchased with estate money left by the late Gwen Smith, a longtime board member of the Price Center.

The business meeting of the quilters begins at 9:30. Everyone wears a name tag, each with a different motif. That helps in getting to know everyone.

 Martise Cooper and Donna Dees serve as co-coordinators of the group.

“This quilting group started in late 2008 and adopted the name, Bee Friends, a take-off from the commonly known phrase, quilting bee. Not an exclusive group, new members are always welcome,” they explain.

As the quilters buzz around, they are immediately impressed with the newly completed craft studio. Bathed with abundant natural sunlight, on darker days the light is supplemented with bright fluorescent lighting.

Lining three walls are upper and lower storage cabinets of attractive wood. The glistening floor of synthetic wood-like material is resistant to any spills, scratches, or dents. Work tables occupy the center of the room, holding machines, fabrics and more quilts. Tempting fruit and vegetable snacks is placed on one counter, interspersed with three sinks that include hot and cold running water.

When interviewed, several members communicate a simple message in one way or another: “Our main purpose is to help others in need, while sharing the joy of quilting.”

In 2010, 12 quilts were made and given to the Hays/Caldwell Women’s Center. In 2011 Bee Friends also donated one other quilt for the HCWC fund-raising auction.

Recently, 20 quilts were donated to the Austin Area Quilt Guild’s Red, White and Blue Project. They distribute these quilts to the Wounded Warriors in San Antonio and Waco.

 Each year the Price Center also gets one quilt in appreciation for providing space for each meeting. In addition, the Bees are grateful to Ron Yager. He graciously sets up tables and chairs before members arrive, facilitating the prompt start of each meeting.

All age groups and skill-levels are represented in Bee Friends. Long-time members, like Evelyn Meehan, still attend regularly even though her arthritic hands can no longer do the fine needle work that is required.

“I just can’t stay at home,” she said, smiling broadly. “I’d sorely miss the great fellowship and interchange with these gals.”

All types of sewing machines are used by the group, including electronic marvels and older foot-powered treadle machines. Even an old-time electric Singer is still being used.

Quilt guilds are everywhere, according to Nancy Thornton, a 4-year member of the Bees.

“I’m looking forward to a cruise for quilters in 2013 to the Caribbean. It’s hard for me to wait that long.”

In addition to their productivity and selfless gifts of quilts to various charities, Bee Friends are a blessing to each other.

Bee Friends remain purpose-driven. The San Marcos community delights in their presence and is blessed by their concern for people in need.

   

A long-time Price Senior Center member and volunteer, Frank Calabreese and his wife, Ula, have long promoted activities at the Center. A professor emeritus at Texas State University, he now enjoys freelance writing for a variety of newspapers and magazines.

A winter Texan from Grand Rapids, Mich., he currently lives on the banks of the Comal River in New Braunfels.