Carson Proud: Quilting art for love and charity

Many types of people make up the fabric of Carson City and in my quest to learn why people are CarsonProud, I enjoy going to the many wonderful events that seem to be held every weekend. I recently attended the the 50th Anniversary of the Nevada Historical Society where time stood still for a moment or two as artists came together at the historical Foreman-Roberts House to showcase talents that have withstood the test of time.

It was here I came across Maureen Cole who has lived in Carson City for the past 10 years, relocating from Redondo Beach, CA. As I admired her work, I was struck by the patience one must have to sit and stitch by stitch create a lasting masterpiece that may become a gift, sold, or added to her collection of the hundreds of quilts she has created over the many years.

After admiring her works, I asked where she was from, and upon learning she was a Carson City resident, I asked how she liked living here. The answer was so positive that I thought others should know there are many who have chosen to live here for many reasons and are proud to be considered citizens of Carson City.

Maureen and husband Ken Beres had thought about retiring and moving from Redondo Beach once they packed away their calculators for good. Both were number crunchers — she a CPA and he an accountant.
Though there were many choices to consider, moving to Carson City was on the top of Maureen’s list.

She had always admired Carson City when traveling up Highway 395 on her way to Reno from Southern California to rendezvous with her brother who lived in Oregon. That was more than 35 years ago when the population of this city was just over 32,000. She remembers thinking Carson City was “the nicest little town.” Her parents also loved to come here and had stayed at the Ormsby House.

To move to Carson City was well thought out. Maureen and Ken traveled at least three times annually to this city over a ten-year period to see if they could adjust from a single climate to a four-seasons climate. Maureen laughs, “I never knew what a spring or a fall was.”

Like most who decide to move to Northern Nevada, they looked around to find just the right place. No to Reno – too big. No to Carson Valley- too rural, too small. Yes, to Carson City - a city close to all that seemed to fit their personalities. Their major requirements were to find a single story home (they did in Silver Oak), be within walking distance of a grocery store (she loves to walk), and almost walking distance of medical services and a hospital. All those preliminary needs were met. Living in the capital city was attractive as well.

So, they moved and have never looked back even though they left family in Southern California. Ken made friends by joining a gym and then joining a photography club. Maureen joined the Capital Quilters and Studio Art Quilt Associates and spends much time creating art that become memories. Quilting has been her passion for more than 50 years.

Many of the quilts she makes through the Capital Quilters are given to the Ron Wood Family Resource Center and range from baby quilts to full adult size quilts. The Capital Quilters donate about 100 quilts annually to this charity of choice.

As one would display paintings on a wall, Maureen displays her quilted art. She collects the works of other quilters as well, now totaling over 200 pieces.

What makes Maureen and Ken CarsonProud? The people they have met, the smiles and ready hellos, the involvement in their community, and the many things there are to do. She smiles as she states, “Moving here was the best thing for us both.”

— Ronni Hannaman is the Executive Director of the Carson City Chamber of Commerce.