Port Washington resident Rita D’Alonzo received two ribbons for her quilt entitled “Tranquility” at the Vermont Quilt Festival in Essex Junction, VT. She received a second place ribbon and a special award ribbon for the best modern quilt in the show of over 200 juried quilts. The Vermont Quilt Festival, now in its 39th year, is the largest quilt show in the Northeast. It’s held every year at the end of June.
D’Alonzo has lived in Port Washington for more than 57 years. She graduated from Schreiber High School in 1960. After graduating from Radford University in Virginia, said D’Alonzo, “I married the boy next door, Augie D’Alonzo. We raised five sons here, all going through the public schools and then to Fordham University. They have produced 11 grandchildren, the last girl this past week.”
D’Alonzo has been involved in many local organizations. “I have been on the Port Washington School Board for nine years, the Community Chest and the Port Washington Adult Board, plus numerous other volunteer organizations,” she said.
D’Alonzo started quilting more than 30 years ago, she said, “always taking classes to improve my skills and learn new techniques. I have taught in the Port Washington Adult Education program and for other quilting guilds. I am a member of the Long Island Quilter’s Society, cochairing its quilt show two years ago.” Besides quilting for herself and her family, especially her 11 grandchildren, she also has made many quilts for clients, specializing in T-shirt quilts. She also makes memory quilts and uses men’s ties to make pillows or quilts.
D’Alonzo chairs the Our Lady of Fatima Church Quilting Circle, which meets once a week. “We have made a quilt that is hanging in the church, as well as banners for the altar and raffle pieces to raise money,” said D’Alonzo.
