It was a bit chilly for the middle of summer, but a very happy gathering nonetheless when a few members of Friends of Counted Embroidery (FCE)-Laurel Chapter recently conducted “a very informal meeting” at Fairfield Hills, according to group member Marge Gingolaski.

The local chapter has been unable to meet in person since April 2020, but during the morning hours of July 28, four of its members spent some time under a tree near Newtown Municipal Center. Ostensibly they were there to work on projects, but there was an awful lot of talking and laughing going on as well.

In recent months, members have kept in touch via Zoom.

Echoing the comments of so many others during the past 15-plus months, those seated near the southern side of the municipal center a few weeks ago said while it has been nice to at least see some of the others in their group on a computer screen, it is not the same as being with them in person.

The Laurel Chapter has conducted its meetings in Newtown and Stony Hill in recent years. Its membership, however, extends well into New York, local chapter president Claudia Kelly pointed out.

“We’ve been trying to keep the group together during COVID, doing some online meetings,” Gingolaski said, “but I hate Zoom.”

Gingolaski was one of the four huddled under the large tree last week. The day itself was warm and breezy, but it was chilly beneath the tree. All four — Susan Curran and Betty Warner in addition to Gingolaski and Kelly — were wearing long sleeves and layers.

Warner noted that even with the morning’s brisk breeze, which added challenges to those already trying to balance patterns and/or fabrics and/or threads, “at least we’re getting together for fresh air.”

Curran said she and other FCE members have really missed not just each other’s company, but also the support usually found within the group.

“Some of our members are so talented,” she said.

Gingolaski agreed, saying she has “about three projects I’m never going to finish without some help.”

A few hours after that impromptu meeting last week, FCE-Laurel Chapter received some encouraging news: Its first live, in-person meeting is being planned for Thursday, September 9.

FCE-Laurel Chapter will meet at Newtown Community Center, 8 Simpson Street, from 10 am until 1 pm that day.

Members and those who are interested in learning about the local chapter are invited. Contact FCE-Laurel Chapter President Claudia Kelly at ckk627@att.net, to be included in the day’s count and for additional information.