The Clutier Public Library’s annual quilt raffle will be drawn Tuesday, Nov. 3, at 7 p.m. as part of the Election Day soup fundraiser. Two quilts are up for raffle this year, including the Babinat sisters’ America250 quilt, left, and a Star Quilt, right, made by a Tama County quilter using North Tama Redhawks colors. PHOTO COURTESY OF VICKIE BEAVER

CLUTIER – Next week Tuesday, Nov. 3, as voters across the country head to the polls in the midterm general election, the Clutier Public Library is encouraging local folks to not only vote, but also turn out for its annual Election Day soup fundraiser and quilt raffle.

This year’s raffle features not one, but two beautiful handmade quilts, including a queen size America250 quilt pieced by Margaret and Julia Babinat with quilting by Melody Fassett. The Babinat sisters have been generously donating a quilt to the Clutier library’s annual fundraising effort for years, Director Vickie Beaver told the newspaper last week.

The second quilt up for raffle this year was made by a Tama County quilter who wishes to remain anonymous, per Beaver. Also a queen size, the patchwork star quilt’s top was pieced by hand and features North Tama Redhawk colors (black, red and white).

Raffle tickets cost $10 each. The drawing will take place Tuesday, Nov. 3, at 7 p.m. at the Clutier Legion Post home. The quilts are currently on display at the library. Tickets can be purchased all day Tuesday leading up to the drawing. Proceeds are earmarked for various library needs, including new, flexible seating for the library’s youngest patrons.

“I know we won’t raise enough for it, but I would like little Lakeshore seats for the kids,” Beaver explained. “They have an adjustable back for five different settings and lay flat to store.”

PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

Beaver said the colorful, comfy seats would be ideal for not only cozying up with a book somewhere inside the library — where seating is tight — but also during the new monthly movie screenings.

Soup’s on in Clutier

As in election years’ past, the Clutier Public Library Board is sponsoring a soup fundraiser at the Post home. This year’s event runs from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and features homemade chicken noodle soup, chili, beef burgers, locally made rohlicky, and a variety of desserts.

A bowl of soup or a beef burger costs $5; rohlicky is $1; desserts $2. Diners may enjoy their meal inside the Post home or choose carryout.

The Clutier Public Library Board currently includes President Deb Kupka, Vice President Abby Mick, Secretary Melody Fassett, Sheryl Hammes, Judy Kopriva, April Krebsbach, and Kathy Sienknecht.

For more information on the fundraisers, reach out to Dir. Beaver at clutier_lib@fctc.coop.