By ANNA MONICA / L’Observateur / January 18, 1999

She is the single mother of four children, a “northerner” born in Ohio and who lived in New York City and who eventually moved to Destrehan almost 13 years ago. One thing, though, that hasn’t changed for Charlene Dodds is her passion foractivity, especially quilting.

Her mother-in-law made her a quilt when she married, and Charlene’s interest was rekindled. She remembered that at about age 14 she had a quilt on her bedher grandmother had made that had always intrigued her. She started doing herown quilting, first making a small wall hanging and then a couch-size quilt, while teaching herself more and more and making bigger and better quilts. Thenpeople would come to her house for help on quilting and she began to meet other quilters.

For about six years now she’s been a serious quilter, although her expertise makes it appear much longer. She also teaches quilting for the St. CharlesCommunity Continuing Education Program. Somewhat a human dynamo, Charleneis always one to take on more duties or engage in more activities, never seeming to run out of energy. She continues her work with the Girl Scouts,having been a leader for 14 years, and is also coordinator for the Girl Scout program in East St. Charles Parish.Every other month Charlene goes camping with the girls, usually at the girl scout camp in Independence, and they do service projects for the community, such as helping with the 5-K run, going to the senior citizens home, collecting for Goodwill and recycling things for use in art projects by the kindergartens at St. Charles schools. Charlene believes in saving whatever possible so it can beused by someone for something.

A full-time student at Nicholls State University, Charlene may switch to Delgado for a while for other required courses in marketing. She has a specialinterest in personnel placement. That doesn’t keep her away from her part-timejob as a substitute teacher, her work as PTSA president at Destrehan High School or her participation on the “School to Work” advisory committee and the Orleans Parish FINS (Family in Need Services) Committee. For the latter, they dofield work for the social workers, helping families work out problems and being volunteer friends for parents who have troubled children.

Charlene doesn’t allow any of this to take her completely away from her love of and indulgence in quilting. She finds it is very therapeutic and relaxing andprovides instant gratification.

“Spend an hour and you can see progress,” she says.

Charlene feels that quilting provides satisfaction, enhances creativity and becomes part of a heritage and tradition. She often brings one of her ownbeautiful quilts to her quilting class which encourages her students.

It may take energy, determination and desire to accomplish what Charlene Dodds does, but nothing seems to stop her. She used her quilting expertise toearn an “A” when she gave a talk in class on “making a quilt.”While Charlene continues to quilt with ease while teaching others and is devoted to her community activity, her children, Melissa, Emily, Julianne and Andrew, remain a priority.

Always with something to keep her busy – being an accomplished seamstress, she also does private client sewing of prom dresses, costumes and alterations – all of the above very well describes the life and times of Charlene Dodds.

Still, if by some remote chance that wasn’t enough, she would just whip up another quilt.

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