Log Cabin Quilters Guild create scholarship to honor Allen

ELKINS -- The memory of a distinguished local volunteer is being honored through the creation of a new scholarship.

The Randolph County Log Cabin Quilters Guild announced that beginning this summer, the Guild will fund a Bonnie Allen Quilting Lab Scholarship for the Randolph County 4-H.

Log Cabin Quilter's Guild President Debbie Stevens said funds are being raised in memory of Bonnie Allen, who passed away on Nov. 13, 2022.

Stevens said Allen had served as both president and vice president of the guild, and was known for her generosity, kindness and prolific and artistic quilt-making abilities.

Bonnie Scalia, chairwoman of the Fund Raising Committee, said funds for the scholarship have been raised through donations and the sale of some of Allen's quilt-making supplies, which were donated to the Guild by the Allen family.

Scalia told The Inter-Mountain that the current total for the scholarship stands near $6,500.

Hannah Fincham, WVU Extension Agent in Randolph County, noted her excitement for the project, saying, "In 4-H, we implement a 'learn by doing' approach.

"The trainings offered to our 4-H members through the Bonnie Allen Quilting Lab Scholarships are a direct support to this approach. I am so excited our members will have an opportunity to learn a new skill and hopefully pass it on to future generations."

Fincham noted she could think of no better way to honor the memory of Allen than through the new scholarship.

The Randolph County Log Cabin Quilters Guild is also donating a hand-crafted memorial settee to 4-H Camp Pioneer in memory of Allen. The scholarships and settee presentations were made to Fincham at the monthly meeting of the Log Cabin Quilters.

Scalia said the Elkins Sewing Center will conduct the training through a series of classes for selected 4-H members.

The training will be presented "ground up," beginning with basic sewing and then graduating into quilt-making. Scalia said the 4-H Lab will help assure that quilt-making continues to be taught and promoted among local youth.

Allen held professional positions with the Federal Government as a Contract Specialist with the Department of Agriculture, Department of Treasury and Department of State in New Orleans and Washington, D.C. 

In 2000, she accepted a position with the Department of Defense in Naples, Italy, as Chief of DSCPE responsible for fresh food and beverage purchases for U.S. Military bases and ships in Southern Europe and Turkey. In 2002, Allen accepted a position as Division Chief with the Diplomatic Security Service, U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C., responsible for security related procurements and contracts at U.S. Embassies worldwide. 

Allen retired from that position in 2006. Subsequent to her retirement, Allen served as a consultant and contractor to the Diplomatic Security Service, regarding U.S. Embassy security contracts for Central and South America and Europe. 

Allen was repeatedly recognized for her diplomatic skills throughout her career and received numerous awards, including the Secretary of State Career Achievement Award, State Department Franklin Award and numerous Special Achievement and Special Act Awards from the Department of Justice, Department of Treasury, Department of Defense and Department of State.

Retirement allowed her to do what she enjoyed most, volunteering in her community. In addition to her work with the Log Cabin Quilters Guild, Allen volunteered with Tyrand Cooperative Ministries in Mill Creek.