president’s message
It was amazing to see so many members in attendance at the May meeting. There is so much excitement as I look back over the past year of my presidency and see how our guild has grown. For me, it has been a truly blessed year filled with outstanding speakers and workshops. A special thank you to Deb Johnson and Kathleen Bond for working so diligently to bring us such high-quality and unique presenters throughout the year.
I also want to share how much I enjoyed hearing from retired astronaut and quilter, Karen Nyberg, and learning about her incredible journey from mechanical engineer to astronaut, mother, quilter, and fabric designer. What an inspiring story! We should all be encouraged by what one person can accomplish when pursuing a dream. If you missed her presentation, her website is karennybergart.com. Another heartfelt thank you to Deb Johnson and Kathleen Bond for their dedication in bringing Karen to our guild, as well as to the Designing Women for being prepared to step in if needed.
Nominations 2026–2027
We have completed the nominations for the 2026–2027 Executive Committee slate of officers. I am excited and proud to announce the following:
· Co-Presidents: Kathy Spry and Karen Eads
· Vice President: Erin Sullivan
· Treasurer: Judith Dobke
· Secretary: Nancy Lande
Their installation will take place in July before our annual birthday party. A big thank you to Dana Swain, Cathy Day, and Dawnell Muecke for their collective efforts in presenting a full slate of officers.
Budget Update 2026–2027
The budget will be emailed and presented several days before our next general meeting. At that time, we will ask for a vote to approve the budget for the upcoming year, which will include the quilt show.
President’s Challenge – Hopi Elders
I encourage everyone to bring the beautiful quilts you have created for donation to the Hopi Elders to the June meeting. Many of these quilts have already been shared during Show and Tell over the past few months, and it will be wonderful to see them displayed together as a collective effort.
Membership
Dues for 2026–2027 will remain the same. Please remember to drop off your $35.00 membership fee at the front sign-in desk as you enter the meeting room. We would love to have everyone included in the directory.
Workshops
In June, we are fortunate to welcome Jaimie Davis (not me!) to share her quilting talents through a workshop on ruching, followed the next day by a class on the Baltimore Album quilt. Please sign up as soon as possible.
Opportunity Quilt
Raffle tickets for the Opportunity Quilt will go on sale at the June general meeting. Tickets are $1.00 each or 6 tickets for $5.00. We will also need additional volunteers to help display the quilt as new showing opportunities become available.
This year, we will accept Zelle payments for ticket purchases, with a minimum purchase of $5.00.
250th Anniversary Quilts
I encourage everyone to bring the 250th Anniversary Quilts, inspired by Joy Swartz’s challenge, to future Show and Tell presentations throughout the coming year.
Quilt Show 2026-2027
The theme for our next quilt show is “Just Raven About Quilts,” tentatively scheduled for June 11–12, 2027. The traditional Quilt Show Challenge will be presented at our next meeting.
I encourage everyone to begin thinking about how you would like to support this incredible event. The success of our quilt show depends on the participation and involvement of all our members.
July Birthday Party
July will be our annual Birthday Party celebration. Thank you to the committee and all those working behind the scenes to make this event special.
There is no need to bring your birthday drawing item in July. Those items will instead be due in August.
Closing
“I don’t know the secret to happiness… but I do know I have never been sad in a fabric store.”
Jamie Davis, President
membership
Welcome New Members! Let’s give a warm Thumb Butte Quilters’ Guild welcome to Sharla Peterson, Rita Anderson, Martha Ward, and Paulette Kersten! Between the four of them, these talented stitchers bring an incredible 75 years of quilting experience to our group. We can’t wait to see their creativity in action and get to know them better at upcoming meetings and workshops.
Friendly Reminder: The June meeting is the last day to pay your $35 dues to be included in the guild directory. You can bring your payment to the meeting or mail it to TBQ, P.O. Box 3457, Prescott, AZ 86302. The directory will be promptly printed after the meeting—so don’t miss out!
Dawnell, Shelli & Alicia – Membership Team
HOSTESSES
If you cannot attend the meeting when it is your turn to hostess by bringing a treat, please arrange to trade with someone. Plan to arrive early to set up and stay late for clean up.
June hostesses are Tony Castle-Buss, Kay Donald, Patti Gerlitz, Cheryl Giovenco, Marie Gniazdowski, Sheryl Goddard, Shelley Graham, Terry Grenier, Molly Haley-Burleigh, Sharon Harris, Liz Hart, Sue McIlwain, Karen Pizzuto, Maureen Romano, and Connie Sieh.
birthdays
celebrants – When it’s your birthday month, bring a wrapped gift suitable for a quilter, something you would like to receive, with a value of at least $10
Happy June birthdays to Cynthia Falzone, Kate Parsons, Dawnell Muecke, Alicia Czuzak, Kay Wentworth, Paulene Saskowsky, Cathy Day, Debbie James, Judi Kimbrell, and Carrie Casto.
community service
Handmade Hugs
In May the following donations have been made:
Yavapai Birthing Center (20 burp cloths, 19 receiving blankets)
PV Nursing and Rehab Center (20 quilts)
Prescott Village Nursing and Rehab Center (12 quilts)
Heartland Ranch (1 quilt)
Year to date a total of 671 items have been donated.
The next meeting of Handmade Hugs will be on June 6, 2026 at 9:00 AM at the Stoneridge Community Center. There will not be a Handmade Hugs meeting in July.
Sheryl Goddard, C0-Chair
newcomers
Newcomers had a wonderful year with new members and quiltyfun! Our last gathering for the 2025-26 year was putting together the small auction quilt from the many blocks made by our members. We laid it out on the design wall, stitched it together, quilted the other small auction quilt and the resulting topper is shown! Thank you ladies for a wonderful year…
Georgia and Maryellen, C0-Chairs
JULY PARTY
Please mark your calendars for the July TBQ Birthday Celebration. This year we will celebrate the birthday of TBQ and the 250th birthday of our country. We will serve a light lunch and enjoy each other as we celebrate. Wear your best patriotic party clothes and be prepared to have some fun!
Deb Johnson & the party committee