22 Dec President’s Message – January 2026

I hope that your holidays were filled with happiness and the joy of being with family and friends, creating many fond memories. May this new year bring you contentment that lasts throughout the year.

What a fun way to end our successful 2025 year!! A fabulous party was held at the Williamson County Enrichment Center. As usual, Kay Fisher and her committee out-did themselves. Food was fabulous and plentiful; the table centerpieces were beautiful; and we played a fun trivia game that taxed our brains. It was a fun-filled day with lasting, happy memories.

Talk about lasting memories, my beautiful quilt will continue to help me hold on to those memories. Thank you Kay and your fabulous quilt-making committee for the gorgeous quilt that you presented to me during the meeting. The quilt is meticulously created, and in its stitches are contained many kind messages and thoughts. I know that many of you had a part in making this quilt happen. Many, many thanks to each of you. It is truly a treasure, beautifully created. THANK YOU to ALL.

2025 was a super successful year with the dedicated help of Michelle Braisted, Colleen Cassidy, Peggy Bowker, Shirley Garth, Katies Rawls, Mary Jo Harrison, and Beth Bryant. Thank you ladies for being part of our 2025 Board.

As I look forward to 2026, I thank you, once again, for trusting me to be your President. I’m looking forward to working with each of the 2026 Board Members. Returning are Colleen Cassidy, 1st Vice President (2026 Programs); Peggy Bowker, Co-3rd Vice President (Membership); Katie Rawls, Communications Secretary; and Beth Bryant, Treasurer. New to the Board, with fresh ideas, are Shirley Whittaker, 2nd Vice President (2027 Programs), and Kay Fisher, Co-3rd Vice President (Membership). Please note, there is still room for YOU on the board, as we are still in need of a Recording Secretary.

As we begin this new year let’s reflect on who we are as a Guild. What do we stand for? What do we want to accomplish? As stated on our website: The purpose of CVQA is to promote and perpetuate the art of quilting. Our mission is to educate, encourage, and maintain high standards of design and techniques in quilting and other fiber arts. In addition to monthly meetings, we offer opportunities for fellowship, philanthropy, learning, and (of course) more quilts through small groups and committees. While small groups cater to specific interests of members, the committees help plan and carry out CVQA business and events.

While I believe that we adhere to this statement, maybe we can do more. Are the small groups from 2025 continuing? Maybe others can be started. Let’s give this statement some thought. At this same time, remember committee sign-up sheets will be available at the check-in table. Please be sure to join at least one committee for this year to help achieve the CVQA mission while enjoying the fellowship of this amazing community of quilters.

Membership renewal time is January through March. Beginning January 1st we are encouraging members to renew on-line this year, doing your part to help build our member directory and making bookwork smoother for Peggy and Kay. Dues are $40, with no additional fee for using your credit card, but checks are always welcome, too. Katie and Patti will have their computers at the first few meetings to assist members with the renewal process.

With the energy of our membership, the wisdom of several returning Board members along with some new blood to “stir the pot,” 2026 should be another super year. Are you ready? I know I am!!

See y’all in January…… Keep on Quiltin’……… Lots of Hugs, Joyce