19 Jun President’s Message – July 2026

As I sit here staring at the keyboard of my laptop, I’m trying to find the correct words for my President’s message. However, my thoughts are really on what I need to accomplish before I board my flight to Colorado this coming Sunday morning! My husband and I will spend a few days at Mesa Verde and then we’ll drive to Durango, where I will take a three day “Curves, Curves, Curves” class with Annie Hudnut at “Stitch,” the store that I stumbled upon a couple of years ago. We’ll fly back home on June 28, and on July 1, I’ll board another plane, heading to Michigan for a visit with my almost 100-year-old favorite Aunt. My flight home on the Fourth of July will allow me just enough time to get organized and be ready to welcome all of you at our July 7 guild meeting.

It’s hard to believe that July begins the second half of our Guild year. Where has the time gone? Reflecting on this year, each month I have marveled at the works of art that our members share during Show and Tell. I wonder how each month can top the prior one! And I wonder where our members’ creativity and talent actually began. I am asking each of you to reflect on your early days of sewing and quilting: Who was your first teacher? Your first influence? Your first inspiration? We need to be ready to pass the baton, to share our passion with the younger generation. Share with them a gift that will last a lifetime!

While reading the minutes of our June meeting, my suspicions were confirmed: it was a meeting not to be missed. I was delighted to read how all of you honored Pat McMahon and our many Quilts of Valor committee members. Oh my! What an outstanding job they have done, honoring more than 1,000 service members over the past ten years. Pat is always modest for all that she does, and she commented to me several years ago that “the real recognition belongs to the ladies of CVQA who are so supportive of this committee.” Thank you ALL for your many efforts and tireless work. Pat continues to reinforce that it is a group effort, but without her leadership, it just might not happen!

At our July Guild meeting I look forward to seeing you and celebrating with you, America’s 250th Anniversary. Be sure to come dressed in your most patriotic duds and be ready to have some fun. In the meantime, please read Katie’s newsletter articles where she highlights board members’ job descriptions each month. Be thinking of what you can do in 2027 to make our Guild even better than it is.

Looking forward to our July Meeting…… Keep on Quiltin’………

Lots of Hugs, Joyce