Happy 2026 Sierra Mountain Quilters! 2025 was a big year for our guild. The bi-annual quilt show represented the talent and creativity of our members. Members sold Opportunity Quilt Raffle tickets, bringing in over $10,000 to support the guild for the next two years. Thank you. Cuddle quilt sewers (a person who sews) showed up strong, making quilts, pillowcases, wheelchair bags, isolate covers, belly bands, etc., that were delivered to multiple organizations to comfort and assist those in need. Thank you. The Spring and Fall retreats were filled with members and guests who came together for a common purpose: to create uninterrupted for a few days and let the kitchen staff feed and clean up afterwards. Programs were given by various members and outside speakers. Workshops brought us new techniques to learn and build our skills and camaraderie. Our last meeting was a warm, creative, and delicious Winter luncheon attended by 63 members at Bee’s Bakery. Thank all of you who hung your mystery quilts and participated in Show and Tell. Thank you, Teri De La Torre, for installing the 2026 officers with rules and wit. Thank you, Tina and Elizabeth, for opening up your restaurant for the Guild and making our last meeting of the year memorable. Thank you to the 2025 Board and committee members for working diligently all year. Your efforts have built the guild back up to 100 members. We have junior members who not only participated in the quilt show but also continued to bring their show and tells to inspire all of us to complete projects and proudly share with others. As America celebrates its 250th year, I am looking forward to honoring Veterans with Quilts of Valor presentations this year. As a 401C4, it is our mandate to give back to our community. The Mariposa ladies have made a beautiful quilt to be used by a community organization to help them raise money. If you know of a community organization who is looking for this type of item, please let me know. I am looking forward to this year listening, working together, and building a great bond between each member. Let’s talk to each other, not about each other. Let’s celebrate learning and growing. Let’s challenge ourselves and each other to build a skill we did not know we could. Let’s cheer and encourage others to visit and join in the fun. Let 2026 be a positive and join in the fun. Let 2026 be a positive and inspiring year.