Talent abounds in this group of quilters.  I am constantly amazed at the works of art quilters generate.  This group is no exception. I asked to visit their meeting one week to learn what it is that they do.  I was fascinated with the Guild's purpose and with the quilt projects of the members who were present.

The Oroville Piecemaker's Quilt Guild, Inc. is a non-profit organization.  They are some 125 members strong and still growing. Members consist of men and women.  Hooray for the liberated men in this group! It sure was nice to see that men enjoy quilting also.  The members meet every Thursday at the grange hall in Palermo. The meetings are not only social gatherings, but also workshops wherein several tasks are accomplished. Incoming officers for 2000 are:  President, Terri Russell; Vice President, Jerry Winkler; Secretary, Phyllis Huss; and Treasurer, Auda Hill. 

The day I was there, the Guild members present were working on the "kiddie comfort" quilt project. In 1998, this group of very generous women and men donated 275 kiddie comfort quilts to Child Protective Services here in Oroville. They continue to donate quilts to Child Protective Services but now have included donating to Senior Care Centers as well.  Also, a special donation of children's quilts were sent to Kosovo this year.

Quilts will be given to newborns of families in need at the Oroville Hospital this December. The Guild also makes turbans for cancer patients who have lost their hair. Another project is the making of "worldly goods" bags for older children who have unfortunate home situations and have to leave their homes. These children rarely have anything they can put their "worldly goods" into. The Guild is now providing for that need.

In May of next year, the Guild has scheduled a Quilt Show at the Palermo Grange. They will be raffling the Opportunity Quilt at that time. Click here to see a photo of the Quilt and find out how you can purchase your "opportunity" to win this wonderful work of art.

There is an evening group which meets on the third Thursday evening of the month at 6 p.m. at Palermo Grange Hall. These meetings are open to prospective new members (two visits), present members who work during the day, and any of the daytime members. All general meetings are open to anyone interested in quilt making.  The Guild encourages people to visit a meeting to see if this is for them.

The Guild does accept donations of fabric. Cotton is preferred. I just wish I could find some time in my schedule. Who knows, perhaps I could learn this magnificent skill of quilting, and at the same time visit with some of the exceptionally delightful and generous people in our community.

                                                                             By:  Shirley Bugado, ChoiceNet Connections