Candidates for President
Please review the information below casting your ballot ballot.
Please review the information below casting your ballot ballot.
Renee Darkis
Originally from Terre Haute, Indiana, I spent most of my adult life in Vincennes. I worked for Purdue University as an Extension Educator for 30 years. I loved teaching cooking and nutrition early in my career but later added the 4-H program to my responsibilities. Teaching kids to sew, create, and learn responsibility was a highlight of my years with Extension.
In 2008 my husband Dan and I decided to begin the adventure of full time RVing. We loved that for about 6 years. We fell in love with Alamo and decided to become transplants in Texas. When we purchase a home with a “barn” for both of us I decided a longarm was going to be my new toy. I have enjoyed quilting over the last few years. I love to do things that are fun and out of the box.
I was President of the Guild for 3 ½ years. I really enjoy the challenge of helping the group try new things and have fun. The Guild has offered me many opportunities to learn and grow, something I want everyone to experience.
Originally from Terre Haute, Indiana, I spent most of my adult life in Vincennes. I worked for Purdue University as an Extension Educator for 30 years. I loved teaching cooking and nutrition early in my career but later added the 4-H program to my responsibilities. Teaching kids to sew, create, and learn responsibility was a highlight of my years with Extension.
In 2008 my husband Dan and I decided to begin the adventure of full time RVing. We loved that for about 6 years. We fell in love with Alamo and decided to become transplants in Texas. When we purchase a home with a “barn” for both of us I decided a longarm was going to be my new toy. I have enjoyed quilting over the last few years. I love to do things that are fun and out of the box.
I was President of the Guild for 3 ½ years. I really enjoy the challenge of helping the group try new things and have fun. The Guild has offered me many opportunities to learn and grow, something I want everyone to experience.
Kathe Letulle
It has been an honor to serve as your President for the past two years.
It has been my goal to ensure you the membership, visibility into the workings of The Guild is transparent. During my two year Presidential term the main goals have been, 1. The financial stability of The Guild with a reasonable balanced budget (Accomplished the past two years) 2. Revising the By-Laws to ensure the members have voting privileges on important issues. The Board makes recommendation on these issues and you the members make the decisions (Accomplished Summer 2019). There have been major strides toward these goals and I maintain an open door policy to all members.
Past experiences, as having traveled worldwide in Business as Property Accounting Manager for an Oil Field Firm, in Academic sector as Accounting Manager for a College Student Union, and working with several non-profits have been the training ground to allow me to propose policies to further the longevity of the Guild.
Leadership is providing opportunities and general guidance to officers and committee chairs and then monitoring progress. I am humbled by the amount of trust placed by the members to continue the many and varied Guild projects and wants these to continue into the future.
I am now enjoying owning my own small quit shop and living in the Rio Grande Valley full time.
I would be honored to serve the next two years as President of the Rio Grande Valley Quilt Guild.
It has been an honor to serve as your President for the past two years.
It has been my goal to ensure you the membership, visibility into the workings of The Guild is transparent. During my two year Presidential term the main goals have been, 1. The financial stability of The Guild with a reasonable balanced budget (Accomplished the past two years) 2. Revising the By-Laws to ensure the members have voting privileges on important issues. The Board makes recommendation on these issues and you the members make the decisions (Accomplished Summer 2019). There have been major strides toward these goals and I maintain an open door policy to all members.
Past experiences, as having traveled worldwide in Business as Property Accounting Manager for an Oil Field Firm, in Academic sector as Accounting Manager for a College Student Union, and working with several non-profits have been the training ground to allow me to propose policies to further the longevity of the Guild.
Leadership is providing opportunities and general guidance to officers and committee chairs and then monitoring progress. I am humbled by the amount of trust placed by the members to continue the many and varied Guild projects and wants these to continue into the future.
I am now enjoying owning my own small quit shop and living in the Rio Grande Valley full time.
I would be honored to serve the next two years as President of the Rio Grande Valley Quilt Guild.
Candidates for 3rd VP/Programs
Karon Jacobson
My name is Karon Jacobson. I served as Treasurer of the RGVQG for 4 years. I am also a Navy veteran and worked for more than 30 years as an administrative assistant and office manager for small companies, local and federal governments, and fortune 500 companies.
Although I’m fairly new to quilting, I have been sewing since high school; I am enthusiastic about learning more things.
I look forward to serving as Programs Chair for the next two years.
My name is Karon Jacobson. I served as Treasurer of the RGVQG for 4 years. I am also a Navy veteran and worked for more than 30 years as an administrative assistant and office manager for small companies, local and federal governments, and fortune 500 companies.
Although I’m fairly new to quilting, I have been sewing since high school; I am enthusiastic about learning more things.
I look forward to serving as Programs Chair for the next two years.
Laural Powell
My name is Laural Powell, and I would like to serve as the next 3rd Vice President/Programs Chair. While I have only been a member of the RGVQG since 2012, recently I have had the honor to serve on the Quilt Show Committee and the By-Laws Committee.
I worked for Non-Profit Organizations for over 30 years, both as an employee and a board member. When I moved back to the RGV, I started quilting with my mother. I quickly discovered quilting’s therapeutic aspects. In addition to being a creative outlet, I love the fact that there is always something new to learn.
I would like the chance to provide new creative learning opportunities to RGVQG Members.
My name is Laural Powell, and I would like to serve as the next 3rd Vice President/Programs Chair. While I have only been a member of the RGVQG since 2012, recently I have had the honor to serve on the Quilt Show Committee and the By-Laws Committee.
I worked for Non-Profit Organizations for over 30 years, both as an employee and a board member. When I moved back to the RGV, I started quilting with my mother. I quickly discovered quilting’s therapeutic aspects. In addition to being a creative outlet, I love the fact that there is always something new to learn.
I would like the chance to provide new creative learning opportunities to RGVQG Members.
Candidate for Secretary
Diana Wolf
I have served as secretary in other nonprofit organizations with 400 and 800 members. I have served on the board of the Kansas City Woodworking Guild, also president of the parents organization at two elementary schools, and was on the Board of the Missouri State PTA, and have lobbied at the state and local levels to provide better education experiences for our children.
When I can teach something and watch others grow their skills, it is fulfilling to me. Producing the newsletter has been quite the education for me; we have so many talented and generous members. I enjoyed transporting the quilts to and from our quilt show last year on Padre Island. Helping with the Bag and Tote event again demonstrated how our members are creative and sharing. I was happy to be part of another fundraiser for the Guild.
I look forward to being of more service to our Guild.
I have served as secretary in other nonprofit organizations with 400 and 800 members. I have served on the board of the Kansas City Woodworking Guild, also president of the parents organization at two elementary schools, and was on the Board of the Missouri State PTA, and have lobbied at the state and local levels to provide better education experiences for our children.
When I can teach something and watch others grow their skills, it is fulfilling to me. Producing the newsletter has been quite the education for me; we have so many talented and generous members. I enjoyed transporting the quilts to and from our quilt show last year on Padre Island. Helping with the Bag and Tote event again demonstrated how our members are creative and sharing. I was happy to be part of another fundraiser for the Guild.
I look forward to being of more service to our Guild.
3 Issues on Ballot
BUDGET: Per the By-Laws, approval of the yearly balanced budget is required. The 2020 Proposed Budget for approval will be effective 1/1/2020. Vote for or against.
SCHOOLHOUSE: The Guild Board Recommends that Schoolhouse Classes be increased from $10 to $20 effective November 2020. Vote for or against.
DUES: The Guild Board Recommends that the membership dues for 2020 be increased from $25 to $30 with no grandfathering of any member paying prior to 1/1/2020. The additional $5 for those who have prepaid will be collected by the membership chair via cash or check or prepaid members submit the additional $5 fee per the donation button on the website. Vote for or against.
