Meet the Board
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President - Norene Skiles
Norene is our new duly elected president. She served as Newsletter Editor for TQG from 2017 until 2023. She has served the board in the past has Head Librarian, Web-mistress (before it was an elected position), and several Night Chapter appointed positions over the past 15 plus years as a TQG member.
She began sewing at age 9, making doll clothes for her Barbie. Over the years she sewed clothing for herself and her two daughters, as well as home items as she moved around following her husband’s Naval career. Norene worked as a public school teacher and then Library Media Specialist with Virginia Beach Public Schools. She is currently retired and reports that she quilts everyday. She has two daughters (both quilters) and 4 grandchildren. Her only granddaughter has shown an interest in sewing , and Norene enjoys spending time teaching her those skills.
She began quilting with the birth her first grandchild about 20 years ago and has not stopped. Over the years she has made many baby quilts for co-workers and family. Since retiring, she has began working on larger quilts. The creative aspect of design is her favorite part of quilting. Some of her quilts involve creating her own fabrics, and most of her quilts are self– drafted, pieced and quilted. Machine quilting and piecing are her primary means of creating quilts.
Norene is our new duly elected president. She served as Newsletter Editor for TQG from 2017 until 2023. She has served the board in the past has Head Librarian, Web-mistress (before it was an elected position), and several Night Chapter appointed positions over the past 15 plus years as a TQG member.
She began sewing at age 9, making doll clothes for her Barbie. Over the years she sewed clothing for herself and her two daughters, as well as home items as she moved around following her husband’s Naval career. Norene worked as a public school teacher and then Library Media Specialist with Virginia Beach Public Schools. She is currently retired and reports that she quilts everyday. She has two daughters (both quilters) and 4 grandchildren. Her only granddaughter has shown an interest in sewing , and Norene enjoys spending time teaching her those skills.
She began quilting with the birth her first grandchild about 20 years ago and has not stopped. Over the years she has made many baby quilts for co-workers and family. Since retiring, she has began working on larger quilts. The creative aspect of design is her favorite part of quilting. Some of her quilts involve creating her own fabrics, and most of her quilts are self– drafted, pieced and quilted. Machine quilting and piecing are her primary means of creating quilts.
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First Vice President - Yvonne Moran
I am a Navy Veteran that currently works in the ship yard as a Project Manager in the Planning Department. I am still new to Virginia, moving here in August 2018. I previously lived in San Diego for 20 years. I am new to quilting (2 years) but I have an amazing quilting mentor, my mom. Currently I have completed 10 quilts and have 5 toppers ready to be quilted.
I have a dog (Sage) and I love the mountains. I am excited to be your new 1st VP.
It will be a challenge but I look forward to supporting the guild
I am a Navy Veteran that currently works in the ship yard as a Project Manager in the Planning Department. I am still new to Virginia, moving here in August 2018. I previously lived in San Diego for 20 years. I am new to quilting (2 years) but I have an amazing quilting mentor, my mom. Currently I have completed 10 quilts and have 5 toppers ready to be quilted.
I have a dog (Sage) and I love the mountains. I am excited to be your new 1st VP.
It will be a challenge but I look forward to supporting the guild
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Second Vice President – Bunnie Cleland
Bunnie Cleland is a long-time crafter and sewist (sewing artist) who fell in love with quilting in 2006, after her mother dragged her to a quilt show and 9-store shop hop. She was hired at a local quilt shop before she even finished her first quilting class...though she did go on to finish 12 quilts that first year!
As a former Navy Electronics Technician and Naval Nuclear Power Plant operator, Bunnie understands the importance of precision and accuracy. She discovered she has the talent for translating complex written directions into easy-to-follow instructions. This aided in the creation of Triangle Frenzy's detailed, step-by-step illustrations for experienced beginners and intermediate level quilters. She is also able to use hermy technical background in teaching sewing techniques to students, guiding them through the creative process that will help them succeed at quilting.
On the rare occasion when she is not quilting, she enjoys photography, digital scrapbooking, LEGO, trading pins, and organizing just about anything. Bunnie lives with her husband in Chesapeake, Virginia. They have two grown children.
Bunnie Cleland is a long-time crafter and sewist (sewing artist) who fell in love with quilting in 2006, after her mother dragged her to a quilt show and 9-store shop hop. She was hired at a local quilt shop before she even finished her first quilting class...though she did go on to finish 12 quilts that first year!
As a former Navy Electronics Technician and Naval Nuclear Power Plant operator, Bunnie understands the importance of precision and accuracy. She discovered she has the talent for translating complex written directions into easy-to-follow instructions. This aided in the creation of Triangle Frenzy's detailed, step-by-step illustrations for experienced beginners and intermediate level quilters. She is also able to use hermy technical background in teaching sewing techniques to students, guiding them through the creative process that will help them succeed at quilting.
On the rare occasion when she is not quilting, she enjoys photography, digital scrapbooking, LEGO, trading pins, and organizing just about anything. Bunnie lives with her husband in Chesapeake, Virginia. They have two grown children.
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Executive Secretary - Barbara Wyckoff
Barbara grew up in several states along the East Coast. One of four girls, sewing was always just a part of life. As an adult she worked on Capitol Hill, as a pre-school teacher and as a bookseller. Politics, children, books and fabric - those are a few of her favorite things! She took her first quilting class in about 1970. Back then there were strict rules - only 100% cotton (in the era of polyester) and all sewing was to be done by hand - very slow and steady. To this day she enjoys hand work - English paper piecing and applique. But thank goodness those old rules have gone by the wayside. Machine piecing and long-arm quilting machines are truly wonderful.
Barbara grew up in several states along the East Coast. One of four girls, sewing was always just a part of life. As an adult she worked on Capitol Hill, as a pre-school teacher and as a bookseller. Politics, children, books and fabric - those are a few of her favorite things! She took her first quilting class in about 1970. Back then there were strict rules - only 100% cotton (in the era of polyester) and all sewing was to be done by hand - very slow and steady. To this day she enjoys hand work - English paper piecing and applique. But thank goodness those old rules have gone by the wayside. Machine piecing and long-arm quilting machines are truly wonderful.
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Treasurer - Lisa Frieman
Lisa learned how to sew at a young age, but was introduced to quilting in 1993 by two of her shipmates in the Navy. She came to a TQG Night Meeting and was hooked. Her first position she volunteered for was as Night Chapter Librarian (back when there were 8 crates of books and we brought all of them to the meetings!). She started out as a quilter who only did everything by hand, but realized her bucket list would not get done if she did not also incorporate some machine work as well. She still loves to hand quilt, as that is relaxing to her, and is currently working on a whole cloth quilt (only during colder months-too hot in summer!). When Lisa is not working or quilting, she and her husband love to ride their motorcycles out on the back roads of Virginia and North Carolina when the weather allows.
Lisa learned how to sew at a young age, but was introduced to quilting in 1993 by two of her shipmates in the Navy. She came to a TQG Night Meeting and was hooked. Her first position she volunteered for was as Night Chapter Librarian (back when there were 8 crates of books and we brought all of them to the meetings!). She started out as a quilter who only did everything by hand, but realized her bucket list would not get done if she did not also incorporate some machine work as well. She still loves to hand quilt, as that is relaxing to her, and is currently working on a whole cloth quilt (only during colder months-too hot in summer!). When Lisa is not working or quilting, she and her husband love to ride their motorcycles out on the back roads of Virginia and North Carolina when the weather allows.
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Membership Officer - Kim Norton
Kim joined TQG in 2022 after she moved into the area. She has stepped into the role of Executive Membership Chair and is excited for the opportunity to become involved in the guild. Kim started sewing when she was 9 years old when her mother sat her down in front of a sewing machine and started teaching her everything starting with clothes and crafts in the 4-H program. After marrying her high school sweetheart, she moved away from her hometown of Midland Texas into the ever-changing arms of Navy life as a Navy spouse where they had two sons and moved a gabillion times all over the country and even overseas for a tour in Italy. Kim worked full time as an administrative assistant in many of the cities they lived in during her husband’s Navy career. She began to use her sewing skills to start piecing quilts making her first quilt in 1991 and she has not stopped since then. Eventually her interest in quilting led her to invest in a longarm machine and in 2009 she started A Busy Bobbin and began quilting for the public. In just a few short years Kim became one of the most in-demand longarm quilters in the Houston area. Her work has been displayed both regionally and nationally. After moving out of country and living in Bahrain for 5 years, Kim is now back in the states and continuing her longarm business in the Hampton Roads area. In addition to her edge-to-edge longarm quilting services, Kim teaches longarm free-motion, template/ruler quilting and quilting design.
Kim joined TQG in 2022 after she moved into the area. She has stepped into the role of Executive Membership Chair and is excited for the opportunity to become involved in the guild. Kim started sewing when she was 9 years old when her mother sat her down in front of a sewing machine and started teaching her everything starting with clothes and crafts in the 4-H program. After marrying her high school sweetheart, she moved away from her hometown of Midland Texas into the ever-changing arms of Navy life as a Navy spouse where they had two sons and moved a gabillion times all over the country and even overseas for a tour in Italy. Kim worked full time as an administrative assistant in many of the cities they lived in during her husband’s Navy career. She began to use her sewing skills to start piecing quilts making her first quilt in 1991 and she has not stopped since then. Eventually her interest in quilting led her to invest in a longarm machine and in 2009 she started A Busy Bobbin and began quilting for the public. In just a few short years Kim became one of the most in-demand longarm quilters in the Houston area. Her work has been displayed both regionally and nationally. After moving out of country and living in Bahrain for 5 years, Kim is now back in the states and continuing her longarm business in the Hampton Roads area. In addition to her edge-to-edge longarm quilting services, Kim teaches longarm free-motion, template/ruler quilting and quilting design.
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Newsletter Editor - Catherine Reilly
Catherine has been a member of TQG since 2020. Catherine grew up on the South Shore of Long Island in New York. As her three boys started to get older, she decided to take up quilting as a hobby. She has been quilting for about 20 years now, and decided that joining TQG was probably the only way to make new friends during a global pandemic. She will tell you that she was correct. She worked for Chase Auto Finance for 33 of her 35 years with the bank. She retired as the Vice President of Leasing in 2019 and decided it was time to move closer to her 4 grandchildren. Catherine is very inspired by the talented members of TQG, and looks forward to growing her skills as a quilter.
Catherine has been a member of TQG since 2020. Catherine grew up on the South Shore of Long Island in New York. As her three boys started to get older, she decided to take up quilting as a hobby. She has been quilting for about 20 years now, and decided that joining TQG was probably the only way to make new friends during a global pandemic. She will tell you that she was correct. She worked for Chase Auto Finance for 33 of her 35 years with the bank. She retired as the Vice President of Leasing in 2019 and decided it was time to move closer to her 4 grandchildren. Catherine is very inspired by the talented members of TQG, and looks forward to growing her skills as a quilter.
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Day Chapter Coordinator - Mary Witwer
Mary has been a member of TQG since 2018, and continues to be inspired by other members, as well as participating in fantastic educational opportunities sponsored by the guild. Fortunately, she grew up inspired by her mother’s multiple talents in sewing and crafts. Being taught to embroider at age five thwarted any complaints of boredom. As a Navy wife, sewing garments for herself and children naturally evolved into teaching English smocking in Boston (with her southern accent), which led to her fascination with all things quilting. On the professional side, as an LCSW, Mary retired with 30 years from City of Virginia Beach Mental Health Emergency Services as program manager. Needless to say, sewing was, and still is, her primary de-stressor. However, being among so many creative, positive and energetic quilters in TQG is by far a rewarding way to maintain positive mental health as well as increase skills.
Mary has been a member of TQG since 2018, and continues to be inspired by other members, as well as participating in fantastic educational opportunities sponsored by the guild. Fortunately, she grew up inspired by her mother’s multiple talents in sewing and crafts. Being taught to embroider at age five thwarted any complaints of boredom. As a Navy wife, sewing garments for herself and children naturally evolved into teaching English smocking in Boston (with her southern accent), which led to her fascination with all things quilting. On the professional side, as an LCSW, Mary retired with 30 years from City of Virginia Beach Mental Health Emergency Services as program manager. Needless to say, sewing was, and still is, her primary de-stressor. However, being among so many creative, positive and energetic quilters in TQG is by far a rewarding way to maintain positive mental health as well as increase skills.
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Night Chapter Coordinator - Valerie Ainsworth
Valerie had the honor and privilege of hand-quilting with her grandmothers and great aunts when she was in high school – that lit a flame – they never unstitched her work! On-and-off throughout adult years Valerie has made time to quilt. Raising a family reduced quilting time; instead, kids clothes/costumes, home décor, and activities reigned. Now with an empty nest, quilts are percolating, and new methods are in the works. Lifetime learning continues. Valerie plans to hand-quilt once her piecing & applique skills merit such loving care. Along the way she has spent 20 years leading worship with piano, guitar, mandolin, and other stringed instruments, and helped run Tidewater Friends of Acoustic Music. After a career in Data Analysis and Data Warehousing in healthcare, Valerie is quickly making room for retirement and adding new interests as a Naturalist and world traveler.
Valerie had the honor and privilege of hand-quilting with her grandmothers and great aunts when she was in high school – that lit a flame – they never unstitched her work! On-and-off throughout adult years Valerie has made time to quilt. Raising a family reduced quilting time; instead, kids clothes/costumes, home décor, and activities reigned. Now with an empty nest, quilts are percolating, and new methods are in the works. Lifetime learning continues. Valerie plans to hand-quilt once her piecing & applique skills merit such loving care. Along the way she has spent 20 years leading worship with piano, guitar, mandolin, and other stringed instruments, and helped run Tidewater Friends of Acoustic Music. After a career in Data Analysis and Data Warehousing in healthcare, Valerie is quickly making room for retirement and adding new interests as a Naturalist and world traveler.
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Saturday Chapter Coordinator - Betty Heck
After working in state and federal courts clerk's offices, I began my dream job of being a stay at
home mom in 2004 when we moved to Chesapeake. I started cross stitching reproduction
samplers and quilting in 2018 when my teenage daughter stated that I needed to stop making so
many scrapbook albums, she would never have room to store all of them. Not knowing anyone
who quilts I turned to youtube and my journey began. I would say I am a traditional quilter
who loves a good challenge. I am currently working on my first English paper piecing quilt
using hexagons. I joined TQG in 2023.
After working in state and federal courts clerk's offices, I began my dream job of being a stay at
home mom in 2004 when we moved to Chesapeake. I started cross stitching reproduction
samplers and quilting in 2018 when my teenage daughter stated that I needed to stop making so
many scrapbook albums, she would never have room to store all of them. Not knowing anyone
who quilts I turned to youtube and my journey began. I would say I am a traditional quilter
who loves a good challenge. I am currently working on my first English paper piecing quilt
using hexagons. I joined TQG in 2023.
Quilt Show Chair - Vacant
Raffle Quilt Officer - Rosemary Rooney and her Sea Bee
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Community Services Chair - Cindy Reno
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Technology Officer - Darlene Price
During a trip to the American Museum in Bath, England Debby fell in love with quilts. She had to wait until she retired from her job as a Child Protection lawyer following her marriage 14 years ago, before she had the time to indulge her love. Since then she has developed into a broad and eclectic quilter, enjoying. both hand and machine piecing, modern and traditional. Her quilting has benefitted from the opportunity to live in the US for the last 10 years and prior to that on an American airbase in Germany as her husband continues his military service with the Royal Air Force. Debby has filled a number of positions on the Board and is now back as Technology Officer for 2024/25
During a trip to the American Museum in Bath, England Debby fell in love with quilts. She had to wait until she retired from her job as a Child Protection lawyer following her marriage 14 years ago, before she had the time to indulge her love. Since then she has developed into a broad and eclectic quilter, enjoying. both hand and machine piecing, modern and traditional. Her quilting has benefitted from the opportunity to live in the US for the last 10 years and prior to that on an American airbase in Germany as her husband continues his military service with the Royal Air Force. Debby has filled a number of positions on the Board and is now back as Technology Officer for 2024/25