Kristen Crouthamel, 10 Squared organizing committee member; Tandem Eischeid, Guthrie Center Elementary Principal; Devan Seeck, GCPTG Board Member; Lindsay Gilland, GCPTG Board Member; Shelby Lewis, GCPTG Board Member; Jamie Terwilliger, GCPTG Board Member
Special to the Times Vedette
The 10 Squared Women of Guthrie County held their third-quarter meeting of 2025 on Tuesday, Aug. 2, at The Port on Lake Panorama. A record seventy-one women attended in person or via Zoom, and the group welcomed four new members this quarter.
Ruth Owen presented on behalf of the Guthrie County Arts Council, Devan Seeck presented for the Guthrie Center Parent Teacher Group (GCPTG), and Abby Pudenz presented for the Panora Parks and Rec Board. After hearing all three presentations, the group announced that a total of $14,400 would be awarded to the Guthrie Center Parent Teacher Group (GCPTG). This donation consists of member contributions and several employer matches.
The Guthrie Center Elementary Parent Teacher Group, or GCPTG, officially formed in 2024, but its roots go back several years to volunteers organizing meals for teachers during conferences and Teacher Appreciation Week. Today, the group includes eight to 10 parents and teachers in the Guthrie Center school district working together to bring back the fun, enriching experiences that school budgets can’t cover.
Since COVID, field trips and hands-on learning activities have been significantly reduced. Experiences that were once staples of elementary school are now often considered extras. Last year, GCPTG helped send kindergarteners to the zoo and third graders to the historic Hitchcock House — real-world experiences that brought their lessons to life. GCPTG also supported teachers with gift bags, meals, thank-you notes and $50 each to help cover classroom needs. This year, the group hopes to increase that support to $200 per teacher.
GCPTG’s current major goal is to improve the preschool/kindergarten playground. The existing space is small and outdated — much smaller than what many children have in their own backyards. A new, safe, engaging playset is expected to cost between $15,000 and $30,000. The group is actively applying for grants but needs matching funds in order to qualify.
GCPTG recognizes that times are tough, which is why they focus on one major fundraiser each year — such as their successful Fun Run.
“GCPTG invites anyone who is able to donate, volunteer or simply help spread the word to get involved. Every dollar given goes straight to supporting our kids and their amazing teachers,” Devan Seeck said.
Anyone interested in donating or getting involved can contact GCPTG through the Guthrie Center Elementary Facebook page or by speaking with a GCPTG member.
“Whether it’s a donation, volunteer time or just sharing our story, you’re making a difference,” Seeck continued. “GCPTG is not just supporting a school. We’re creating a community where every child and teacher feels seen, supported and inspired.”
Seeck shared that one teacher in the group said she has never felt so appreciated, understood or heard, and that she would love to write a thank-you note to every single woman in 10 Squared to express how grateful she is that GCPTG was selected for this donation.
“All of us in the Guthrie Center Elementary Parent Teacher Group are incredibly thankful to everyone,” Seeck added.
10 Squared Women focuses on donating funds to local organizations that commit to putting those dollars to work in Guthrie County. The funds support a wide variety of projects that benefit communities and residents throughout the county. With this quarter’s donation, the group has contributed a total of $415,300 since its inception in 2017.
The 10 Squared Women group meets quarterly on the fourth Tuesday in February, May, August and November. Members in attendance hear from three organizations drawn at random from a pool of member-nominated nonprofits and then vote that night on the winning cause. The group announced that the Nov. 18 meeting will be held at Lake Lumber in Panora.
The group currently has 141 members and approximately 20 organizations nominated. They strongly encourage additional interested women to join with a goal of reaching 200 members.
For a list of the more than 30 benefactors to date, visit their Facebook page, listed at the end of this article.
10 Squared Women members are encouraged to talk with their friends, neighbors and family about the group and to share it within their social circles. While members are not required to attend meetings, they must attend either in person or via Zoom for their vote to count. All members are expected to make their quarterly donation whether they are able to attend and vote or not. The Zoom option has been well received, particularly by those with young children, those who winter elsewhere, or others who cannot attend in person but still wish to participate and vote.
The group is continuously seeking new members who are passionate about supporting their communities and Guthrie County. To learn how to get involved, visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/10squaredwomengc or email 10squaredgc@gmail.com. Membership forms and Frequently Asked Questions can be found on their Facebook page or by contacting them through Facebook or email.