Presidents Message

Dear Woodturners,

 

It’s hard to believe we’re already at the Ides of March!  We’ve already had the club holiday dinner in January and excellent demos from CCW member Mike Grady and professional demonstrator Alan Stratton in February and March. The Programs committee has nine more months of programming lined up, starting with Charlie McCarthy on April 2.

 

The warming weather has me thinking about how I’ll balance my time in the shop with my time in the garden, and I’m grateful to have a variety of interests and the time to pursue them.

As I reflected on what to write about this month, I began thinking about variety, often called “the spice of life”.   Since I took up turning, I’ve turned bowls that barely clear my midi lathe bed and finials that are smaller than many of the shavings from bigger projects, laminations, green wood, punky wood, dry wood, and so on.   I’m still discovering techniques, practices, materials, and of course, tools to explore.   I’ve just mounted my first outboard project on my midi lathe and am learning the challenges and techniques for that now.  The exposure to different turners, projects, and perspectives that the club offers has been an important part of that journey.  I hope to keep learning and exploring new ideas until the day comes when I have to put my tools down.

 

Your club offers variety – not just in monthly demonstrations, but in the creativity and skills of all of its members.   Show & Tell at the meetings provides one record of that variety.   We also have a variety of programs including mid-month activities, sawdust sessions, Women In Turning (WIT) get togethers, virtual Coffee Hour, and a Facebook group.   If you're not a member, we’d love to meet you; we welcome guests at our monthly meetings, whether in person or via Zoom.  Follow the Guest Invitation link on the home page to let us know you’re coming.

 

The club functions well because many people are willing to share their time, knowledge, and talents. A big thanks to all that do that.  Of course, there’s always room for more; if you’d like to find out how you can contribute, let me, Dave Arnone, or any board member know.

 

As always, if you have any comments, suggestions, or questions about the club,  I’d love to hear from you.

 

-tom