General Meeting of the Villages Woodshop Club
April 11, 2017
Laurel Manor Recreation Center
Meeting called to order at 7pm accompanied by the recitation of the pledge of allegiance led by President Mike Borfitz with a moment of silence for those in our club membership and their families.
President’s Report
Introduction of new members and guests - Welcomed new members and visitors, who then introduced themselves and shared a little bit about themselves to the group.
Membership and Visitor Tally - Our records show that as of the morning of the meeting, we have 881 dues paying members - with the additional 20, or so, toy painters. Since our last membership meeting we have entertained 151 which brings the grand total for 2017 to 557!
The Big Cherry Table – If you’ve been frequenting the shop the last couple of months, you couldn’t help but notice the natural (or live) edged cherry table. As I’ve reported previously, we agreed to donate the table to House in the Woods in Maine, a retreat for veterans and active soldiers. We’ve been waiting to add the finishing touches and to that end, in the last couple of weeks we added a plaque on which The Villages Woodworkers Club thanks the soldiers for their service. Additionally, medallions for each of the five branches of the service have been inlaid in the top of the table and Bob Thompson spruced up the finish. The Daily Sun and The Villages television station came in, took pictures and captured footage for articles on this endeavor on Friday. The table is on its way to Maine. We thank Doug Sukeforth for making us aware of the need and for making it possible to perform this act of good will on behalf of the Club. He promised pictures of the table in use!
Club Space – During the last week of March representatives from maintenance, tool crib, member merchandise, turners, carvers, certification, toys and the wood shed met to investigate better ways to use space, especially storage space at the Club. We agreed to pursue a number of good suggestions:
1) Bob Behrens shared the new guidelines of storage in the assembly room at the last meeting. Since then, they have been communicated with the total membership;
2) Bob Behrens will work with Bill McGinnis to create some additional storage space for the stained-glass people in the front room and Bill will be monitoring the time free or forgotten things remain on the tables in there;
3) Certification blanks and teaching aid examples will be stored upstairs together;
4) Instructors will be reminded to store only materials for one to two classes in the Education storage area;
5) Bob Bell and John Herega agreed to examine their inventories for items that have been around a long time or move very slowly. To that end, Bob has done so and has identified many items which he has discounted up to 40% to move out. Please check those lists for some good buys. They’re posted in the Shop and have been provided to Hans for inclusion in the next newsletter;
6) Hans will lead a “cleanup” session in the Special Project area;
7) Toys really needs some more storage space in the Wood Shed. They are doing their best to coordinate production to make items first for charities that have room to store the toys, but more area is still needed. A movement of tables in the Shed has identified a way to garner more area to add to the moveable storage units now installed. Figures are being worked up for that project;
8) Dave Adamovich, Bob Behrens, Steve Yovan and Conway Williams will examine, unused equipment, extra materials, infrequently used material etc. currently housed in the Shed which may be tossed, offered up for sale or given away.
Lost or Missing Items – As reported last month twelve 24” parallel Bessey clamps are missing. Face plates for the lathes are also not in the Shop. We urge you to look at your projects at home to see if you may have one or more of these objects. If so, PLEASE return them immediately. We will be reporting on the missing items each month. Remember, missing items translate into higher dues. It’s unfair to make others pay for some members “forgetfulness”.
Shop Restrooms - We are unhappy with the cleanliness of the restrooms and have complained to the contractor. In the meantime, we will look into alternate ways to accomplish the cleaning.
Assembly Room – Bob Beherns reports that the assembly area is looking good, members are keeping it clean and tidy, and thanks everyone for their efforts.
Department Reports
Toys– Conway Williams/Ron Gammon: As of the end of March we produced 522 toys, bringing our 1st quarter total to 1308 toys produced. In March we shipped 1116 toys, bringing our 1st quarter total to 1341, with a donation value of $9346. So far in April we’ve produced 154 toys and shipped another 40 with a donation value of $552. Our year to date figures; produced 1462 toys, shipped 1381 toys all with a donation value of $9898. Next Monday we’ll be selling toys at Spanish Springs Square from 5pm to 8pm.
IT – Mike Borfitz: The IT committee will be thin through the summer months. They are working to assure that all is in place and promise to be only a phone call away if we need help. You may have noticed that we also sent out a want ad for another IT type who knows hardware and operating to add depth to that area. Please contact Bill Pappas or myself if you’re interested.
Carvers - Bill McGinnis: The tall chair in the carver’s room is still missing. Any items left on the tables, marked free or unmarked, for more than three days will be tossed, as a result of space problems.
Lumber - Steve Yovan/Kevin Vanscoy: No report.
Certification, Monitor Training, and Mentoring –Dick Besler:
We’re almost caught up on new member certifications. The next certifications will be April 20th and 27th. If we don’t have any new members between now and then, the next certification will be May 4th. Reminded members that the 8-hour new member certifications are on Thursdays, don’t come to the shop expecting to be able use all the equipment on this day. Monitor training scheduled the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month. Mentoring program is working well, there have been no complaints.
Office Administration - Anne Bell: Not in attendance, reported via Alice Bessler, nothing new to add.
Education – Bob Mathews: Bob not in attendance. Mike advised that three instructors are putting together Safety information for each piece of equipment. The instructors will provide this information to members, before each class. This to remind members of the required safety practices. We all could benefit from this information.
Library – Cathy Kearns: Not in attendance.
Shop Administration – Dave Adamovich: The shaper motor blew a capacitor out, he repaired the capacitor and but it has gone down again. He’s had to take the motor out and will take it to Tavares motor shop for repair. The eight-inch jointer’s start button is stuck in the “on” position, which is unsafe. He’s ordered a switch, which is on back order.
Urn Project – Tom Miller/Alvin Corenblum: Not in attendance
Turners –John Herega/Ron Gammon: The next turners meeting is next Tuesday at 7pm. The demonstrator will be Ron Browning, who has agreed to offer hands turning; threading for lids, tops etc. New turning smocks are in stock. They do not make small smocks. There are approximately 26 face plates missing from the shop, please check your tool bags and to return them. Some of the turning tools are getting short and they may need to be replaced, after inventory is completed in May.
Safety – John Herega: Please try to keep the shop clean, that includes the assembly area. When you clean of top of table saw or lathe, clean the floor as well. Monitors need to pay more attention when people are working on the table saws, to see if they may need assistance. You Tube instructors start off about the safety aspect of their demonstrations. Our instructors will be doing the same, talking about safety before every class. The Intro to Turning Video class, will be done in the next month or two.
Board of Director – Bill McGinnis: Nothing new to add.
Special Projects and Website – Hans Zassenhaus: Not in attendance and no report.
Linda Samson reminded the woman of the club, of the Annual Ladies Luncheon at her home on April 19th at noon. See her if you haven’t RSVP’ed and would still like to attend.
Q&A on VWC Topics – There were no questions presented.
Show and Tell – Ron, brought in a spindle chair and explained how he was able to repair it. Jim Baumgaren brought in segmented book marks made from scrap wood. John Herega showed slides of matching short cabinets he to match the long cabinets he previously made for his laundry room.
50/50 Drawing: The club took in $98 dollars in tickets sold, with $49 going to the club.
Meeting adjourned at 8:10pm.
Next Meeting: May 09, 2017
Minutes scribed by Patty Porter, Secretary on April 17, 2017