The Villages Woodworker’s Club

General Membership meeting

October 14, 2014

Laurel Manor

The October 14^th Membership meeting was called to order at 7:02pm.

 
After the pledge of allegiance and a short time of silence to remember members who have passed or those needing help, the meeting proceeded.

 
New members and/visitors were asked to identify themselves and share their interest in VWC.

 
Membership and Visitor tally:

Mike Borfitz reported that the membership for 2014 stands at 873 – the most it has ever been.

This number included 94 new members in the same time frame.   As of October 13^th, we have 57 members who have paid dues for 2015.

The visitor tally for the past month rose slightly from 69 to 77.

Department Reports:

Safety/Turners-John Herega:

John reminded the group that the Turners meeting will be on Tue. Oct. 21^st at the woodshop at 7pm.  The demonstrator will be Ron Browning.  He will be making small Christmas ornaments.

John informed the membership that parts of the Beal polishing system have been destroyed because someone used it to polish metal.  If any member sees someone using it for other than wood he or she should inform the user immediately that it is for wood only.

The new vacuum system for over the lathes should be complete by the end of next week.

The class signup sheet for CPR is at the front desk.  As soon as there are enough members signed up the class will be scheduled.

John showed a video of the causes for some of the accidents that occurred this past month.  He pointed out the correct way to use some of these machines.

John pointed out by video the new digital message machine over the door going into the assembly room. This will inform members of what is happening safety-wise in the shop.  All accidents must be documented.

John also showed a video on the new sliding compound Miter saw.  He explained the different positions and what the arrows represented.

Board Comments – Jim Spallone

Jim informed the members that there are four qualified candidates to fill the three positions on the board for 2015.  These candidates will be presented at the December meeting.  There will be a ballot vote at the January general meeting.  There will be absentee ballots at the front desk.

These candidates will have their bio’s on the website.  Jim thanked Ernie DeSantis, Ray Roberts and Dave Adamovich for their hard work as the nominating committee.  There can be nominations from the floor at the December meeting. These nominees will have to explain at that time why they should be elected.

All of the present officers on the Board have agreed to stay on for another year.  However nominations will be taken from the floor for these positions:  President, Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary.

There have been some changes in the By-laws that will be voted on at the November meeting.  These changes need to be approved by the general membership and are on the website for review.

Carvers – Bill McGinnis:

Bill reminded the members that the sharpening tools in the carver’s area are for the carvers only.  Some turners have been using these machines to sharpen their tools and have destroyed some equipment.  Because of this, one of the sharpeners will be locked down.

Members need to be trained on how to use the Fordem 10hp with carbide bits.  Everyone should wear an apron and clean up after themselves.

Certification/Monitor training- Dick Besler

There will be monitor training on Oct. 15^th and the 22^nd.  Everyone needs to redo the monitor training every two years.  The end of the year is coming up so Dick has scheduled three monitor training classes for the November and December.

Certification is scheduled for next week and there will be, three certification classed in November and December.

Office Administration:  Anne Bell

Dues for the year 2015 are $55 and the front office has started to collect them as of October 13^th.

Education- Bob Mathews:

The fall classes are in full swing and going well

Special Projects:  Mike Borfitz

As previously announced, Bob Thompson’s tenure as leader of Special Projects will be over Nov. 1^st.

The club is  very grateful for the endless time Bob has spent this past year in Special Projects.  Through the month of August, the Special Projects area has cleared $33,628.33.

The Club is still looking for someone to lead this department. There have been changes made that will be instated after November 1^st.  The Special Project area as created to be a part of the civic outreach commitment contained in the by-laws.  The intention is to maintain the focus on the civic nature and reduce the focus on the large pieces that are easily available in the commercial world.  Hans Zassenhaus, has offered to be a part of the leadership in Special Projects, but only if he can get some of the members to help him in the leadership role, not to mention members who would take on a project or two.   Mike showed the new rules on the slide projector and asked the membership to consider volunteering to be a part of this effort.

Toys- Dan Pallo:

Ron Gammon said the Toy Department would be in Sumter Landing on the Square Thursday October 16^th.

Urn Project – Tom Miller:

Tom reported that Alvin Corenblum had completed 60 urns last month. Tom sent all but 2 to the Tampa club.

Tom had two requests locally this month for the urns.  Alvin has assembled some kits that anyone can take and glue together and put finish on them.  Most of the wood is supplied by the Tampa club and we have funds to reimburse for other supplies.  Anyone can make an urn, the size is not too crucial since most of them go into the ground.

Website – Hans Zassenhaus:

The website is up and running.

Colonial Days – Mike Borfitz:

After discussing The Villages changes for the 2015 Colonial Days, the Club  decided to participate again, featuring much of what has been offered  before, but in a pared down version.  Mike gave a brief description of the Colonial Days, for the new members.   A chance drawing will be added that provides visitors to Colonial Days the opportunity to buy tickets for a couple of pieces that they might hesitate to purchase for full price.

The event is Tuesday January 20^th at Brownwood. Charlie Murray has agreed to lead this effort again with involvement of most of the folks who have participated the previous two years.  He would welcome any new member.

Christmas Party 2014:  Mike Borfitz

Mike reported that Alice Besler has volunteered to oversee the chance drawing and the door prizes.   Alice’s has already collected several items for both.

Sandy Fuller has agreed to handle the food this year along with several volunteers. 

The party is at  the Savannah Center which is able  to seat 350 people. Spouses and/or significant others are urged to attend with a member.  The party is December 8.

Break time 8:17 to 8:27

Mike reminded the members that there are items for sale in the back of the room.

Show and Tell

Hans Zassenhaus did a wall hanging with a green glass insert.

Andy Mctear showed two segmented bowls.

Tom Miller brought in two different patterned cutting boards.

Tom Labie a carved wooden plaque.

50/50   $18, $15, $14

Meeting adjourned at 8:40pm

Minutes respectfully submitted by Sandra Moraco, VWC Secretary