General Meeting of the Villages Woodshop Club
March 14, 2017
Laurel Manor Rec Center
Meeting called to order at 7pm accompanied by the recitation of the pledge of allegiance led by President Mike Borfitz and a moment of silence for those in need.
President’s Report
Mike welcomed new members and visitors, who then introduced themselves and shared a little bit about themselves to the group.
Our records show that we have 878 dues paying members. Of interest in 2016 we had 151 new members, as of March 13th we have 29 new members for 2017. We’ve entertained a lot of visitors this year, 122 in January. 189 in February and as of March 13th 113 visitors. The front desk volunteers always welcome help from members to give tours to our visitors.
Hoe-Down-Days – Was held on Saturday February 18th, at the Polo Grounds. This is a new event sponsored by the VHA. They were charging for parking, there was no admission fee. We took 116 kits for the kids to put together and some cars. The event began at 10am and by 1pm we ran out of kits and cars. The pictures on the screen show the kids having a great time. This was a fun event.
Mike asked for a straw poll, concerning the self-study course on “Introduction to Turning” which is almost ready to be rolled out, members were asked if they would rather receive the CD-video of the four chapters in their packet or review the video on-line via the VWC website. The vote was almost split with a few more indicating they would rather have the CD in hand. John Herega announced that members would be given a choice to either receive the video or view on-line. He reported that the quiz is an open book test and will be completed in the near future.
Department Reports
Toys – Conway Williams: Production for February 2017 was 386 toys giving us a year to date at month end of 786. As of March 14th, we’ve produced 198 toys giving us a current year to date of 984 toys. Shipping in February was 137 giving a year to date at month end of 225 plus 620 through March 14th, current year to date of 845 toys shipped with a donation value of $4092. We also made $245 at Spanish Springs for toys on the Square and $445 in donations. We received $445 from Joe Stone’s Wednesday Euchre group. This group gives in honor of Glen Schaffer who worked in toys for many, many years. The next date for toys on the square will be at Spanish Springs Square on April 17th.
IT, Video Production and PR -Mike Borfitz: IT has added surge protectors to all the computers. Two additional budgeted computers will be purchased in the near future.
Carver’s – Bill McGinnis: No report.
Lumber – Stephan Yovan: Steve and Kevin Vanscoy presented a slide show of who, when, what and where to purchase wood. Steve reminded all that they sell turning blanks to club members too and Bill McGinnis announced the club also sells carvers wood as well. The upcharge on the wood is to cover payment of the delivery charges we are charged by our vendors Hood and Tri-County.
Certification and Monitor Training – Dick Bessler: Nineteen new members waiting for certification. He will add another week in April for Certification. Reminded all that Monitor training has to be done every two years for every member. He will have three monitor training days in March and then will scale back in April to the regular two training days. Mentoring program is working out okay. Has had some new members ask for assistance via the Mentor program.
Office Administration – Anne Bell: Not in attendance, no report.
Tool Crib and Storage – Bob Beherns: Bob provided an overview of the requirements for long and short term storage of projects and wood. Additionally, there are limited number of clamps, and glued projects do not need to be clamped overnight, per the glue manufacturer, they need to be clamped 25 to 30 minutes. Dave Adamovich, Shop Adm. reminded all while their project does not need to be clamped overnight, their projects do need to dry for at least 24 hours before using on any of the machines. Bob reported any project or wood without a name or written identification will be thrown away or sold. Wood past the storage period may be resold as a shop donation as well. Bob reported that there are 12 Bessie Bell clamps missing from the shop along with a Craig Fixture machine used for making shelves. He asked if anyone has these items to please return them. Mike advised that the monthly VWC newsletter, will have an ongoing report of missing items from the shop.
Shop Administration & Maintenance – Dave Adamovich: The dual drum sander is down. Manufacturer is making something to make it operational. Estimated time of repair unknown.
Special Projects and Website - Han Zassenhaus: Intake of special projects are on hold until April 17th. There are a lot of small projects that need to be completed. The cardholders and slant boards continue to sell rapidly. Mike announced that a “Help Wanted” email will be sent asking for volunteers to work special projects.
Chairman Board of Directors -Bill McGinnis: No report
Education- Bob Matthew: Not in attendance, no report.
Library – Cathy Hearns: Not in attendance, no report.
Urns – Tom Miller: Not in attendance, no report.
Turners - John Herega: The self-study course “Introduction to Turning” is almost completed, the open book quiz remains outstanding. The next Turner’s meeting is next Tuesday at 7pm. The demonstrator will be Lee Sky from Ft. Lauderdale and snacks will be provided after the meeting. John reminded all to return all turning equipment to the shop, that may have been inadvertently taken home. Asked members to not use a drill on their project when it’s in the Coles Jaw. It causes the Coles Jaw to become loose -which happened to lead to an incident this past week, when the Coles Jaw came apart, and flew off the lathe past his head and into a member’s tool bag on the floor. Reminded all to double check every piece of equipment they go to use, make sure it tightens, and switches are turned off, before plugging in etc.
Safety – John Herega: Reminded everyone to use face shields. The safety procedures for instructors to use as review in their classes is almost completed and will be rolled out shortly. Announced members are not to use any lacquer based products, including sanding sealer, in the finishing room. These products must be used outside or at home. John will be keeping the front desk scrolling message board up to date himself with updated club and equipment information.
Member Apparel – John Herega: Members can purchase new tan apparel from Custom Apparel located at Southern Trace Shopping Plaza. John announced he’s selling for half price the old green shirts and tee-shirts during the break.
Q&A on VWC Topics: Mike asked if any had questions, there were no questions presented.
10- Minute Break - Mike reminded all that there were shirts and hats for sale in the back of the room.
Show and Tell
Steve Yovan brought in his cherry beryl vase; Ray Roberts showed his art piece made from an unknown dark wood found behind the shop; Max Bonsteadt showed his ebony putter; Kevin Vanscoy showed his large cutting board he made for his son in-law; Jerry Leinsing brought in a variety of boxes he made; Steve Mendleson showed his soft ball carving and Elliot Chance brought in his cutting boards.
50/50 Drawing: The club took in $116 dollars in tickets sold, with $58.00 going to the club.
Meeting adjourned at 8:10pm.
Next Meeting: April 11, 2017
Minutes scribed by Patty Porter, Secretary on March 16, 2017