The Villages Woodworkers Club
January 13, 2015
Laurel Manor
Meeting called to order by Mike Borfitz at 7:03.
The
Pledge of allegiance and Silent Time was honored by all members.
Mike asked that we keep Wayne Browns family in our thoughts. He was
found dead by his wife in his chair after lunch this past Saturday.
State of VWC Report:
Mike presented her version of the State of the Union for the Woodworkers Club for 2014.
A year
ago, at this time, I predicted that we might hit 800 members in the
coming year. Well, let me tell you we definitely fulfilled that
prediction. In February we hit the 800 number and by the end of
the year, the total number of dues paid in 2014 was 899.
Reflecting life, some of our members passed away; others became
incapacitated; and some will chose not to return. But it gives
you a sense of the numbers we are approaching.
We also accepted our first severely handicapped member. We worked with the Villages and drew from the expertise of one of our members to certify and provide a wheelchair-confined individual the ability to join the Club. Having joined, he did not make an effort to participate in the Shop: But the membership should be proud that they went the extra mile to meet the need.
In addition we entertained 1335 visitors during 2014 (at least those were the ones that signed the guest book.
Last
year at this time we welcomed Hans Zassenhaus, Charlie Murray and Clyde
Hamilton to the Board of Directors. To we will elect three new
Board members to replace our outgoing members- Richard Bender, Anne
Bell and Tom Miller. We thank them for their diligence and
efforts.
Our
building and facilities exhibited some signs of aging and growth.
Those of you who remain in Florida for the whole year will recall that
we had some pretty warm days in the Shop………because the AC failed.
The Villages quickly reacted to the issue and had two new units
installed. We closed for a day, but when all was done, we had two
new units to accompany the third unit which had also been recently
replaced. We should now be okay as far as air conditioning for
ten years or so.
Inside
the building our maintenance department strived to make the area we
have more efficient. Dave Adamovich expanded his staff to provide
more coverage. An additional first aid box was added near the toy
area; bins were constructed for instructor use; a magnetic strip was
added to the wall along the lathes and new vacuum drops were built and
placed along that wall; the tv area in the lunch room was redesigned to
create an area for the computer and little bins to store the
paraphernalia housed in there; internet access was added to allow
instructors the ability to draw from Utube and other sources for
classed; and the toy area we provided with drawers and cabinets to make
the best use of their small area. We also upgraded the chairs in
the carving area and the painting area. We were able purchase a
new sander to replace the oscillating one we had, a new radial arm saw
and a mini-lathe.
On the
Toy Department front, the “elves” (aka VWC members) continued to
produce toys, introducing some more sophisticated items. Through
November, the department gave away $46,086 worth of toys.
(Remember we are the ones who established the price/worth of the
toys.) I am sure if they were to be sold in stores, the value
would be much higher. We also established a partner in leadership
or second – command position within the toy area. Conway Williams
graciously accepted this position and has aided Dan Pallo in all
aspects associated with toys. It is the plan that when he
is comfortable with it, Conway will assume full responsibility for the
toy area…And of course we will then be looking for a new “seconded in
command”. Also in the toy Area, we established the new position
of Toy Painting Manager. Jo Haslo accepted this new position and
three shifts of toy painting. As a result of negotiation by Bob
Thompson we were happy to establish a relationship with Lowes who
provides some free lumber to the toy area. They join Ro-Mac who also
donates lumber from which the toys are constructed.
Safety
remained an extremely important aspect of the Club. There were
some incidents that required attention and caused us concern – i.e. two
injuries on the table saw; a nasty cut on the bank saw; a scary injury
on the lathe, a nasty all and a couple of incidents of
light-headedness. We carefully investigated these incidents and
made corrections to aid in not encountering similar situations
again. We strive to make safety important to all.
In 2013
Tom Miller, lead the Club into the endeavor of providing urns for
indigent veterans. In 2014, Alvin Corenblum, who just celebrated
his 92 birthday last week made it his goal to provide as many urns as
we could to this important cause. He created an assembly line to
provide the necessary urns. Together he, and his workers, built 177
urns to allow our veterans to be buried in dignity.
Our
Special Project efforts also saw change. In November of 2013 Bob
Thompson assumed leadership of the Special Project area. He
established a schedule for accepting projects on Monday, Wednesday and
Friday of the week. It worked well and projects big and small,
were delivered to the community. In November of 2014 Bob stepped
down. Hans Zassenhaus assumed leadership. At the same time
an ad hoc committee convened to establish new guidelines for accepting
special projects, with a sensitivity to not take business away from
local establishments, not reproducing things that are generally
available in the commercial work, and keeping an eye towards the
general usage of space in the Shop.
The
Carving area produced an “Introduction to Carving” video and offered a
beginning class. A number of members stepped forward to try their
hands at carving. The carvers continue to reach out to the
membership of the Club and to provide bridges between that part of the
Shop and the other members.
Of
course, what is a year without controversy? I was responsible for
creating what became known as the “Glue War”. When I suggested that
members be responsible for purchasing and using their own glue, an
uprising replied back and advised me to the negative sides of such a
suggestion. In the end, a compromise was worked out and Type I
and Type II glue still remained available to the members with Type III
offered as an item for purchase. The responsibility for filling
the bottles was transferred to the Tool Crib and I think that everyone
won in the end.
We
participated in Colonial Days last year and decided to provide some
item for purchase. Linda Samson hawked the card holders; the toys
were up for sale and some pens and small bowls were purchased. In
the end we netted $877 for the Club.
In the Lumber area, Murry Bishop and Ernie DeSantis who had worked together for a long time to make sure the Wood Shed was well provided with lumber decided to turn the reins over to new members. To that end, Steve Yovan assisted by Kevin Vanscoy, agreed to assume responsibility for the ordering and distribution of lumber to the membership.
And of course to close the year, we once again celebrated the holidays with a membership Christmas Party, a raffle for hand-made items, and door prizes galore. We celebrated our biggest event to date by gathering at the Savannah Center. Approximately 325 of us attended – the largest group to date.
Alice Besler, lead the effort to make sure we had items for the chance drawing as well as door prizes for the guests. In the end, we realized between $3100 and $3200 dollars for the Club.
Now we are faced with another year with challenges about which we may not yet know. What I do know is that this Club is filled with the most generous and hardworking people anyone can imagine and as challenges arise, I know that we will meet them head-on and continue to make The Villages Woodworkers Club a premier part of the Villages.
Reports from committee heads:
Certification and Monitor Training – Dick Besler
The next Certification will be Jan. 22. The classes are booked thru March. During certification, if anyone in the shop would like to stand in when any machine is being explained they are more than welcome. Dick is working with the safety committee to make sure there are videos made for all new equipment. There have been problems with members placing the safety guard on the table saws incorrectly. If you are not sure how to do it please leave it on the table for someone to place it on correctly to prevent any mishap. To all monitors, there are video’s on all of the equipment so you may want to review the video’s before your scheduled time, especially the new equipment.
There will be monitor training on the 15th, 22ed, and the 29th of Jan. There will be three in Feb. and three in March, the 4th, 11th, and 18th. of each month.
Office Administrator – Anne Bell:
Anne reminded the membership that if they have not paid their dues by January 31, their name will be taken off the rooster and they will not be allowed in the shop area.
Education – Bob Mathews
Classes will end at the end of May. There are 60 classes with 34 different types of classes. Bob thanked all of the members who gave so much time and effort to make it all happen. Bob would like to see some of the carvers venture into the main shop for education and some of the shop member’s check out the carving area. Bob asked if anyone had a talent they would like to share to please contact him.
Shop Administration – Dave Adamovich
Dave is on a cruise right now, but wanted me to report that he was very pleased with the Clean-up day. Nearly 75 people showed up to help and almost all of the work was completed by early afternoon. He and Mike thank you all.
Toys – Conway Williams/Ron Gammon
Conway reported that 5,523 toys where shipped by the end of December. The challenge for 2015 will be keeping up with the orders. One group would like 20 wagons a month. Another group would like 4,000 toys this year along with the 26 other organizations what request toys. It means we would be doubling what we do now. We had a short fall of over 1,000 toys in 2014. If any member has a little time to donate to the toy area please do so.
Urn Project – Tom Miller
We have 35 urns ready to go where needed. There will be 50 by the end of the week. We do receive free wood to make them. Alvin is looking for helpers and there are some classes you can take.
Colonial Days – Mike
Colonial Days is a week from today, January 20 in the Paddock Mall at Brownwood. Demonstrators have been limited to two booth areas. We will actually be in a larger demonstration tent rather than a booth. We will be raffling off four pieces. Toys will be exhibited and for sale. Card holders and pens will be on sale. The turners will be demonstrating turning on a min lathe. Carvers will be demonstration carving. Please stop by.
Christmas Party 2014 – Mike
As the pictures show (slide show of pictures from the party) and those of you who attended can attest the Christmas party was a great success. We had about 325 members and guest in attendance. The real learning for us was that we needed to approach the food for a group that large a little differently. Plans are already underway to make sure that there is plenty of food for this year’s party.
Safety/Turners – John Herega
Turner’s meeting on Tuesday January 20th. at the shop at 7pm. Ron Browning will be the demonstrator. There will be wood for sale.
Safety has been very good. We have a good safety record. If something does happen when you are there please keep your cool.
Please be aware that the floors can become very slippery with the sawdust and any liquid that may spill. To prevent any accidents make sure you clean up the area’s you are working in.
John reminded the members that there are items for sale, new T-shirts with air brush, aprons and regular T-shirts.
Board Comments: Jim Spallone
Jim thanked the three outgoing Board members for their hard work this past year.
Election Results:
There were four candidates to fill three slots.
Elected to those three seats where Ed D’Hart, Bill McGinnis and Frank Giaccone.
A question was asked about limiting membership. Mike said that was an ongoing discussion.
Break from 7:52 to 8:02
Show and tell:
Alice Besler showed a segmented bowl and platter, some wood used oak, cherry, canary black limba yellow heart and paduk
Tom Miller had a segmented urn from walnut and oak
Richard Bender displayed several jewelry boxes that classes will be offered for.
John had some carvings from cypress
Raymond showed some holiday carvings
Andy Miller showed a gecko carved form walnut, aspen and purple heart.
Max a segmented piece from walnut, maple, oak and cypress
50/50 $35, $25, $24
Meeting adjourned at 8:20
Minutes submitted respectfully by Sandy Moraco, VWC Secretary