Central New England Woodturners

 

Minutes of January Meeting
Submitted by Tim Elliott, Secretary

Outgoing president Ray Boutotte opened the meeting and then turned it over to new president Dave Eaton, presenting him with a gavel.

There were several new members/visitors. I tried to get the names down; my apologies in advance for any howlers on this list:

    Norma Hogan

    Joe McGill

    Mary McGuire

    Lisa Dadey

    Artie Ring

    Jeff Harren

    Dalton Laung

     

New treasurer Mickey Goodman gave a report, mostly based on e-mail from Richard DiPerna. Our current balance is $1200. Last year at this time, we had $3140. Last year, we collected dues earlier and had about $500 pre-paid prior to January. This year, some of our capital is tied up in our new club supplies store rather than in our treasury. Dues for 2006 are payable now. They are still a bargain at $20 per year.

Our newsletter editor and webmaster are both happy to accept submissions from the membership at large. Please consider writing something for them this year.

Reid confirmed that all checks have been mailed out to members who participated in the November fair at the Craft Center.

Reid also led a discussion on the Woodworks show scheduled for Jan 13-15 in Springfield. The Connecticut chapter already plans to bring 4 lathes. Joe Harbey asked whether CNEW should get its own booth to have more of a presence at this show. Six members showed interest, and may get together to plan for a stronger showing next year. This year, those attending will bring the CNEW banner and one mini-lathe.

The New Hampshire chapter is organizing the 5th New England Woodturning Symposium at Pinkerton Academy in Derry NH. It will be held May 13, 2006. On the day before, there will also be a Youth symposium. We are expecting more details as the time nears, but applications will be accepted beginning April 1. Cost is expected to be $50 for the day. Events include demonstrators, instant gallery, flea market and trade show.

Charlie Croteau has a friend who is willing to donate a substantial amount of dry wood to CNEW if we would make items to donate to a worthy charity. Many members showed an interest, so Charlie will proceed. He and Ray will aim to get a load of wood to our March meeting.

Norm Mancuso has been leading a five member committee, drafting an official policy document to govern future CNEW craft fair booth operations. Norm reports that they are now reviewing an initial proposal.

Some Woodcraft stores may offer CNEW members a 10% discount on "items with no electrical cord." But, we may need to again print membership cards to get this benefit.

Frank announced that the February meeting will again be our traditional open shops hosted by individual members. Several members volunteered to host, but a final list was not settled. Dave and Graeme are collecting names of possible hosts and will have details in the newsletter and website. If you would like to attend an open shop, it is your responsibility to contact the shop host prior to the meeting date for a firm RSVP and to get directions. Frank also circulated a survey seeking input on possible meeting programs for 2006. Please send any additional suggestions/input to Frank.

There was some discussion about whether we should have challenge projects (members are challenged to bring in a turned item reflecting an assigned theme). There was interest but no challenge for next meeting.

Wayne Moore, book librarian for 2005, noted that interest in the library was weak last year. Charlie Croteau, who has taken over as librarian for 2006, will assess our inventory and report back with suggestions. Al Faul reports that interest in the video library has been stronger.

Dave Eaton announced that we are relocating the CNEW website to a new hosting company: godaddy.com.

Ray gave a short description of CNEW activities for the benefit of prospective members.

New member Norma Hogan is starting a website for "local emerging artists." She already has work in a variety of media posted. Contact her if you are interested in becoming a participating artist: info@thecollectivearts.com .

Demo: Clive Hamilton - carving on turning. Clive made an impressive start on carving a portion of a mahogany spindle in a very short time while fielding questions from the floor and still giving every appearance of un-rushed calm. We voted to compensate him with a year's free membership in addition to the usual first pick from the wood swap