HAPPY NEW YEAR! Can’t believe we are into our 7^th year and by all signs, the club is healthier than ever before. A big change in 2002 was moving to the excellent classroom facilities at Woodcraft in East Greenwich and we are grateful to owner George Snyder for allowing us to use the facilities. The store has been instrumental in drawing new members to the club and we hope all of you continue in 2003 and encourage others to join as well.

TO JOIN OR RE-JOIN, all you have to do is pay $10 to Bob Hopkins, our treasurer. (31 Bethany Road, Wakefield, RI 02879—make checks out to Cash, we don’t have an account yet) That will entitle you to newsletters and other notifications from the club and of course your membership card is worth a 10 percent discount on all Woodcraft merchandise other than power tools and woodworking benches. (Hint: if you are not in a big hurry to buy that new power toy you’ve been wanting, Woodcraft has a power tool sale once a year. Last year it was in June.)

AS MANY MEMBERS KNOW Ocean Woodturners likes to help out charities. In the past we have helped the Hasbro Children’s Hospital and the Make a Wish Foundation. We now have a new one on the list—The Arc of Northern Rhode island. Long-time member George Nazareth is a principal in this organization which helps the retarded and George has suggested that the club’s members start thinking about making turned pieces that could be fund-raiser for the Arc"s $1.5 million campaign. If you are interested please see George for details.

SPEAKING OF MONEY, Bob Hopkins, our treasurer, reported that the club’s treasury stands at $1,017.60. Part of that reflects renewal membership dues.

TWINNING REPORT—As reported earlier, a group of woodturners in England wishes to establish a twinning relationship with us to exchange information and foster camaraderie. The Hampshire Woodturners Association contacted us a couple of months ago and details are being worked out between Chris West of the English club and our own Ken D’Ambrosio, club president. More on this will be presented at the Jan. 16 meeting.

VIDEO IN THE WORKS—all of us have been in awe of the segmented work that George Nazareth does and Ken has been pushing for someone to make a video of his procedures. It appears to be in the works but it may take awhile for the finished project.

CEDAR ANYONE?—Tony Winn has some cedar logs available for free. The logs are 16-inch in diameter and 4-5-feet long. If you are interested, call Tony at 885-1417.

NEED A LATHE? John Damon has one for sale including tools for $225. Call him at 737-1964 for details. (Check out the picture on the Classified page)

NEW/OLD OFFICERS—The nominating committee reported back and said that they spoke with the present officers and all agreed to stay on for another year. The slate was moved and seconded and the secretary cast one ballot as there were no other nominees. The officers for 2003 are Ken D’Ambrosio, president; Jeff Mee, vice president; Bob Hopkins, treasurer and Rudi Hempe, secretary.

MORE MONEY MATTERS—Craft supply has given the club a $150 gift certificate and after some discussion it was decided to spend half of it on video tapes and the other half to buy prizes for a future turning competition.

PROGRAM—Ken D’Ambrosio gave a detailed demonstration on bowl turning basics and along the way dropped quite a few hints on tricks he has learned. It was a very informative presentation and those of you who have taken his free private lessons know how much you can learn from this most talented turner.

Ken is willing to give small groups (no more than 4) lessons in his shop on Sunday mornings. Call him at 295-0987 to reserve a slot.

SHOW & TELL—Ken led the way with a tall, slender vase made out of box elder, George Nazareth presented yet another segmented bowl of contrasting woods and superb design; Ron Chatterley presented a peach wood box and a segmented bowl but the fun spot of the evening was when Les Flood again presented the martini glass he turned months ago and it still had not dried enough for use. We will pass the hat next time and buy Les a glass martini glass for use until the wooden one dries.

MORE WOOD AHEAD—Jeff Mee reported that Betsey Thompson, a Master Gardener who lives nearby, plans on taking down more trees and there will be wood available for the hauling. He will put out the word when.