This letter  will be both early and short as yours truly is heading out of town for a few days.

THE JUNE 19 meeting was another good success with about 30 in attendance (it dwindles a bit in the summer) but as usual we have some new faces in the crowd including one from as far away as Mystic, Conn. In fact we are attracting more and more folks from our neighboring states.

WE DID IT!!!

It wasn’t apparent at the time of our June meeting but a few days later Treasurer Bob Hopkins e-mailed the complete club roster and we have passed the century mark! WE NOW HAVE 107 MEMBERS! It’s a far cry from six years ago when a dozen of us gathered in Ken D’Ambrosio’s workshop in Saunderstown.

Active Participation

While the numbers are great, what isn’t so great is the amount of active participation in the club—i.e. people coming forth to demonstrate things for the rest of the members. We know a lot of people are new, perhaps novices and perhaps a little gun-shy. But the idea behind the club is that we all learn from others—their successes and their mistakes. One suggestion that works is to team up with someone on a topic. That way the stage fright is lessened. See Larry Dunklee.

Wickford Art Festival

This weekend, July 12, 13, is the big Wickford Art Festival. President Ken D’Ambrosio is still looking for club members to bring turnings for sale on the lawn of his Brown Street, Wickford business. Some of the proceeds will go to make a Wish Foundation. Come on down for a good time. Some 50,000 people visit this festival. Just call him at 295-8494 and he’ll tell you what to do.

Steam Engine

The steam engine boys (John Chakuroff, Tom Schwab, Larry Dunklee, George Nazareth) took their show on the road to Worcester and presented the engine and the project (on Power Point, yet) to a crowd of 300 men. For a finale, the steam engine worked like a charm! The club got an honorarium of $125 for doing this gig. Thanks guys.

Treasurer's Report

Bob Hopkins, our treasurer, reports that the treasury stands at a record $1,643. Recently a little dent was put into the treasury to buy more instruction videos. See librarian Bill Smith if you want to borrow something.

Coming To Woodcraft

Vice president Jeff Mee reports that famed hat turner Johannes Michaelson will be coming to Woodcraft in October and give a three-day class for 5-6 people. Cost will be $600 and you’ll end up with new woodturning skills and a wooden hat to boot. Watch for details at the store.

George "Segmented" Nazreath is in charge of setting up the "Twinning" operation with woodturners in England and so far eight members have twins across the Pond. George’s twin sent him a unique turned lamp, which will be sold at the art festival.

RAFFLE

As all members know we usually close each meeting with a little fund-raising raffle. Now there’s a new twist. Each raffle will include as a prize a $25 gift certificate to Woodcraft. It’s a nice gesture to George Snyder, storeowner, who lets us meet there each month.

WANT TO PARTY?

Jean Schwinn is part of the team setting up our annual outing on Sept. 28 on the waterfront just south of Wickford. She needs a headcount in order to formulate plans. Give her an e-mail at djschwinn@aol.com or call at 885-4125 to make a reservation. You can bring a guest but no children please. Cost will be determined but it won’t break you. Main entrée will be provided. Everyone should bring a dish. A big part of this is Ken D’Ambrosio’s famous auction where he will try to lighten your wallet.

THE PROGRAM

The program for the June meeting fell through but there was plenty of Show & Tell: Among the pieces: a mouse bank by Emilio Iannuccillo; a mortar and pestle and a double tapered rolling pin by Larry Dunklee; a blown up segmented bowl by Curtis Mason (damn carpet tape); a spalted maple vase by Mike Murray; a cedar mushroom by Jeff Mee; plumb bobs inlaid with Corian and a round box of mahogany by Curtis Mason.

The club has a mini lathe for loan. Contact Curtis Mason at CurtisWMason@msn.com.

As many members know, George Nazareth has segmented bowl turning down to a science. On the urging of Ken D’Ambrosio, videotape was made showing how George does his magic. And so, for our next meeting….