Happy October
October is here and a new season is here. There is a lot to talk about in this Newsletter. There is good news and some not so good. Hope you stay for the whole letter and take action.The good news in September included a Great Time at Matthews Alive. Neil McGuire headed up an awesome event for three days on Labor Day weekend. When it was hot outside, we had A/C inside, when it rained we had a roof and plenty of refreshments to keep us going. Plenty of people coming to see what we do. We gained over 100 emails from families interested in coming to our next Showcase (Only 6 months away).
For some of us this was our first Matthews Alive and personally I had a great time all 3 days. The following Tuesday, everyone who worked the event reported they had an exceptional experience as well.
It was fun to watch veteran members like Bill Dominick asking families if they were ready to start carving and newer carvers like Dave Clarke showing guests how the club instructed him through the learning steps of being a new carver.
Hello Carvers
Summer is winding down but not the temperature and the humidity. And Wild Acres is in the rear view mirror so no relief in sight for who knows how long. But we had great weather while we were there, just one evening shower during happy hour and dinner for the second class according to Bill Robinson. A BIG THANKS is due to Rod Gatlin for arranging this awesome retreat year after year. Great instructors as always. This year we were lucky to have Ron Dowdy and Mitch Cartledge with a variety of projects too numerous to list but I will have projects on hand into next year. Make sure you leave space available in your calendar next August, 2023.Now for something I hope we don’t have to do next year at Wild Acres and this will also serve as notice to those who don’t know. Bob Warner was unable to attend Wild Acres this year due to the passing of his wife, Pat, the week before. Many of us were blessed to know Pat and a tribute to Pat was offered by all attending the retreat this year. We all offer our condolences to Bob on his loss. God Bless Pat.
Hello Carvers
July was a busy month and I can’t remember too many days below 90 degrees including July 16 at the Matthews Farmers Market. Eight (8) members showed up to carve and talk with shoppers about woodcarving, our club, and our next Showcase. To that end, we collected 15 names and contact information to send out reminders next year when the Showcase gets closer. For the first time we were ready with a registration sheet for those that were interested. Thanks to Bob Warner we will have a registration sheet to use at all future events we attend.
Our next visit to the Matthews Farmers Market is this coming Saturday, August 6, 2023, from 8am to 12 noon. Please let Bill Robinson know if you want to attend. We need 6 carvers to attend.
It's Patriotic Month
Well, it’s July, and I’m writing my second message for the newsletter, and I’m late again. Maybe I’ll do better next month. Maybe not. We have already celebrated Independence Day and tried to blow up Charlotte. So I’m sure everyone with a pet is glad that’s over.Now down to business. Our books for the April Showcase are now closed. Our return from Covid was a success, and we stayed within the budget. A big thank you to Lisa and the show committee for doing a great job. We also have a new budget worked out for the next showcase and the 2022/23 club budget.
The carving world has lost a couple of major shows that did not come back after Covid. The main factor for closing the shows seems to be the lack of volunteers to do the work it takes to run the show. We have decided to keep our Showcase of Woodcarvings going for 2023, The committee is already meeting and in about 10 months we do it again. We do not want to become another show that closes its doors.
Hello Carvers
At this time last year I was getting used to being a full time resident of the Charlotte area, and enjoying dedicating Tuesday to nothing but carving. I wasn't sure if the next showcase was going to happen, and, if it did, I would take over for Bob Slaughter to handle the vendors and setup for the show. Then there was the summer celebration and Neil McGuire said we need help on the board and Vice President. After discussing this with Neil, I volunteered, and then I was V.P.A few months later Neil announced that he would not run for president for the next year and nominated me. So here I am writing the president's Message for the Newsletter, and I am late for my first message!
To take the easy way out I thought since many of you don't know much about me, I would do a short bio of myself so you'll know something about me. I hope more of you will show up on Tuesday's so we can meet in person and I can learn about you. Please wear your name tag, it will help us all.