January, 2005

Meeting Information: Saturday, January 22 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm

Hands-on Workshop with Mentoring Program

at   Russ Babbitt’s: 4691 Calle Cancun, Camarillo 93012

Free Lunch provided to paid up members!

Russ and Doug will be grilling again, plus salad and drinks.

The December 4th, Third Annual Holiday Social at the Geller’s was again an exciting success.  The instant gallery and gift exchange demonstrated the excellent quality of the work that our members produce and particularly demonstrated how quickly our new members are developing their skills.  A few photos (out of over 100 provided by Ron Lindsay and Art Waldinger) are on the Party page.  A CD with all of the photos will be available for viewing at the next meeting and will become part of the Loan Library.  Thank you to Lynn Geller for the beautiful table decorations and for offering the use of her home for the 3rd year!

President’s Comments:

2005 will be an exciting year for Channel Islands Woodturners.  First of all thank you for your support in selecting me your president for this year. [Al also served as president in 2003]  I am looking forward to working with everyone to make this year a great one.  We have a wonderful program schedule planned for you thanks to all of Joel and Paulo’s efforts.

Tim Albers of Mission Produce has requested that we turn more avocado bowls.  They will again donate $500 to our treasury.  Our goal is to turn at least 25 bowls.  There is no limit on size, shape, finish, etc.  Last year the natural edge bowls were the most popular so maybe we can turn a few more of them.  Tim will be bringing a truck load of wood for us at the January 22nd meeting.  Be there and get your freshly cut avocado.  This is one wood that’s easy and fun to turn! [See the photos at the bottom of the April 2004 newsletter. And the article in the American Woodturner vol. 19, #3, Fall 2004, page 42.]

The January 22nd meeting will be a turning workshop.  This year we are encouraging all members to use our club mentors. Lathe stations will be set up for specific lathe categories, i.e.; natural edge, open bowl, miniatures, spindle turning, and boxes. There will also be a sharpening station.  Bring your tools and any partially completed projects for help and suggestions. Don’t forget your safety gear!  See you there.

The club is also sponsoring a mentoring program at Cabrillo Middle School in Ventura.  Ten members have already volunteered.  We will be teaching woodturning to 7th and 8th grade boys and girls.  This is a great opportunity to share our love with the kids and to brush up on our own turning techniques and teaching skills.  Please call if you’re interested in joining in.

Our 2005 program schedule is still a work in progress.  Check the Program Schedule page each month as it is likely to change.  We hope to add additional traveling AAW demonstrators as they come through our area.  Please congratulate Joel on his fine efforts as Program Chair!

Best regards to you and yours in 2005 —– Al Geller

As a last note, please plan to pay your 2005 dues ($25) if you haven’t already done so.  They can be mailed to our Treasurer Ron Lindsay (make the check out to him not to CIW) or handed to him at the January 22nd meeting.  Our local dues support our loan library program and the expenses of the providing exceptional demonstrators from around the world.  We also encourage our members to join our parent organization the  American Association of Woodturners.   A list of membership benefits can be found on their webpage and the quarterly journal American Woodturner is worth the price of membership.

We will be handing out the new membership cards at the January meeting and copies of the membership list at the February meeting.  If you want to be on the official printed list now is the time to join.  You can join any time during the year, we always welcome new members, but now is the time to get into the printed directory! Contact any of the officers if you have questions.