John Hardin, Woodworkers Club President
Michelle Kouri
Since our last meeting in February, a lot has been happening in the SaddleBrooke Woodworkers club.The Feb. 7 Activity Fair provided an opportunity to describe and entice new members to our club. Additionally, dozens of visitors signed our petition for dedicated community work space.
During that event, club president John Hardin was approached by a SaddleBrooke resident who asked if someone could restore two antique tables. John did not hesitate to accept the project and presented the finished tables a couple of weeks later. The resident was so impressed and appreciative that she presented a generous donation to the club. John is now in the process of restoring a large credenza currently in the SaddleBrooke One Clubhouse Women’s bathroom. Since the project is quite involved, other club members have volunteered to assist. Meanwhile, a large group of club members volunteered to refinish table tops used in a SaddleBrooke TWO Preserve recreation room. These projects must be performed in club members’ garage workshops, which often means their personal cars must park outside while the project is being completed.
Several meetings ago, the club began an agenda segment called Show and Tell. Snowbird members are often not able to showcase their creations because they remain in their home state. To accommodate these unique circumstances, the club board offered an opportunity to make a power point presentation of their project. Member and luthier John Grosh was the first to try this medium. His excellent presentation showed how he built his curly maple mandolin, but is saving his guitar for his November return to SaddleBrooke. We hope more snowbirds take advantage of this opportunity.
Member Mark Erickson brought in several bowls and items he turned. George Bone displayed his walking sticks, card and domino game holder and cribbage boards he made. These items and others by George and Mark are for sale at the SaddleBrooke One gift shop.
On Feb. 12, member Donn Hamm gave a home-shop presentation on using dados and rabbets during box construction. Written hand-outs were distributed to attendees explaining the process while demonstrating the use of a router and other tools.
Thirty talented woodturners, builders, carvers and their partners gathered for a potluck social at SaddleBrooke One Activity Center on Feb. 24. Great food and conversation were had by all.
Though shoppers at the March 7 arts and craft show were fewer than in the past, the club had numerous visitors at our table, signing our Petition and expressing interest in becoming a member even if they lacked experience. We are happy for them to join this energetic and fast-growing club.
Many members on February 3 stood during our monthly meeting due to limited space. This has resulted in a change in date and to a larger room beginning on April 21. We will continue to meet the third Tuesday of the month at 2 p.m. in the MountainView Activity Center Sonoran Room. The club website is sbwoodworkers.org. We hope you can attend.