General Meeting of the Villages Woodshop Club

June 13, 2017

Laurel Manor Recreation Center

Meeting called to order at 7pm accompanied by the recitation of the pledge of allegiance led by President Mike Borfitz with a moment of silence for those in our club membership and their families.        

President’s Report

Introduction of new members and guests -  Mike B. welcomed new members and visitors, who then introduced themselves and shared a little bit about themselves to the group.

Membership and Visitor Tally - Our records show that as of the yesterday, we have 899 dues paying members and 920 records in database which includes the toy painters and front desk volunteers who are not members.  Since our last membership meeting we have entertained 70 guests which brings our grand total for 2017 to 722.   

New Cleaning Service – Mike B. mentioned that as of 6/1 we have new people cleaning the bathrooms and other areas of the shop. One of our members, Jim Ashy, and his daughter run a cleaning service.  They will be providing services on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, to include the bathrooms, sweeping the floors and cleaning windows as needed.  They began to pressure clean the buildup of grime on the floors, but this could not be completed all at once, so there may be a patchy appearance until the work is complete.  The amount the club pays for cleaning each month went from $210 to $250 to cover the extra tasks.

50/50 – The 50/50 supplies were not available when the meeting started, so Frank G. began to sell playing cards to serve as tickets.

Club Space – Discussions with authorities in The Villages confirms the importance of a second Woodshop out by 44, possibly in or near the village of Fenney, but no new information is available about a specific location or timing within the next two years.  We are working through Janet Tutt to see if we can find out more details.

A member asked if we will be affiliated with this new woodshop.  Mike shared that we sent a letter suggesting that we help to get the shop up and running and then turn it over to their own administrators.  No other specifics were discussed.

Large Donations – We recently received a large donation of $500 for our urn project from Squadron 347.  We were able to send a thank you note, because we had the necessary details.  This brought up the need to confirm we have contact information when accepting any large donation so a proper thank you can be sent on behalf of the club.

Meeting Topics – Mike B. mentioned that for us to meet members needs and keep the general meetings interesting, she would like suggestions for future meeting topics and demonstrations. There are already plans in the works for one of our wood suppliers to do a presentation.

Comments and Suggestions:

• Provide Donuts afterwards.  The Entemanns outlet may be a good source.
• One member suggested refinishing techniques.  John Herger shared that one of the monitors from today (June 13th), helped Lanie Cross who had an issue with the finish of one of the pieces he was working on.  This monitor, who used to do repair and touch-up of furniture in his profession, had a kit in his car.  He said he may be willing to leave the kit in the shop and may be available to do a demo of the techniques.
• Harm and Mike Borfitz – Do away with the break during meetings as it tends to serve as an interruption to the flow.  The members present voted and a majority agreed with the idea. 
• Linda Samson – Can we compile a list of sources for items members need for projects or for working in the shop, such as clock faces or respirators.  After some discussion, it was suggested that members ask the people wearing the “Ask Me” buttons for guidance. 
• There was a suggestion that we do something to introduce new equipment.  It was mentioned that new equipment is gone over after the monitor training class.
• It was suggested that we go over where things are in the tool crib.  It was mentioned that there is a book with this information.  Richard C. thanked Bob Behrens for the tool crib book.

Mike thanked everyone for their contributions to the discussion and promised to bring snacks for the next meeting. 

A side comment was made by a member about monitors.  He acknowledged that it is important for monitors to be watchful and ensure safety, however, some tend to get too close, and can cause members to be anxious and maybe even cause someone to make a mistake. This serves as a reminder for monitors, and other helpers, to keep a reasonable distance and let people work unless they ask for, or really need help for safety purposes.

Department Reports

Toys – Conway Williams: Through the end of May we produced 3084 toys and shipped a total of 1959 toys with a donation value of $14,377.  The May toy sale at Spanish Springs Town Square on May 24^th was rained out. We break for the summer months due to heat and rain, so sales on the Squares will resume in September.  June will be slower due to vacations and shed cleanout.  Thus far for June we produced 220 toys and shipped 24.

A new member asked how she could get involved in the toy group.  Conway said he would speak to her after the meeting.

Carvers – Bill McGinnis: No report.

Lumber - Steve Yohan: Not present.  No report.

Certification/Monitor Training – Dick Bessler: There is monitor training scheduled for 6/21, 7/5 and 7/19.  There are certification classes scheduled for 7/6 and 7/20.  One new member has had medical issues and will arrange to be certified in the future.  Dick also mentioned that the mentoring program is working well. There are 53 to 60 people available to help.  Most of them also wear the “Ask Me” buttons.

Front Desk – Anne Bell: Not present.  Previously reported no new issues.

Holiday Party – Alice Bessler: Donations for raffle items are to be turned in no later than October 10^th.  Also, this year there will be a limit of 25 items.  This will allow better planning.

A member asked if a seat in a class could be a potential raffle prize.  Alice said the person interested would have to ask the instructor. 

The party will be December 9^th at the Savannah Center.  The meal will be a sit-down dinner, menu to be determined. The cost may be slightly higher due to full catering by La-Hacienda catering.

Another holiday note - Linda Samson mentioned that we will be decorating another tree for Special Olympics this year. She is currently taking donations for ornaments or items under the tree.

Shop Maintenance – Dave Radakovich: A Delta drill press, thought to be original with the shop, had the worm gear wear out.  There is no replacement part available, so this old machine was removed and a new Jet is in the process of being setup.  They will take some time to see if the old machine can be fixed or simply junked.  A piece of wood caused a jam on the drum sander and this issue was fixed. 

A member asked what the new machine was by the jig saws.  This item is a shaper that has three heads.  It is very helpful and safer when making 3 panel doors.  It is primarily for ¾” to 1” stock.

Education – Bob Matthews: Not present.  No report.

Library – MaryAnn Main: The current equipment and process is being reviewed and documented.  MaryAnn is considering several online programs that could help make finding project information easier.  We have a small group of volunteers available to help when new procedures are worked out.

Richard Catenary commented that the library “has everything”.  There should be a directory to make finding information easier and the computers could be updated.  Mike mentioned that the IT group is available to address the technology once the needs are defined.

Richard Bessler mentioned that there are two books in the library that are mentioned to the new members during certification.   

Another member suggested that when there is a class, the teachers could provide references from our library to the students for resources that pertain to the topic taught in their class.

Special Projects – Hans Cassena’s: Not present.  No report.

Turners/Safety –  John Herrera is creating a new online class that will be available on our website.  He is suggesting everyone go through it when it is available.  The Quiz will be a good way to verify your knowledge, even if you are not new to turning.  For safety, we have had only one minor injury.

Alice Bessler mentioned that the Glucose tablets we used to keep in the shop tend to expire and need to be replaced.  We no longer have them in the shop.  She said people should make it a point to have their own supplies on hand.  Also, we have life savers at the desk and usually there are cookies available.  Jack Tagie is regularly in the shop and keeps supplies in the back, including a glucose meter, in case of emergency.

Show and Tell – Max Bohnstadt brought two urns he made for family members.  He described how he selected materials and finishes based on each person’s personality and preference. The size of the urn is roughly 1 cubic inch per pound of the person’s body weight.  Name plates were inscribed by D2.

50/50 Drawing: The club took in $62 dollars in chances sold.  The club retained $31.  $20 was won by Richard C. and $11 by Sue Homan.  

Meeting adjourned at approximately 8:45pm.

Next Meeting:  July 11, 2017  

Minutes prepared by MaryAnn Main, Assistant Secretary on June 24, 2017