The President's Corner, Steve's First! - September 2012

Steve’s Shavings

I don’t know whether to blame or thank long time TWA member Fred Ford for talking me into consideration for President. It is with some anxiety and a great deal of humility that I agreed, along with Fred’s overpowering skills of persuasion. Thankfully, we are blessed with an outstanding group of dedicated members who have stepped forward, some for multiple years, to carry on the myriad of details it takes to run this club. It is this type of unselfish dedication that makes TWA successful. One example is Allan Campbell. A special thanks to Allan for his most accom­plished leadership as President the past couple of years

As way of introduction, I am a retired professional geolo­gist, grew up in Cary, and married to my bride, Elaine, for 41 years. Several of my ancestors were woodworkers; some built spiral stair­cases completely out of wood, furniture, houses, ran a flooring mill, or operated a saw mill. Fortunately, I was able to acquire some of their woodworking hand tools. As a kid growing up in the Triangle, I would play with my grandfather’s hand tools building wooden toys, speaker cabinets, book shelves, and refinishing furniture built by my great grandfather. While I have known of the TWA for many years, it was not until my retirement from a demanding job, that I had the time to enjoy woodworking and join TWA.

Why did I join TWA? As you know, woodworking is usually a solitary activity, just some wood - tools - and you. However, woodworkers are very sharing individuals and thus the importance of organizations such as TWA. I have found this to be a very friendly & most helpful group of individuals, interested in all aspects of working with wood. Members have demonstrated expertise in furniture building, wood turning, carving, developing & building jigs, and use of hand and power woodworking tools. However, TWA is not limited to woodworking experts but those with beginning and intermediate skills. We have members from the true professional woodworkers, to serious hobbyists, to novices just seeking a satisfying and rewarding hobby.

Some reasons to join TWA include:

• TWA has a Mentor list of woodworking specialists published in each Newsletter who are only a phone call or e-mail away from expert guidance and assistance.
• TWA has a monthly meeting, that exposes those in attendance to skill building presentations from regionally and nationally known artisans. Two nationally renowned speakers are coming in 2013, Chris Swartz and Chuck Bender.
• TWA sponsors 2 or more special workshops. 2013 workshops are with Chris and Chuck. Also, look for a return of Mike Payst’s popular workshop. 
• The costs of the TWA workshops are a fraction of what one would pay elsewhere.
• The TWA has an extensive library of woodworking related books, videos, and a DVD of monthly meetings.
• This year we are adding a raffle good for atten­dance by a TWA member at one TWA sponsored workshop. To become eligible your annual dues must be paid before October 1, 2012.

At our most recent TWA Board meeting it came to my attention that while the vast majority have renewed their membership - I am surprised by the number who have not paid their dues for the current year (Sept. 1, 2012-Aug. 31, 2013). If you have paid, many thanks, if you have yet to pay your annual dues, it is not too late, see Kay Baker and she will be glad to get your membership current. We cannot exist without you continued support.

Now, go make some shavings and see you at the next TWA meeting.

President: Steve J. Steinbeck