Newsletter
October 2002

Wonders of Wood Show

Well, it's time to close the books on another great show. Of course, it goes without saying that it would not go on without the support of the many folks who work so hard and give unselfishly of themselves. The Art Center was great. It's open and airy atmosphere offers more room for everyone without crowding. There were four new members participating this year as well as one old member, Bill and Evelyn Edwards, back from the East Coast with their latest carousel.

The Mayor of St. Peters, Tom Brown, was invited to participate and select something notable for his personal award. He spent a considerable amount of time looking at all the displays and was very impressed by the talented people displaying there.

We also had our own resident chain saw carver, Charles Browning, outside making dust and chips for the visitors. Soap carving for kids was available outside also. It was an activity aimed at getting them interested in the hobby. It's fun to see what they can do with a knife, albeit a wooden knife.

New procedures made the judging process quicker and easier this year. The Show Chairmen and Committees worked tirelessly planning all the little details that are required to make the show work smoothly. Everyone I talked to was having a very good experience. The expertise of the carvers in our club never ceases to amaze me and makes me feel very good about our club and our membership. Thanks to the Show chairmen, committee chairpersons, committee members, and volunteers for their hard work and dedication.

Top Awards

Best of Show - Masters Division
Dave Lincoln

Best of Show - Advanced Division
Peoples Choice Award - Class B
Arnold Fritz

Best of Show - Intermediate
Charles Mitchell

Best of Show - Novice
Bob Craven

St. Peters Mayor, Tom Brown, presenting the Mayor's Award to Russ Sears

Peoples Choice Award - Class A
Jim Leifeld

Show and Tell

Charlotte Cross completed the moose blank she brought home from Doane.

Ward Garrison carved a hillbilly painted with acrylics.

Bob Craven carved a Santa carrying a goose painted with acrylics.

Chris Klinckhardt completed his Gerald Sears Santa from our August Seminar. Nice job on the scene on the back. Sorry I don't get a shot of both sides.

Red Cross finished two "Pugnacious" dogs from his Doane class with the Bishops.

I apologize for missing the September 4th meeting. I was out having fun on a houseboat on Table Rock Lake. The least I can do is mention the items that were brought in. Sal Amato had a July 4th Eagle kaleidoscope made of wood laminate and mirrors. Jack Comb brought in his Widgeon Drake that took 3rd place Peoples Choice at Springfield. Rich Weitzman had two large power-carved oak flourish designs. Bob Craven had a Santa Claus lying down on the job. Don Kley had an Indian bust. Charles Browning had a large and lively walnut dolphin. Stan Cross completed an Indian bust. Don Bosley had a nine piece winemaker scene done with the Bob Biermann. Thanks to Martha Byron for her meeting minutes to get the information to me. I couldn't do the job without her help. If someone with a digital camera could take pictures while I am away, I would use them

The Rest of the News

Newsletter Editor Position Open: Only two more issues remaining to train any prospective newsletter editor. If you are interested in taking on this rewarding position, step up now. I will be available (if needed) to work with you November and December. Hopefully, we can continue with this important part of our club's service to its members.

Showcase Chairman: We need a showcase chairman to schedule monthly displays in the showcase that the Art Center provides our club. Normally, the winners from the Wonders of Wood Show remain in the showcase for the month of October. We missed this opportunity and the showcase is now empty. A Showcase Chairman is needed if we want to keep this means of advertising our club.

The St. Peters Community and Arts Center needs volunteers to help with their activities on Saturday night, October 26th and Saturday, December 7th. If you have some time, contact Mary Eldringhoff at 636-447-6600, ext. 242 for more information.

Fall Campout: The Belleville campout is October 3rd to the 6th at Pin Oak Creek Campground. We plan to have a small project. I think we will have some ornaments to carve, or you can bring your own project. Hope to see you there. If you can't make it for camping, come on down for Saturday carving and evening pot luck supper. This year, we will have a dining hall for the supper, so weather won't be a problem. It's a great time to mix and mingle and there's a great bunch of carvers there to take and give abuse. Bob and Ro Biermann

Upcoming Shows: All you talented carvers get your stuff together and support the other area clubs with their shows. The Belleville show is November 2nd and 3rd. If you don't want to have your own table, make plans to attend and sign up to staff our club table there. The St. Louis Wood Carvers Show is November 30 and December 1st. Applications for tables have been mailed, so if you want to get in, contact Art LaTurno. The first table is $35 and additional tables are $25 each.

Ornaments: Get your blank at the October 2nd meeting and help us carve Flag Ornaments for sale at the upcoming Belleville show. Help support your club. Many of you started working on them last month, but we can use as many as we can get.

The Wentzville Octoberfest will be held the weekend of October 4 - 6. Ray Clark will be manning the club's display for the weekend, but would welcome help and any other carvers interested in carving and demonstrating. If you have some time, it should be a great weekend for carving.

Storage Locker: All our Show equipment, tent, and other club supplies have been moved to our new storage locker at U-Haul on the North Service Road at Cave Springs. We have rented it for 3 months with the option to continue if no other arrangements can be made. This leaves us a little more room in the cabinet at the Art Center. Any one who is storing other club equipment can contact Charles Mitchell for the key and move it into the locker.

Wood For Sale: There is an old barn being torn down in Jacksonville, IL and barn wood is available for sale. The price is negotiable and the wood can be delivered. Boards are 25 feet long and 12" wide. There is also a catalpa tree available for sale. Contact Dave Lincoln for additional information.

Elections, Just a brief reminder: It's time to select officers for next year and the annual election is just around the corner. Be there or be nominated. If you would like to take a more active part in the leadership of YOUR club, let the officers know and they will place you on the slate. If you would like to place someone's name in nomination, check with them before you do so.

In Memorial: We were all deeply saddened by the passing of Chic Meyer. Our sympathy goes out to Jessie and their family. Chick and Jessie haven't been able to come to meetings for some time, but due to their long history with the club, they were awarded Life membership. They kept up with club activities through the newsletters and member visits. Chic was always ready to lend a hand when he was able and will be missed by all.