Our November meeting was held on Wednesday, November 3rd in the Peters Valley Wood Studio. Attending were Jim Cera, Rick Wortman, Scott Hendricks, Steve Ackman and Mike Peacock.
Treasurers Report — Rick reported that the club earned $84 through the sale of members’ turned items in the Peters Valley store. After the Dennis Fugue demo, the club account stands at $257.85
Discussion — The focus of the meeting was on the low turnout and general loss of interest in our club among our members and strategies for re-connecting with current members and attracting new ones. Clearly, the covid-19 pandemic that relegated us to Zoom meeting for about 18 months has had and impact. Still, Scott Hendricks reported that only 6 members responded to the survey he sent out to get a sense of what has changed since the pandemic and we can make the club more attractive. (Note that two members reported having difficulty sending their responses back so the total would’ve been 8). We will continue to work to improve the club, re-engage existing members and welcome new members.
Jim will call the 15 or so members, for whom he has phone numbers, in an attempt to “chat” about why they’ve lost interest and what direction the club should take that would bring them back.
Mike reported that Peters Valley has agreed to our posting flyers about the club in the wood studio. It is the same flyer we displayed and handed out at the PV Craft Fair in September.
Mike also reported that Peters Valley will post information about the club on their FaceBook page.
The first posting of the above was on November 2nd and will repeat weekly. We will also be able to announce upcoming events — like our toy drive event to benefit Project Self Sufficiency in December.
Selection Of Club Officers — Mike Peacock was selected to succeed Jim Cera as club President starting in January 2022 and Steve Ackman was selected as Secretary. Both received a unanimous 4 votes. Rick Wortman will remain club treasurer.
December Meeting — Our next meeting — and last in the PV wood studio until Spring 2022 — will be held on Saturday December 4th starting at 10 AM. This will be our toy drive event to benefit Project Self Sufficiency. Members will bring materials to turn, tops magic wands, ball catchers, yo-yos, etc. The club will provide food and refreshments. It will be a fun and rewarding way to start the Holiday season!
Water Gap Woodturners 