Meetings/News/Events

2025 Meeting/Events Schedule

January 4, 2025 Saturday/ Winter Offsite meeting Planning Meeting at the Stillwater Cafe 12:30 to 2:30PM February 1, 2025 Saturday/ Winter Offsite meeting Saturday Meeting at Rick Wortman’s home. Rick will demonstrate inside/outside turning techniques

2024 Meeting/Events Schedule

Updated 8/21/2024 January 20, 2024 Planning meeting at the Stillwater Cafe in Stillwater, NJ 12:00 Noon February 17, 2024 Meeting at Rick Wortman’s Home at Lake Owassa at 12:00 Noon March 16, 2024 Meeting at Scott Hendrick’s Home in Blairstown, NJ at 12:00 April 20, 2024 12:00PM (noon) until around 2:00PM Meeting at Ed Nikles…

Meeting November 1, 2023

Our November meeting was a different format from our regular meetings. One of the founders of our club, Harvey Fein, had a gallery exhibition of samples of his incredible body of work at the Peters Valley Sally D Fransisco Galley. Harvey also had a feature article about his work in the American Association of Woodturners in…

Meeting October 4, 2023

Our October meeting was held on October 4, 2023 at the Peters Valley Woodworking Studio. Attendees were Steve Ackmann, Rick Wortman, Ed Nikles, Jim Cerra, Scott Hendricks, Joe Kopec, and guest and potential new member Mike Baklarz. Steve reported on the activity at the Peters Valley Craft Fair and Rick Wortman reported that the treasury…

Peters Valley Annual Craft Fair

September 23-24 2023 at the Sussex Fairgrounds. Scott Henricks, Joe Kopec, Rick Wortman, Dave Robinson, Steve Ackmann and Jack Delaney showed up on a mostly rainy weekend to staff the table at the Fair. We were undercover in the demonstration pavilion and all of the vendors were repositioned to in-building locations, so the Fair went…

Meeting Sept. 6, 2023

Our September meeting was held at the Peters Valley Woodworking studio on Wednesday, September 6, 2o23. in attendance was Steve Ackmann, Rick Wortman, Ed Nikles, Dave Robinson, Jack Delaney, and Joe Kopec. Steve reminded the group that the Peters Valley Annual Craft Fair at the Sussex County Fairgrounds is coming up on the weekend of…

Meeting August 22, 2023

Our August Meeting was held on August 22nd, 2023 and was timed to coincide with the end of Beth Ireland’s classes at Peter’s Valley. Attendees: Steve Ackmann, Rick Wortman, Scott Hendricks, Mark Wallace, Ed Nikles, Carol Pastor, Joe Kopec, Jack Delaney. Due to the demonstration by Beth Ireland, we only held a brief meeting. Rick…

Meeting July 18, 2023

Our July Meeting was held on July 18th, 2023 and was timed to coincide with the end of Matt Monaco’s classes at Peter’s Valley. Attendees: Steve Ackmann, Rick Wortman, Scott Hendricks, Mark Wallace, Ed Nikles, Joe Kopec, Jack Delaney. Due to the demonstration by Matt Monaco, we only held a brief meeting. Rick Wortman reported…

Meeting June 14, 2023

Our June meeting was held Wednesday, June 14th, 2023 at 7:00 PM at the Peters Valley Wood Studio on Thunder Mountain Road. This meeting had been posponed from the previous week due to the closing of Peters Valley caused by the extremely poor air quality arising from the forest fires in Quebec. Attendees: Steve Ackmann,…

Meeting May 2, 2023

Our May meeting was held Wednesday, May 3rd, 2023 at 7:00 PM at the Peters Valley Wood Studio on Thunder Mountain Road. This was our first meeting of the year at the studio. Attendees: Steve Ackmann, Rick Wortman, Carl Beaulieu, Joe Kopec, Dave Robinson, Jim Cerra, Scott Hendricks and Ed Nikles Presidents Report: We decided…

Meeting April 8, 2023

Our April meeting was held on 12:00 PM on Saturday, April 8th, 2023 at the home of Scott Hendricks in Blairstown, NJ. Many thanks to Scott and his wife for their hospitality and a great lunch. Attendees: Steve Ackmann, Scott Hendricks, Rick Wortman, Patty Jennings, Carol Pastor, Mark Wallace, Joe Kopec, Ed Nikles, Dave Robinson,…

Meeting March 4, 2023

Our March meeting was held on Saturday, March 4th, 2023 at 12:30PM at the home of Carol Paster in West Orange, NJ. Attendees: Rick Wortman, Carol Paster, Patty Jenkins, Jim Cerra, Scott Hendricks, Dave Robinson, Steve Ackmann Presidents report: Carl Beaulieu has reached our and plans to begin attending meetings again when his schedule permits.…

Meeting September 2022

Our September meeting was held on the 2nd of the month at the Peters Valley Wood Studio. Attendees: Steve Ackmann, Jim Cera, Scott Hendricks, Joe Kopec, Joe Pansini, Carol Paster, Mike Peacock, David Robinson, Mark Wallace and Rick Wortman. Change In Leadership: This meeting was the final meeting of club president Mike Peacock who was moving…

2023 Meeting/Event Calendar

Updated as of 5/16/2023 Saturday January 7, 2023 No meeting this month Saturday February 4, 2023 Garris General Store, 912 Main Street, Stillwater, NJ Topics will be planning for meetings in 2023, Treasurer’s Report and show and tell March 4, 2023 12:00PM to 2:00PM Carol Pater’s home 18 Oak Avenue, West Orange, NJ Topics will…

Meeting February 2023

Our first meeting of the year occurred on February 4, 2023 and was held at the Garris General Store located at 912 Main Street, Stillwater, NJ Attendees: Rick Wortman, Mark Wallace, Carol Paster, Patty Jenkins, Jim Cerra, Scott Hendricks, Dave Robinson, Harvey Fein, Steve Ackmann Treasurer’s Report: Our balance as of today was 921.50. We…

Meeting August 2022

Our August meeting was held on the 2nd of the month at the Peters Valley Wood Studio. Attendees: Steve Ackmann, Jim Cera, Ed Nikles, Mike Peacock, David Robinson, Mark Wallace and Rick Wortman. Discussion: After a brief Show & Tell, professional turner and instructor Matt Monaco gave us a demonstration on using (and not fearing)…

Meeting July 2022

Meeting Notes Our July meeting was held on the 6th of the month at the Peters Valley Wood Studio. Attendees: Steve Ackmann, Scott Hendricks, Jim Cera, Ed Nikles, Mike Peacock, David Robinson, Mark Wallace and Rick Wortman. Discussion Mike confirmed with Kristen Mueller, Peters Valley director, that liability insurance is indeed required for the club…

Meeting June 2022

Meeting Notes Our June meeting was held on the 1st of the month at the Peters Valley Wood Studio. This meeting marks the start of our summer meeting hours — (usually) 1st Wednesday of each month at 7 PM. Attendees: Steve Ackmann, Scott Hendricks, Joe Kopec, Ed Nikles, Joe Pansini, Mike Peacock, David Robinson and…

Peters Valley Art In The Park Event

Watergap Woodturners participated in the Peters Valley Annual Open House on Memorial Day weekend. An estimated 1000+ visitors attended the event. Thanks to Scott Hendricks, Patty Jennings, Carol Paster and Rick Wortman who represented the club with an information table and turning demonstrations. A job well done by all. Special thanks to Carol and Scott…

Meeting May 2022

Meeting Notes Our May meeting was held on the 7th of the month at Patty Jenning’s home in Stanhope NJ. Attendees: Jim Cera, Scott Hendricks, Patty Jennings, Ed Nikles, Carol Paster, Mike Peacock and Rick Wortman. Discussion: The discussion centered around the upcoming Art In The Park open-house event at Peters Valley on May 29th.…

Meeting/Event Calendar

Updated Saturday December 4, 2021 Toy Drive • 10 AM-4 PM • Peters Valley Wood Studio Saturday January 8, 2022 Meeting/Demo • 12 PM – 2 PM • Zoom (See email for link) Agenda: Treasurer’s Report • Dues Collection • Critical Show & Tell Discussion Topic: Bowl Gouges: Grinds, Sizes, Specialty Saturday February 5, 2022 Meeting/Demo • 12…

Meeting April 2022

Meeting Notes Our April meeting was held on the 2nd of the month at Jim Cera’s home in Branchville NJ. Attendees: Steve Ackman, Jim Cera, Joe Kopec, Ed Nikles, Joe Pansini, Mike Peacock, Mark Wallace and Rick Wortman. Discussion: Peter’s Valley will be conducting a clean-up weekend on Saturday April 9, 2022. The purpose is…

Meeting/Event Calendar

Updated Saturday December 4, 2021 Toy Drive • 10 AM-4 PM • Peters Valley Wood Studio Saturday January 8, 2022 Meeting/Demo • 12 PM – 2 PM • Zoom (See email for link) Agenda: Treasurer’s Report • Dues Collection • Critical Show & Tell Discussion Topic: Bowl Gouges: Grinds, Sizes, Specialty Saturday February 5, 2022 Meeting/Demo • 12…

Meeting March 2022

Meeting Notes Our March meeting was held on the 5th of the month at Rick Wortman’s home in Lake Owassa NJ. Attendees: Steve Ackman, Joe Bonelli (Rick’s neighbor), Jim Cera, Joe Kopec, Ed Nikles, Joe Pansini, Carol Paster, Mike Peacock, Mark Wallace and Rick EWortman. Discussion: The group discussed upcoming meetings with respect to the…

March 5th 2022 Meeting

Our March meeting will be held in-person (Yay!!) at Rick Wortman’s from 12:00 to 2:00 PM. We think that most of us are vaccinated against Covid at this point, but if you are not, please respect Rick’s home by wearing a mask. Agenda: Remarks Treasurer’s Report Dues ($40): Please Mail To Rick Wortman If You Haven’t Done So. Critical…

Meeting February 2022

Meeting Notes The February 2022 meeting of the Watergap Woodturners was held over Zoom on the 5th of the month. Attendees: In attendance were Mike Peacock, Jim Cerra, Scott Hendricks, Rick Workman, Steve Ackmann, Joe Kopec, Ed Nikles, Patty Jennings, Carol Pastor, and new member Joe Pansini. Opening Disscussion: The opening discussion involved the on-going…

Feb 5th 2022 Meeting

We will need to continue our 2022 meetings on Zoom until the covid surge subsides.  The link will been sent by email. Agenda: Remarks Treasurer’s Report Dues ($40): Please Mail To Rick Wortman If You Haven’t Done So. Short Notice Challenge — Rick suggested that everyone try some brand new technique or project that they’ve…

Meeting January 2022

Meeting Notes The January 2022 meeting of the Watergap Woodturners was held (disappointingly) over Zoom on the 8th of the month. Attendence. Attending were Jim Cerra, Rick Wortman, Mike Peacock, Joe Kopec, Carol Paster, Scott Hendricks, Patty Jennings, and Steve Ackman. Treasurer’s Report. Rick Wortman reported a current balance of $267 and noted that timely payment of…

January 8th 2022 Meeting

Unfortunately, we have to begin 2022 on Zoom.  The link has been sent by email. Agenda: Remarks Treasurer’s Report Dues ($40): Please Mail To: Rick Wortman Schedule Adjustments Move Remaining Winter Meetings To 1st Saturday of Month Demo Suggestions for March, May and Rest of 2022 Critical Show & Tell — Send Photos Bowl Gouge…

2021 Toy Making Event

Our annual event to turn toys for Project Self Sufficiency’s Season of Hope Toy Drive was held on Saturday, December 4th at the Peters Valley Wood Studio. The “elves” participating in this year’s event were Steve Ackman, Jim Cera, Scott Hendricks, Jenny Hinchman, Patty Jennings, Carol Paster, Michael Peacock, Mark Wallace and Rick Wortman. The…

November 2021 Meeting

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,…

October 2021 Meeting

Our October meeting was held on Monday, October 4th at the Peters Valley wood studio. Dennis Fuge Demo This month, noted woodturner and Peters Valley instructor Dennis Fuge gave a demonstration which he calls: “Decorative Platters and Finishes on Turned Items”. Dennis is a very experienced turner with a highly accomplished skillset. Turnout was unfortunately…

WGWC At Peters Valley Craft Fair

Our partner, Peters Valley School of Craft, provided us with an information table at their annual craft fair held at the Sussex County fair grounds on September 25th and 26th. This was a great opportunity to promote the Watergap Woodturners Club and strengthen our connection to Peters Valley. Club members Steve Ackman, Scott Hendricks, Joe…

September 2021 Meeting

The Meeting was heled on Wednesday, September 8th at the Peters Valley Woodshop. Attending were Jim Cera, Rick Wortman, Michael Peacock, Ed Nikles, Mark Wallace, and Steve Ackman. Covid protocols were still in effect. Several attendees brought their work for show and tell. The treasurer, Rick Wortman reported that the current club account balance is…

August 2021 Meeting

The Meeting was held on Wednesday, August 4th at Peters Valley. Attending were Jim Cera, Rick Wortman, Fred Guendel, Michael Peacock, Ed Nikles, Mark Wallace, Ginnie Hinchman, Jim Matthews, Ken Aulicino and new member Steve Ackman. Covid protocols are still in effect and all attendees were masked. Sadly, it was Fred’s farewell meeting as he…

June 2021 Meeting

The first in person meeting since February 2020 and the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, was held at Peters Valley on June 2nd. Attendance was low — just 4 members who had to adhere to covid safety protocols. The treasurer, Rick Wortman reported that the treasury had $867.  There was a brief discussion regarding the…

May 2021 Invited Lecture

On Thursday May 27th, Artist and turner Janine Wang gave a talk to club members on the touch of turned objects.  Her presentation — entitled Gestures Of Holding — involved approaching turned objects with respect to the sensation and connection one has when grasping an object and shaping something with this objective in mind. The presentation — held…

May 2021 Meeting

Meeting Notes The May 2021 meeting of the Watergap Woodturners was held over Zoom on the 5th of the month. Attendence. Attending were Jim Cerra, Rick Wortman, Mike Peacock, Joe Kopec, Ed Nickles, Scott Hendricks and Fred Guendel Treasurer’s Report. The Treasurer reported a balance of $867.81 with, perhaps, the only outlay being a Zoom…

April 2021 Meeting

Meeting Notes The April 2021 meeting of the Watergap Woodturners was held over Zoom on the 7th of the month. Attendence. Attending were Jim Cerra, Rick Wortman, Mike Peacock, Joe Kopec, Carol Pastor, Patty Jennings, Ed Nikles, Scott Hendricks and Mark Wallace. Treasurer’s Report. The Treasurer reported a balance of $867.83 with the only outlays being the…

March 2021 Meeting

Meeting Notes The March 2021 meeting of the Watergap Woodturners was held over Zoom on the 2nd of the month. Attendence. Attending were Jim Cerra, Rick Wortman, Mike Peacock, Joe Kopec, Carol Pastor, Patty Jennings, Ed Nikles, Scott Hendricks and Fred Guendel Treasurer’s Report. The Treasurer reported a balance of $900 with the only outlays…

February 2021 Meeting

Meeting Notes The February 2021 meeting of the Watergap Woodturners was held over Zoom on the 2nd of the month. Attendence. Attending were Jim Cerra, Rick Wortman, Mike Peacock, Joe Kopec, Carol Pastor, Patty Jennings, Mark Wallace, Ed Nikles, Scott Hendricks and Fred Guendel Treasurer’s Report. The Treasurer reported a balance of $1,373 with the…

January 2021 Meeting

Meeting Notes Treasurers Report – Rick reported that the club account stands at $938.82 with the only current expenditure being the $14.98 monthly cost for the Zoom account.  It was decided to not renew the club’s liability insurance until we resume face-to-face meetings in Peters Valley or member’s shops.  It was also decided that we’d continue…

2020 Toy Drive

From President Jim Cerra I am happy to report that the “toys for Tots” program, 2020 version, is now “in the books”.  Today I delivered 19 bags, each containing 3 toys, to Project Self Sufficiency in Newton.  They were very happy to be recipients of hand-made Christmas gifts.  As you can see from the attached images, our…

November 2020 Meeting

Meeting Notes Our November meeting on 11/23/20 was fairly well attended with 9 members participating in the Zoom.  The following is a recap of the areas covered: Treasurers Report – Rick reported that the treasury has grown a bit and now contains $953.8. Members Contact info – We decided to attempt to build a list of…

November Driveway Club

Just a quick heads up… this Saturday is the final 2020 meeting of the Driveway Club at Steve’s house. We’ll be inside, so bring a chair and anything you think you want to work on, as it will be an open studio session. If you want to do something and I have it, that’s what…

October 2020 Meeting

Meeting Notes Our meeting was held on October 22 at 7:00 via Zoom. Attending were Jim Cerra, Rick Wortman, Carl Beaulieu, Patty Jennings, Ed Nikles and Mike Peacock. Rick reported that we got 1 more dues payment and accounting for the balls — for the ball and cup toy — that Jim purchased and the…

September 2020 Meeting

Meeting Notes Our meeting was held on September 23 via Zoom. Attendees welcomed back member Tim Dunne. Treasurer Rick Wortman reported that 2 additional members had paid 2020 dues. With those added funds and accounting for the monthly Zoom bill of $16, our account balance stands at $963.75. Fred Guendel announced that the Peters Valley…

September 19th Invite

Hello all and welcome to the September 19th Driveway edition of the Water Gap Woodturners face to face meeting in my driveway. Since I do not have multiple lathes, these things will need to involve non turning related activities. For this month’s topic, I will offer relief carving on turned work. If you cannot picture…

Patty Jennings Mini Clinic

NJ Woodturners is hosting a Patty Jennings mini clinic – via Zoom – on Monday, August 31, 2020 at 6:30 PM.  The topic is “Engraving & Carving”.  Check your email or contact Jim Cera for the link.

August 2020 Meeting Notes

The meeting was held on August 25, 2020 via Zoom.  In attendance were Jim Cera, Fred Guendel, Ed Nikles, Jim Mathews, Rick Wortman, Patty Jennings, Seth Riehl, Scott Hendricks, Carl Beaulieu and Mike Peacock.  Treasurer Rick Wortman reported current club funds to total $920 but that only 12 members have paid dues for 2020.  He…

NJ Woodturners Mini Clinic: Craig Newton, August 24 2020

The NJ Woodturners hosted a mini-clinic – via Zoom – by Craig Newton entitled: “Veneering For Beginners“.  Craig has been veneering for nearly 40 years and specializes in furniture restoration and decorative veneers for boxes.  Veneering is a careful, meticulous craft that takes a piece to a new level.  It allows for the use of…

August 25, 2020 Club Challenge: Mortar & Pestle

The upcoming August 25 club meeting will feature a show and tell of the results of a club-wide mortar & pestle challenge.  Since we are meeting via Zoom, many members have sent photos of their creations in advance to be posted. Rick Wortman The pestle has a flat end for smashing and a round end…

Dennis Fuge Mini-clinic, August 19, 2020

The NJ Woodturners hosted a mini-clinic – via Zoom — by Dennis Fuge entitled: “Adding Pewter To Your Artwork”.  Dennis’ presentation – a series of short videos – took members through all the details of casting, shaping and fitting pewter adornments to turned objects with beautiful and stunning results. A full video of the clinic…

Informal Get Together #2

Once again, the driveway group will meet at Steve’s house on Saturday at 10am. This week’s topic will be carved texture on a bowl surface. If you are coming, please bring a chair and a small bowl about 4-5″. Feel free to bring any tools you might own for carving or you can try some…

Dennis Fuge Demo

NJ Woodturners is hosting a Dennis Fuge demo – via Zoom – on Monday, August 17, 2020 at 6:30 PM.  The topic is “Adding Pewter To Your Artwork”.  Check your email or contact Jim Cera for the link. Note Date Change: Wednesday August 19, 2020 at 6:30 PM

Water Gap Get Together

There’s no substitute for getting together and making shavings…even if they’re small? I was getting all of my stuff ready when the first car arrived. I know Wil’s truck, and Carl had just been here, so I wasn’t sure who was going to get out of it… because I didn’t recognize the vehicle. Imagine my…

Last call for Letter Carving

If anyone has had a last minute change of heart, and wants to learn a little bit about hand carving letters, 10am tomorrow at Steven Antonucci ‘s house.  Outdoors, weather permitting. 21 Glen Cove Road, Andover for the GPS. (Forest Lakes off 206) bring a comfortable chair. Also, if you subscribed to the blog yesterday,…

Shop day with Carl

Carl Scheuermann dropped by for a shop day. We fixed his sharpening jig up…and he learned that hot nickels are REALLY HOT NICKELS. In the end, a good time was had by all, and wood was turned. A first was witnessed… as I actually allowed sanding on the project and walked him through my sanding…

Dennis Weiner Demo

NJ Woodturners member Dennis Weiner is provided a demo – via Zoom — entitled: “Utilizing Aluminum Extrusions In The Construction of Woodturning Accessories” on Monday August 3rd 2020. Dennis discussed in detail several jigs and devices he’s created out of extruded aluminum parts to aid in woodturning and sharpening.  Of note was an invention that provides…

NJ Woodturners Demo August 3rd 2020

NJ Woodturners member Dennis Weiner is providing a demo – via Zoom — entitled: “Utilizing Aluminum Extrusions In The Construction of Woodturning Accessories” on Monday August 3rd at 6:30 PM. Topics will include: construction of a laser story board, a grinder sled, a belt sander woodturning jig and tailstock crotch center drilling innovation. In addition, if…

Sam Angelo Embellishing Wood Demo

The NJ Woodturners hosted a demo by Sam Angelo (a.k.a. WyomingWoodturner) on enhancing wood through texturing and coloring on July 27, 2020 via Zoom.  Sam showed how the use of not only various commercial texturing tools but also objects that one might not consider — like screw bits, leather working tools and spur drives hammered…

July 2020 Meeting Notes

The meeting was held on July 22, 2020 via Zoom.  In attendance were Jim Cera, Fred Guendel, Ed Nikles, Jim Mathews and Mike Peacock.  During show and tell Ed Nikels displayed some bowls and vases he’d turned recently.  Fred showed several hollow forms he’d made.  He also showed and discussed the hollowing tool he uses. …

Fire Sanding & Coloring

Michael Kehs of the NJ Woodturners gave a demo on what he calls Fire Sanding and Coloring via Zoom on Tuesday July 14.  This decorative process entails charring the wood of a turned object with a torch then wire brushing, polishing and finally adding a pop of color with guilders/accent paste.  The resulting contrast of…

WGW Website Version 1.0 Launched

The primary focus of our new site is to inform and involve members with what’s going on with the club.  Version 1.0 consists of 4 elements: About Us, Announcements, Gallery and Contact Us About Us — Describes our club and its goals and provides a way for non-member visitors (possibly new members) to contact us.  The…

Pen Turning Demo

Hosted by NJ Woodturners on Zoom. Jun 27, 2020 at 10:00 AM. Check your email or contact Jim Cerra for the link.

Steve Antonucci Bowl Demo

Steve Antonucci will demo “From Log to Bowl” via a NJ Woodturners hosted Zoom. Jun 22, 2020 07:00 PM. Check your email or contact Jim Cerra for the Zoom link.

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