Volume XX, Issue 9, September 2013
The President’s Corner
As the time goes by, I can't believe how well our group has come along. I would like to thank Bob for getting the lectures for the year. It has been fun to see how the group has enjoyed it, and having a great year. The group has new members and I love to see the carvings.
Bob Coleman
From your Editor
Well, where were those “Lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer, of soda and pretzels and beer?” The club did not seem to slow down a bit with many activities. There was the International Congress in Maquoketa, Ray Olson’s carving class, Denny Neubauer’s carving class, Susan Alexander’s talk, Josh Guge’s Airbrush presentation, The Midtown Fair, The Elgin Country Club event, the Klehm Arboretum show, and, of course, our Annual Woodcarving Show. I am sure I have forgotten something. Myself, I have been busy with entertaining company in July and gone on trips all but 5 days in August. That has been part of the reason for no newsletter in August. I have attempted to recap all of these events in this combined August/September Newsletter. Thanks to the several people I have tapped to help with write-ups including Roger Benedict and Tod Wisner.
Steve Terrill, Newsletter Editor
Happy September!
September Birthdays
Carrie Lay 9-5
William Trosper 9-17
Jeff Hartman 9-23
Minutes (August 21st)
The Monthly meeting of the Blackhawk Woodcarvers. Aug 21 2013.
At 9 am. President Bob Coleman opened the meeting and thanked everyone for the donations and help of everyone.
Sec. Arne Larsen read the July 17th meeting minutes.
Treasure John Skaggs read the treasure’s report.
Mrs. Donna Wisner gave the petty cash report.
Bob Hallstrom gave his report on the Klehm Arboretum show and asked how many would be coming. A show of hands was 12.
Our Pres. Bob Coleman reminded everyone of the Christmas party on Dec 11th 2013.
Under new business:
Vice Pres. Bob Matthews reminded us that Josh Guge would be coming to give a demonstration of Air brush painting on Sept 4th. He also thanked every one for the nice cards and best wishes he’d received after his stroke. He also thanked all for their help.
Chairman Don Stansfield spoke briefly on our annual carver’s show and thanked all for their help. He also made a presentation to Bunny Nordheim and Jerome Mais as awards winners for their participation in the 3X3 carving’s contest. The Raffles netted $557.00
Bernie asked that someone look into the lights for our meeting room. I took it upon myself to tell them about it and The Head of the School said she’d have the head janitor look into it.
Under sick and illness: We learned that Jane Pfeiffer is in assisted living. Sharon Knitter had had heart surgery and was recovering. Lonnie Hayes had not been to the last few meetings because he was moving into another house. Thank all for their input as to the members whom had not recently attended our meetings. It helps for us to address those things and remind us all of their whereabouts and possible illnesses.
Thank you all for your help and God Bless America.
Secretary Arne M. Larsen, Blackhawk Woodcarvers.
Show and Tell: August 21
Arne Larsen showed his Norwegian on a sled.
Richard Prutz did a neat rolling pin and a Plaque of a Highway with “No Regrets”
Vice Pres. Bob Mathews showed a Nice Green Mexican Jay.
Midtown “M”
The Zion Development Organization placed this sign at the entranced of Seventh Street having the letter "M" carved by Roger Benedict. The sign material is plastic that had a tough resistance to a carving tool. The carved letter is a foot high. Nice job Roger!
Summer Class
Thanks to Denny Neubauer for teaching a class this summer on “Carving Little People”. You can see several samples in the July and August Show and Tell Pictures.
We also appreciate Ray Olson teaching a class this summer on “Carving a Fisherman” Again, there are examples of finished products in the July and August Show and Tell Pictures. Ray gave his time right up to his untimely death this summer. Thanks, Ray!
Josh Guge Presentation
Josh Guge gave an excellent presentation on Airbrush Techniques September 4. He certainly knew his stuff. I am sure there were many like me that have always wanted to learn Airbrush techniques (particularly using the airbrush I bought 40 years ago and never used). He was personable and knowledgeable. He even offered to be on call for our questions. Thanks, Josh! swt
How I remembered Ray Olson-------By Roger Benedict,
September 11, 2013
Since there was no Rockford memorial service for Ray after he suddenly passed away on August 2, 2013, it seemed befitting to acknowledge his membership in the Blackhawk Woodcarvers Club. Many years ago, more than I would like to remember, I was introduced to Ray during our departure (four of us from the carving club) for an Austrian Caring School in Elbeginalp, Austria. It did not take long to recognize the welcoming and friendly personality of this man. Then through the many years while associated with Ray, I developed a lifelong admiration for his enthusiasm and humor to volunteer for any project or office within the Blackhawk Woodcarving Club. “He walked his talked.”
Ray took on anything with confidence; all though he had a knack to question his own sanity while laughing about himself. His carving production was noteworthy, specifically while carving a life size sailor from a tree in his back yard, working with a carving team on the Native American from a tree at the Winnebago Fair Grounds and the industrial totem pole at the Rockford Discovery Center.
As one of the first members of the carving club, Ray was very active to help the early success of the club. While he was a member he was president in 1995, taught many carving classes (even teaching a class two weeks prior to his untimely death), ran various sections of the annual carving show, assisted other carvers, and provided a humorous atmosphere with old stories and jokes.
Of all his personal traits, those of us who will not forget, was his craving for desserts---strawberry short cake with ice cream and banana cream pie. Of course he had lots of help from his carving friends.
Those of us who remember Ray from the early days, as well as any new member, will have a memory of Ray’s creative carvings, enthusiasm, always a smile, and making a joke.
Carving Shows/Classes
Shows within 3 to 4 hours one-way drive time of Rockford will be listed as they become known.
September 21-22 - Stevens Point, WI
Wisconsin River Woodcarvers 13th show, competition and sale at Holiday Inn, 1001 Amber Ave. Saturday 9-5; Sunday 9-4. Admission $3; Under age 13 free. Ron O’Kray (715) 341-2214; Greg Wirtz (715) 423-0471
September 29 - Utica, IL
25th annual Valley Carvers’ judged, juried, show/sale at Starved Rock State Park Main Lodge; 9-5. Bob Wills (815) 634-3086
October 5 - Bloomington, IL
13th Annual Sculptures in Wood Show, sale, and contest sponsored by Corn Belt Carving Club at Shirk Center, Illinois Wesleyan Univ. Campus, 302 E Emerson St,; 9am to 5pm. Admission $3; Children free with adult. Mike Hartzler (309) 662-4276. www.cornbeltcarving.org
October 19-20 - Villa Park, IL
North Suburban Carvers Artistry in Wood Show/Sale at (new location) Odeum Expo Center, 1033 N Villa Ave,; 10am to 4pm. Free parking. Admission $5.; under 12 and uniformed scouts free. Judy Kavathas (773) 775-8993; www.northsuburbancarvers.org
October 26-27 - Danville, IL
Kickapoo Karvers 32nd judged show at 1419 N Bowman Ave.; 10am to 4pm. Free Admission. JimVan Duyn (217) 497-9859
October 27 - Madison, WI
Capital Area Carvers and Badger Woodturners sponsor 25th show/sale at Olbrich Botanical Gardens, 3330 Atwood Ave,; 9 to 4. Free Admission. Bov (608) 635-4552, Gary (608) 221-0907. cacw.clubexpress.com
More listings are available in Chip Chats! (ed. Note - Be aware of the many shows coming up in Florida and Arizona for those of you who travel south.) See also: Classes at 1-800-397-2278 or www.thewoodcraftshop.com John Engler Relief Carving May 24, 25, 26
IN
MEMORIUMOur best thoughts are with Art Sinden and his family in the loss of his wife of 44 years, Carol on September 4th. She was a talented singer, artist and friend. She will be missed.
A big thanks to Bob Matthews for doing an excellent job of providing programs for our learning and entertainment. The Presentation by Susan Alexander on July 24th’ Not only was the program interesting but the Raffle raised $200 for Bob Guge’s recovery. She gave many practical hints from her experience carving as a “newbie” as well as a delightful slideshow of her work that looked anything but “Newbie”
Business Meetings & Special Events -
ð September 18 - Business Meeting
ð October 16 - Business Meeting
ð November 21 - Business Meeting
ð December TBD - Christmas Party
ð December 18 - Business Meeting
NEW YEAR - 2014
ð January 15 - Business Meeting
ð February 19 - Business Meeting
ð March 20 - Business Meeting
BLACKHAWK WOODCARVERS
P. O. Box 8285 Rockford, Illinois 61126
Open Carving every Wednesday (8:30-11am) except Dec 25, Jan 1
Ken Rock Community Center (Sacred Heart Academy, multi-purpose room)
3218 Eleventh St, Rockford, IL 61109
Business Meeting; third Wednesday. of the month. Friends and spouses of carvers are especially welcome to come to meet and visit. Carvers bring in finished carvings for “Show & Tell.”
CLUB OFFICERS (area code 815)
President - Bob Coleman, 988-1757
Vice Pres. - Bob Matthews, 544-2359
Treasurer - John Skaggs, 547-6951
Secretary - Arne Larsen, 398-8796
COMMITTEES (area code 815)
Librarian - Bernie Budzynski, 332-2395
2013 Show Co-Chairmen - Bob Hallstrom, 963-1326, Don Stansfield, 235-0075
Show Publicity - Roger Benedict, 397-8910
Webmaster - Gordon Moscinski, 874-7978
Club Website - www.blackhawkcarving.com
Membership Chair - Chuck Drewes, 316-0398
Newsletter -Publisher - Gary Johnson 399-1697
Newsletter Editor- Steve Terrill, 393-4581
Photographer - Larry Clark, 262-9982
