The Blackhawk Woodcarvers Monthly Business Meeting was called to order by Elaine Terrell. John Wacker reported the treasurer's status; and noted that rent is due.

Old Business: Don Stansfield will present a carving session at the next business meeting night, subject is a Saint Patty Day pin.

New Business: Some of the Wednesday morning carvers would like a chip carving class. Perhaps to be scheduled in the spring and be one of our business meeting nights.

Bob and Karen Matthews----Their son's candle stick holder made from cedar. Karen read a letter from their son who told a story about his humorous attempt to make this candle stick holder from a simple set of instructions. It seemed that the further he got involved with this project, the more complicated life became, because among many adverse experiences the final, one and only, candle stick holder ended up costing $1,300. First there was a high scrap rate of wood that caused undue extra wood costs. Several wood working classes were taken. Later a better lathe was needed included a variety of good turning tools. Of course they became dull, thus a sophisticated tool sharpener was purchased. Finally, instead of using a cut-off tool to size the cylinder for the correct length a large band saw was purchased. By now you get the idea--------it can be assumed that a project was needed to buy some tools and equipment that perhaps were on a Christmas list for many years. Just remember guys and gals, if this whole scheme sounds familiar and fits your past shop purchases then laugh along with the Matthews.

Gordon Moscinski---Hummingbirds and Santa Clauses

Gale Terrell---Penciled carved Santa into a chain, mice that sit on a shelf, cross, and Santas carved on pencils

Tony DeVita---Santa sitting on a ledge, Santa of 34 others carved during the year

John Bibby---Chipped carved plate (painted blue prior to carving)

Don Stansfield---Three Santas of various types

Tony Valdez---Santa

I ran across an interesting essay written by John E. Connely in the November-December 1997 Chip Chats magazine. This was a report of a study undertaken to define several levels of carving and related skill development. For our purposes this will be a four part series that will cover 1) Definition of terms/recognizing individual differences, 2) Beginning Woodcarvers, 3) Intermediate Woodcarvers, and 4) Advanced Woodcarvers.

Connely's definitions of terms follows:

Skill development of woodcarvers is a variable that pertains to individual differences. Thus human differences must be taken into account to classify individuals into certain groups. While the following list of differences was taken from the Connely study, one should note the similarities that generally come up in carving clubs' discussions. An interesting list from Connely's study of individual differences follows:

Next months newsletter will cover the subject of Beginning Woodcarvers from the same article.

Keep you tools sharp

Roger Benedict

January 16^th---Two part activity; 1) Bring a carving to work on with your tools and join in the related discussions among carvers, and 2) bring an unusual tool that will require the group to identify-----the tool is of any use as mechanic, carpenter, plumber, electrician, etc. The idea is that there are existing tools that have obscure names that are not well known, and let's try to figure out the unknown tools.

February 20^th ---Don Stansfield will lead a carving session of making an apparel-pin in relationship to Saint Patrick's Day. Bring your tools and be ready for a typically well led learning session from Don.

March 20^th---Gordon Moscinski will lead a wood burning session to advance your knowledge of a different aspect for carving. Gordon has been developing several outstanding scenes with his wood-burning work. This should be interesting.

April 17^th---To Be Determine

May 15^th---Roger Benedict will lead a carving session to carve a house scene in a relief carving. Roger's first love of relief carving has allowed him to developed a simple method to carve houses and building in reliefs with an acute perspective. Your tools are required.

June 19^th---To Be Determine

March 17 and 18----Wisconsin River Wood Carvers' annual show and competition at Elizabeth Inn & Convention Center in Clover, WI. Contact Bill Kubisiak (715) 344-2274

April 5-April 27----Monroe, WI Art Center will exhibit the Art of Chip Carving by Gottlieb Brandli, Horst Hart, Chris Knuteson, Bob Gauger, Steve Esser, and John Wegmueller. Contact www.monroeartcenter.com/carving

August 4----Blackhawk Woodcarvers annual show and competition at Klehm Arboretum and Botanic Garden in Rockford, IL. Contact Roger Benedict (815) 397-8910

Congratulations to Richard Andersen for volunteering to be Vice President for this new year. He has been a long time member and have has been a strong supporter of the club. The remainder of the slate of officers is made up from last year's members (see page one of this newsletter).

Rock Valley College sponsors the Center for Learning in Retirement (CLR), which Gordon Moscinski has recently conducted two carving classes in year 2006. One class was in the spring, while the second class was in the fall. From his effort of promoting carving in the Rockford area, nearly 40 students have taken these classes last year. Several students joined our club last year..

These carving classes will continue for 2007, however under a different format. The intent is to provide classes for more advanced work for those carvers who came through the original 2006 classes taught by Gordon. Tony DeVita, Don Stansfield, Gordon Moscinski, and Roger Benedict will teach these classes. Subjects covered will be relief carvings, holiday ornaments, statues, and pendants.

It is that time of the year to update your membership. Please pay membership dues of $18.00 by the end of January 2007. Make checks payable to Blackhawk Woodcarvers and submit to John Wacker, Treasurer, or any of the officers. This money supports several continuous expenses as rent, newsletter, and club events. We can not exist without your support. Currently we have 48 full-time members, and 23 half-year members.

NEWS STUFF Please forward any club or member information to the editor.