Text Box: Page 2
Text Box: OCCASIONAL CHIPS
Text Box: Volume 8  Issue 2
Text Box: Membership
notes
     We welcome some new members and we also must say good bye to others. 
New members who joined in 2006, since the last newsletter are:

Chien Florio, Bridgeport July
Keith Alexander, Flushing, OH Sept
Vincent Schwenk, New Eagle, PA Sept.
Renda Muklewicz, Bridgeport, Sept
Andrew Bokin, White Oak, PA Sept
Wayne S. Yoka, Jacobsburg, OH Sept.,
Dottie McMasters, McMechen, WV Sept
Gregory Robinson, Steubenville, OH Sept.
Gary Kish, Wheeling, Sept.

     Welcome, enjoy your membership, learn and make a lot of wood chips. 

     Recently John Goas, a youthful and talented carver since May of 2002 has found employment in another city and is embarking toward a new profession. 
John was one of a few who always started with only a bare block of wood and in a few weeks a beautiful carving immerged.  His carving that attracted a lot of attention was the three monkeys climbing a rope that appeared in the our 2005 show.  His inspiration came from a single monkey eating a banana cartoon that hung on the refrigerator in our carving room. 
John is also the guilds recording secretary where his notes were concise and to the point.  
Good luck in your new endeavors John we will miss your talents. 

     On a sad note we also lost a carver to the great carver in the sky where his talents will be utilized elsewhere.  Jim Swiger, 51, died Monday July 17, 2006 in Americus Georgia.  He was a member of our Guild since January 2000. 
     Two weeks prior to his death Jim visited us to pick up some patterns, tools and was moving some furniture to his new home in Georgia.  

Text Box:      Jim was originally from the south where he worked in the correctional system until he encountered some ill health.  His health grew worse as the years went by but he never complained and he always tried even when suffering to attend the carving sessions and enjoy his passion for carving. 
     Jim will always be remembered for his zest for living despite his handicaps.  He was always planning for the future. 
 GOODBYE JAMES SWIGER, REST WELL OLD FRIEND.


Thank you
     Thanks are due to many people as usual for their kindness to this Woodcarvers Guild. 
     First a special thank you to the following for carving donations for our Christmas Tree raffle.  Ray Thurston, Hedgehog and Seal; Bill Callaghan, wood burned plaque; Bill Baker and Bob Chaffee, for Santa ornaments; Lester and Sally Powers, bird carving; Kevin Patch, Christmas tree ornament and Karl Ohly, large lady bust.  All are our out of town guests who participate in our Annual Carving Show. 
     Others are Dave Stauver for his box of snow flakes made with 6 different woods which grace the tree.  Dave is the person who also gets up early each year to erect the signs in Oglebay Park to assist visitors in locating the show site. 
     Jack Luttig retired from carving due to health problems was able to provide the Home of The Good Shepherd with a large box of cutouts for the residents in our name.  Joe Rich, Jim Ingram and Joe Hodorowski, provided a box full as well in response to a request by activities director Harry Sykes. 
     Suzanne and “Moe” Mozena, donated a number of chain blanks crafted by Moe’s son. 
     Tom Habenicht made needed repairs to the Christmas tree rotator.  The rotator is not being used this year due to the extreme weight of the Christmas tree.                             (continued above)

Text Box:      Thanks to all of those who helped with the sale of raffle tickets during the October Oglebayfest.  The weather was beautiful this year which made for excellent sales.  Some members traveled a long distance to help out—thanks. 
     Ray Thurston, recently stopped by during a carving session and donated a large number of back issues of the CHIP CHAT magazines for our use. 
     I wish to also make note (or toot my own horn) that all of the planed lumber that members purchase has been done by Joe Hodorowski at no charge to the organization. 
     There were many more small acts of consideration by members, and friends too numerous to itemize, such as labor, wood and bark donations and efforts to help when needed.  That’s what makes this guild something special. 
      A great big hug and thanks are in order.  


Show follow up
     This past Labor Day weekend show ranks as one of the better attended shows, due partly to a number of factors.  First good weather, better advertising, and good cooperation among the demonstrators and members. 
     After the comment sheets were collected it was found that no one had a complaint.  The show itself went well but the dinner, which can be a sore spot was well received this year .  We may do it again next year. 
      The dinner on Saturday evening after the show closing was held upstairs of the restaurant called Undos (originally Figaretti's) was well attended and due to the arrangement of the tables, folks were able to communicate better with other tables.  Also many were able to win some of the nice prizes available. 
     Thanks to the efforts of Ron Pickens and Frank Bulian we were able to provide some excitement and groans with the free give-away that evening. 
     Thru the generosity of Frank Bulian, who operates a refreshment drive thru in St Clairsville Frank was