Happy New Year!
I want to welcome you to the new year and a new beginning for the Ohio Valley Woodturners Guild. The past year was one of many accomplishments for the Guild and for our members. I am hopeful that 2026 will be even better.
Since we are an all volunteer organization, our success is dependent on your participation. If you are a long time member and an experienced turner I want to remind you that there will be many opportunities for you to contribute. You may have turning skills that others would like to learn so teaching a class may be something that you can do to advance the turning experiences of others. You might also be able to contribute as a committee member/chair or as a board member. These are the people who make everything happen. Many of you have leadership skills that can be of great value in advancing the mission of the Guild.
If you are new to turning and to the Guild there are still many ways that you can contribute. The best way to become familiar with the operations of the Guild is to get involved. I urge you talk to me or one of the other Board members about the needs of the Guild and where you might fit in.
At the beginning of each year we experience a significant drop in membership due to many individuals not renewing by the end of the year. This year is no different. Yesterday the number of members was 354. As of midnight last night, those who have not paid their dues were dropped from the membership list. Consequently, our membership today is at 253. I am sending this message to both active members and to expired members. My hope is that those with expired memberships will renew in the near future. if you have attempted to renew your membership and have been unsuccessful please contact Dean Devin (ddevin@cinci.rr.com) or me (jw.warner455@gmail.com).
In closing I want to remind you that our first demonstration meeting of the year is scheduled for Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. in the meeting room at the Lindner annex of the Kennedy Heights Arts Center. You may register online ahead of time or you can pay at the door. Our featured demonstrator is Matt Monaco. He is also scheduled to teach classes on Sunday the 18th and Monday the 19th. The first class is on Fondations of Woodturning and has one space available. The other class on The Skew Chisel is filled, but there is a wait list. So, if you are interested I encourage you to add your name to the wait list. There are often last minute cancellations.
I am looking forward to a great new year. See you soon.
Jerry Warner
President
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