The Desert Woodcrafters Board, left to right: Marv Enerson, Treasurer; Doug Kant, VP; Gaile McCuaig, Secretary; Jim Price, At Large; Ken Hansen, President. Photo by Marv Enerson
Ken Hansen
The Desert Woodcrafters are celebrating the first full year of operation. The club started in January of 2015 with a new facility, new equipment, a new Executive Board and new members.
A lot has been accomplished in this first year. All of the new equipment was installed and made operational. Many of the members were familiar with some of the equipment, but nobody knew the unique details of all the machines so a lot of learning took place. Shop monitors were trained, and all members went through a “shop orientation” on safety and machine usage. Training classes were held, and most importantly members had fun working in the shop, helping each other and making new friends.
We did not have any hand tools to start, but following a request for donations much of the need was filled and the club purchased many of the remaining. We were able to come up with an operational shop quickly.
Our membership started at about 50 and ended the year at 67 with new members joining throughout the year. Last month the members approved a slight increase in yearly membership dues to $60 and a one-time fee to establish a “safety net” to deal with potential unforeseen expenses.
Members completed many projects for their own use, and we were able to support other HOA groups with their need for shelves, tables, shed building, etc.
With the membership vote and appointments from the board, the following Executive Board will manage the 2016 operation. Ken Hansen, President; Doug Kant, Vice President (acting); Marv Enerson, Treasurer; Gaile McCuaig, Secretary; and Jim Price, at large board member.
In our second year of operation our goal is to increase and improve our training program. Training serves to improve safety, educate on the correct machine usage, increase skill sets and improve productivity. Everybody wins with more training.
If you are a prospective member or just want to know more about the club, go to our website at http://rraz.us/DesertWoodcrafters/Welcome.html where there is a wealth of information. If you are interested in joining the club contact any of the executive board or visit the shop, which is next to the new IGA, any weekday between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.