September 3, 2010

About Us

WELCOME! The Inland Northwest Woodturners is an organization devoted to the education of aspiring woodturners. We meet at 7;00 pm on the first Thursday of each month. Our new meeting place will be the new WOODCRAFT store which is located at 212 N. Sullivan in Spokane Valley. While helping each other learn more about this fascinating hobby is our goal, we also feel the club provides an outstanding opportunity to develop life- long friendships with people who share your interest in woodtuming. All skill levels are welcome. We have among our membership turners who are known worldwide as well as beginners. We try to provide a meaningful experience for everyone.

MEETING AGENDA Except for special events which will be described later, our meetings generally are organized as follows:
7:00-7:15 SHARING TABLE it is important for all members to bring examples of their woodtuming projects to share with others. During this time one member of the executive board will select works for discussion. This is a time where you can learn about specific techniques and get new design ideas. Feel free to ask questions about any of the work displayed.
7:15-7:30 ADMINISTRATIVE TIME An important fund raising project is the wood raffle. Members bring one or more pieces of wood to donate to the raffle. During these 15 minutes you can buy raffle tickets for $1 each. The club also has a lending library. This is a good time to check out a book or videotape. There is no charge for this service. We ask, however, that you return items checked out at the next meeting.
7:30-8:45 SPECIAL PROGRAM Except for the special program nights, we have a guest presenter during this time. Oftentimes, we have members of the club present but on some occasions we have speakers who are recognized as leaders in the field. Primarily your dues fund special programs. Dues are $24 a year and should be paid during the January meeting. We rely on these funds to do our planning so we request that you pay promptly. 8:45-9:00 WOOD RAFFLE If you have bought tickets^ you have a good chance to get some nice turning wood. If your name is called you can go to the wood table and select your prize.
9:00 CRITIQUE For members who want an in-depth critique of their work or if you want to observe a very thorough critique process, you can stay for this after meeting activity. Our more experienced members will provide critique. We take every effort to provide a critique that is helpful and constructive. This can provide you with the ideas you need to improve your skills.

SPECIAL PROGRAMS During the year we have set aside certain months for special meetings. These are:
JULY Our July meeting will be an all day hands on workshop where members bring their mini lathes and learn new skills by sharing and working together. The club provides drinks and snacks. The program will be different each time
AUGUST This month has been reserved for our annual barbeque. The club provides all the drinks and food. This is primarily a social occasion where spouses and partners are invited. Members are asked to bring condiments and side dishes.
DECEMBER every year we have a Christmas party. Members volunteer to bring Christmas treats and a gift for exchange. We usually plan some special activities and ask members to make a small gift that is appropriate to donate to charity.
WOOD CARVER SHOW during the month of September the club organizes a demonstration table and display of lathe turned items at the Spokane Woodcarver Show. This is an opportunity to compete for special prizes and to recruit new members for the club.

MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION:

CLUB ROSTER
All members who are current on their dues are listed on a roster. This list contains addresses and phone numbers. If you have any questions please call any member for information.

MENTOR PROGRAM
Some of the experienced members have volunteered to open their shops to new members. This is an outstanding free opportunity to receive instruction. We encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity to learn new skill. Contact any club officer or Executive Committee member to make arrangements. In addition, Russ Fairfield teaches monthly classes in his shop in Post Falls for a very nominal fee. The schedule for these sessions will be announced monthly.

NAME TAGS
All members have special name tags. These are kept by the club. Please be sure to leave your name tag after every meeting.

OUR SPONSORS
Woodcraft ,Windsor Plywood Co. and Couer d Alene Power Tool are our sponsors. Please patronize these businesses and let them know that you are members of the lathe club and that you appreciate their support.

AAW
In order for our insurance to cover you and your participation in our activities, you need to be a member of the American Association of Woodturners. This is an outstanding organization that publishes a quarterly journal and provides many other benefits. We ask that all members join the AAW. Contact a club officer for more information.

QUESTIONS/COMMENTS
The club officers and Executive Committee are dedicated to providing you with the best experience possible. If there is anything that you see needs improvement or attention, please contact one of us or attend the executive meeting that takes place at 5:30 before each regularly scheduled club meeting. Your opinions and ideas are very important to us.

Inland Northwest Woodturners Sponsored By:
Windsor Plywood Wood Craft Coeurdalene Power Tool