Everyone was excited to join the first club meeting of the new year. Residing President Ray Gonzales tapped the gavel at 6pm to call the meeting to order. There were 18 members in attendance.
At the prior meeting, club members voted to merge the individual clubs into one group. The first order of business for the January meeting was to select a new name. The group consists of the Scrollsaw Club, the Inland Woodworkers, and the Inland CNC (which also includes the laser burners). After a lively and robust discussion, the group offered the following suggestions:
- Inland Empire Scrollsaw and Woodworking Association
- Inland Woodworkers Association
- Inland Empire Makers
- Inland Wood Makers
- Inland Empire Crafters
All good suggestions, but the group was unable to narrow down the field. Hence, the selection for the club name was tabled and deferred to the February meeting.
The second order of business was to elect club officers. Following are the results of the elections, and officers for 2023:
President: Mike Trejo
Vice President: Rick DuVall
Secretary: Michael Miller
Treasurer: Phyllis Minert
The group acknowledged Ray and Kenneth for outstanding service as the previous club presidents. Mike Sullivan made a motion to have an officer dedicated to the Toy Drive. The group agreed that this would be an important position and agreed to include the topic on the February agenda.
Chuck Petrovich brought in his wooden spoons, which he made from screwbean mesquite. He took a class on how to pour color resin, and was practicing on key chains. He noted that there are 250 resin colors available. We look forward to hearing more about his progress.
Ernie Gonzales showed off his bi-planes, which are made from oak baseboard. The initial pattern came from Ray, from which Ernie then added his own creative touches.
Mike Sullivan invented his own board game, which he has been enjoying with his family.
Mike Trejo brought in a tissue box that was cut with a laser cutter. He used one of the online box generating software packages (perhaps https://www.makercase.com/#/). The box is for his new grandson, who has taken a liking to the tissues. Mike also made a milk crate, a mantle piece candle holder, and bat mobiles cut from poplar. Who doesn’t love bat mobiles?
Ray Gonzales brought in several scroll saw projects. The seahorse puzzle came from an article in the Scroll Saw Woodworking and Crafts Summer 2012 (#47) issue, submitted by the club’s very own Chuck Petrovich.
Teaching the Teachers to Teach CNC
Inland Woodworkers will be teaching a CNC class for teachers. It will be held at Cerritos College on Friday, February 24. Contact Kenneth for additional details. Skills USA Mike Trejo is looking for volunteers to assist with judging for this year’s Skills USA competition. January 28 will be the Introduction to Woodworking competition; judging for this event will be online. February 11 will be judging for the Cabinet Making event. This will be held in person at a local college.
Mike Trejo brought in a T-track that he purchased from Orange Aluminum (13111 Meyer Rd, Santa Fe Springs, CA 90605, 714-695-5643). His findings – the track is very good quality and significantly cheaper than the big-box woodworking store.
In Memorium
Sheril Fouts informed us that her husband, Randy Fouts, a long time member of the woodworking club, passed away on November 17, 2023, at the age of 69. He joined the club in 2007. Cards can be sent to Sheril at 210 Warmblood Way, Norco, CA 92860. She can also be reached at 951-735-2513.
