Lengthy discussion again about the Pecatonia Fair grounds potential tree carving. Elaine and Walt will take pictures of the stump. There is a question if we want to take on this project; magnitude of the project, and if we will be covered by their insurance. There will be more investigation and report back to the club at the next meeting. Raised concern about Klehm Arboretum's personnel restructuring that may or may not effect our annual show. Roger will check this out. The Gathering at Macktown needs more direction as to how to get their, where to park, and what to wear. Roger will report at next meeting. An open meeting about the August 4^th Show on March 22 is scheduled for anyone to attend.

Presentation was by Gordon Moscinski about wood burning. He showed many of his accomplished panels of animals and landscapes. Talked about the critical aspects of wood burning, provided examples of books on the subjects, and demonstrated the techniques.

This newsletter continues the skill levels written by John Connely from an essay written in the November-December 1997 Chip Chats magazine. This was a report of a study undertaken to define several levels of carving and related skill development.

April 17^th---Richard Andersen will present his carving work with rocking horses.

April 5-27----Monroe, WI Art Center will exhibit the Art of Chip Carving by Gottlieb Brandli, Horst Hart, Chris Knuteson, Bob Gauger, Steve Esser, and John Wegmueller. Contact www.monroeartcenter.com/carving

Richard Andersen will talk about his projects of making rocking horses. He has presented this work several years ago and we were amazed of the various horses and work that went into his hobby. Rich will show a miniature rocking horse and a full size one built for his granddaughter nearly 18 years ago. Various points of interest, patterns, and tools will be discussed.

This year's carving & competition show is being held on Saturday, August 4^th. Same place same time at Klehm Arboretum and Botanic Garden. Get the ideas rolling for the raffle carving donations. From the standpoint of the personnel reconstruction at Klehm Arboretum we are AOK with the carving show reservations which were verified for this and next year. We have added a new competitive carving category that may be a first for any carving show. This event requires carvers to submit an original carved design that is within a 4-inch spherical ball. Cash awards and ribbons will be awarded for 1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd place. The rules are:

There is a good list of volunteers to demonstrate carving at Macktown's annual "The Gathering" over a three day period. This society has been restoring the old town site of Macktown across the Rock River from Rockton. This is a major reenactment of the period before the Civil War with over 120 actors from all points of the Midwest and northern states. The schedule includes Friday, April 27, Saturday April 28, and Sunday April 29. Friday is school days with over 1,300 students visiting the grounds. And Saturday and Sunday is open to the public for an admission fee.