The Blackhawk Woodcarvers Monthly Business Meeting was called to order by Elaine Terrell.

Old Business

A reminder of this year's annual picnic is set for Tuesday evening, September 12^th at Sinissippi Park shelter house. Bring a dish to pass and any meat to grill

New Business

Larry Clark suggested that a carving picture be placed on the post card announcements regarding the show. He will look into it.

Richard Anderson----A pine carving of a canister with figures of ladies on the outside.

John Bibby---A butternut chip carving of an icicle.

There is an on going situation regarding our carvings; a question of the best method to finish a carving in the natural state. Everyone has their wood finishing opinions similar to personal sharpening methods, but the question goes on and on. I, too, have been trying different methods, finishes, solvents, oils, waxes, etc., etc., and yet hear from those who have "found it." Boy, it did not work for me, though! Then this week I ran across an old book in my files titled "The New Wood Finishing Book" by Michael Dresdner. I only had this book for five years and never paid any attention to it, until just recently. I urge every carver to read this book, who finishes his or her carvings in the natural state. Perhaps it can be found at Nicholson Hardware, or the box stores. Your favorite bookstore also could order the book. From my personal standpoint, I have been doing some things correctly, but now several new approaches make more sense and, thus, I have developed more confidence to achieve a quality finished carving. I would appreciate your feedback if you were fortunate to find this book. I will bring it to the carving sessions for those who want to browse.

Keep your tools sharp, Roger Benedict

July 18^th----There is no program planned. However bring your current carving project and tools to be part of a carving group for carving, learning, teaching, sharing and FLNHAC discussion. Also the final show details and volunteer list.

August 15^th----Open time; show review, personal carving, etc.

September 12^th----Annual Picnic at Sinissippi Park beginning at 4:00 PM. Eat at 5:30 PM; plus needing an idea from Mars for a group carving project?

September 19^th----Guest Speaker Roger Benedict about reliefs; a hands on activity, bring your tools to carve a leaf.

September 23^rd----All day carving class by Don Stansfield on flat plane carving of a nativity scene.

October 17^th----Guest Speaker Steve Coogan about sketching what you see; a hands on activity.

November 21^st---- Guest speaker Bob Matthews on painting your carving; bring paints and brushes.

December 19^th----Christmas party and swap night.

The shelter house is reserved at Sinissippi Park for our annual picnic. The time and date is 4:00 pm till dark on Tuesday, September 19^th. Spouses and friends are encouraged/ welcomed. Bring a dish to pass and your favorite meat to grill. Soda pop will be furnished. Begin eating at 5:30 pm. Bring a carving idea that we all can share; anything from Mars will be graciously accepted.

A basswood carving class is scheduled for Saturday, September 23, 2006 at Kenrock Community Center. Don Stansfield will conduct the class from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm covering the subject of Flat Plane Carving of a Nativity Scene. The nativity will consist of Mary, Joseph, Jesus in a crib, a star, and a base. Maximum class size is 20. Cost is $25 per person that includes the basswood. Make checks payable to Blackhawk Woodcarvers and submit your name and check before the 23rd to:

Don Stansfield

1508 W Lincoln Blvd

Freeport, IL 61032.

You must furnish your own tools. For additional information call Don at (815) 235-0075. His carved subject was shown Wednesday, and the subject looks easy to learn this technique.

The show date is Saturday, August 19, 2006. Continue to carve a Santa Christmas tree ornament and/or a Watchdog. These will be sold during the show. See Tony DeVita for the "Watch-dog" digital clocks. Pleeeease, plan to donate carvings for the raffle. Volunteers are still needed; contact Bob Hallstrom at 997-3930 if interested.

Richard Andersen has made name badge for everyone in the carving club. They are out of wood that presents the club's name and the Blackhawk Woodcarvers logo. A "real class act" by Richard who very quietly went about his business by designing, carving, and painting a box full of these badges. All you have to do is print your name on the wood surface; see Richard to obtain one of these fine looking badges. Richard; BRAVO & THANKS for a well thought out gift for everyone. They will be available on Business meeting nights and Wednesday mornings.

Sandy Schmitt rehabilitating to regain his strength in Saint Anne's on North Alpine.

Who ever asked Dolores Cascio for a book on penguins, please see her because she has now has the book.

"Fellow Carvers: As time goes by, I realize just how short life is and I wanted to express my thanks and gratitude to you club members while we are still here. I want to thank Gordy for giving carving classes and starting with other fellows our carving club. I want to thank Ray Olson for going to Ken Rock on a Wednesday morning to start a club of morning carvers and being the only one there for so long. Finally, Sandy and I came followed by each one of you until a real Blackhawk Woodcarvers Club was born. I want to thank Roger for all his newsletters, his ideas, the people he has brought to our meetings to help us improve our work but, especially, for his suggesting we meet for breakfast Tuesday mornings. I know some of you come a long distance to be with our special group of carvers. I, lastly, want to thank each and every one of you, whether your names are mentioned or not, for staying in the club, for teaching others your special skills and being such good and dear friends." From Tony DeVita

Please forward any club or member information to the editor. Also if so inclined, submit a newsy letter of 100 words or less for the newsletter. These would be due the last week of every month.

August 19….Rockford, IL, Blackhawk Woodcarvers 12^th annual show and competition at Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Gardens. Roger Benedict (815) 988-3314

September 10….Madison, WI, Capital Carvers of WI 18^th annual show at Olbrich Botanical Gardens.

September 16….Janesville, WI, Rock River Valley Carvers Show & Competition at Rock Co. Fair Grounds, Craig Center 1301 Craig Ave, Janesville, WI. 10 am to 4 pm. Ruth McNally (608) 752-0930

October 14-15 Thorton, IL, South Suburban Chiselers host annual Wonders of Woodworking show in recreation center at 701 Highland Ave, Peggy Kelly (708) 877-5244

October 28-29….Wheaton, IL, North Suburban Carvers 27^th Artistry in Wood Exhibition and Competition at DuPage County Fairgrounds. Terri Pijut (847) 458-2919

"A hard working carpenter fails
because of inadequate sales.
He just wasn't made for the trade
and that's why he's biting his nails. "

_____Doug Larson

A QUOTE

"It would be a great reform in politics if wisdom could be made to spread as easily and rapidly as folly."

_____Winston Churchill

The Blackhawk Woodcarvers was founded in 1993 and has a goal of preserving and encouraging the art of woodcarving. Membership is open to anyone having any skill of carving, including those who have never carved and want to learn about carving.