There was some minor discussion about the tree carving at the Winnebago County Fairgrounds. At this time we need more information from the county fair organization.

Motion by Todd Wisner and seconded by Dolores Cascio was passed to increase the Judges pay for their services at the annual carving show.

Roger Benedict presented these subjects for discussion: 1) we were asked to be carvers at the annual Macktown Living History reenactment called "The Gathering." It is required that the carvers dressed in period times prior to the Civil War; 2) a new category for the show competition was presented that deals with anything carved from a 4-inch sphere; a handout was distributed showing the details; 3) a meeting is scheduled for the annual carving show at Roger's home on Thursday night, March 22, 2007 at 7:00 pm---anyone interested is encouraged to attend.

Tony and Marshall conducted a soap carving session for a local Cub Scout Den for their opportunity to earn a Cub Scout carving badge.

Presentation was by Don Stansfield who led us through a carving of a leprechaun, label pin.

This newsletter continues the words of wisdom 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.

Keep you tools sharp

Roger Benedict

March 20^th---Gordon Moscinski will present wood burning techniques. Gordon has been developing several outstanding scenes with his wood-burning work.

April 17^th---Richard Andersen will present his carving work with rocking horses. Richard presented his work several years ago and we were amazed of the various horses and work that went into his hobby.

April 27, 28, 29^th---Need carvers for Macktown Living History reenactment for their annual "The Gathering."

May 15^th---Roger Benedict will lead a carving session to carve a house/building scene in a relief carving.

June 19^th---To be determined

July 17th---To be determined

August 4^th---Blackhawk Woodcarvers 13th annual woodcarving show at Klehm Arboretum and Botanic Garden

March 17 and 18----Wisconsin River Wood Carvers' annual show and competition at Elizabeth Inn & Convention Center in Clover, WI. Contact Bill Kubisiak (715) 344-2274

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

June 18-24----International Woodcarvers Congress, Seminars & Show at Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds Davenport/Bettendorf, IA. Contact Larry or Carol Yudis (563)-359-6344 www.awcitrd.org

July 7----Lake County Carvers 27^th Annual Show/Competition, Dept of Public Works. Delafield, WI Contact Mike Niemczk (414) 462-6344

August 4----Blackhawk Woodcarvers annual show and competition at Klehm Arboretum and Botanic Garden in Rockford, IL. Contact Roger Benedict (815) 397-8910

Gordon Moscinski will show the various things one can do with a wood burner, and demonstrate on how to do this attractive process. Other areas will be covered regarding on how to get started, where to by the equipment, which are the typical burning tips, and where to get patterns.

Mark your calendars for this year's show 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.

And for a new look with the show's competition!---------We will present an added competitive carving category that may be a first for any carving show. Look for an article in Chip Chats Magazine for an announcement. 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:

Volunteers are needed 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. We should be, to the best of our ability, dressed in period cloths. A sign up sheet has been circulating at the last business meeting and the Wednesday-am carving session. Contact Roger for more information.

Match the English word with the Latin version, answers in this newsletter:

1. White Cedar a.                      Acer rubrum

2. Sitka Spruce b.                     Tsuga canadensis

3. Red Pine c.                            Tila vulgaris

4. Eastern Hemlock d.             Juglans cinerea

5. Red Maple e.                         Chamaecyparis

6. White Ash f.                           Pinus resinosa

7. Butternut g.                           Fraxinus americana

8. European Lime h.                 Picea sitchensis

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 level of carving, including those who have never carved and want to learn about carving.