President’s Turn 26-11

November brings with it, hopefully, an end to the hot weather, and the start of the crowded retail outlets, short tempers, and other holiday traditions. It also marks end of the seemingly never-ending election season, including the NM Woodturners’ election of club officers. Our bylaws state

“The presence of twenty-five percent (25%) of the members of the Chapter entitled to vote shall be necessary to constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. All categories of paid membership are entitled to vote if their dues are paid current.”

Based on the latest membership list (Membership 20261028.xlsx), there are 123 active and life members with voting rights, so we need to have 31 voting members present and signed in at the November meeting. It is likely that the data from August does not include some renewals and new memberships. So, if you can possibly make the November meeting, please endeavor to do so.

I am sure that Tom will cover this in more detail elsewhere, but the slate as of this writing will be familiar with one new addition. I have agreed to return as president; Bert, for treasurer; and Nancy has agreed to stay on as Secretary. Carson Harris, who you may remember was elected as Secretary in the 2024 election but had to step down for medical reasons shortly after his election, has agreed to run for vice-president. Nominations remain open until the election is held at the November 7th NMWT meeting, so it is not too late to help the club.

I currently have eight members who have expressed an interest in serving on the education committee. I will be contacting all of those who have expressed interest in the coming weeks to set up an organizational meeting to get to know the experiences, interests, and perspectives of those members. We will also see which specific areas of responsibilities each committee member wishes to contribute to. The education committee will be charged with contributing to the organization of the JCH events, helping the VP with organizing the club meeting demonstrators & demonstrations, selecting and assisting with logistics for the professional demonstration and associated workshops, possibly an additional workshop with Michael Mocho, and working with the club mentors. Should opportunities to promote the club arise such as the library display, or the Big Brothers and Big Sisters event in November, the education committee will also coordinate these displays and/or demonstrations.

Donald Skarin has stepped forward to assist with the Website committee. I will continue to fill the webmaster role until Don is sufficiently trained, or until another member with the pre-requisite skill set steps forward.

And finally, Tom has also advised me that he found a “youngster” to help the equipment committee, but I do not yet have his name. I am sure that the current committee members will welcome some younger “muscle”.

Hope to see you at the November 7th meeting,

Mark