Meeting - October 6, 2025

10/6/2025 Meeting was held at the home/workshop of President Jamie Dalziel. A meal of smoked pork and sides was provided via YWA funds. Pleasant weather allowed all to gather outside to enjoy meal, socialize and tour Jamie’s new shop addition. Attendees included 22 members.
President asks that, in additional to getting name tags from board, each member sign in on a list each meeting. This will provide valuable information over time.
President announced that the vacant position of Secretary had been offered to Jeff Stratton. Jeff accepted the nomination, which was accepted by members by acclimation. Jeff will take notes of what transpires during meetings and generate Minutes to be posted on YWA website.
President proposed the creation of a position of Director of Media. This role would primarily be to record, by photograph and/ or video, YWA meetings, gatherings and projects by groups or individual members. Representative outtakes would be posted on YWA website to inform membership and promote outside interest in membership by illustrating club activities and benefits of membership. President had spoken to Ken Barrett, who accepted the nomination. The position of Director of Media and Ken’s nomination were accepted by members by acclimation.
President displayed a wall clock with laser-engraved YWA name and images of hand tools, created by Jamie. President proposed that this be gifted to founding member John Leake as an expression of appreciation for his contributions over the entire 41 year history of YWA. Approved by members by acclimation.
Annual Christmas Dinner Party is coming up. It was suggested by several members that, rather than have meal catered as in the past, YWA purchase the meat and supplies for the meal and that it be cooked by members (as had been done for this meeting). In addition, side dishes and desserts would be provided by members. This idea received general approval by those present, but no specific costs were supplied at this time. It was suggested that specific costs be provided during the November meeting, at which point official vote can be held. Xmas Dinner Committee consisting of Bill Vetter, Terry Jensen and Bill Covington was appointed. Member Rev. Tim Boan offered his church’s facilities (Grace Ministries, 1511 Mt. Holly Rd, Rock Hill) for YWA use for the Christmas Dinner on 12/6/2025.
Hands On Workshops for members was discussed. This has previously been talked about - separate from a presentation of a subject at a general meeting, members may gather on a later date at a member’s workshop for hands-on experience in the particular subject. This was once attempted but was not successful due to non-attendance. This idea deserves further consideration and coordination. In the meantime, ideas for presentations by outside vendors were voiced, such as Titebond and Klingspor, who are known to provide up-to-date and useful information that is useful to woodworkers.
President revealed that he has had conversations with numerous members to gather their thoughts on the future direction of the organization. While numerous members believe that YWA should/must promote and enlarge membership, others are comfortable with the current size and activity and oppose promoting membership recruitment. President stated that he will conduct an actual poll to gather thoughts and generate a proposal for YWA to consider.
While not directly related to membership growth, the subject of conducting demonstrations and/or workshops targeting youth was discussed. This could be simply a community service activity. Safety and liability topics were raised, such as parents required to attend with children, members only operating machinery, lots of “behind the scenes” preparation beforehand. A church-based program called ShareLife was discussed as a possible avenue to explore. Tim Boan and Buddy Auten were appointed as a committee to explore idea.
All business completed, SHOW and TELL proceeded. Ten members had brought examples of woodworking projects that they had completed. Each gave a brief description and answered any questions. A very diverse range of work was presented, including craving, sign making, woodturning, upholstered bench building and other categories. Perhaps this will become a standard component of YWA meetings.
Next meeting on Monday evening November 3, 2025. Gathering will be at Bill Covington’s shop (1513 Covington Street, Rock Hill, SC, 803-487-9874), Socializing beginning at 5:30pm, Meeting beginning at 6:30pm. Hot vegetable/beef soup, crackers and water will be provided by Bill. Members should bring anything else they want to compliment the meal, but please bring enough to share!