PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE FEBRUARY 2026
We successfully completed our first general meeting at the Mount Vernon Library Commons with a few minor growing pains, but in reviewing the venue, I think it offers a great environment for our future meetings. Currently, thanks to Christi Brua Weaver and Bill Pierce, we are working with the Commons to find a home for our club’s library. It appears we may be able to barter our skills in building fixtures for the Common’s storage room in exchange for a space to store our library cart.
Since our last meeting, we have initiated new relationships with 2 preferred vendors. First, we are very proud to have Lee Valley Hardware under our banner. They are offering an “education discount” to those members who have taken any of our classes or shop talks. We are working on a certificate that you can use to buy their products either online or in person at the Coquitlam, BC store. Details are on our new website under the Vendors tab. Discounts are up to 15% and you are eligible for the discount up to 1 year from when your certificate is dated.
The next new preferred vendor we can benefit from is Always B Closeouts in Bellingham. Their website is alwaysbcloseouts.com . You will find hardwoods, flooring, plywood and lots of building accessories in their warehouse. They are a no-frills shop that offers some of the best prices on wood in the area. I bought 4/4 8 inch wide ash for $5 a board foot. When you go there you deal with the owners and they are helpful and knowledgeable. If you don’t see what you want, they will try to get it for you. They are offering our membership a 6% discount on their already deeply discounted prices!
Our new program for the February 3 general meeting will be one of our extremely talented members who builds harpsichords. I was privileged to visit Chet Noll’s shop in Lynden during a recent shop talk. His workmanship, attention to detail and musical talent were on display for us to marvel at. This worked out so well that it will be our honor to have him as our featured guest at the next meeting. You won’t want to miss this!
With the new year here, I hope all have made resolutions to improve or hone your woodworking skills. We will have lot’s of educational programs, shop talks and informal get-togethers to accomplish this. No matter what your skill level is, you will have something to learn and something to contribute. I’ve done several one-on-ones with our members in my shop and have always walked away with a few golden nuggets of knowledge by sharing space with others. Don’t be afraid to reach out and meet our members. Your or their shop is an ideal environment to cultivate long-term friendships.
Finally we are reviewing the idea of having a tool lending library. In the concept stage, there would be no central spot for storage, but rather all tools under the program could be checked out for a 3 month period. Once that time is up, the tool is up for grabs by the next borrower. If nobody needs it right away, the current borrower would be responsible for storing it until a request for it’s use and check-out comes along. I would like to know if there is any type of tool(s) be they hand tools or power tools that you wish to see in this program. Please send me an email regarding your desire to; earl@earlkessler.com . As this program evolves, check back here to see where it is going.
Have a great February and I hope to see you at the monthly meeting on February 3, 2026.
Earl