The Northwest Corner Woodworkers Association regrets to announce the passing of Nick Van on Monday morning, May 7, 2012. Nick had been a member of NCWA since 2000. He was elected President in 2001 when, as he put it, “no one else would take the job” and he was instrumental in the evolution of NCWA into the organization it is today. He remained a member of the board for several years and continued thereafter to serve the membership as an instructor and mentor to “newbies”. Nick is survived by Allegra, his wife of 58 years, four children, a host of grandkids, and an emerging crowd of great-grandchildren.

Our June 5th membership meeting will feature local artist, Geoff Peterson. Geoff grew up in Rochester, New York, home of Eastman Kodak and has been taking pictures ever since. He spent his working life as a chemical engineer and retired to Bellingham in 2004. In addition to photography, Geoff builds custom furniture with a style that blends Asian, Northwest and Shaker utilizing simplicity of lines and subtle curves. His wife, Priscilla, is a sculptor, painter and mixed media artist, and they open their home to the public every October during the annual Whatcom Artist Studio Tour. Their websites are http://www.northwest-perceptions.com/ and http://www.cillasart.com/

[Burlington, WA] The Northwest Corner Woodworkers Association (NCWA) announced their annual woodworkers show scheduled for Father’s Day weekend, June 16th and 17th, at the center court of Cascade Mall in Burlington. NCWA currently has over 130 members from five counties in Northwest Washington, and holds most of it’s monthly meetings at the Hillcrest Lodge in Mt. Vernon on the first Tuesday of every month. Many members participate in the annual shows by bringing their latest woodworking creations ranging from small boxes to fine furniture. During the show, which will run during normal Cascade Mall hours over Father’s Day weekend, several members of the association will be available to answer questions about woodworking, membership and benefits of the association. The show highlights many of the association’s activities and programs including support for the Marine Corps Reserve annual Toys-For-Tots drive. There will also be live woodworking demonstrations and a raffle for an exquisite handcrafted hardwood box.

Two years ago, Tom Dolese gave an excellent program on his woodworking and is now a member of our association. This month, he will demonstrate the mortising machine he uses for most of his joinery. Originally made by Stanfield, this new machine is produced locally by Jerry Couchman’s nephew Dave Green and his son Andy. Tom also plans to demonstrate his method for cutting sliding tapered dovetails.