Please read all of this email.

As you enter the spirit of season of giving gifts, could you please also consider lending talent? Yes, yours.

We members gain a lot from the KWG--we were recently reminded of all the benefits while considering the future of the Guild. 

Even the mention of KWG membership can draw respect: we are known for our Peterborough Library display, the Festival of Trees, for our gifts to various organizations, for our demonstrations in Peterborough, Lang Pioneer Village, Victoria County, for our school workshops and all the rest. 

And we members do give back to the Guild, in the form of our dues, our Christmas ornaments, our camaraderie, our expertise and our labour.

If you attended the November KWG meeting, you saw slides of our gorgeous library display (I had trouble taking pictures because everyone who passed by would stand in front of the display cases marveling and asking about the work!) and a slideshow of our KWG turners teaching in the schools.

You also heard teachers waxing eloquent about how our school workshops have a strong impact on their students. They are not exaggerating. There are kids out there who need us...who need YOU.

Gerry Robbins has done a fabulous job as education co-ordinator, but he is at present unable to continue, so I (John Fautley) am helping out. We already have two of our regular schools begging for a one-day workshop, and others just waiting to hear from us. Any turner who has done these classes can attest to the personal rewards and the relationships with the students, not to mention the fun of a "roadtrip", and even the quality of the free food (sometimes). 

SO, if you might have the time to give one weekday (or more) at any time between now and next May, please reply to this email NOW, saying "MAYBE", or "YES".

If you can execute woodturning basics safely, and could help a student make a very simple project, then you qualify. You could even come and watch and help out a little, just  to get the feel of it. That's what I and others have done to get started.

If you reply "Yes" or "Maybe", I will contact you with more information. 

This is just one aspect of the very important work the Kawartha Woodturners Guild does for the community. Please help out if you can.

Thanks everyone,

from John, Gerry, Lorne, Charles and the others who are helping get this off the ground for 2011-2012 school year.