Catoctin Area Turners

Goal: $2,500.00

Specific Need

As with many volunteer organizations, Catoctin Area Turners (CAT) continues to feel the effects of the COVID pandemic. Recruiting new members and finding volunteers remains a challenge. We have worked very hard to continue our monthly meetings and support to the local community. To that end our regular sessions are now hybred meetings, both in-person and via Zoom simultaneously. To accomplish this CAT made a substantial investment in audio visual equipment. A poll of the membership indicates they prefer this hybrid scheme and it will continue for the forseeable future. With fewer members attending in-person sessions our fund raising activities have been somewhat curtailed and maintaining and strenghtening our membership numbers is a challenge. Member dues is our largest revenue generator. Our presenters and educators are local and regional turners and, at least four times a year are paid, nationally recognized professional woodturners. Professional sessions may be in-person or remote demonstrations via Zoom. Our in-person meetings are conducted in rented space at the Leesburg Firehall and our skill development workshops are held in a space that is generously provided by one of our CAT members. CAT is a 100% volunteer run organization and we continue to work to increase our volunteer support. It is also important to secure capital funding for purchase of new equipment, maintenance of current equipment, improvement of our community outreach programs including teaching youth to turn. Some specific needs that donations will support: audio/video upgrades to increase our remote demonstration and Zoom capability for presentation to members unable to attend meetings, Veteran Centers and Assisted Living facilities; purchase of face shields and turning tools for classes and skill development sessions; purchase of expendable supplies; purchase of turning kits for classes such as pen kits, ice cream scoops, bottle openers and pizza cutters.

Mission

Our mission is to advance the art of woodturning by educating our members and the public, enhancing the skills of our members and promoting the awareness of safety. We provide community outreach and educate the public about woodturning in the areas of turning techniques, safety, tools and related equipment, design, wood selection, and finishing. We stress safety at all times. We provide information about artistic and architectural woodturning along with opportunities for both exhibiting and selling turned wood products. We aim to facilitate networking, friendship, cooperation among woodturners and support other Arts & Crafts organizations in our region. CAT welcomes all who may be interested in the wonderful art and craft of woodturning and wish to interact with others of similar interest.

Profile

Catoctin Area Turners (CAT) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit woodturning club composed of members who gather to share their love of the art and craft of woodturning. CAT is a chapter of the American Association of Woodturners and is open to all with an interest in woodturning. You do not need to own any woodturning equipment in order to join and participate in CAT. Many members will welcome beginners into their shop for a hands-on introduction to turning wood on a lathe. We have a mentoring program and experienced turners are happy to share their knowledge and experience with beginners and experts alike.