Question: What happens when you put together a bunch of woodturners, a lathe and a potato?
Answer:    Potato Chips! (Seriously!)  

At April's picnic, we enjoyed good weather, warm camaraderie, great barbecue and hot potato chips turned on a lathe.  Actually, they were potato shavings, but nobody complained.  They were great!  Everybody who tasted them went back for seconds, and thirds and then...reached for the Tums.  Just kidding.  It was a lot of fun and our thanks goes to Ed Peine for arranging the great potato peel-off and for being the head chef.

The Great Potato Peel-Off

Ed Peine (rt.) gets ready to peel a potoato on a lathe and Dave Barziza gets ready to catch the "shavings."

"Slow down, Ed, I can't keep up with you!"

By Reed takes his turn at the lathe.

What a peeled potato looks like after it comes off the lathe.

Hot oil transforms the "shavings" into potato chips.

Ed dumps out a hot batch of "chips"

Add a little salt and you've got some finger lickin' good eating!

Of course, there was barbecue, too...

Texas slow smoked cooking (often called barbecue) can't be beat!

There was plenty for everyone...including the guys at the Houston Woodworking Show (see below)

There was a good selection of member-brought side dishes, too.

Good friends, good food, finger-lickin'-chips--what more can you ask for?

Spring Retreat Sign Up

Our April Picnic is the official kickoff for the Spring Retreat.  This year there is an excellent selection of courses for members, of all levels, to choose from.

Ed Peine and Dave Barziza are shown making their selections.

In case you didn't make the picnic, here's how to select classes and register for the retreat: Class Descriptons (Excel) Class Matrix (PDF) Registration Form (PDF) The earlier you register, the better the chance of you getting the classes you want.        >>>Do it today!<<<

Wood Identification Contest and the return of a long departed friend

Board Member, Derek Powers, arranged a Wood Identification contest as entertainment.  We're told that Chris Roth edged out Edward Bartimmo in a playoff.  Chris won a 4" faceplate for his effort.

Kevin Turco, shown talking to Chris Roth, returned after several years absence caused by his move to Colorado.  Despite his separation, Kevin has maintained his membership and interest in GCWA.  Yea, Kevin!