[Paul_Guraedy]

Isn’t it amazing how technology changes us and how used to changes we become? I have just returned from the SDC/Ozark Mountain Woodcarvers Seminar (assisting not participating as a carver). The campground does not have WIFI! I feel like I have been in isolation (good and bad in that!).

Anyway, we had a successful session with both positive and negative aspects. The biggest positive was the weather. Wonderful spring-like conditions with rain holding off until the last day and then stopping before everyone had to load for departure. Attendance was about the same as last year (around 350) with about 35 instructors. The general congeniality of woodcarvers, especially when pursuing their favorite activity, overcame the negatives.

Things got off to a bumpy start as the buses were late, getting necessary tools to the carving area proved to be a challenge, parking for instructors and handicapped was a nightmare, and the lack of nametags and required tables increased the difficulty of teaching for the instructors. It seems to me that an organization such as of Silver Dollar City could do a decent job of planning and holding a seminar of this size. Especially, since this was the 11th one held at the same time and location.

But, the Ozark Mountain Woodcarver’s stepped in to smooth things out. Golf carts were used to transport carvers who had trouble with the buses or needed to return to the parking lot when the buses were not running. Extra tables were provided by the local Senior Citizen Center and the instructors managed to communicate with participants without resorting to names (although I understand there may have been some name calling!).

Although Silver Dollar City attempted to move next year’s Seminar into February, rebellion on the part of both instructors and students resulted in a return to the 1st week of March. I do believe that the enjoyment of attending and the quality of instruction are worth putting up with the inconveniences. However, I would recommend that anyone planning to attend, that might require a little extra assistance, contact an Ozark Mountain Woodcarver for arrangements.

Next year, I plan on returning as a carver. I will be taking a class with Marlen Downing who is planning a full-size peregrine falcon in habitat. Ambitious! Impossible to finish within the session. But, we will get through the “hard” parts