Yellow Jacket Bench Project Nears Completion

The Lucas Shop has been abuzz with cutting, routering, sanding, assembling and finishing the nine remaining benches offered as a fundraiser for the Denison High School stadium renovation project. Several members of the WBA core team is pictured above, including David Kanally, Seb Borrello, Dave Peiffer, Bob Adair and Lew White. This photo was taken after the final bench was assembled last week. Also on the team are Gay Perry, Robin McGeorge, Jim Donovan and Troy Marshall.

As of press time, the group is waiting for another relatively warm and calm day to spray the second coat of Helmsman Spar Polyurethane satin finish to the benches. Special thanks to Dave Peiffer (above), who offered his spray equipment and skill to move this otherwise laborious part of the project ahead. The team will sand between coats and perform other final touches. Donor plaques are on order and should be in early next week. You can follow progress here.

February Planning Meeting Lines up Events for 2013!

The February meeting is always fun, because it's when we plan our events for the coming year. Beginning with our participation in Keels & Wheels in May to our annual Ride 'n Show (late September this year), to our Christmas Party, the WBA's events are second to none.

What a great club! Never a dull moment.

This year will see a return to Ray and Carol Harvey's for our season kickoff (invitations forthcoming) as well as a number of special programs at our monthly meetings. You can stay up-to-date all during the year by viewing our Calendar of Events page on the WBA web site.

Project Progress on Many Fronts

WBA member and past president Jim Wolfe is finishing up the painted portion of the hull of his exquisitely restored Century Coronado (above left and right). He's got two coats of sealer/primer on, and is fine sanding in preparation for final coats. The bright work on the boat is already varnished.

Below left, Steve Griffitts is still removing old planks so he can attend to the frame repairs required in his project Chris Craft. The work is more extensive than originally anticipated (Steve, as they who have gone there before have said, WELCOME TO THE CLUB!). Below, Troy and Robin's Super Sport is finished!!

Next Meeting March 21st. Don't miss it!

Join us on Thursday, March 21st at 7 p.m. at Two Guys from Italy at 11637 Webb Chapel Road, just south of Forest Road. WBA Treasurer and benefactor John Parish will be giving away one of his many boating and woodworking related books as a door prize. At this month's meeting, the winner will be able to choose a book from a selection of woodworking and boat-related volumes. Our program will be offered by the globe-trotting Billy Hibbs...you'll want to be there to here his latest adventure!

Join us for a light meal and moderate libation at 5:30 p.m. at Two Guys from Italy prior to the meeting. We encourage you to join us for dinner, so we'll always have the required minimum number of diners to avoid a room charge.

Shop Talk and Musings:

Keels & Wheels is just around the corner. A number of people have volunteered for ramp duty at the February meeting, but we could use a few more folks. Please let Robin McGeorge know if you can help out with this important work. As you know, we receive a contribution from the SW ACBS chapter in recognition of our work at Keels & Wheels. This contribution is an important part of our treasury, and directly funds social activities at the Ride 'n Show. So show your support and sign up for launch ramp duty.

On another note, special thanks to everyone who has helped in the building of the Yellow Jacket Benches for the Denison community. We're very proud of these beautiful benches, and will soon be turning them over to their respective donors in Denison. It's been a fun and rewarding project!

Ray and Carol Harvey are again offering their beautiful grounds as the site of a season kick-off party in late May/early June. Final date and time will be communicated to you in the form of an invitation. Tickets for the event will be just $20 per person, probably the best food/entertainment value you'll get this year!

And, finally:

Please take a look in the shed or garage for the leftover parts or other saleable items you can donate to the club. Bring them to any WBA meeting, or contact David Kanally at david@historywithheart.com for pickup.