It was hard to tell who was having more fun…the Watchers or the Demonstrators. The Watchers were sixth and seventh grade students at Cleora School (on Grand Lake, near Ketchum), Principal Carson, and teachers Mr. Tillery and Mr. Shouse. 

  

The Demonstrators were Bob Fulton and James Johnson, ‘supervised’ by NEOWTA president Lyle Dragoo and ‘coordinated by Almeta Robertson. 

The action took place in the school gymnasium on March 24, 2005 during the after school period where students voluntarily wait, under school supervision, for working parents. 

The principal invited the NEOWTA members to demonstrate because he saw the work of one of Almeta’s young students. Principal Carson is always looking for activities that are interesting enough to keep his kids attention. What can be more interesting than woodturning? 

As the students entered, their initial attention focused on the two lathes and a ‘show and tell’ table. 

Almeta started the event introducing the turners. She then talked about the various woods and tools used for woodturning. Using items on the ‘show and tell’ table, Lyle showed some turned items. Bob’s turkey calls were a highlight. 

Dividing the students in two groups, Bob and James each demonstrated turning. James took his kids carefully through a project step by step.

 

Bob, chips flying, demonstrated turning a vase including deep hollowing. Mr. Tillery took a turn at hollowing, under Bob’s careful supervision, and fortunately nothing became firewood. 

The kids asked lots of good questions. They showed their interest by passing back and for the items on the ‘show and tell, table. After the demonstration, each awarded a wooden peg and string puzzle made by Almeta. The first student who could get it apart and put it back together (and show the teacher how they did it) was awarded a $10 prize. 

In the end, the 10 foot tall, chain-sawn, Cleora Cardinal, that guards the entrance of the school, seemed to nod approval and the NEOWTA woodturners (over dinner at Clanton’s Café in Vinita) agreed that it had been a good show.

Almeta Robertson