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Newsletter
Feb 2006- Apr 2006
Greetings from the Editor
Rally 2006The Rio Grande Valley Woodcarvers held their 7th annual Rally On The Rio carving seminar at the Mercedes Livestock Show grounds. Mercedes is located in the Heart of the sunny Rio Grande Valley of South Texas.
The Rally was well attended. We had an all star line up of instructors teaching a large variety of carvings including moose antler, portrait carving, and a class on tool sharpening.
The weather was ideal in the 70 and 80 degree range for the entire week. All who came from up north had a chance to warm up before heading back home.
January 24th at 6 pm we all enjoyed a carving contest hosted by Ronnie & Penny Reed. A big thank you to Ronnie and Penny for all the planning and coordinating and as usual they did a bang up job. We also have to thank the judge Wanda Marsh (who we will keep anonymous). The carving contest was a lot of good humor along with deep concentration of the carving project. The participants was heckled from the crowd but there was no slowing these carvers down in the 1 hour carving time they had finished it. There is always a slip of the knife and we hope it is never very serious This was Milton Smith who was trying to catch up with his fellow competitors and made a very minor knick in his finger. Earning the coveted Band-Aid Award. Milton said he would be more careful next year and plans on leaving these guys in the dust next year.
The Winners of this years Competition were:
Advanced:
I wish to thank all who volunteered to help. If we all pitch in a little, it makes it much easier on everyone.
I would like to thank our instructors for a job well done, all classes were enjoyed by the students. Instructors this year were Gerard Broissoit, Toby & Elaine Craft, John Engler, Gail Fruehling, Don Gifford, Dee Gipson, Fernando Gutierrez, Sheila Hunter, Skylar Johnson, Gen Kreyling, Joe LaConto, Mart Lind, Wanda Marsh, Bill Matz, Donna Menke, Chuck Rattenborg, Ronnie & Penny Reed, Patty Rucker, Tom Sarff, Steve Schoolar, Elaine & Fred Stenman, Milton Smith, James Thalacker, Sam Wilson, and Vivian Fruehling.
Sunday at 11am we all enjoyed a Pachanga (Texas BBQ) and the music of Jim Parres and his group. The Pachanga was followed by recognition of key rally persons and a giant raffle of all the remaining donated items.
Thank you all for the donations it helps make our raffle
Rally On The Rio Carver Of The Year - Keith Pillkington
Keith has enjoyed wood-carving for about 25 years.
He first learned the basics at Sunshine RV Resort Harlingen, TX starting by making boots then realizing he wanted to learn much more.
Keith's desire to improve led him to instruction with Dale Hyunga of Fun 'n Sun, and Wally Leuth( well known in the Valley). He became a member of the Chip of Texas Woodcarvers Club in Harlingen when it first came into existence and continued as a member until 2005 when he had to drop out due to health.
Keith inspired his daughter Pam to carve and together they both became involved in the Rally on the Rio when it first began - he always looked forward to participating in the rally ever year. He particularly enjoyed meeting the many carvers at the show and learning from such experts as Rex Branson, John Engler, Jim Thalacker and others every year.
Keith was also very impressed with Elaine & Toby Craft's organizational work that went on behind the scenes and necessary to make the Rally a success. Keith has always had a zest for life. He has also been an avid stamp collector, bird watcher, nature Lover, photographer, coin collector. He has pursued these interests for a good portion of his 89 years. He always has been a people person, sharing jokes and stories with any one willing to listen. His optimistic attitude towards life has always been an inspiration and a role model for many.
Keith had a tough time and lost his battle to lung cancer on March 20 2007.
Elaine Craft
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