December 2022 Newsletter

by | Dec 4, 2022 | Articles, Newsletter Archive |

President’s Message:

With all the hustle and bustle that comes at this time of year, I wish for you my fellow craftsmen and friends a very Blessed Christmas.  Enjoy your family and friends by sharing the gift of “time”.  Sharing a meal together, meeting for breakfast or just that cup of coffee,  meeting and catching up while out shopping or running errands, is time well spent.  When giving the “gift of time” you never have to worry if it is the right size or color and if it is returned…..the gift of “time” keeps on giving.

Take the “time” to enjoy this season.  It seems everyone smiles a little more, hums a little louder, shares a little more.  After all, ’tis the season.

As I look to 2023, I along with your Board of Directors are eagerly anticipating the start of a New Year and what we working together can accomplish for our members.
“What is Christmas?  It is tenderness for the past, courage for the present, and hope for the future.”
Agnes M. Pharo

Your President,  Barry L. Bennecoff

 

Shows:

First off, thanks to all who were part of our fall show.  From the survey we got great reviews from the venders. Folks liked the quality of the crafts. Numerous positive comments on the pipe and drape and the overall look of the show. A full report will be made at our next meeting in January.

Most venders reported good sales, but not as strong as last year. The gate was down by a small percent.
The show takes lots of people to put on and we always need your help. If you have ways to improve the show we need to hear about them.

Our Spring Show is May 6. it’s a great way to start your selling season. Join us.

Show Chair,  Steve Hunter

Holiday Social:

Our Holiday Social will be held at the Yellow house Hotel. (6743 Boyertown Pike, Douglassville, PA 19518) This year we have 26 attendees. The meal will be served promptly at 5;30 PM. This is an hour earlier that in the past and the early start time was necessary due to staffing issues at the restaurant. Cash bar is open at 5:00, meal and entertainment to follow. Keith Brinsenhoff will be the entertainment after the meal. Remember to bring along your food pantry donations, and remember to bring your check book for a donation to the Goggle Works Scholarship Fund. See you all Tuesday evening December 6th!

Programs Chair,  Matt Vardjan

Media:

“Your Berks Craftsmen” can be seen on Wednesday, December 21, 2022, at 7:00 PM on Comcast channel 15.   Get some last minute tips on “Decorating for the Holidays” with Janice Sonnen and Nancy Vardjan.   If you do not have Comcast, please view on your computer by going to BCTV.org.  All shows present and past can also be found at BCTV.org and on The Reading-Berks Guild of Craftsmen’s website, rbcrafts.org.  “Your Berks Craftsmen” is also on YouTube.  All our craftsmen are “stars”.  Join me, Kay Bennecoff, your host of “Your Berks Craftsmen” and let’s show the world.

Merry Christmas!

“Your Berks Craftsmen” Host,
Kay L. Bennecoff

Standards:

The next jury session will be held on Tuesday, March 7 at the Goggleworks, before our general meeting. You must have been a member of the chapter for a minimum of 3 months. The room will be open at 5:30 and jurying will begin at 6:00. Check the board when you arrive for the room number. The application and more information are on our website at https://rbcrafts.org/our-guild/standards/ , which will be updated shortly to reflect this change. For any questions, contact Louise Mehaffey, eglassplace@gmail.com

Standards Chair,  Louise Mehaffey

Membership:

From the State web site, we are currently running at a total of 157 members of our Guild.  Five of these are pending cancellation (as of the October State spreadsheet) because of a need to renew their membership.
You can see the status of your membership on the State Web site here: https://pacrafts.org/members/
I passed out new badges to folks at the Holiday Craft fair and got four new applications for new badges.  I just need one more for anyone who is a member and doesn’t have a badge.  I will then have enough to send off for a new order of badges.

I also have sent a couple of replacement badge clips to a couple of individuals’ who had clips that broke.  It seems this does happen so don’t throw away your badge if it is broken.  Please see me if this happens to you.
If you are new to the Guild and have not contacted me regarding obtaining a new badge, please let me know so that I can get you on the new list and place an order.

Thanks Much,

Membership Chair,  Gary Rosborough

Events:

General Meetings: (1st Tuesday of Month):

December 2022:  December 6, 2022, Yellow House Hotel: 5 PM for Cash Bar, Dinner served at 5:30.   Please note, you should have signed up for this event.

January 2023:  January 3, 2023, 7 PM at the Google Works,  check the board for location.

February 2023:  February 7, 2023, 7 PM at the Google Works,  check the board for location.

Please note if there is a cancellation due to weather, a notice will be placed on the website.

Shows:

Spring Show:  Saturday, May 6, 2023  for details and application, please go to the Spring Show Page on the website.

Happy Holidays from the Reading-Berks Guild of Craftsmen!

I found a list on line.  I was surprised that not only every day had something celebrated on it, but some had multiple things.   I have 3 favorites, the 24th, 25th and the 31st!

Enjoy your favorite(s)!

Newsletter Editor:
Sandra Jones