GEORGE GAGLINI - It has been my pleasure to serve as President of Chapter 190 for 2014 and 2015. In these years I have seen our chapter continue to grow in membership (176 members as of last count) and vigorously pursue its mission to preserve and encourage interest in and appreciation of the art and science of timekeeping, timepieces and all things horological.
In past mini-workshops and monthly meeting programs, Chapter 190’s enthusiasts learned how to anneal metal without using flame, and the best way to pack precious and delicate clocks for safe shipment by commercial carriers. In a recent 2015 meeting program, members and guests discovered the secrets behind “mystery clocks.” In yet another, we marveled at a series of ingenious homemade tools that help in clock repair and restoration. Every monthly meeting is packed with information and designed to raise interest and provide answers to questions attendees may have in the ever-expanding world of horological knowledge.
Monthly meetings are a vital part of chapter life. But they are only a part of it. From its inception, Chapter 190 has concentrated on education, providing workshops and presentations to the public and Field Suitcase Workshops to those who desire to sharpen their skills, learn new ones and enhance their abilities to repair, service or restore clocks and watches. On a regular basis, Chapter 190 provides two-day public workshops at various Ventura and Santa Barbara County venues in which beginners are taught the essentials of clock and watch collecting, basic timekeeping theory and how to disassemble and re-assemble a clock movement. Many of these beginners move on to become students in Field Suitcase Workshops such as the FSW 101, the primary course where students learn how to repair and restore time-and-strike American clock movements, or the FSW 301 which teaches the basic repair and restoration of pocket watches.
In 2014 and 2015 Chapter 190 produced its Annual Marts; one directed by Ralph Napolitano and the second by Sue Gary and Donna Gaglini. It takes a lot to put forth a good Annual Mart and Ralph, Sue and Donna had plenty of help from hard working Chapter members. Profits from the 2015 Annual Mart were donated to NAWCC so that the National education department could purchase a first class video camera for their new programs. Add to all of the above the critically acclaimed Chapter 190 newsletter and the Chapter 190 Web Page (www.NAWCC-CH190.com) that is packed with information and important links to the world of horology. Put it all together and realize why Chapter 190 continues to provide for its members and guests excitement, enthusiasm and excellence.
November’s meeting, the last of the year, will feature a program by Dave Weisbart in which he will present the clock he designed and created that has been entered in the NAWCC National Crafts Competition.
So note on your calendar Sunday, November 15, 2015 as the day you visit Chapter 190 at the Ventura College Student Center for an unforgettable meeting, program and of course the best five dollar lunch in town.
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