President's Message - January 2016

KEN MCWILLIAMS - We've just said goodbye to 2015, and now we say hello to a fresh, practically unused, 2016. The world we live in is changing rapidly and not necessarily for the better. Fortunately, we do have a safe place where we can still go to relax and be among friends that share a common interest. That place is Chapter 190’s monthly meeting at Ventura College.

Our chapter begins its 10th year this month. I guess it's true, time flies when you're having fun, and for the most part, our chapter has been fun. The reason that 190 has been enjoyable is because of a very dedicated Board of Directors and general membership. We have a Board of Directors meeting at 10 AM prior to our mart and meeting the third Sunday of each month. It is open to all members, so if you would like to see how our chapter is run, come a little early and sit in. We welcome your comments and ideas.

One of the building blocks of our chapter has always been education. We hope to continue expanding Chapter 190 designed, one and two-day workshops. Lex Rooker has done a fabulous job in creating a very successful two-day workshop titled "Introduction to Antique Clock Collecting, Repair and Maintenance". While Lex has set the bar quite high, we will be looking for additional subjects and people who would like to be trained as instructors. Please see me if you have any interest or suggestions for future workshops.

We also have a free workshop prior to each meeting starting at around 11 a.m.  These are always well attended and great learning opportunities for our members. George Antinarelli has been leading these workshops for many years, with the help of a supporting cast of many clock and watch experts from our membership. George has often said that the hardest part of the workshop is coming up with topics. We have a wealth of knowledge within our chapter and he can always find experts to support whatever subject we want to examine. So members, let's help George out by giving him some ideas for the workshop. What would you like to learn about?

January, on even numbered years, also brings a changing of the guard. I will be your president for the next two years. I am succeeding George Gaglini (2014 – 2015) and Mike Schmidt, our founding president. We also have many new board members and they will be introduced to you at our January meeting.

Remember, Chapter 190 belongs to all of us and will succeed or fail, based on our support. Hope to see you all at the January meeting.