Meeting Minutes – June 6, 2026

Meeting Location: Cajun Connection Woodworks, 13162 Hwy 22 West, Ponchatoula

• Fellowship before meeting
• Collection of dues (Rick Albrecht) and selling of shirts and caps (Lee Owens)

Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance – Harold Choate

Welcome and Introduction of Guests – There were three guest visitors at this meeting. One, was a returning member: Andrew Becnel, and two other first time visitors: Chris Fontenot and Jason Stelzer. All three joined or rejoined the club. Welcome to each of you.

Officer Reports:

• Vice-President – Brandon Ginn gave a rundown of the upcoming schedule of meetings and events. He solicited member suggestions for next year’s schedule because he is beginning to fill out that schedule.
• Secretary – Lee Soileaux thanked Mick Murphy for the meeting at his shop last month which included a shop tour and pulled pork sandwiches after the meeting. Thanks again Mick. There were 18 members present at that meeting and 3 show and tells.
• Treasurer – Rick Albrecht reported that as of the 31st of May there was a club balance of $3178.17.
• Webmaster – Open
• Community Service – Ken Brown was absent so Richard updated the club on happenings in the Community Service department. He indicated that approval for the second statue at St. Vincent DePaul had been received and would proceed with the build. The laundry cabinet for the VOA is currently suspended because we cannot give a price to the VOA until we know that we have a sufficient number of volunteers for the project.
• Education Outreach – Open

New and Ongoing Club Business

• Rural Life Camp – This event occurred the Tuesday prior to this meeting. Richard thanked those club members who made the parts for the event: Jim, Art, and Keith. He also thanked Mark, John, Mick and Hal for participating in the actual event at the Rural Life Museum.
• St. Vincent DePaul Statue Pedestal was previously discussed in the Community Service segment.
• Executive Meeting Update – The update was postponed to the next meeting due to the presentation of the current meeting.

Members Questions/Concerns – None

Safety Topic There was a reminder to the members that when demolishing something like stone one needs more than just safety glasses. A safety shield should be worn to prevent shards from causing personal injury to the face as well as the eye. Lee Owens reminded members to pay attention to signs of heat related illnesses as we enter into summer and its extreme heat and humidity. He also mentioned several precautions and treatments for the same.

Skill Topic: Saw Mill Tour – Scott Allen gave an interesting and humorous discussion of the beginnings of his woodworking and lumber business. His tour of his kiln was highly interesting. Thank you Scott.

Adjourn