Wow - What a welcome!

The three of us, somewhat exhausted, sat down this morning to take stock of our Grand Opening. We reckon that well north of 200 people attended our Grand Opening. Folks came early and left late. There was real excitement in the air. Lots of interest from potential students and potential tutors (everything from longboard surfboards(!) to turning). The building is ready - now we need to get ready .

We must extend our thanks:

• Jeff and Jerry Monson (from the Jamestown S'Klallam) for a wonderful display of carving and carving tools. Jeff showed a fully carved mask and was hard at work on an Orca (I think). I know that several woodworkers were buying blades from them. You'll be able to learn knifemaking from them in late March or the middle of April.
• Greg Kossow (currently baking on a beach in Hawaii) sent some wonderful Windsor chairs and a prototype of a chair that may be the basis for a chair making course in the summer.
• A very big hand of thanks to Will O'Donnel of the Mt Townsend Creamery for a wonderful donation of cheese which we paired with bread from Pane D'Amore.
• To our wives and families for keeping the event fuelled ( I think there was only one emergency run for more wine).
• To our local papers - the Port Townsend Leader and the Peninsula Daily News for wonderful stories and pictures last week. Thanks Patrick and Jennifer.
• To the Fort Worden Staff and management for helping us through all the hurdles to get ready.
• Finally to everybody who attended the Grand Opening - your enthusiasm for our venture really made our day.