📣 News & Updates
The November 2025 guild meeting welcomed a robust crowd of 54 members and visitors. President Roy Wall opened the evening with a warm welcome and dove straight into the updates.
In honor of Veterans Day and all the veterans that are members of the Guild the local chapter of the Veterans of Foreign wars attended the meeting and posted the colors to salute all those who have served in the armed services.
A significant announcement was made regarding Bob Ladue, a long-time member, who regrettably is stepping away from woodworking due to health reasons. As a result, he is selling his entire collection of woodworking tools. Members were encouraged to contact Bob directly for this excellent opportunity to acquire quality equipment. The tools can be viewed by the members here.
Guild Identity Gets a Digital Upgrade
President Wall unveiled the Guild’s brand new logo. This redesign was crucial for ensuring the logo is compatible with digital media and modern online platforms. The fresh look will soon be featured on new business cards and name badges for all members. You can see the sleek new design right now on the main page of the Lee’s Summit Woodworkers Guild’s website!
2026 Dues Collection
A friendly reminder was issued that 2026 Guild Dues are now being collected. The leadership is proud to announce that the annual membership fee will remain at just $20 for the year, offering incredible value for all the benefits the Guild provides.
Annual Elections & Leadership Transition
Every November, the Guild holds elections to install new leadership. This year marked a major transition as we bid farewell to two dedicated servants: Roy Wall (President) and John Freeland (Board Member and Membership Chair) both stepped down after many years of distinguished service. The Guild extends its deepest gratitude for their immense contributions. The remaining incumbents were nominated and affirmed for their positions. The newly elected leadership team will officially begin their term on January 1, 2026.
Here are all the members of the 2026 Leadership Team
🗓️ Upcoming Events & Presentations
| Month | Theme/Event |
| December | “Gifts, Gadgets, and Gizmos.” The holiday-themed meeting will showcase unique, small-scale projects perfect for gifting. Start thinking about your favorite quick builds and join the festive spirit! |
🔍 Phil’s Finds
Featured Tool Highlight
Phil’s pick this month was the Taytools 2-Pack Quick Grip Track Saw Clamps. These robust clamps boast a 132 lbs. clamping pressure and a 2-1/2″ throat depth, making them perfectly compatible with most track and circular saw guide rails. At the impressive price point of only $14.99 at Taylor Toolworks, this tool offers exceptional value for securing your material during precise cuts.
🧠 Program: Gale Markley’s Inside-Out Ornaments
This month’s program featured a truly captivating presentation by master craftsman Gale Markley. Gale demonstrated his intricate process for creating beautiful inside-out Christmas ornaments.
These turned wooden ornaments appear complex, but Gale walked the membership through the steps. He even provided detailed instructions on how to build the specialized cutting sled required to safely and precisely cut the diamond-shaped staves used to assemble these unique, sculptural works of art. His presentation was both inspiring and highly educational, encouraging members to try this fascinating technique just in time for the holidays!
The instructions for how to build your own diamond stave rip fence are below.
✨ Show and Tell
The meeting concluded with the ever-popular Show and Tell session. We saw a wonderful array of members’ latest projects, from furniture to small crafts. Don’t forget to bring your latest creation to the next meeting to share your passion and get feedback! All show and tell items for 2025 can be viewed HERE.
