đź“Ł News & Updates
Ted Standfield opened the meeting by thanking attendees and reminding everyone that Friday marks the 25th anniversary of the September 11th attacks. He emphasized that many young adults have no personal memory of this event, making it vital for those who lived through it to ensure history is never forgotten.
Randy Stone provided an update on the Metro Hardwoods open house, noting it was a massive success that brought great exposure to the guild. Approximately half a box of guild business cards was handed out to visitors who were often surprised to learn Lee’s Summit has a wood guild. He also encouraged members to visit Metro to see the impressive shop updates implemented by manager Seth.
Visitors & New Members:
Jim Reicher from Lee’s Summit joined us a guest and we look forward to seeing Jim at our next meeting.
We are thrilled to officially welcome our new member, Jerry Finke.
Member Classifieds & Announcements:
- David Peterson has several tools still available for sale; interested members can contact him directly.
- Bibbi’s nephew brought in a load of Blue Pine milled to 8/4 thickness, 11 to 15 inches wide, and roughly 9 feet long. Contact Bibbi to check availability.
- Russell Gould generously donated a biscuit joiner to the Tools for Teens program.
đź’° 2026 Dues Collection
A friendly reminder that 2026 Guild Dues are still being collected. At only $20 per year, membership offers incredible value and directly supports our monthly programs.
🛠️ Upcoming Events & Presentations
| Month | Theme / Event |
| October | Frighteningly Fun — Halloween-themed creations |
| October | Jay Helland presents on Studio Furniture and some of its best-known contemporary artists |
| November | Leadership Elections |
| December | Gifts, Gadgets, and Gizmos |
🔍 Phil’s Finds (Rex Brown)
Rex Brown shared a WEN Precision Dial Indicator purchased on Amazon, highlighting how he uses his 3D printer to fabricate custom jigs. These printed mounts hold the gauge at the precise angle needed for various shop setup and calibration tasks. View the WEN Precision Dial Indicator on Amazon
🧠Program — L&K Hardwoods
Larry Smith, founder and owner of L&K Hardwoods in Independence, Missouri, spoke to the guild about his operations and the historical background of his mill site. Beyond standard lumber services, he showcased photos of custom furniture and commercial bar installations crafted for clients nationwide and noted that his sawmill can process logs up to 19 feet long.
As a local history enthusiast, Larry acquired the old Independence water tower to save it from demolition. His current sawmill sits on the exact location of Jackson County’s earliest saw and grist mill, established in 1834 along the Little Blue River. Civil War soldiers formerly buried on the property have also recently been reinterred with honors at the veteran’s cemetery through the Department of Veterans Affairs.
You can read more about their services at their website HERE.
📸 Member Directory Photo Reminder
A quick reminder to all members: please connect with Phil, Alan, or Randy to have your photo taken for the online member directory so we can keep our contact records current.
✨ Show and Tell
This month’s show & tell opened by showcasing the incredible functional art pieces donated by members for the Whiteman AFB Community Council Bomber Ball coming up in November. A huge thank you to Phil Morgan, Rex Brown, John Kuiper, Jay Helland, Gary Becka, John Steinhauser, Ben Simmons, and Randy Stone for their generous contributions. The items were delivered to the sponsors the following Thursday, and they were completely blown away by the craftsmanship. Great job, LSWG!
250th Anniversary flag created by John Kuiper.
