CMW HISTORY
In 1998, while seated in his workshop, Bob Fisher recognized the importance of regular gatherings for local woodturners, envisioning the benefits of sharing fresh ideas, exchanging tools and wood, and collectively addressing challenges. Taking the initiative, Bob compiled a list of seven fellow turners, reaching out to each to gauge their interest. The unanimous response was a resounding "yes," affirming the need for such gatherings. Bob's vision has proven prescient, leading to the formation of the Carolina Mountain Woodturners (CMW), now a thriving not-for-profit corporation in North Carolina. CMW has since established an aggressive education program, hosts demonstrations by world-renowned turners, and holds meetings at the Folk Art Center on the Blue Ridge Parkway, exemplifying the adage 'build it and they will come.'

Founding Members
The list of individuals includes Chase Ambler (passed October 2008), Jack Edmonston (Vice President), Jerry Edmonston (Secretary), Bob Fisher (Treasurer, passed July 2009), Lee Holt (passed February 2012), John Hill (President), Bob VanStee (now lives in Florida), and Kemp Williams (passed November 2005).

Membership
Since its inception on September 16, 1999, with just 8 members meeting in Bob Fisher's garage/studio, Carolina Mountain Woodturners has experienced significant growth over the years. By December 19, 1999, their membership had already expanded to 100, with 70 individuals joining. By February 2000, they had 96 paid members, and by December 2000, this number had risen to 151. The club continued to flourish, and in July 2002, they boasted 211 paid members, ranking among the top five clubs in AAW. By April 2003, their membership had surged to 298, making them the largest club in AAW at the time. This upward trend continued, with 380 members as of 2022, reflecting the enduring appeal and growth of Carolina Mountain Woodturners within the woodturning community.

CMW Contributions to AAW
CMW members have been leaders in the formation and governance of the national association.  We are proud of our members who have contributed to growing woodturning as a hobby and profession.

October 2003 John Hill elected to AAW Board of Directors" add "served on AAW Board 2004-2006, one year as Treasurer".

2007 John Hill appointed to AAW Board of Advisors. Served every year 2007-2023.

2010 Warren Carpenter elected to AAW Board of Directors, served 2010-2012 as AAW Treasurer.

2015 Greg Schramek elected to AAW Board of Directors, served 2015-2020. 1 year as Treasurer and 5 years as President.

2016 Joe Ruminski designated as Honorary Lifetime Member of the AAW.

Milestones/Events

1999:

John Hill negotiates lease with Southern Highland Craft Guild and the Blue Ridge Park Service – use of the FAC auditorium at no cost while providing monthly woodturning demonstrations.
First By-Laws signed.
CMW accepted as AAW chapter.
First meeting held at Folk Art Center in Asheville, NC. Invitation letters were sent to all AAW members within three hours of Asheville. Public service announcements placed in 28 newspapers and radio stations.
Stoney Lamar donated a sculptural piece. Raffle tickets were sold and raised $2,500.00 – Ray Jones won. Monies used to order a stubby lathe.

2000:

Established “Above and Beyond” to recognize those members contributing above the membership amount.
Stubby lathe was delivered from John Jordan – cost $3,500.00 (substantial discount).
Stubby lathe first used by Rudy Osolnik.

2001:

First Annual Auction held.
By-Laws passed approving 501(c)3 status.

2002:

Bob Gunther’s first demonstrator write-up published in CMW newsletter.

2003:

Second video camera added – stated we're “Going Hollywood”.
Participated in first “Festival of Trees” for Hospice. Became an annual event.
John Hill elected to AAW Board of Directors.
Participated in Charlotte Woodworking Show.
Board of Directors voted John Hill, Director Emeritus status.
Participated in “Freedom Pen Project” with over 500 pens made and sent to our troops.
CMW Message Board linked to the database to allow the creation of membership e-mails.
Added student membership at $10.00 per year.
Cabinets made for the large monitors.
CMW Library bar-coding project completed.
Paul Vonk – CMW web-master received AAW Recognition Award.
Turning Learning Center trailer and equipment used for the first time. Founders: Joe Ruminski and Warren Carpenter. Logo designed by Jim McPhail.
CMW participates in their first Klingspor’s Extravaganza with TLC classes.

2006:

Mike Fiantaca appointed as CMW Webmaster.

2007:

Endowment papers signed. First trustees of the fund: John Hill, Warren Carpenter, and Jack Hastings.
Joe Ruminski presents “Teach the Teacher” class.
CMW, along with Charlotte Woodturners, NC Woodturners, Piedmont Triad Woodturners Association, Southern Piedmont Woodturners, Wilmington Area Woodturners Association, and Woodturners Guild of NC collaborate on the first biennial NC Woodturning Symposium held in Greensboro, NC.
First Woodturners Studio Tour held. Organized by Gary Bills and four studios were on the tour.
Rebecca Carroll Hettrick was selected to participate in the AAW “Turning to the future” show in the ten and under category.
First Annual CMW Picnic organized by Gary Bills.
Anthony Napoli found the “Demonstrators Evaluation” form on the AAW web-site, updated, and presented it to the Board for approval. It was passed.
Demonstrators Evaluation form used for the first time - Keith Tompkins was the demonstrator.

2009:

Second Annual CMW Picnic organized and run by Gary Bills.
Second NC Woodturning Symposium held in Greensboro, NC.

2010:

Upgrade to Demonstration Video System Project coordinated by Mike Chandler.
Added “In Memoriam” page to CMW Website.
Tucker Garrison recognized at AAW Symposium as an “Emerging Artist”.

2011:

John Hill designated as Honorary Lifetime Member of the AAW.
New Cabinets built for Library DVDs and Books coordinated by Don Rose.
Upgrade Website Project coordinated by Mike Fiantaca.
Three Woodturning Exhibits in Asheville, NC. Members' work included in exhibits: Tucker Garrison, Alan Hollar, Darrell Copeland, and Jim McPhail.
TLC Woodturning--four-day demonstrations at the NC Arboretum.
Chapter Project: Contributed bowls to the AAW Symposium Empty Bowls Project.
Participated in the Third NC Woodturning Symposium held in Greensboro, NC, coordinated by Bob Gunther.

2013:

Turning Learning Center established classes at Ox Creek Community Center through November 2015.

2015:

Turning Learning Center moved classes to Herman Center through November 2022.

2020:

Due to the Covid Pandemic CMW organizes and implements monthly Interactive Remote Demonstrations (IRD's) which is well received by the CMW Membership. Enables membership to grow.

2022:

Demonstrations return to in person at The Folk Art Center while continuing to offer remote viewing.
Turning Learning Center Moved into the shop at 739 Glenn Bridge Road, Arden, NC.
Upgraded to Demonstration Video System