|
|
Artist-Blacksmith's
Association of North America, Inc.
PO Box 816
Farmington, GA
30638 USA
706-310-1030 tel
706-769-7147 fax
[email protected]
www.abana.org
|
ABANA Chapter Liaison Letter
March 2001
First things first.
A big thanks to all the editors who have published Doug Learn’s
president’s message and my liaison letter. This is the best way we
have of communicating with all persons.
What can ABANA do
for my chapter and me?—The often asked question. We are working on
this one—you will see the difference.
The Member Services
Committee meets every month.
This is what we did at the March meeting.
Ø
We are developing
a Resource Kit of useful information that will be an annual mailing to
the chapters. This kit is an expanded version of the mailing recently
sent to chapter presidents.
Ø
We have begun the
process of developing a program to establish ABANA Representatives in
each chapter that chooses to participate. These ABANA Reps. will
facilitate the communication between ABANA and the chapters. This
communication will be a two way street. A pilot project is about to
begin in The Guild of Metalsmiths to work the bugs out of the program.
Ø
We decided to
start a program to identify successful projects and procedures in
individual chapters. The information about these activities would then
be sent to all chapters for their use.
Ø
We are working on
a safety statement that would be useful to individuals and chapters.
Ø
None of these
programs will see swift completion. But we will keep you informed.
Also remember:
(1) ABANA offers educational scholarships to individuals and grants to
chapters. Contact the
Central Office for application forms.
(2) The 5th International Exhibition of the IFGS at
Stolberg Castle near Achen, Germany is from June 1 to July 15, 2001. To
enter or for information e-mail [email protected].
Bob Fredell, Chairman
Member
Services Committee
3500-45
Ave. So.
Minneapolis,
MN 55406-2927
(612)
721 2298
[email protected]
.......................................................................................................
President's
Message to the Chapters
March,
2001
Dear ABANA Chapters,
Circumstances have forced me to address one of the
issues of the relationship between ABANA and its chapters, that of
following the policies and rules of ABANA. Much time in the past month
has been taken up with addressing anvil shoots by a small minority of
ABANA Chapters. Many know that this is a practice banned by ABANA. For
those who do not, this letter serves as the official notice of that ban,
based on my responsibility as noted in the 2000 ABANA Board Meeting
Minutes (Motion 18 of that meeting). This letter will also be posted on
the ABANA web site along with a press release and other information
regarding anvil shoots. A version of this letter and the press release
will also be in the next issue of The
Anvil’s Ring. The official policy as stated in 1997 (and approved
in motion 346):
WHEREAS, ABANA
officially condemns the practice of "Anvil Shoots" whereby an
anvil is caused to fly into the air by use of explosives for the purpose
of entertainment.
NOW therefore be it and it is
hereby resolved:
No Anvil Shoot or like form of public entertainment by propelling anvils
into the air will be scheduled, conducted, allowed, or directly or
indirectly advertised, publicly announced or noted:
1. At any ABANA sponsored public or private event;
2. At any event
sponsored by any other individuals or organizations who have used
ABANA’s name in their promotion of the event;
3. At any event,
Chapter function, school or demonstration sponsored by other individuals
or organizations that borrow, rent, or use ABANA’s Mobile Teaching
Station at the event of any other ABANA equipment or property.
This prohibition was not enforced in the past by
Board action, but now it must be. ABANA would be legally liable if it
does not enforce its policy on anvil shoots and harm of any kind occurs,
and that liability would cripple and could ruin ABANA. ABANA simply
cannot accept the liability for the risk that anvil shooting presents,
an activity that it cannot control and might not even be aware of. The
unacceptable risk and legal jeopardy that anvil shooting exposes ABANA
to in this present day and age forced the Board into prohibiting anvil
shoots at any ABANA function, including chapter functions.
One of the Board’s legal responsibilities is to enforce all the
policies of ABANA. Organizations live or die by following (or not) their
by-laws, procedures and policies. When chapters join ABANA they agree to
"….abide by the applicable ABANA by-laws and other structured
operating procedures" (Article III-A, Section 2, f). The Board,
representing the membership of ABANA, asks the chapters to follow
motions of 1997 and 2000 and not hold anvil shoots at chapter events.
Any ABANA Chapter that feels anvil shooting is more important than their
relationship with ABANA is free to leave our organization and we will
wish them well and hold no ill feelings towards them. However, if a
chapter holds an anvil shoot at any chapter event, then based on their
failure to abide by the ABANA by-laws and the unacceptable risk their
actions pose to ABANA, the chapter must be removed from the roll of
ABANA Chapters effective the moment the fuse is lit. This is the legal
responsibility of the ABANA Board of Directors, and one we do not take
lightly. I respectfully but strongly urge all chapters and their
membership, both those who are ABANA members and those who are not, to
seriously consider the issues that are at stake for ABANA and your
chapter, and not hold anvil shoots.
We all have much to do to continue the advancement
of blacksmithing, for our membership, present and future, and in the
eyes of the public. Let us unite and use our limited time and resources
to move blacksmithing forward into the 21st century stronger
than ever before.
Safe and productive forging.
Doug Learn, President
Artist-Blacksmith's
Association of North America, Inc.
121 Pebble Woods Drive
Doylestown, PA 18901-2907
(215)
489-1742 [email protected]
.............................................................................................................
TO
ABANA Chapter Presidents and Editors,
The information below is for immediate release:
Jim Cooper resigned from the ABANA Board of
Directors effective March 26, 2001. If you would like to view a copy of
Jim’s resignation letter it may be found under “Latest News” on
the ABANA web site home page, www.abana.org
Dave Mudge from Bogalusa, Louisiana was the runner up from the last
election and has agreed to serve out Jim's term. Please read his message
below and thanks Dave for agreeing to serve!
Jerry Kagele, Secretary
Artist-Blacksmith's Association of North America
ABANA Welcomes New Board Member Dave Mudge
I am Dave Mudge, newsletter editor for Louisiana Metalsmiths Association
as well as the founder and past president of that group. I am a
full-time professional artist / blacksmith and have been for 15 years. I
am a long-time ABANA member and already serve on the Internet Committee.
I am honored to be asked to fill in for Jim Cooper on the board of
directors and will do my best to serve the ABANA organization and the
members that make it possible. I think that communication is the most
important thing that we have in common with one another. I am usually
home and if I'm not, my e-mail and my answering machine are always on.
Here is my contact information:
Dave Mudge
Magic Hammer Forge
15227 Mansfield Rd
Bogalusa, LA 70427-0187
985-735-0049 voice
985-735-7236 fax
[email protected]
www.magichammer.ironworkers.com
www.magichammer.freeservers.com
|