June 2009
“It is far better to light a candle than to curse the darkness.”
What a much more pleasant place our world would be if we could strive to live in accordance with this ancient Chinese proverb. In these turbulent economic times, it is easier than ever to “curse the darkness” and see only the bad things in our lives. The challenge of lighting a candle and shining some goodness into our communities may seem to be a very daunting task, indeed.
Dirk and Karen Boelman
with lighhouse inmarsia
Luckily, however, there are still many individuals who are managing to light the way. In our last issue of Creative Woodworks & Crafts, we featured an article about Dirk and Karen Boelman, who designed an intarsia lighthouse project to commemorate the new Health Lodge at the Lions Club Camp in Rosholt, Wisconsin. The article followed the Boelmans’ progress as they created this beautiful tribute, which was their first-ever intarsia piece. (Intarsia was selected because the camp serves many blind and visually impaired children, and foundation members thought a three-dimensional project would give these children an opportunity to experience the incredible artwork.)
The feedback that we received here at our publishing offices, as well as feedback sent directly to Dirk and Karen, affirmed what we have long believed: our community of woodworkers is an incredibly caring group of individuals. Numerous notes from all over the country were sent, telling of experiences with the Lions Club and other organizations, and sharing heart-warming stories.
Many individuals wrote about their involvement with local charities, and how they have used their woodworking skills to support fund-raising events and other initiatives. As we read these notes, we realized that it is important to pass this information along to our readers and let them know how their fellow woodworkers are helping to light candles in their communities. It is often easy to think we can’t make a difference; yet, here we were, receiving proof that many of you are making wonderful contributions and helping others through the use of your woodworking abilities.
Therefore, we would like to share some of these stories in future issues with you, our readers, and perhaps even inspire others to go out and light candles of their own. If you have used your woodworking talents to support any charitable endeavors, please let us know. Send us a brief overview of your activities and information about the organization or charitable group, along with photos, if available. (Please see submission information.) We will review the material for possible publication in a future issue.
Thank you in advance for participating in this outreach program, and for so generously giving of your woodworking talents. We look forward to hearing from you and sharing your stories with our readers.
Sincerely,
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