Ramona woodworking club offers free birdhouse class for community members.

In a creative initiative aimed at fostering appreciation and skill-building, children and adults in Ramona are invited to participate in a free Woodworking 101 Class scheduled for April 12 at St. Mary’s-in-the-Valley Episcopal Church. This event not only serves as an opportunity to learn the fundamentals of woodworking but also allows participants to construct a handmade birdhouse, an ideal gesture for Mother’s Day.

The class will commence at 11 a.m. and is designed for individuals aged eight and older, emphasizing safety as a fundamental component of the learning experience. Michael Voorhes, a local resident and president of the Regular Cut-ups Scroll Saw Woodworking Club, will lead the session. This marks the first birdhouse-making class organized by the club in Ramona, although similar woodworking sessions are offered throughout San Diego County.

Voorhes highlights that the class aims to introduce novices to the craft of woodworking, potentially igniting a lifelong interest in the discipline. Participants will learn valuable skills that can be applied to a variety of projects, from furniture and gazebos to musical instruments. His intent is clear; he hopes to encourage more individuals to engage in woodworking, a skill he describes as “a dying art.”

The venue for the class will be the church’s sanctuary, with the necessary tools and equipment positioned outdoors. Ransom Brothers Lumber & Supply is partnering with the program by supplying all materials for the birdhouses. Notably, the cedar wood chosen for this project is naturally rot-resistant, which not only enhances durability but also allows participants the choice of leaving their birdhouses unpainted or applying personal artistic touches at home.

Established nearly 40 years ago, the Regular Cut-ups Scroll Saw Woodworking Club, which has approximately 50 members, focuses on community engagement through woodworking. The club is known for crafting wooden toys and donating them to charities including Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego and Ronald McDonald House, among others. In 2022, the club produced over 2,000 wooden cars for Operation Christmas Child, illustrating its commitment to giving back to the community.

This April class falls within National Woodworking Month, making it an appropriate time to inspire new craftsmen and craftswomen. Voorhes emphasizes the practical skills to be gained from this workshop, which include using measuring tools, saws, and techniques for cutting and assembling wood.

With limited space available for 20 students, interested individuals are encouraged to register early. For more information, participants can contact Voorhes directly. The upcoming Woodworking 101 Class presents an excellent opportunity not only to create a memorable gift for Mother’s Day but also to embrace a rewarding and potentially life-changing craft.