The Cedar Crest woodshop currently has about 35 members who meet on the second Monday of every month. Those who wish to join are asked to pay $20 up front to be a lifetime member. “After a month if they like what they see, we ask for another $15 which makes for a total of $35 from each member,” says Roy. “That gives us some working capital to buy blades, sandpaper, and other things that we all use in common.”

In order to use certain equipment such as the lathes and table saw, new members must demonstrate to Roy; Edward McLean, the woodshop’s vice chairman; or another knowledgeable member that they know how to operate the machines. “It’s a good practice to have,” says Roy.

Roy and Edward make toys and other small items, which are offered at Cedar Crest’s annual Crafts Fair and other events. Some members make cabinets or small furniture, and many members use the woodshop when they need to repair furniture or other items.

Woodshop members also repair furniture for others who live in the community. Donations received for these services go toward the woodshop’s maintenance and future improvements.

In addition, members have made items for Cedar Crest, including 15 step stools in three different heights for the Wellness Department’s Surestep balance and mobility program. “They did this at great cost savings to the community as these items would otherwise have been purchased commercially,” says Wellness Manager Peter Cataldi.

A number of woodshop members have also contributed their skills to the local chapter of Healing the Children, headquartered in Butler, N.J. The group makes available free medical care for needy children from the U.S. and abroad, and to support their efforts, members make and donate lap tables for use by children who are hospitalized.

Cedar Crest’s woodshop members all agree that being able to keep up their woodwork is a major benefit living in the community. As Roy puts it, “It was important to my decision to come here.”