This is a picture of our Display Cabinet made by the men in our Woodworking Shop.The story behind it tells a great deal about life at Kendal at Granville.
The story begins during the early days of our history when Founders Meetings were being held. Even as the community was being built these meetings were held with those persons who were signed up to live here. Those who could attended regular meetings in order to get to know one another and to plan for their lives at Kendal.
Among the topics discussed at these gatherings were ideas regarding what they would like to see incorporated into the plans for life at Kendal. One of the notions that grew from an idea to a dream to a vision to a reality was the notion of a woodworking shop. Interested members got together to discuss what form this shop might take. As things moved forward space was set aside in the lower level of the community building for a shop. In keeping with Kendal values and principles the setting up and running of this shop was left in the hands of the residents as they moved in.
As a selfgoverning group within a few weeks of their arrival the first residents established a Residents Council and from that came the Kendal at Granville Residents Association (KAGRA). A variety of committees came into being rather quickly to meet the varied interests of our membership. Some of the first ones to emerge were the Woodworking Committee, the Fiber Arts Group, and the Pool Committee.
The projects of the Woodworking Committee typically illustrate how members of this community work together for the welfare of each other and the community as a whole. For example among other projects they have created a much needed display area for magazines in the library, made a beautifully crafted wooden suggestion box for use in the dining room, as well as repaired chairs and done other minor repair jobs for individuals. I understand that some of the repairs have been as challenging and intricate as building new items. Their charges include the cost of materials and a set fee for the time. The fee for time goes into the KAGRA treasury where it is earmarked for the use of the Shop Committee in maintaining and improving the shop. No one personally receives any money for work done in the shop.
The Display Cabinet came into being at the request of the Gallery Committee. The Gallery Committee is one of our newer committees established to take over the responsibility of maintaining art exhibits in the hall designated as our Gallery. Almost from the time it was established this Committee felt the need for a place where three dimensional items could be displayed safely. The need was presented to the Woodworking group who produced this beautiful cabinet. One man designed it with the help of another and then they built it together from cherry wood which another man in their group donated for the job.
The items on display are loaned by members of our community who very generously have offered to share some of their treasures with everyone. The current display fits the season and is made up of diverse Nativity sets. Already the Gallery Committee has a long list of items which residents have graciously offered to share. This further exemplifies the willingness of our residents to work together and share with one another.
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