The Cover Story

Issue No. 1 - March 2000

Steve Weiss, Valley Marine Products; Jim Allen, Forbo-Stamoid; Sandy Taylor, Creations by Taylor

Thanks Sandy

After 4 years of dedicated service to CMCFA as President, and many more in various other capacities, Sandy decided to step down. We are sure going to miss her dedication. Surely, we'll still see a lot of her, especially on game night which was somewhat missed this year. GOOD LUCK SANDY!

Our new president, Marty Jordan and husband Ron

SONAIR Tour

The 2000 Convention got off to a fine start on Friday, Feb. 4th with an excellent tour of the Sonair Retractable Awning factory. The hospitality was tremendous and the facility is first class. We saw first hand a very viable means to add a little to the bottom line. For those who missed this tour, you can obtain information from either Sonair or The Astrup Company.

Once back at the Sheraton Columbia Inn Hotel, the afternoon session consisted of live demos on "U" zip window methods and Enclosure panel finishing techniques. Both discussions were very active and hopefully everyone left with at least one helpful hint to put to immediate use. After the demos, everyone left for Toby's Dinner Theatre and opening night of "The King and I." Both dinner and show were enjoyed by all. Something different from our usual Friday night games and antics.

2000 Convention Program

Saturday February 5th - Panel discussion on Marine Fabrics. A worthwhile discussion on many topics by M. Cornell, Dickson Marine Fabrics; Bob McGilvray, Forbo-Stamoid; Sam Mazzarelli, Surlast; Alan Rampy, Glen Raven Mills; and Bob Rizer, Marchem Coated Fabric.

Cleaning of Marine & Awning Products - Scott Massey, Awning Cleaning, Inc. led a very informative session on the pluses/minuses and do's/don'ts of cleaning canvas products.

Live Demonstration on Residential Awnings - A rigid patio awning was explained and installed by Bill Zimmerle, John Boyle and Alan Schwartzwalder, ACS Canvas and Awnings. A window awning was explained by Ty and Steve Hancock, Shoreline Awning & Trim.

Supplier introductions and explanation of their new products followed by several round-table discussions ended the day's sessions. The annual Association meeting followed.

Lucky 50-50 Winners

Stan & Sandy Sweikar

Standy Canvas

Dameron, MD

New Officers

        * all of the above Officers positions are for a two-year term, ending 2002

New Directors

        * all of the above Directors positions are for three-year terms, ending 2003

Award Winners 2000

Scraps to Cash - Watkins Custom Sewing, Avon, NC

Unique Tools - Watkins Custom Sewing, Avon, NC

Photo Contest

Bob Bigwood, B & C Marine Coverings

Year 2000 Dues

The Association dues are to be paid in January of each year. Some members still owe dues for the year 2000. Please submit your annual dues of $25.00 to Michele Machande, Secretary, c/o Chilee Custom Canvas, 3155 Gosheff Lane, Gambrills, MD 21054. Checks should be made payable to Chesapeake Marine Canvas Fabricators Association. If you need to call Michele, she can be reached at (410) 721-3508.

Debbie & John Volz, UTC Enterprises, Ltd., Baltimore, MD were just two of the 129 attendees of the 2000 Convention. There were 62 renewal memberships along with 18 new members. Thirteen were fabricator shops and five were suppliers. Our goal for next year's convention is 200. Talk to your neighboring shops and solicit membership from any new shop in your area.

2001 Convention

The 15th Annual Convention of the Chesapeake Marine Canvas Fabricators Association will be held on February 2- 4, 2001 at the Sheraton Fontainbleau Hotel and Conference Center, Ocean City, MD. Mark your calendars and plan to attend. Any suggestions for activities or demonstrations should be sent to Marty Jordan, President. Marty's Bag Works, 3017 Solomon's Island Rd., Edgewater, MD 21037. Phone - (410) 956-2869.

Comments Please

This is the first attempt to publish a semi-annual newsletter from CMCFA. The purpose is to keep in touch and keep you informed of upcoming events and summarize past events for those who were unable to attend. Our success depends on your input. We need news items that you would like to share with other members. Perhaps you have a question on how to do something or where to obtain a supply item. Pass along a fabrication technique that would help everyone. Sell excess tools and supplies. Send all items to Tom Reed, Dockside Canvas. 920 Middlesex St., Gloucester, NJ  08030. Fax - (856) 456-3370. E-mail - DocksideCanvas@aol.com