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(published in The Nugget New, Sisters Oregon, 1994) The Timber Framers Guild of North America (TFGNA) will hold its 7th Annual Western Conference in Bend at the Inn of the 7th Mountain the weekend of November 7th. The TFGNA is a non-profit membership organization representing timber framers throughout the United States and Canada. Annual conferences provide an educational format to exchange ideas and build an occasional group project. Hundreds of participants gathered on June 13, 1992 for the Eastern TFGNA Conference and to build a 144-foot traditional-style covered bridge over the Speed River in Guelph, Ontario. Over 700 timbers were shaped and joined by hand on site over 3 five-day periods. The completed bridge now provides a vital link in the city's network of walking/bicycle paths. The construction of the bridge marks the second major joint-effort project between the Timber Framers Guild and a community. During its 1989 conference, the guild constructed two timber frame homes near York, Pennsylvania, as part of the Habitat for Humanity initiative. Although no major construction project is scheduled for the Western conference in Bend, conference organizer Kris Calvin of Sisters believes attendance will be good because of the location and seminars. "The theme of this year's conference is forestry management, but other popular topics include joinery details, timber grading and Japanese planing techniques," said Calvin. "For the first time we are also offering a design seminar for architects, owners and builders who are not familiar with timber framing," he added. Sisters District Ranger Karen Shimamoto will join Dean Swickart of the BLM in a discussion of public participation in forestry management. Ted Benson, a noted author of two popular books on timber framing, will be the keynote speaker on Sunday. The 7th at the 7th on the 7th begins Friday, November 7th. Call 549-0924 or 603-357-1706 for details. |
