Forestry Club Gives Demo and History Lesson at Haywood Fairgrounds

On Friday, Forestry Club and Lumberjack team members put on a demonstration and talked about forest history with Haywood County elementary school kids. Axe-throwing was, of course, a highlight and club members Bill Sweeney and Christine Litton were right on target!

HCC's Axe Masters

As the 2008 Cradle of Forestry Draws nearer, the practice field is alive with the "thuds", "dings", "clanks", and "knocks" associated with axe-throw practice--especially when misthrown axes bounce and careen off of various objects NEAR the target. Here are a few clips ending in the soft and sweet "thump" sound of a well-directed throw.

Bill Sweeney's patented 1-armed viking hurl.

Frank Potts hits axe targets and hornets nests with stunning accuracy.

Kelly Farmer shows the guys up with a solid bulls eye.

Forestry Club meeting schedule change

Tomorrow's FC meeting is cancelled due to it being in direct conflict with a scheduled academic clinic. Frank and the board have set a new day, as this clinic will be meeting every week henceforth, but will be keeping the same scheduled time. Starting next week, the new meeting day will be Monday still at noon in room 309/310. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to respond here, or see Frank, John, Andrew, or Ethan.

Billy

Forestry Club at Back to School Blast

The HCC Forestry Club and Woodsmen's Team set up a booth and timbersports demonstrations at HCC's "Back to School Blast". Club officers were on hand to talk to other students about the forestry program and members of the woodsmen's team put on a "clinic" on crosscut sawing and chopping. Members also tried their skills on a mechanical bull that SGA had on site for the event.

Club officers Jon Ward and Frank Potts manned an info table which highlighted the history of western NC forestry and HCC's natural resources programs.

Nathan "Junior" Edwards takes on the bull!

Ward and Guffey demo crosscut sawing.

Judge and Braxton race with DUI goggles.

Haywood Lumberjacks Active in SAWA

Sophomore forestry students James Judge and Braxton Spurlin are continuing their lumberjack training over the summer and are actively competing in the South Atlantic Woodsman's Association (SAWA). In 2008, the HCC Lumberjack Coach, Jimmy Lawrence, took over leadership of the SAWA and Haywood Community College became a major sponsor of the association. The summer/fall season gets kicked off Saturday, June 21, with a competition at the Cradle of Forestry.

(Photo: Braxton Spurlin beginning chop in pole-fell event at 2008 Mid-Atlantic Intercollegiate Meet.)

Club Wraps up Year with Banquet

The Forestry Club wrapped up a successful 2007-2008 year with their annual banquet this week. Club officers, advisors, staff, and individual students were recognized for their academic achievements and efforts in the forestry program and club activities. The club had a successful year of fundraising to support woodsmen's meets, attendance at conferences, supplies, and other activities--over $8,000 was raised through grants, sponsorships, and t-shirt and firewood sales. Instructor and "event coordinator" Bob Pinkston was recognized with a STIHL Mid-Atlantic Meet road sign that was signed by the club. HCC staff Gene Stano and Scott Page were also recognized for their efforts in making the 2008 Mid-Atlantic Woodsmen's Meet a spectacular success. Other awards were presented that highlighed student "extracurricular" activities (below).

Haywood Finishes 2nd at Mid-Atlantic Woodsmens Meet

Beautiful weather but stiff competition welcomed the Haywood Lumberjacks this past weekend at the 2008 Mid-Atlantic Woodsmen's Meet. Accolades are deserving for the faculty, staff, and students who worked hard to make the event a spectacular success. The Penn State Mont Alto, Penn College, Montgomery Community College, and Allegany Community College teams traveled far and performed well. A big thanks to the teams, STIHL, and our other sponsors for such a great weekend! Enjoy the pics!