Urban Boatbuilders: Attendees

Meet one of the attendees and his lovely spouse!

As I was getting ready to leave, I stopped at the bonfire outside and met this couple.  He was there as a guest.  His company supplies the glue for the fabric boats!  

We had a wonderful time chatting before it was time for me to call it a night.

My sincere thanks for chatting!

Urban Boatbuilders: An overview of what they do

Meet Martha!

Martha was a wonderful help to me when I was wandering around.  She introduced me to people and talked about their mission.

So, as an overview:  Urban Boatbuilders has two programs that work toward their mission of teaching technical and interpersonal skills through boatbuilding. 
The Apprenticeship Program hires 16-19 yr old youth who have barriers to employment.  They work at UBB for about 4 months, are paid minimum wage, and have an opportunity to continue working beyond those 4 months, with increased responsibility.  They have 3 cohorts in this program:  spring, summer and fall with about 20 individuals in each cohort.

The Partnership Program involves bringing an instructor, tools, and materials to a school or community center in the Twin Cities.  There, the youth build the boat on-site. They service about 500 kids a year through this program!

Well done to you Martha, to the entire staff, and to the youth you learn woodworking skills, job skills, and interpersonal skills! 

Urban Boatbuilders: Boats Under Construction

As an older canoe guide, I have a deep respect and fondness for canoes.  I used the old Grumman canoes.  They were fantastic.  These, made out of wood strips and often fabric lined, were not only works of art, but incredibly light weight.

I love the symmetry of them.  And, I would love to try one out on the water.

A finished kayak.  Note to canoeing fanatics, they make paddles, too!

I found the workmanship amazing.  The canoes and kayaks were beautiful.  

Well done to the Urban Boatbuilders Team!

Thanksgiving Day: 2017

It's funny.  People drive all over to hunt turkey's.  I have them wandering through my yard.

For my American friends, have a safe and happy Thanksgiving.  You may want to avoid politics.  
To my non-American friends, I want to thank you for being friends.  You have made my life richer in so many ways.

While it may not seem like it, we have much to be thankful for.  Balance and perspective in life are important.   A quick look around at many places in the world should help put things into perspective.

Be safe.   Be warm.   Be thankful.

Urban Boat Builders: Omni Beer was there, too!

Meet Emily!

And meet her co-worker who wanted to remain anonymous!

They were representing Omni Beer.  This has Irish roots.  She is a local rep and loves her beer, dogs, and snow boarding!  

As for her anonymous co-worker:  I have nothing!

My sincere thanks to you both!  The beer was good!

Urban Boat Builders: Utepils Beer was There!

Meet Karen!

Karen was there representing Utepils Beer.  Maybe I am just a rookie, but I had not heard of Utepils before.  It was good!  She likes her beer and travels all over the world.  We bonded over cameras and taking photos!

Lovely meeting you, Karen!

Urban Boatbuilders: Music from the Wilkinson James

Meet Chris:  The base player

Meet Liz, the vocalist.    Liz comes from a long line of singers.  Her mother is 80 and is still singing!  Good for her!

She comes from N Carolina.   But, she has lived in tropical Minnesota long enough to survive!

Check out their website here!

Urban Boat Builders: Craft Beer Volunteers!

Meet Jill!

She told me she is a hard working feminist who happens to love good beer and good people!   Nothing wrong with that!

Very nice meeting you, Jill.

Urban Boatbuilders Annual Fund Raiser: Craft Beers Volunteers!

Meet Karen!

Karen has volunteered with John to work toward restoration of wood and canvas canoes.  She was volunteering with Surly Brewing.    She always loved working with wood but was busy with her career.  So, she retired about a few years ago and has been able to pursue work working.    She is also an avid golfer and tennis player!

And, I will add, she was most delightful and charming.

It was lovely meeting you, Karen.   Thank you!