Capital City Carvers

Stop Work Immediately if Health Issues Arise

While this seems obvious, it is paramount you stop working immediately if any of the following health issues occur:

• Difficulty breathing
• A developing rash
• Coughing
• Burning throat
• Irritated eyes
• Lightheadedness

From EarthSky.com 6-10-22 a short story caught my eye.

Whether you call them lightning bugs or fireflies, these beetles are a sign of summer. You're most likely to see them in warm weather when rainfall has been plentiful. You may have wondered: Why do fireflies light up? And how do they do it?

First is the how. The light of a firefly is a chemical reaction caused by an organic compound - luciferin-in their abdomens. As air rushes into a firefly's abdomen, it reacts with the luciferin. Consequently, it causes a chemical reaction that gives off the firefly's familiar glow. This light is sometimes called cold light because it generates so little heat. Scientifically, fireflies are classified under Lampyridae, a family of insects within the beetle order Coleoptera, or winged beetles. There are estimated to be 2000+ firefly species spread across temperate and tropical zones all over the world. In addition, fireflies can regulate the airflow into their abdomens to create a pulsating pattern.

Fireflies light up for safety. Some experts think the firefly's flashy style may warn predators of the insect's bitter tase. On the other hand, some frogs don't seem to mind the flavor. In fact, they eat so many fireflies that they themselves begin to glow. Fireflies also light up for romance. Male fireflies' light signals their desire for mates. Also, willing females attract males with flashes of their own.

Finally, fireflies light up to attract dinner. While each firefly species has its own pattern of flashing, some females imitate the patterns of other species. As a result, males land next to them, only to be eaten alive.

We really appreciate the programs presented by our in-house instructors. Are there any subjects or special patterns you would like to see as a group project? Is there an instructor you wish would visit to present a weekend workshop? Let one of the officers know your preference.

Habits in Action (This always bears repeating)

1. Clean Hands - wash your hands, they pick up dirt and transfer it to the carving.
2. Clean Tools - wipe them after stropping, wipe them after you finish carving.
3. Clean Bench - keep it clean of chips and dust.
4. Clean Workshop - clean regularly to remove wood chips and dust. Vacuum don't sweep.
5. Clean Work - cover your work between sessions and, if possible, wash with dish soap before finishing.