The Tri-Valley Carvers gathered for an annual Winter Holiday Party at a hall of the local church, Holy Cross Lutheran Church, in Livermore on Saturday, December 13, 2025. With 25 members and guests in attendance, including many who brought their spouses, it was a day full of laughter and holiday cheer.
Bob Kehl, currently the President of our woodcarving club, used his bandsaw to make tiny reindeer that adorned every table. The little wooden decorations added a warm, handmade touch to the room, making each spot feel special.
Meanwhile, Jordan Makower, our linoleum block carving expert, created unique prints for everyone. Each attendee went home with a special block print that Jordan made to share his stories and memories. Check out Jordan’s gallery here to see more of his work!
The church hall was beautifully decorated with a Christmas tree, creating a cozy backdrop for our holiday party. As we chatted over lunch and dessert, the room buzzed with stories and laughter. A group photo captured the joy of the day, proof that woodcarving isn’t just about the craft, but the people who share it.
The potluck dessert table was a highlight, with dozens of homemade cookies, cakes, and seasonal treats. It’s always amazing to see what everyone brings to the table (literally!).
From left to right: Bob Kehl, Carol Kehl, Mike Prokosch, Mike Pocha.
Ken Morgan, Jeanne Morgan, Carol Salinger, Gary Eaves, Jordan Makower.
Lorin Jensen, Tina Jensen, Margaret Geiger.
Tim Geiger, Jerry Jensen, Rick Jensen, Rose Rodriguez, Dave Boles, Carol Boles.
Darleen Mellquist, Rose Rodriguez, Maya Jain, Colleen Heskett, Ed Heskett, Duane Worley.
Our annual holiday decorations auction was a success, with many members taking home small, handcrafted gifts. All proceeds will help us purchase new wood and carving tools for future projects. Thanks to all who contributed! And special thanks to Rick and Gerry Jensen for adding cute, adorable ornaments made from wood!
We’re so grateful to the church for opening its doors to us and to On the Vine Catering for preparing such delicious meals. Thank you for making this event so special.
As our holiday party wound down, we left feeling inspired and connected. This holiday party reminded us why we love woodcarving, and we’re excited to keep sharing this craft with the Tri-Valley community in the year ahead. We carve together every week. Join us for our next meeting! Whether you’re a seasoned carver or just curious, everyone is welcome. Let’s carve something beautiful together.
Photos by Roman Chernikov, a chip carver and member of the Tri-Valley Carvers club. Visit Roman’s website, READ N TRY, to see his woodcarving projects and chip carving patterns he designed over the years.