American Sycamore Woodworker's Retreat

[Benjamin Bennett]

What happened to ASWR? I took a class there Dec. 10-15, 2007 and have tried unsuccessfully to contact Mike & Dana Van Pelt , owners,Anyone know what is happening with them?

[dave sandridge salem sc]

Benjamin Bennett wrote:

What happened to ASWR? I took a class there Dec. 10-15, 2007 and have tried unsuccessfully to contact Mike & Dana Van Pelt , owners,Anyone know what is happening with them?

I talked to Dana Sunday evening Dec 30th about taking a class. They were on their way to church. I haven't been able to talk to them since

[Benjamin Bennett]

The workbench class was great! The four of us that were in the class had a great time and learned a lot. The hard maple and purple heart bench is a real solid,beauty.

[dave sandridge salem sc]

I was in the chidwick rocker class. It also turned out great. I sent andy pictures this week and asked if he knew what was going on with mike. I am concerned

[Benjamin Bennett]

Mike had a heart attack about 5 weeks ago and Dana has had about of pneumonia so they have been through a lot. Mike is back in the shop with limited activity so things are getting better. Keep them in your prayers.

[dave sandridge]

Do you know if they are going to have classes this year and anything about schedule. I hope Mike does well and lose some weight. I look foward to returning

[Benjamin Bennett]

I do not know anything about ASWR schedule. I think that the phones and email are back in service. I'll post any information that I get regarding ASWR

[Keith Mengel]

dave sandridge salem sc wrote:

<quoted text>
I talked to Dana Sunday evening Dec 30th about taking a class. They were on their way to church.

Dave, if you or anyone else on this forum happens to reach Mike or Dana could you please let them know I've been trying to reach them. I really need to talk to them about a class that I was signed up for last May that was cancelled. If one or the other could give me a call or send a quick email it would be much appreciated.
Thanks

[Bearer of Bad News]

I'm afraid ASWR is gone. They didn't pay instructors and other creditors, and the money and energy just ran out, as I hear. The guest house has been sold, no word about anything else.

[Still Hopeful]

Bearer of Bad News wrote:

I'm afraid ASWR is gone. They didn't pay instructors and other creditors, and the money and energy just ran out, as I hear. The guest house has been sold, no word about anything else.

How do you know all that information? Nobody else has been able to get in touch with them but I see your statement. Can you tell me how can I verify this?
Thank you.

[dave sandridge]

I had written Andy Chidwick for info but got no response. I had a great experience and am saddened that this has happened. My hope and pray is that they can turn it around. The lack of information is frustrating.

[Woodman2]

The word on the street is they are either going to, or are divorced. No idea what will become of ASWR......but it don't look so good.

[ASWR Guest House Owners]

Dear Fellow American Sycamore Woodworking Retreat Student,
American Sycamore is in the process of reorganizing itself and we are not participating. We've decided to sell the "guesthouse". it is currently on the market for $199,000. See sale info at: http://www.callcarpenter.com/2810452 If you might be interested in this lovely house on 6.9 acres, please contact our realtor, Dottie Stapleton at Carpenter Realtors in Mooresville, Indiana Although I am a realtor myself, we've choosen to work with Dottie who is local.
Its been a delight to meet some of you. One student expressed it as "its like making friends at camp when you were a kid". We agree.
If you have any questions about American Sycamore Woodworkers Retreat and School, please address them to the school. We cannot speak for them.
Here is the link to our property:
http://www.callcarpenter.com/2810452
or dottie: [e-mail]

[Andy Chidwick]

Hello everyone. Maybe I can add some clarity to the situation for you. I too was out of communication with ASWR for quite a while. I was scheduled to return there to teach again this summer. But then Mike and Dana landed on some difficult times and the school had to take the "back seat" for a while. I've recently spoken with Mike and I believe he is trying to open the school with a limited and reduced schedule for this year. We've all enjoyed our time at ASWR and we hope it will continue to survive. The best we can do is show our support and wait it out. Dave, I'm sorry I haven't written back yet, we had a sudden illness and death of a close family member - I got behind on personal communications, thank you for the pictures, the chair turned out great! It was a pleasure having you in the class. Meanwhile, I am continuing to teach the sculpted rocking chair class now at my home shop in Montana. Hope all this info is helpful.

[Nomad]

Wow, Bad luck for ASWR, First Dana has cancer few years ago, then Mike has a heart attack...then they close up...and I heard that the "Fork Ran Away with the Spoon".......lot's of bad luck! Too bad, it sounded like a good place.

[dave sandridge]

Thanks for the info. I am sure pulling for them and look foward to returning.

[Bearer of Bad News]

The Website appears to have changed in some areas, others are unchanged. There is lot of confusion for names and dates, with a new name sorta like the old one. My guess is it is part of a settlement. Apparently it is now a school for private lessons. With the guest house on the market, there are still 2 rooms in the Lodge/Shop available for guests.

[Non-Believer]

This school is history. The private lessons will die out and that will be it.

He's ticked off 90% of the teachers, business partners, life partners and students.

The fat lady has already sung and left the building!

(on the brighter side, you might be able to get some tools really cheap!)

[lost money]

i got an email from mike on the 28th of april saying instructors will be there and for july of 2008. whats going on here????

[lost money]

lost money wrote:

i got an email from mike on the 28th of april saying instructors will be there and for july of 2008. whats going on here????

????????