Lori Coffman and David Laschinger working on new Woodworkers Club website
Lorraine Wilson
On what is traditionally known as April Fools’ Day, members of the Woodworkers Club had a different reason to celebrate this year. April 1 marked the long-awaited activation of their new website, a project that had been eagerly anticipated due to the challenges posed by the previous website, which was no longer supported by GoDaddy and faced the looming threat of failure or disappearance at any moment.
The journey towards this new online platform was not taken lightly. Months were spent meticulously reviewing providers and selecting the most suitable platform, with a primary focus on security to protect member information. The research process was led by Lori Coffman, alongside Joey Misiaszek and board members Kathy Dial, Steve Russell, and Frank Hunter, who were instrumental in choosing the right Internet provider based in the United States with data farms located domestically. After thorough evaluation, ClubExpress emerged as the provider of choice, known for its specialization in club websites and trusted by various clubs at Robson Ranch and across the country.
With that decision made, the real work began. Lori Coffman dedicated countless hours, including days, evenings, weekends, and many months, to set up the new website. Beta-testing commenced in February, involving a dedicated team of volunteer testers: Bob Hestes, Wayne Caudill, Steve Russell, Teresa Capps-McGill, Hutch Hutchins, Joey Misiaszek, David Laschinger, and Lorraine Wilson. Their goal was to scrutinize every aspect of the website, assess its functionality, and provide valuable feedback for enhancements. Lori led this effort, collaborating closely with ClubExpress support to implement necessary changes based on the testers’ suggestions.
But why does a woodworking club need such a sophisticated website? The answer is straightforward: It serves as a centralized platform for both existing and potential members to stay informed about the club’s activities. Members can easily access the monthly calendar to check monitor schedules and view upcoming classes, and monitors can sign up for shifts. Potential members can apply for club membership and register for the mandatory Safety class. Additionally, the website facilitates communication through email notifications about various activities and classes. Its robust security measures reassure members and potential members that their personal information is safeguarded. Moreover, the website maintains an updated roster of current members, monitors, and their specific skills or completed classes.
Heartfelt thanks go out to Lori Coffman who has spearheaded this effort from the beginning, guided it to fruition, and has also provided training to members on how to use the website! We appreciate all the time and effort she has put into this project and are grateful for such a dedicated volunteer. Big thanks to everyone on the beta-testing team. Your feedback was critical in refining aspects of the new website, which is RRWW.club.
In conclusion, April 1 was not just another day of pranks for Woodworkers Club members, but a significant milestone as they embraced a new era with their revamped online presence, ensuring smoother operations and enhanced member engagement.