Goodnow/Woodmeister Wood Shop Dedication
After the campaign announcement, we then moved up the hill along the new path, donated by Tom and Jen 
Dexter, parents of alumni, and we reconvened at the site of the former Crocker Stable, later “Music House” and for the past 20 years storage, that has been transformed by a generous gift and attention from the Goodnows and their company Woodmeister.
When we re-gathered at the woodshop, Mr. Williamson introduced the Goodnow family:
I still use the shoe polish kit and a lamp that I made in wood shop back in 1960 and 1961. Those projects encouraged in me a lifelong interest in working with wood, so I know on a personal level how much can be learned about high standards, precision, creativity, thoroughness and tenacity, and developing a sense of competence – from a well designed wood shop program such as Applewild’s. The Goodnows know that far better than I, and they have made the school a wonderful gift of this remodeled space as our new woodshop.
I have seen some of Goodnows’ and their company, Woodmeister’s, work first hand, so I know about their high standards and attention to detail. It is therefore an honor to have them and their company execute this remodeling project, particularly given that their company was recently recognized as a Winning Work Place recipient by the Wall Street Journal. Ted and Kim were in Chicago last week accepting this award, given to highlight the best small companies in the United States.
On behalf of all of us at Applewild I want to thank Ted and Kim, their children Heather, Brooke and Sam, and their Woodmeister employees, particularly John Reposa and Volker Braun, for their dedication to this project. I also want to recognize Dave Wood, our Director of Finance and Operation, and John Kellar, who supported Dave in his partnership with Woodmeister, for their care and attention to this project.
Thanks to the Goodnows, we have fulfilled a key facilities need in a cost effective way that helps us prepare for future projects. If you join us for the tour after the ribbon cutting you can hear students and the Goodnows in a video talk about the old wood shop, in case you aren’t sure why it is so wonderful to have this spacious and well outfitted one! It’s my pleasure to introduce Ted and Kim.
Ted spoke on behalf of the Goodnow family about their excitement at being able to help Applewild forward its master plan in a way that ties so well with their own expertise and values. He noted how his children have benefitted from their Applewild education and particularly how the shop program helps encourage creativity and problem solving, what Ted called “being handy.” He said that he had marveled at the caliber of projects Jack Bowen had been able to shepherd through in the old space, one that “you knew, if you were in the business, was less than adequate.” He expressed his pleasure at how the project had turned out and how it will improve the experience of students at Applewild for years to come.
Upper School Shop teacher Jack Bowen then thanked the Goodnows from his very personal perspective. He said how wonderful the new facility is and how the students are enjoying the new space, including the ninth graders planting perennials along the walkway so they will bloom every spring. Jack also spoke directly to the two Goodnow students he had taught, Brooke and Sam, recalling Brook’s gracious welcome of him in his first year and Sam’s creativity and expertise as he moves through the early stages of the curriculum as a sixth grader.
Board president David Stone then formally thanked the Goodnows on behalf of the school and invited Sam, Heather, and Brooke to cut the ribbon to the facility. The Goodnows then helped the audience enjoy a tour of the transformed facility.