Tallahassee Democrat | SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2020 | 1C TLHLIFE Carving out a niche

The tree inside the home of Robert McVety is decorated with 100 ornaments he has hand carved. TORI LYNN SCHNEIDER/TALLAHASSEE DEMOCRAT Retiree finds joy in shaping ornaments for Christmas

Marina Brown Special to Tallahassee Democrat USA TODAY NETWORK – FLORIDA Robert McVety probably doesn’t think of himself as an “artisan.” But in truth, the 73-year-old retired trade association consultant practices a craft that is one of the most ancient of artisanal skills — a hands-on pursuit where the head, the hand, often the heart — and wood come together to make tactile magic. h McVety likes to carve the stuff that once was a tree.

Since his retirement in 2003, Robert McVety Woodcarver has come to truly identify as a woodcarver. Robert McVety With a wry sense of humor that is both self- holds some of deprecatory and sometimes naughtily barbed, the hundreds he says he could call himself a few other names of ornaments as well. he has carved But though he also participates in the Senior over the years. Games in table tennis, foot races, and throwing TORI LYNN the javelin — “If you’re smart, you choose a SCHNEIDER/ sport where you’re the only one in your age TALLAHASSEE group and the gold is yours from the start — it is DEMOCRAT the charm and beauty of woodcarving that has turned him from a rank beginner to a skilled craftsman whose works grace the shelves of his home and the Christmas trees of dozens of friends. Born in Milwaukee, McVety came to Florida State to earn his undergraduate and master’s degree in geography. “I was like a lot of guys. I liked working with my hands, but all I’d ever done was take woodshop in high school, and re- finish a couple of pieces of furniture.” Professional life, fatherhood, and minding Wood Carver’s Club and for the last 15 years, has carves ornaments throughout the year. the family lakeside home in Wisconsin took been busily gouging, cutting, and gifting his “I’ve made over 200 that I’ve given away, and precedence in the ensuing years, but with re- whimsical and artistic creations to those who we keep another 100 for our own tree.” Mostly tirement, McVety apparently looked at his clamor for them. painted basswood, the ornaments range from Tallahasseehands again Democrat and decided - 12/20/2020 they should be busy. Like some sports shirt-wearing elf, McVety is Page : C01 He called up the Senior Center’s Capital City particularly busy at Christmas time, though he See MCVETY, Page 2C

‘Pocket drummer’ in a groove with Frank Jones Band

Amanda Sieradzki If you go Council on Culture & Arts What: Frank Jones Band Holiday Special Live at “I’m like the grandaddy of the bunch,” jokes drum- Hurricane mer Brett Crook. Crook joined the Frank Jones Band When: 7-10 p.m., Saturday Dec. 26 almost one year ago and will play at their holiday show at local restaurant Hurricane Grill & Wings on Dec. 26. Where: Hurricane Grill & Wings, 6800 Thomasville 2020 has been a tough year for the music scene. Road Crook notes how scarce live venues have become in Contact: For more information, visit the recent months given COVID-19 shutdowns, and https://www.facebook.com/FrankJonesBand. how many bands have chosen to stream online as a result. He’s felt lucky to be part of the Frank Jones Band as they continue to safely bring live music to ven- He enjoys setting the groove for a show and considers ues down the coast near St. George Island, Apalachi- himself to be a “songwriter’s drummer.” cola and Panama City. He doesn’t try to cram a hundred notes in a single Crook lives for the atmosphere of a live show. He’s measure. Instead, he listens with what he calls “big opened for major award-winning acts like James Brown Brett Crook joined the Frank Jones Band almost one ears” and tries to find what will make the song work and BB King at the Orlando House of Blues. He toured year ago and will play at their holiday show at better. It’s a collaborative approach that he’s used with Hootie and the Blowfish at sold out theaters, and Hurricane Grill & Wings on Dec. 26. COURTNEY WAHL while playing with numerous bands and recording for most recently, was on tour with Cedric Burnside, a PHOTOGRAPHY albums. Grammy-nominated blues artist from Mississippi. “I’m a pocket drummer,” says Crook. “A pocket is a While quarantine may have slowed some of his oppor- feeling. It’s a groove. If a drummer has a deep pocket, tunities to play, Crook remains committed to his craft. and freelancing with numerous other artists locally, I then they’re really about feeling and making you “Several times a week I sit behind a kit and play stay behind the kit pretty often.” move.” whether it’s along to a metronome or it’s a new Frank For Crook, the role of the drummer is to be a time- Jones song,” says Crooke. “Between Frank Jones gigs keeper and keep a song moving in the right direction. See CROOK, Page 2C

December 20, 2020 10:18 pm (GMT -5:00) Powered by TECNAVIA 2C | SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2020 | TALLAHASSEE DEMOCRAT Who shot JFK? Part 3: Gwen Graham will help launch Considering Oswald evidence father’s children’s book You will recall that Oswald was a Special to Tallahassee Democrat Dec. 20, at the store at marine sharpshooter. For him, shooting USA TODAY NETWORK – FLORIDA 1410 Market St. in Talla- Ask Judge Smith President Kennedy was an easy shot. hassee. Layne Smith The President’s limousine moved at a Gov. Bob Graham wrote a special Books purchased at Guest columnist slow, steady speed traveling in a children’s book about a baby alligator Hearth & Soul will have straight line. The scope he mounted on growing up in the Everglades who looks a commemorative book- the rifle made his longest shot appear to different from everyone else. Gwen plate with Gov. Bob Gra- Let’s consider Lee Harvey Oswald’s be 25 yards away. Hearth & Soul is hosting a book Graham ham’s signature on it. motive, means, and opportunity. Forensic evidence conclusively tied launch and presentation by his daugh- “Rhoda the Alligator” An avowed Marxist, Oswald, admit- Oswald to the sniper’s nest. He left ter Gwen Graham at 2 p.m. Sunday, retails for $15.95. ted to his brother Robert that he hated palm prints and an indexTallahassee fingerprint Democrat on - 12/20/2020 Page : C02 the United States and hoped to see its a box he used to brace his rifle. Oswald capitalist government overthrown. Suf- abandoned the gun near a sixth-floor fering from delusions of grandeur, he felt exit. Investigators found his palm print, disrespected that no one was taking him fibers from his shirt, and fibers from his “I’m happy it will be able to carry on seriously. blanket on the firearm. Crook with the next generation,” says Crook. His motive for assassinating the A gunpowder residue test confirmed He’s looking forward to having more President was to strike a blow for Marx- the gun’s recent use, and investigators Continued from Page 1C friends and family join the show at Hur- ism by killing the free world’s leader. Os- found three spent shells on the floor of ricane Grill & Wings the day after wald had the means — his rifle and the sniper’s nest. Testing confirmed Crook was gifted his first drum kit Christmas. His wife’s daughter, a sing- scope, and the opportunity arose when Oswald’s gun had fired these shells to from a mail order catalog. He taught er/songwriter from Los Angeles, will be the President’s motorcade drove past his the exclusion of all others. himself to play by listening to Brothers in town and may join as a guest artist on building. The notoriety he would gain by The brown wrapping paper Oswald Johnson records and their song “Straw- their set. Crook says the show will also this action was the icing on the cake. left at the crime scene measured three berry Letter #23” on repeat. Early ‘70s be a chance for the band to introduce Now, let us return to Nov. 22, 1963. Os- inches longer than his disassembled ri- music was a huge influence on his style. their new music to more of the commu- wald arrived on the job extra-early that fle. Law enforcement found no curtain He still looks up to drummers like The nity. morning. Even though he had plenty of rods, but they did find gun oil and Os- Police’s Stuart Copeland, Queen’s Roger The venue itself includes an indoor work to do that day, he didn’t fill a single wald’s finger and palm prints on the in- Taylor, Led Zeppelin’s John Bonham restaurant area and an outdoor stage book order. Instead, Oswald secreted side of the wrapping paper. Forensic and the Saturday Night Live band’s and bar. The stage is covered by a cano- himself in a little-used storage area on evidence did not implicate anyone else. Steve Jordan. py of trees, which Crook says adds to the sixth floor of the building. Three co-employees watched the These drummers’ unique voices on the overall ambience of the show. He As noon approached, Oswald re- President’s motorcade from the fifth the instrument continually inspire adds that there is lots of space for social moved the wrapping paper from his con- floor of the building, immediately be- Crook because it makes them instantly distancing which is a big reason why cealed weapon under cover of privacy low the sniper’s nest. They heard three recognizable. However, Crook didn’t they agreed to play. The protocols in and then arranged a sniper’s nest in the rifle shots followed by three ejected just access music on records or from place at the venue include wearing southeast corner window. Selecting this shells spinning on the floor directly television. Crook had star power within masks and staying at least six feet location ensured the President’s limou- above them. his household growing up. apart. sine would be in his field of vision long Afterward, Oswald fled the build- Crook remembers going to see his Even given the hard times and ex- enough to fire multiple shots. ing. Everyone else remained on-site mother perform as she traveled with a tenuating circumstances, Crook feels When the noon hour approached, Os- and cooperated with investigators. sister singing act. He sat at the kitchen lucky for the continual gift of playing wald loaded the gun, braced himself, and Next, we will focus on Dealey Plaza. table with his grandfather and learned live onstage. He’s ready to share his aimed the rifle at the kill zone. He cor- The Honorable J. Layne Smith is a the harmonica. His stepfather, Mark El- groove and energy with an audience, no rectly anticipated the motorcade’s arriv- Circuit Judge and the author of “Civ- lerbee, was the original drummer for the matter the size or space. al based on the President’s published ics, Law, and Justice—How We Be- Oak Ridge Boys band. “After so many years of doing this, I travel schedule and the assembled came U.S.” Send your questions to ask- “Music has always been around,” ask myself, ‘what am I still doing up crowd’s reaction. [email protected]. says Crook. “Every time I am able to step here?’” says Crook. “Especially when up on the stage and sit behind the there are two people in the audience. drums is definitely a blessing. My fa- But then you see one person that is vorite part of a live show is being able to moved to tears or moved to laughter or give to an audience and getting that that the music brings two people closer every half-hour to keep the blade at its back is a special thing for sure.” together. I’ve seen all of that from the McVety sharpest. Music continues to trickle down his stage, and that’s what it’s all about for “There can be power tools involved family tree. Crook will often practice at me. Being able to see that and to make a Continued from Page 1C for some people,” he says. “Dremels are home with his son, who joined the difference.” good for very fine work, say on a face or Frank Jones Band as a guest at their Amanda Sieradzki is the feature wooden stockings, to stars, to various delicate vines.” last show. Crook is always advising him writer for the Council on Culture & Arts. Santas with bushy beards, each light And while McVety paints his Christ- to listen with those “big ears” in order to COCA is the capital area’s umbrella enough to hang on a fir sprig. But palm- mas ornaments with acrylics, and gives play in harmony with the rest of the agency for arts and culture (www.talla- sized ornaments can be inspiring only other pieces a coat of urethane, or oil, band. hasseearts.org). to a point. McVety has branched out its always the grain and feel of the wood into wild-life sculpture and figurines itself that fascinates him. And perhaps worthy of some Tyrolean workshop. the images that live inside. “At the Senior Center’s carving club To date, he has carved an eagle with there are usually about 20 really wel- a 10-inch wingspan, an owl, bears, a St. Augustine Plantation is one of the most coming souls… men and women alike. fairy cottage, duck decoys, a loose ball experienced and innovative providers We meet every week and bring in our in a cage, and perhaps his crowning current projects to work on, though achievement, a collection of all of the of senior care in the Tallahassee area. now COVID has interrupted the rou- 50 species of fish that live in the Wis- tine.” consin lake beside his home. “For a beginner, it’s really great… ev- “One additional thing wood carving CALL TODAY TO ASK ABOUT erybody will help you, and there are has given me is an appreciation for even blocks of good carving wood sculptural forms. Now I can see how OUR ALL-INCLUSIVE RATES! available to buy. Most of us like bass- the artist must have approached the wood or butternut because its light and shape, from German gargoyles to fig- doesn’t have much grain that can ures of saints,” McVety said. (850) 309-1982 sometimes be problematic,” McVety And maybe wooden nutcrackers too. said. For Robert McVety, the holiday “nut- Tried & True - A Proven History of Trusted Care! McVety, like most every other begin- cracker” season is the one which brings ner, started with a small bird form. “You the most joy. With two elementary-age actually draw the shape of a bird on the grandsons, who “aren’t into carving wood,” McVety said. “Then with your yet,” there is still lots and lots of orna- December 20, 2020 10:18 pm (GMT -5:00) Powered by TECNAVIA knife, you begin taking wood away, ment painting to help Grandpa with, working your way around the body and and, as in all holiday homes, plenty of head, and redrawing the shape as you ornament positioning to discuss. remove the wood.” The Senior Center Capital City Carv- McVety says the equipment needed ing Club can be contacted at is minimal. “A 3-inch carving knife with http://carvers.mytalweb.com/ a steel blade that tends to hold its edge; Marina Brown can be contacted at: several gouges of different sizes for re- [email protected]. Brown is the moving larger hunks of wood; a thumb author of the 2020 RPLA Book of the protector (some come in Kevlar) Year, The Orphan of Pitigliano, and against an inadvertent move; and a other books. leather razor strop that McVety uses

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