Crowtown Mill Designs creates custom pieces for first responders
Submitted
Submitted
Submitted
Submitted
Woodcrafter Jay Lenhart of Crowtown Mill Design used his woodworking skills to create flags and crosses designed with first responder symbols to present to area first responders on June 24.
Lenhart presented them to the sheriff’s office, West Lafayette Police Department, Coshocton County EMS, Coshocton Fire Department, Coshocton Regional Medical Center, and city hall. Lenhart signed each piece thanking them for all they do.
“I wanted to show my appreciation to not only first responders but also the hospital and city hall for supporting the community not just during the coronavirus but every day,” Lenhart said. “Mayor Mark Mills thanked me for doing this for our community especially during this time. Safety Service Director Max Crown said he really appreciated it. I knew immediately that I wanted to make a difference in people’s lives. I started making them for first responders, then I remembered the hospital and city hall. There are so many folks there whenever we need anything. Retail workers, thank you so much for being there.”
Lenhart has been a wood crafter for 30 years. He was working for a furniture manufacturing company in Killbuck, when he noticed the dumpster was full of scrap wood and a lot of it was quality hardwood. His boss told him he could get in there and dig around. He bought a scroll saw and started cutting. He began making shelves and little wooden things to sell at Calico Harvest and the owner asked him if he would make 500 Santa heads. He quit the factory job and worked in this venue for 12 years.
“That was a good start for a wood crafting career,” Lenhart said. “I am totally old school. I draw the pattern on paper, adhere it to the wood and cut it out using a router. It’s all done by hand as much as possible and hand painted. I am prideful about what I do. I don’t sacrifice quality. I want them to be here after I’m gone. All designs are original. If I have an idea, I pursue it. It’s incredible how it grew. From cutting stars as small as an eraser to displays, birdhouses, benches, houses that light up.”
His work has sold all over the United States and foreign countries through craft shows and Etsy. He still has all of his patterns and the parts to build everything. Lenhart also resurfaced Coshocton Lake Park Play area and did signage there.
Because of COVID-19 he has a heart for first responders. “Their lives are more in danger than typically,” he said. “I have a close prayer life with God. He is moving me along on this journey. I’m happy to make a difference in people’s lives. Each piece is hand drawn, hand carved and hand painted. Each piece is a little different and one of a kind.”
Lenhart is offering a $50 discount to any first responder or hospital worker who would like a flag or cross custom made with a badge number or personalized in any way.
For more information go to facebook/crowtownmilldesigns or e-mail crowtownmilldesigns@gmail.com.
Category: Business
