Below article was published in the Little Falls Evening Times, March 2004.

Salisbury couple participates in Chainsaw Carving Rendezvous

Ridgway, PA – Five years ago, twin brothers Rick & Randy Boni, who are good friends of Mark & Linda Tyoe of Salisbury, and also Professional Chainsaw Carvers, started the Ridgway Chainsaw Carving Rendezvous. Their hopes and dreams were to attract chainsaw artists from across the country to come to their small community and share their artistry with others in a non-competitive atmosphere. In 2000, a mere 28 Chainsaw Carvers participated in this event, including Mark. This past weekend, 198 artists from 8 countries, The U.S., Australia, Canada, England, Japan, Netherlands, Germany and Scotland came together for what is now known as “The Chainsaw Carving Capital of the World”. The youngest participant was Mark’s booking agents’ son from Lehighton, PA, Zach Ruth, age11. The only requirement to participate is to donate one sculpture that you have carved. And for what an unbelievable cause --these pieces are auctioned off and the proceeds donated to the “Make a Wish” Foundation, and the local YMCA. This year’s event raised over $47,000. Also, the Rendezvous was recognized with media coverage on “FOX News” and “The Best Damn Sports Show”.

This is the first year Linda was able to attend, and – for the lack of a better word- is awestruck. “Participating in this event has made such an impact on me. To go to a small town and be welcomed and treated as family, along with so many others from across the world, it is just amazing. All of the residents open their doors to all of the carvers and their families without hesitation.” Most of the senior professional carvers are accommodated for free, along with free meals put on by the community. The Tyoe’s were welcomed at a multi-million dollar private estate for their stay during the event, sharing it with 3 other couples. “Again, EVERYONE just opens their hearts for such a worthy cause.” But what made the most impact on Mark and Linda? It was the honor of meeting some of the “Make a Wish” children and families of whom have lost their children, but were able to grant their wish because of the money raised by this event. “There wasn’t a dry eye in the dining hall that evening, listening to that little voice thanking us all for making his wish come true, a hot tub. And to the Mom who had recently lost her son, but wanted to thank us for making his dream of going to Disney come true. This is what it’s all about”, states Mark.

He has been a full time professional chainsaw carver for over 10 years. Since 2000 he has been a member of an exclusive group “Masters of the Chainsaw”, of which travel and perform at various functions throughout the United States, and also has a branch in Japan. With titles such as “5 time Northeast Chainsaw Carving Champion”, and most recently “2003 Xtreme Power Carving Champion”, Mark is in big demand. On March 20 & 21^st you can see him perform at the CNY Home and Garden Show held at the State Fairgrounds in Syracuse. The couple resides in Salisbury with their two sons, Casey & Brandon, and has a seasonal store which is open from May thru December, located on Route 28 in Forestport, NY.