Ex-park ranger has talent for scratching itches

Philip Morgan of Springfield discovered a rare talent while working as a park ranger in 1975.
http://www.gmoutlook.com/news/2012/may/17/ex-us-national-park-service-ranger-has-talent-scra/

Ex-U.S. National Park Service ranger has talent for scratching itches Philip Morgan of Springfield Philip Morgan of Springfield By Louis Varricchio Green Mountain Outlook Thursday, May 17, 2012 Springfield — Philip Morgan of Springfield discovered a rare talent while working as a park ranger in 1975. The former U.S. National Park Service ranger got his Smokey on when he tapped the skill of carving wooden birds in his spare time. After leaving the park service, his work has received praise. Morgan is also sharing his talent with newcomers to the demanding art of wood carving. Morgan's exquisite work is the object of bird art collectors around the U.S. and Canada. Recently, Morgan began carving and painting unusual back scratchers with classic bird heads as the scratcher part of the popular personal-care devices. "Phil's bird-head back scratchers have been a very popular item at the gallery and make a great gift for bird-lovers," said Marilyn Miller, manager of the Gallery at the VAULT, a Vermont State Craft Center, in Springfield. For wood carvers, bird fanciers, or anyone else for that matter, Morgan will give a detailed demonstration of the craft at Gallery at the VAULT Saturday, May 26, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event will kick off the Vermont Crafts Council’s Open Studio Weekend at the VAULT May 26-27. A free map of Open Studio Weekend venues around Springfield is available at the VAULT located at 68 Main St. in Springfield