In case anyone is intersting, we heard from Charlie B., barrel maker.

"Yes alive and mostly well! I believe we have gotten the mechanical and health issues that have caused my back log under control and I am working to get caught up.
If all goes according to plan I will be close to caught up by CLA. Appreciate everybodys patience and will attempt to do a better job of communicating.
We will be working this summer and I am averaging 30-35 hours a week in shop, that's about all my knees will tolerate right now."