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A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Fellow Woodworkers,

It’s been an active and rewarding stretch for Diablo Woodworkers, with strong participation across meetings, tours, and club initiatives. One of the most exciting developments is the formation of our new Lumber Resource Committee. This group has been charged with safeguarding a significant recent lumber donation, managing allocations to schools for educational use, encouraging woodworking in the broader community, and organizing periodic sales for members. This is a meaningful opportunity for our club—not just to manage a valuable resource, but to put it to work in ways that reflect who we are.

We look forward to seeing this lumber shared thoughtfully—supporting students, enabling projects, and finding its way into the hands of members who will turn it into something lasting. Done right, this effort strengthens both our mission and our connection to the community.

Our recent programming continues to impress. Monthly meetings have featured excellent speakers covering topics such as chair design and construction, Japanese joinery, and hand tools—each offering something new to learn and apply in the shop. Shop tours have been equally strong, with standout visits to California Urban Milling, BJR Guitars in Alameda, and the Rossmoor community woodshop. These experiences remind us how much there is to learn from one another and from the broader woodworking world.

We’re kicking off a 2x4 Contest using lumber from our recent donation—your chance to turn a simple piece of wood into something creative, clever, or downright impressive. Contest stock will be distributed at the May 13 club meeting, so be sure to pick up your piece and start planning. Whether you go functional, artistic, or just plain fun, this is a great opportunity to challenge yourself, try something new, and show what you can do with a single board.

Our Community Service Project at the Bounty Garden is another great example of woodworking making a difference. Members are coming together to build and improve structures that support this local non-profit garden and the people it serves. Their produce is donated each week to the local food banks. They have developed a squirrel and rat problem. Club member Joe Hirt and his team will have a fix. It’s hands-on, meaningful work—combining craftsmanship with community impact. Whether you’re a seasoned builder or just looking to lend a hand, this is a rewarding way to put your skills to good use and connect with fellow members outside the shop.

As always, the strength of this club comes from participation. Get involved—whether it’s helping with the lumber, supporting schools, or entering the contest. There are plenty of ways to contribute, and the more you put in, the more you’ll get out of it.

At the end of the day, this club isn’t just about what we build—it’s about what we pass along. Skills, knowledge… and maybe a little sawdust.

Phillip David
President, Diablo Woodworkers

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