Editor's note: this letter first appeared in the January 2013 issue of the Newsletter. I've inlcuded it here for our new members looking for a little background into the club and its officers.

A Message from New President, Matt Overton

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for asking me to serve as president of Bucks Woodturners. I only hope that I can fill the shoes of Ed Ryan. Ed, and his wife, Pat, have given so much to make this club one of the AAW's best for so many years. Thank you both so very much. We wish you the best of luck and good health.

For those of you that don't know me, here’s how I got here: I have lived locally in Wrightstown, Pa. with my wife, Diana, and my three sons for the past 27 years. I fell in love with my wife, and woodworking, while working as a caretaker on an island in Vermont while I attended the University of Vermont in the late 70's. I moved to Bucks County to be near Diana and finished my Civil Engineering degree at night at Drexel University. I worked in the CE field for a couple of years and then eventually became partners with my brother in law, owning a structural steel fabricating and erecting business for 5 years. I now (for the last 20 years) own a gas station/ truck stop/ convenience store. I am the Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 74 in Wrightstown and my wife and I are on the pre-Cana team at St. Andrews, where we help engaged couples prepare for marriage.

Through all this I try to find time for woodturning. As I have gotten to know many of you, I realize just how much I need to learn to consider myself to be a good wood turner. This has come to fire my passion for woodturning. I hope, as president, I can help all of us continue to grow that passion. Matt Overton