Fellow Member,
Symposium 2025 is fast approaching. In fact it is only 53 days away. The line up of professional turners is excellent and several of the guest turners are almost as good as the professionals. The location and facilities of the Symposium site (Higher Ground Conference and Retreat Center) are excellent with great food. This is truly an opportunity for wood turners to learn new techniques, mingle with like minded friends, form new friendships, purchase that one tool that is standing between you and greatness, and spend a day or the weekend recharging your wood turning battery. And yet when I look at the list of registered participants, I see that many of you are not included there. This is a shame since this wonderful event is only a few miles from home.
At present our registration numbers are considerably lower than they usually are by this time in the enrollment process. One of the big disappointments for me is that currently we have more non-members registered than members. Since you seem to value the Guild and continue to pay your dues each year, this doesn't make sense to me. Many of you come to monthly meetings on a regular basis and many off you use the Learning Center weekly or sometimes more often. So, I am surprised that you don't want to take advantage of this event. If money is an issue (it is with most of us) you can come for only one or two days, you can skip the meals (bring your lunch), and drive in rather than staying over night. You might even be able to find a friend or two to share the drive with you.
Why am I making this appeal to you? None of the money goes into my pockets or personally benefits me or any other member of the Board in any way. I do it because I think that this is really something worthwhile for you to participate in. I do it because the funds generated by your participation help to keep the Guild financially strong. It is the earnings from this event that allows us to bring in some of the best turners in the country/world to demonstrate and teach you new techniques and ways to improve your turning. It is the earnings from this event that enabled the establishment of the Learning Center in 2015. These funds continue to pay for new tools and equipment as well as pay the rent (not cheap). So, if you want to continue to be a part of an organization that supports you in the ways described above I urge you to reconsider your participation in Symposium 2025. The early bird rate for registration was extended for 2 weeks, but this is coming to an end on August 31, 2025, when it will increase by $25.00. So register now and save the $25!
While you are registering for Symposium 2025, I hope you will also consider signing up as a volunteer. We still need help in lots of areas that are critical to the smooth operation off the weekend. The instant gallery, always a highlight of the show, is one area where we need people to monitor. Demo assistants and audio visual helpers are critical to each session and are in short supply (we train as needed). These activities give you a chance to meet the demonstrators and get to know them. You are also likely to make friends with other volunteers. If you have been waiting to sign up now is the time to do it.
Silent and live auctions have always been important to the financial success of the Symposium. This year is no different. We need to have you share turned items, bowl blanks, wood, tools, and other items for the auctions. Without your donations we have nothing to auction off. If you have things that you are no longer using this is a good way to get rid of them and benefit the Guild. Anything that you want to donate for the auction can be brought to the Learning Center. You may also contact Lydia Hirsh (lydiahirsh44@gmail.com). This is a great way for you to obtain some very nice work for your collection or to use as gifts so remember to bring your credit card, cash, or a check.
Thanks for being a member of the Ohio Valley Woodturners Guild. I look forward to seeing you at the Symposium in October.
Sincerely,
Jerry Warner
President
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