The American Woodshop with Scott Phillips, Woodcraft, Delta Power Equipment Corporation and Porter Cable sponsored The American Dream Shop Sweepstakes in September of 2011. Robert Edwards of Eureka California was announced as the winner on January 6th, 2012. Robert and his wife Noreen have received their prize package of tools and the trip to The American Woodshop with Scott & Suzy Phillips valued at $14,000. The trip took place this past May 24th through the 27th, 2012 and the Woodworking Adventures Blog was there to capture all the festivities.
For Robert this came at the right time in his life. Just coming off retirement within the last 2 years, he wondered what he was going to do with his time. He found himself surrounded by some older equipment in his shop, building cabinetry, but not really getting into it like he wanted too. These winnings were just the spark to get him fired up and become more creative in his shop. It was almost like it was meant to be and the fit is perfect for his situation. But it is not enough for Robert to just make things in his shop, he wants to give back to his community using what he has worked in his career in the child services program through the juvenile justice system for so many years. Robert now has the means and the ability to continue making a difference teaching children, ministering through woodworking. Robert stated, “There are many children without parents to care for them. If the kids can have just one adult person to mentor them, providing bonds, reliability, stability and trust, it makes a big difference for them to have a positive future. I may be able to work with kids in probation to accomplish this with my woodshop of new tools.”
During Robert and Noreen’s visit with us at The American Woodshop, Robert commented, “The hospitality was over the top from the Phillips and the Woodcraft caring relationship really comes across with their involvement, knowledge and support.” Scott assisted Robert with solving some tablesaw adjustment issues and other ideas for his new woodshop. Scott and I taught the Edwards how to turn and assemble Wall Street II pens with Easy Wood Turning Tools on the Delta lathes while discussing different types of woods and turning products.
Currently back home, Robert is finishing a cutting board and is awaiting an order of new pen kits from Woodcraft. Robert will be making a new tool box for his son-in-law who is a contractor in California as well.
From talking with Noreen, her “honey-do” list is growing too, yet Noreen has learned to turn and is catching the woodworking bug with Robert by her side. Noreen really has a new creative outlet that is satisfying to her which adds to her relationship with Robert.
You can tell that we all had a great time woodworking together in this video inside The American Woodshop with the American DreamShop Winners!
“Personally Suzy and I truly appreciate getting to know you and Noreen by turning, drilling, sawing, sanding and finishing our projects together in The American Woodshop over the past two days. We can not thank you enough for the great times we shared. A God send for us all.”…Scott Phillips
The Edward’s also received a tour of the home of Scott and Suzy Phillips complete with a view off the boat ramp!
This was more than just winning a sweepstakes, but a new beginning for Robert, a new found hobby for Noreen and a new relationship in woodworking and friendship with Scott, Suzy and Woodcraft!
Scott is quoted in saying to Noreen and Robert in a recent email, “Personally Suzy and I truly appreciate getting to know you and Noreen by turning, drilling, sawing, sanding and finishing our projects together in The American Woodshop over the past two days. We can not thank you enough for the great times we shared. A God send for us all. We are elated to know that you are the Grand Prize Winners of The American Dream Shop as supported by all of us at WBGU PBS’s American Woodshop! Enjoy turning pens and all that is to come in the brand new Edwards Woodshop! On behalf all the sponsors of Woodcraft Supply (Liz, Lori, Frank, Jody and the entire gang), Delta Power Equipment Corporation (Alicia, Bryan, Norm, Craig), Porter Cable (Terry, Bill, Todd) and Kreg Tool Company (Matt, Todd, Brad, Jason) – our hearty congratulations!”
auf Wiedersehen!…Frank
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