The Northern California Council of the Federation of Fly Fishers
by Tim Loomis
We have a friend in the NCCFFF! What am I referring to here you ask? It's our friendly Northern California Council of the
Federation of Fly Fishermen, that's what. Seems the council has been around for some time now without us taking advantage of the programs they have to offer.
Take the "Healing Waters Program" that I have entered our club into. With this program we organize club members and arrange a fly fishing outing with veterans who have been disabled in their service to their country. I know the current war is controversial but the loyalty and bravery of our service men and women is without question.
While a few of our members attended the NCCFFF meeting/fundraiser in Redding this past weekend, another set of members were celebrating the return of a family member who had just returned from his tour of duty in Iraq. Proud and relieved club member Duwayne Norton and his wife Caroline celebrated, and I MEAN celebrated their son Charley's return with a bash. In attendance were members Harry Petrakis and Jim Livingston and their families. I tried to speak to Harry on his cell right as the party was in full swing, but the noise level was off the scale.
While I'm not trying to have the column turn into a social page, I am trying to make a point. Actually, there are a few. One is to recognize Harry, Duwayne and Jim as a unique trio of friends who have cemented their friendship of some 40-plus years around our beloved sport of fly fishing . The three friends did it right by taking their kids along on camping and fishing trips thus guaranteeing another generation of committed fly fishers. I assume the Jim and Harry's kids were also in attendance last night to welcome home their friend. A tighter knit group of friends would be hard to find.
The second point is to show the relevance of the Healing Waters Program and the bonding that occurs when youngsters are exposed to fly fishing at an early age. The FFF has a good supply of resources for attracting new members and I for one plan to take full advantage of that knowledge.
Another program offered by the FFF is a rod building program with up to 12 rod kits are available at $10.00 per kit. The rod builder/club member can than takes possession of the finished rod. Finished rods can be donated back to the club for raffle consideration (hint-hint).
There was an idea tossed around to have the NCCFFF affiliated clubs become a bit chummier with each other. I have heard of past differences with neighboring clubs but I was approached by Art Agnew, president of the Shasta Fly Fishers to try a combined fishout. Our club has 4-6 past and current members living up in the area with Tony Holdren (past SCFF club president) acting as a liaison between us and the Shasta club. What say you SCFF members? Up for a little socializing with our neighbors up north? More on that in the future.
I have been approached by a member with the idea of having a cookout/Christmas party/recruitment social at the December meeting. I'm not sure about December being the best month for that. We used to have a club barbecue in April. The member in question is a seasoned (pun intended) caterer and grill master who has offered his talent to the club. I am open to suggestions.
****News Flash**** I am proud to say that up to three members have stepped up to the plate to volunteer for vacant club Board of Directors positions. My life is fulfilled!
Fish On!