Miscellaneous Musings
by President Sam Bishop
Most of our members are not aware of it, but our Club is part of a larger volunteer organization. We are an affiliate member club of the Federation of Fly Fishermen (FFF). The FFF is organized into what are called "Councils". We are part of the Northern California Council of the FFF, or NCCFFF. On October 23/24, the NCCFFF had its annual Conclave. It was a great, mini-fly fishing show similar to those many of you have attended in Pleasanton. However I believe there may have been even more fly tiers, several commercial booths and a fabulous silent and live auction. Attending from our Club were Troy Mayers, Lee Haskin, and Ernie and Dianne Kinzli.
Oh yes, for those of you who know I have not been too keen on float tubes, I couldn't resist a bargain and now have a brand new one, from Dave Scadden. This baby even has oars!
Because the Conclave was all run by volunteers and any proceeds went to the FFF, we had some tremendous bargains from some of the commercial vendors. Next year the Conclave will be in Redding and I highly recommend we get some people together, attend the Conclave and tie it into a couple of days' fishing.
2010 is just around the corner and we need to be concerned about leadership positions in our Club. We will need (at the minimum) a new Secretary, a new Vice President, a new Raffle Chairman and a "New Member" Board Member. If you are getting a lot of enjoyment out of our Club, if we have helped you, then please give back by agreeing to serve with us. Just give me a call and/or email (476-6451; sambishop@totlcom.com)to let me know you are interested in an opportunity to serve. Tell me your interests and we can discuss options. In addition to the soon to be vacant positions listed above, we also have need for people to serve as assistants on some of the existing committees.
Fund raising: Our annual fund raiser is coming up January 23. To make this a financial success, we need for you to invite friends, especially those who are interested in our sport and will buy raffle tickets. But of course we will welcome anyone who wants to buy a ticket and join us. To me it is one of the highlights of the year and tickets will be available starting at the November meeting. We can certainly use more prizes. Many of you have personal relationships with guides, manufacturers, shops, outfitters or lodges. Please ask them for a donation of a product, service, or a discount. You might help by tying up a box of flies for us. If you would be willing to make a call or have a letter sent in your name requesting a donation, please contact John or Pat Steele or me.