Literary accounts of fishouts in the recent past,
to make you sorry you didn't go.
2004's Annual Dinner
by Alayne Meeks
2004's Annual Dinner
by Alayne Meeks
The Santa Cruz Fly Fishermen's Club gathered for food and fun at the 28th annual dinner on Saturday night January 17th. The Seascape Golf Course restaurant hosted our gathering where we met with friends, and family, over a delicious buffet, more cake than we could eat, drinks, coffee and the highly anticipated raffle. The biggest club fund raiser of the year sees members buying raffle tickets as they await the first come, first serve style raffle where knowing what's on the tables in advance is a big plus. Wearing running shoes is preferred for this event where if your number is the first one called, you have the choice of any item on the table from rods, reels, waders, float tubes, hats, glasses, books, calendars, clothes, gift certificates, even fish motif dishes were available this year. But don't dawdle as the action is fast with yells of surprise from the winner, and yells of support from his/her friends-this is a most popular part of this dinner evening. The raffle has a complement in the silent auction, where handmade fly plates, watercolor paintings, fly tying tables, and fish wind chimes were only a small part of the offerings. Whether one wins or not, the pleasure in seeing others win is truly fun. Just knowing that the raffle tickets support the club, and continues these activities for club members, is winning enough, the rest is just frosting on the cake. I know, spoken like a true raffle loser.
This evening also made note of those who gave special efforts toward the club and its members. A stunned Jon Bowman accepted the Dame Juliana Award for the club member who was most helpful to other members in 2003. Jon attempted to say how much the club has given him, but waved away his emotions and smilingly went back to his table and friends. John Cook was given a lifetime membership award for his years of support, including the years when he didn't fish, as his years as president, as organizer of club fishouts, and his general presence in all things club related was honored. John Steele, the outgoing president was also honored for his work in the club and for his unflagging enthusiasm. If you admired any of the items on the silent auction table, chances are John made them as his amazingly beautiful fish sculptures and fly tying tables are much admired. It should also be noted that his wife Pat sewed fleece jackets for the raffle. We have talented members. Talent was also in those who arranged the flowers, arranged the raffle items, organized the event, and made an enjoyable evening for us all. So thanks to all who took the time to think of, organize, arrange, and make happen this first big event for 2004. And thanks to those who showed up to eat, visit, encourage one another to take trips, buy raffle tickets, and to support our club.