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I recently had an opportunity to sit for a whole evening and reflect on the passing of 2009. Mother Nature gave me this rare bit of time as a lesson I had forgot to heed. The one that goes ”don’t mess with Mother Nature”. You see I was trying to get back from a business trip from Toronto, one that had been plagued with delays and a generally uncooperative customer. So when I finally finished the project, I was not in the mood for spending another night away from home, when it was only 4 short hours away. That was 4 pm, Thursday Dec. 10th, the night of the first lake effect snow storm off Lake Erie. Yes, I was one of the fools that spent the night in their vehicles, in my case a very cheap rental car that made me appreciate a good ford truck I left sitting in my barn.
Enough of my foolish decision and on to a great story of an organization that I am very proud to be part of. Pa Bass demonstrated great resiliency as an organization this year. We had a whirlwind of events, the Cup in Pittsburgh, the NGJWC at Kittanning, our own Youth program was outstanding, and a very close second place at the Mid-Atlantic Divisional in West Virginia, what an awesome team! In between we found time to fish two Mr. Bass tournaments, the regionals and a very tough PA. Championship on Raystown. Every district was busy with their own projects, but still found time to help Ray Sharp out at the PA Youth Championship, and me at the FLW CUP. I cannot say enough to members like Bob, Steve, Tammy and the Junior Elite Bassers for their participation at the sport show. We had members from allover the state take their own personal time and expense to make the National Guard Junior World Championship a tremendous success. The end result was noticed by the TBF and other states as well, Pennsylvania gets things done.
We ended our official year with the BOD meeting and Banquet in November at Milesburg. All in all it was a great time with good participation. We had the banquet after the BOD on Sunday and that helped with members being able to attend.
One issue I would like to comment on is the commitment of our officers and directors this past year. We have had some new people step up and we have not missed a beat on our programs or scheduling. We also started a year long raffle to help meet expenses and that has gone over in grand style.
2010 will be a year of different challenges and difficulties, but I am confident that we have the officers and membership to grow even more this year. We have already accomplished a major milestone for 2010, District 5 is up and running. We have 6 clubs and the District officers are forming now. Our new District 5 Chairman is Henry Likar of Short Cast Bassmasters. They are planning their 2010 tournament trail, and already have an excellent youth club. Keep an eye out for their events and support District 5 any way you can. Another great event for 2010 will be the redesign of our web site, new improved web pages and easy to use applications and forms. We are hoping to have the project started by the first quarter.
Well this is more than I have written for a while, so I will end with wishing the entire Pennsylvania Bass Federation a Merry Christmas and a Happy New year. Please remember our troops and those less fortunate than yourself. Take your kids and neighbors fishing and we will see you on the water soon.
Mike Pierro
President
Pennsylvania Bass Federation, Inc.
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