I hope everyone had a great summer. While I am sorry to see the summer come to an end, I am ready for the fall. It will be a unique fall for me as it will be my first time as an “Empty Nester”. By the time you read this, all 3 of my girls will be away at college. This will be a challenge for me but I am looking forward to football, fishing more (but on a budget) and getting back to some fun PVFF activities, like our monthly meetings.
It is also the time to start planning for 2020. My 3rd year as President is coming to an end and while I have enjoyed being the club’s President, I am also looking forward to taking a break and having new club members take over.
The challenge for me and the club, as always, is finding more volunteers. I have said many times that this is a very special and amazing club. The reason is it so special is because of its members.
So, the goal of my column is to urge you to consider giving back to PVFF. We have an amazing group of volunteers that allow us to do what we do. I can’t thank them enough for their commitment and the time they invest in this club. But that does not mean that we don’t need help. In fact, now more than ever, we need club volunteers. We need help with monthly programs, we need help with fly-tying classes, we need help with Project Healing Waters, we need help with raising trout, and we need help with conservation efforts. Plus, we need a new President.
Just about 3 years ago Don Fine asked if I would consider being Club President. I agreed to run. I am not sure that I would have had I known it would be a 3 year stint! But I agreed because it was a way to give back to the club given what the club has given me over the past 15 years.
I started fly fishing knowing very little about the sport. Through PVFF, I have become a better fly-fisherman, a better caster, a better fly tier, a better steward of our environment. The more I learn about the sport, the more I want to explore the sport.
Through our monthly programs, I have an extensive list of places to fish. Because of our conservation efforts, I have learned to take better care of our environment. Because of Project healing Waters, I have been given an opportunity to help others in our community. And the best part – I have made some great friends along the way.
I ask that you think about it and give it a try. You won’t be disappointed. The club really needs your help. If you are interested or would like to learn more about ways you can help, just let me know. Call me or send me an email (lbforte@verizon.net).
Hope to see you at our September meeting on the 10th.
Larry Forte
Club President