This is my last column as PVFF President and to be honest, I am smiling as I write this because writing this monthly column is the one job as Club President that I dread the most. Pardon the cheap pun, but
writing is not my “Forte”!
To start, it has been an awesome 3 years as your club President. Thank you for the opportunity. I never expected it to be a 3 year run. When Don Fine asked me to be President, it was an easy decision to make. This was my way to give back to an organization that has given me so much over the past 15 years. (For those of you at the banquet, you can skip to the next paragraph since I am repeating myself a little). When I first started fly fishing, I knew very little and I needed a place to learn about my new hobby.
Fortunately, I found PVFF and since I have been a member, I have learned a ton from this club. I have learned how to cast, how to tie flies, how to build rods and how to catch fish. Plus, I have learned to take better care of my environment and to give back to my community. Plus, I have made some amazing friends along the way. Thank you PVFF!
I am also very fortunate that we have amazing volunteers that not only make my job easier, but continue to keep this club active and fun for everyone. I am proud of what PVFF is today: A growing club with plenty to offer its members. Jim Gilford told me that the reason for the clubs early success was that PVFF offered so many activities to its members. It was not just about fly-fishing. As a result, members kept coming back year after year. Fortunately, 52 years later, we have continued Jim’s vision from when he first started the club.
I have done my part and now it’s time to move on. Change is a good thing. New leadership, new ideas and a new perspective will keep this club vibrant and growing. I am excited about 2020 and not just because I can now sit in the back row at our monthly meetings! I know that 2020 will be a great year for PVFF. I just look forward to it from a different perspective.
Thanks for putting up with me for the past 3 years!
More importantly, thanks for being part of this club.
Have a great Holiday Season.
Larry Forte
Club President
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