July 8, 2009 Bulletin

The Bulletin -- July 8, 2009 (#998)

Program: FLW Outdoors—Charlie Evans

STEPHENS MUNDY AND ANGE LAMARIANA SPEAK WITH FLW’S CHARLIE EVANS ABOUT THE FISHING TOURNAMENT BROUGHT TO PLATTSBURGH ONCE AGAIN.

A Gold Mine Charlie Evans, President and CEO of FLW Outdoors began today’s presentation with a great video showcasing all that FLW does for the economy and communities across the nation. Evans said, “It’s more than just a fishing tournament that has come to Plattsburgh. It’s an entire community event.” Plattsburgh is cashing in on the “gold mine” that is Lake Champlain by hosting tournaments like this.

The Business of Fishing Over $50 million anglers generate over $45 billion in sales every year. The sport has a $125 billion impact on our nation’s economy and employs over 1 billion people in the US. The taxes generated and income from fishing licenses go toward restoring fisheries and promoting fishing.

“There are more people that fish than live in the state of California which is one out of every seven people,” Evans explained. “More people fish than play golf and tennis combined. And I know some of you golf here because I’ve seen the pants!”

Plattsburgh’s FLW Tournament is one of 230 held by FLW Outdoors every year. Of all the tournaments, this one in Plattsburgh is the choice tournament for anglers to bring their families. Evans said the people love the welcome they receive by residents and once they come here, they don’t want to leave. They want to come back again and again.

Q: Where is the weigh-in?
A: Clare and Carl’s and the Field House (7/11-7/12).
Q: What does FLW stand for?
A: Forrest L. Wood, the Ranger Boat Company Founder.
Q: Are you noticing changes to the bass due to lamprey?
A: The lamprey problem was noticed years ago and it has been aggressively addressed.
Q: If there was one thing our community could do to support FLW Outdoors what would that be?
A: Show up! We want the country to know what we do. We have a deep respect for our country, community and nature.

“THERE ARE MORE PEOPLE THAT FISH THAN LIVE IN THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA,” SAID FLW OUTDOORS’ CEO CHARLIE EVANS. THE TOURNAMENT IN PLATTSBURGH GENERATES NEARLY $5 MILLION IN REVENUE FOR THE NORTH COUNTRY EACH YEAR.

This Week:

President Bonnie announced the new Chairs for the committees. Thanks to all of you for going above and beyond.
If you have questions about any of the club’s budgets, President Bonnie has answers. She will gladly share information.
The Board Meetings for July 20th and Aug. 17th are going to be held at the Cougars Den on CCC’s main Campus. They are NOT going to be at the usual location (CCC Dining Hall at the dorms).
Dues are Due! Rotary International is expecting a check before the end of the month. Please help the club meet this deadline.
Where do dues go? Every 6 mo dues are split thusly: $12.50 to the Foundation; $17 to District 7040; $36 R.I.; and the remaining $29.50 to Club Treasury.
Keith Tyo notified members of a very easy way to make money for the club. Anyone who can make it to the FLW Event at the Field House on Saturday (7/11) or Sunday (7/5) need only drop a ticket in a bucket placed at the information booth. For each ticket dropped (one per person) the club earns a dollar. It’s an easy way to help out.
Trivia is BACK!!! Each week President Bonnie will ask a Rotary trivia question. The questions will come from the weekly Bulletin (see the special section called “Rotary Fun Facts”) and from materials found on the tables at our club meetings.
Colin Read explained the blue cards that were distributed at today’s meeting. The club would like to update our Membership section on the website creating a space for member photos and bios. It will be accessed only via username/password by club members unless permission is given to feature you publically. Please fill out the card and leave it on the table.

Food Shelf Report: Elle Berger presented the Annual Food Shelf Report and had interesting findings. The General Club Donations ($2,924) and Special Member Checks ($1,495) brought in a total of $4,419. PP Gerry Sherwin still holds the record at $5,585 with PP Tony Searing beating PP Steven Frederick by a scant $80.

However, Jon Cooper’s holiday drive brought in $1050 and the Spectacular Seven (banks) raised $2,450. The year total under President Steve Frederick was $7,919. Of this, $6,417 went to the Food Shelf and $1502 to the Salvation Army.

Elle gave special thanks to the following people and banks for their continued generosity: A. Folsom, H. Clute, H. Coyer, S. Ransom, K. Kileen, K. Forget, E. Jankowska, R. Cadieux, M. Bukholt-Ryder, Glans Falls National (A. Racine), TDBanknorth (B. Grugle), Champlain National (J. Cooper), UFirst Credit Union (J. Carpenter), Key Bank (A. Cutaiar), NBT Bank (E. Bombard & S. Walker), and Community Bank (P. Connelly). Elle also thanked those who give in cash every week.

Visiting Rotarians: Charlie Lewis, Naples Florida

Guests: Tina Califano (Elle Berger); Kerry Chapin (Ronna Bosko); Nick Moore (Don Moore)

Fines: Bill McBride spun the wheel for $1 for a photo of he and his lovely wife Ginny at the North Country Mission of Hope Golf Tournament. John Bernardi cost the entire club a dollar (All Pay) when he spun for his photo in the press.

New Member Speech

Ronna Bosko, Interim Director Alumni Affairs at SUNY Plattsburgh

Ronna Bosko grew up in a small farm town in Manaway, Ohio where her family still lives. They moved to Dutchess County (Red Hook) when Ronna was in the fourth grade. In 1994, she thought she would be attending SUNY Oswego. Something didn’t feel right and with the support of her family, Ronna decided instead to attend SUNY Plattsburgh where she completed both undergraduate and graduate work. She continues to be a strong supporter of the university and has worked there for six years. Ronna began at the Office for Institutional Advancement and is now the Interim Director of Alumni Affairs. Welcome Ronna!

Bonnie’s Bucks

Kevin Killeen thanked Elle Berger for all she has done for the Food Shelf.
Elle Berger thanked her dedicated committee and the following volunteers: Marsha Cook, Sonia Long, Don Anderson and Sandy Walker.
Speaking of food… Paul Sands offered $5 and encouraged others to do the same as a collection for the Elk’s Lodge in hopes of them affording vegetables for the weekly salad.
Jack Prim announced that the foreign exchange student who lived with his family in years past has just had a baby! Congratulations.

50/50 : The pot is worth $1,144 and Frank Hamilton drew one of the Jokers winning $50!

Another Candle Burning For: Beth Drollette (July 12)

Upcoming Programs: Go to Membership Duties List