The Pledge was let by President Craig at 6:00 PM  Richard led us in prayer.  Craig welcomed all to our annual Post-Derby Party at Hart’s.  Those present included Rotarians, some spouses and many invited guests whose generous donations of time, treasure and expertise resulted in a successful 41^st Meredith Rotary Fishing Derby. 

 

The many guests included:  Fish & Game- Ben Nugent, Brad Morse, Brian Doe

Let’s go fishing- Shelby Kilmister, Paul Thornton, Dennis & Cathy Daggett, Tina Davenport, Jessie & Rich Tichko, Sonya Kelly

Judges- Don Miller, Chuck Kenny, Steve Bennett 

     MC- Pat Kelly

Bob House- Shelby, David Feranella, Jason & Eileen Daggett

Hawkeye- Bill Ballen Sr, Bill Ballen Jr

Meredith Station- Pat & Ann

DPW- Mike & Sonya Faller

Body Covers- Aaron & Sarah Gray

AJ’s- Aj & Brandi

 

Fines and Happy Dollars were waived for the evening.  Craig noted how this Derby was successful in spite of fears of minimum ice cover, two power outages and several unavoidable technical complications.  What at times seemed to be insurmountable crises were all overcome.

Craig thanked our techies who seemed to perform miracles!

Heidi was recognized by Craig for outstanding leadership as this year’s chairperson.  She followed with special thanks for John Woodaman who seemingly came out of no where to hook up a generator; Bob Kennelly, Ray, Bruce and Harry; AJ and Brandi who sold countless Derby tickets from their store and who raffled off a battery powered auger for the benefit of the Derby;  Pat and Ann from Meredith Station for our Internet connection; Fred and Ray for being present for what seemed to be every hour of every day; our dedicated judges Don Miller, Steve Bennett, Rick Forge and Chuck Kinney who stood out in the cold; the crew from Fish & Game who conducted a great Kids Program on the ice Saturday;  the Bob House donors, Jason Badgett and David Farinellas who were so gracious to the Internet kids; Carl for his perennial  vendor coordination; Donna Federo who once again handled ALL on-line ticket sales; Treasurer Dick for his professional services; Betsy for her handling of all to do with clothing sales; Mike Faller for his direction of DPW services; Pat Kelly as DJ and Bi-fold for their shirt design and Gary who went above and beyond to it insure a successful Internet activity.  Heidi also thanked Rotarians Gary and Rod who held ‘play dates’ for her chocolate lab, Gracie!

The traditional passing of the “fish” concluded the evening!  Fred accepted as the 2021 Chairperson of Derby.  His demand (wish) was that all those recognized tonight would return a year from now.  That was meant to also include Rotarian John Sherman who hasn’t missed a derby yet.