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2008 FFF Southern Council NominationClub of the YearMid South Fly FishersMSFF is a highly active and visible club which during the past year has made substantial conservation financial donations through: Tennessee Parks and Greenways, as a part of their purchase of conservancy lands adjoining other parks land and streams in East Tennessee; Friends of the Norfork Hatchery in Arkansas, for the boardwalk extension; and Friends of Shelby Farms, for improvement of Beaver Lake at Shelby Farms, Memphis. A number of our members participate on the boards and meetings of these groups along with other conservation and outdoor groups. MSFF through a financial donation given to the 'Catch a Dream' foundation helped sponsor an outdoor adventure for a child under 18 years of age with a life threatening medical condition. As a SOC member MSFF has supported the SOC programs and Conclave with many attendees, program participants, and volunteers in the Outreach program , the pre-meal 'happy hours', fly tying demonstrations, and wherever else needed. Funds for these programs were raised through auctions at our 2007 Expo , 2007 Holiday auction, and sales of "Home Waters' books. Mid South sponsors four club outings each year to promote both the friendship of the club and to help introduce our members both old and new to the facilities and fly fishing opportunities available to them. Club meetings have included numerous national speakers and seminars which this year included AK Best, Jack Dennis, Pat Dorsey, and Mel Kreiger. These meetings are publicized to both the local public and others through newspaper and radio announcements, and through the club's web site, all with an open invitation to visit. Additional MSFF programs to introduce fly fishing to the general public during the year have included: a fly fishing Expo; two new member classes, summer and winter, for over 80 new fly fishermen and club members; and 'Introduction to Fly Tying' classes at Sportsman's Warehouse and monthly at Bass Pro Shop in Memphis. The club has added over 29 new members to the FFF/SOC this year. The club and FFF have been well represented in both winter and summer boat show appearances with fly tying and casting demonstrations. These appearances are what has helped Mid South further the education of flyfishermen and add members for both the club and FFF. Tom Burkett |
