President's Message
by Stephen Shechtel
 

The weather report was for temperatures to dive below freezing over the next few days. So on Thanksgiving while temps were still in the 40's, I headed to the boat with antifreeze and air pump to winterize the fresh water system. Arriving at the boat at 9:00 AM, she looked so peaceful in the slip. The South River was like glass. Steam slowly rose off the river. Damn it, another perfect day and I cannot go fishing. I finished at 1:30 PM, loaded up the truck, and headed home.

While winterizing, only two boats passed by me. Half the slips in my marina were empty. No voices or music was heard anywhere. It was eerily quiet. The storage yard at Anchor Yacht Basin was filling fast with boats on blocks. Blue tarps and shrink wrap were everywhere. What a sad time of year.

So we now set our sites on “three mile” Rock fishing, Florida, Blue Fin off North Carolina in January, or just planning on 2006. Some of us will travel to warmer climates. Others will be fortunate enough to go for Rock or Tuna over the winter. But whatever you plan to do this winter, remember to take a moment to give thanks for being able to make it to 2006, for being able to feel the excitement of that tug on the line, the song of line straining against the reel drag, and the sweet smell of the sea.

I also give thanks to everyone who made it possible for me to complete my first year as your President. So to every member, director, and officer, a hearty and honest thank you. Frederick’s success would not have been possible without everyone’s input, work, and persistence. So to all of you who took the initiative to make us better in 2005, great job and thank you.

A healthy and happy holiday season to all and your families.

( Tight lines to all. )

Next Meeting

December 14th 2005:
Food service starts at 6:00
Meeting starts at 7:00

Directors Wanted:
There is one opening to serve out the remaining term (1 year) of one retiring Director on the Board. If you are interested in serving the Chapter, please contact Dave Griffin, or another Director. Board meetings are once a month on the third Wednesday and run from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm.

Get Well Soon:
Martin Russell was recently hospitalized. We all wish Marty a speedy recovery.

Vendor:
none

Updates from Rob

Mext Meeting:

Dec 14th - Chapter Meeting (Flea Market Event).

The Chapter will host a Flea Market at the December meeting. Make sure to bring your used or new stuff as we will have plenty of tables so you can get rid of it and get some cash for Christmas. Start collecting your stuff now and as you clean out the boat think of things you didn't use this year. This will help lighten up the boat for next year and save you some gas. We will also have some vendors as well. We look forward to this becoming an annual event so please plan on attending.

If you plan on bringing "stuff" for sale at the December Swap Meet, please notify Robert Pelicott, III so we can have an idea of the number of tables that need to be available. We will have the Calendar of Events for 2006 available at the December
meeting as well.

I also have a limited supply of $2 discount tickets for the Baltimore
Boat Show. These will be available at the December meeting.

( continued on page 02 )

Newsletter & Notices Online The MSSA Frederick Chapter Newsletter is available online at: http://www.mssafrederick.com Hard copys are available by special request. To get on the "mail to only list", contact the MSSA Secretary.
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Newsletter Items: for January are due Decemberr 22, 2005
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