March 2023 Newsletter Hello my fellow FCM’s! Wow, what a great time we had at the Bart Hall Show. Lots and lots of people stopping to check us out, whether it was for spinning the wheel, entering the raffle for the rod & reel combo (M&M Custom wrapped rod with a matching Avet 2-speed reel, filled with spectra and mono top shot!!), or simply curious about the San Diego Rod & Reel Club. I swear my cheeks were sore from all the smiling I did! The final figures have not been completely tallied, but for a gross figure, we took in almost $5,000! We definitely had some expenses, from being part of the show to buying supplies for the booth and wheel, but we are so fortunate to be able to have raised money to Take Kids Fishing!! I spoke with someone who’s an avid fisherman on the Dolphin, and I am hoping he will be able to hook us up with a kids’ trip. We will also be checking in with Friends of Rollo for additional help, and the board will be discussing who we will be sponsoring this year to take kids fishing. My youngest son had a great idea, so I will be checking into it. I will announce it if it all works out, so stay tuned! I would like to thank Rolly Lira for ALL of his hard work during the show. From set up to getting people over to our booth, he was there every day to help out. We had a neighboring vendor who wished Rolly was working his booth! On top of that, he made the rounds and got some great donations. Mike Ito was there daily as well, and he also helped me bring stuff from storage, set up, and take down. Bill Fleming worked hard for the first two days, staying there for many hours and drawing people into our booth. Mary & Tony Belandres helped with set up and take down. Fox Ludwig was instrumental the last two days, calling people in and getting donations. Plus, we had the Chuckta family, Chris Kugel, Ruppert & Olivia Rosas, Arnie Seko, Robert McKenzie, Laura Itogawa, Orlando & Hector Quintanar, and Jim Shaffer. Also, thanks to Chris, Fox and Jim for helping take everything down … so helpful!! We are racking up the speakers for the next few months, so be sure to show up at each of these meetings. I know I expect to learn quite a few things. Funny how you think you know everything, but then somebody else comes along and enhances your knowledge! That’s what I love about this club! Funny to think how 26 years ago when I joined, I thought I knew everything. Look at me now, still learning!!! I am certainly looking forward to seeing you all there, and I am excited to see all the people who won a new membership at the Bart Hall Show. I met so many interesting people and families, as well as people who have had relatives in the club who are now interested in joining. Members, be sure to wear your name badges and introduce yourself to any and all new faces.