Congratulations to You!
8 Time NJBF Chapter of the Year
Hello, Bergenites! Welcome to 2008 and congratulations for another honor as the NJBF Chapter of the Year! On Friday night (1-11-08) after a marathon discussion on another topic, I gave a short speech and we were given unanimous approval as the Chapter of the Year. For this honor, Bergen will have their Lake Champlain Team Fee ($510) refunded by the Federation. Although there was no competition, it is good to know that Bergen is out there supporting the community and is well respected by the NJ organized Bassin Community. Tony Going questioned why other clubs fail to put together any community action events and challenged them to follow our lead. I suggested that whoever wants to see how an outstanding Outing is conducted, to visit Darlington Park on June 14th. Regarding all of our 2007 achievements, you can expect to see a comprehensive Bergen report, with pictures, in the 2008 NJBF Reel to Reel magazine. In this issue, we have 3 full pages of Bergen coverage.
Regarding the long NJBF meeting discussion, I am disappointed that the proposed Pro-Am NJBF circuit was shot down by the member clubs. Although Bergen and Metro had two yes votes for the change, almost every other club voted to maintain the status quo. As we discussed at our meeting, the new format would have cut the rider entry fees by 50%. Riders would also be competing against other riders and they would earn 3 slots to the State Team tournament from the points trail. With maintaining the status quo, the NJBF loses a big opportunity to attract younger and new non-boater members. This is mind boggling! Just minutes before, Harvey Knight from North Jersey Marine, gave a speech about how our sport needs new and younger club members and tournament participants.
On a positive note, the NJBF finances, under the TBF affiliation and FLW sponsorship have never been this good. Harvey Knight handed out over $4,500 in Ranger Cup checks to various individuals and over $10,000 in sponsorship certificates to the Federation from Ranger, Evinrude and Yamaha.
Rich Gerken, Mark Scocco, Doug Giachino, John Hayden and I enjoyed a great Bergen Road Trip to the Baltimore Timonium Fishing Expo and Bass Pro Shop on Saturday, January 12th. Mark plans to conduct another road trip, this time to Cabela’s, sometime in February. The Cabela’s trip will be much closer and we are hoping to confirm a 15% club discount. As we get closer to fishing season, we will no doubt increase the participation. We will be meeting for breakfast at the Montville Diner on route 46 West (Parsippany) at 6AM and will be leaving at 7AM.
Bergen members who are eligible for the June NJBF Team Tournament on Lake Champlain, must let Jason Mordhorst know of their decision by February 21st. The final roster must be signed by March 20th and turned in to the NJBF on April 11th. Boaters and alternate boaters need to provide Jason with a copy of their boat insurance. This year, the NJBF will not be collecting Boater Safety Certificates. Like a driver’s license, it is just expected that you have the necessary paperwork.
Nick Albano
