Congratulations to John Baller Sr. (J.B.) and his wife Millie for another great Holiday Party and Awards Ceremony. Over fifty members and guests enjoyed a holiday meal, camaraderie, the awards presentation, and the entertainment offered by the "Chinese Swap". The club provided pot roast with all the fixings and Andy White smoked a turkey and ham to round out the offerings. Sides and desserts were provided by all attending and made for a truly memorable meal.

A highlight of the evening was the Annual Awards presentations. The Board Of Directors at their October and November meetings vote on the club awards. It's important to note that they are not awarded lightly and are not always presented every year. As the saying goes, "You must EARN them".

Congratulations to Evan Stein, Rookie Of The Year. It seems like Evan has been around forever rather than just a year as a member. He is always in the forefront when looking for volunteers. From our Kid's events to our tournaments, to club meetings and social's, I don't think he has missed any of them. Tim Colwell was named Volunteer Of The Year. Tim is another one that you can count on when ever help is needed. Reliability and consistency are Tim's trait's and that is evident by his last years award of Rookie Of The Year. These two men stood out in 2011 with their effort's on the club's behalf. Thank you to both of you, and thank you to all of you who volunteered in 2011 and helped to make our events the success they were.

It was decided by the Board to create two separate Sponsor Of The Year awards this year. One for our Kids Can Fish Too events and one for our tournaments. Crabby Joe's at the Sunglow pier in Daytona Beach Shores was named Sponsor Of The Year for our Kids events. Luke and his crew at Crabby Joe's have hosted our Kids pier event since it's inception three years ago. Opening up the pier for free fishing for all of the kids and providing a free lunch also, they have gone above and beyond in their efforts to support the club and our kids fishing series.

Labosco Jewelers in Port Orange was named Sponsor Of The Year for our tournaments. Many of you are probably wearing some of the beautiful jewelry they have donated to the club. Not only for awards for our turnaments but items for raffles to help raise funds for the club. It is these kind of efforts that make our programs so successful and we couldn't do it without their support. Thank You.

Andy White and the Board Of Directors had the distinct PLEASURE of awarding the Bent Prop to no other than .......myself? I purchased a new boat last year and unfortunately Andy White, our weigh master was with me when I launched it for the first time. As water quickly engulfed our ankles we realized the boat was QUICKLY sinking. Successfully getting it on the trailer I realized that one of the scuppers had failed. The second time I launched it, once again with our esteemed weigh master the electrical system decided to go south. After a two hour, $600.00 tow we once again were able to successfully load it on the trailer. I hasten to point out that neither of these event's were a short coming on the Captain's part. None the less I am now the care taker of this albatross and will be watching for a worthy recipient next year, preferably a Board member.

On a final note, John Baller Jr. and his Chart Committee have been hard at work revising our offshore chart. The chart has a new look, new size, and covers more area than the previous one. Beside listing all of the clubs spots and natural reefs, all of the Volusia County reefs are included. Thanks also to Joe Nolin, Director County of Volusia Coastal Division, Ponce de Leon Inlet & Port Authority for the funding of this project. Verifications of numbers are currently underway and the chart should be available by early Spring.

As a reminder we are still offering business card size ads in all twelve issues of our Hot Knots newsletter for $100.00 per year. If you or someone you know is interested have them contact me. Our 2012 Seminar Series has been finalized and is available elsewhere in this issue, at the club and on our web page.

I hope all of you had a wonderful holiday season and I wish you the best for the New Year.

Capt. Don

O. (386) 445 4102 C. (386) 871 5351

afm198@aol.com www.hsfc.com