Comments – Bob Lemon – 1^st V.P. FSHPA

Wow!! It’s March already. How time flies when you are having fun pitching horseshoes. The weather has been terrific with each weekend bringing together NHPA members to compete in our sanction tournaments. But, another Florida Horseshoe season is coming to a conclusion with the State Tournament being held (April 17^th thru April 20^th) at the Clearwater Horseshoe Club. Pitching in Clearwater is always special because they have one of the best facilities in the state if not the nation.

The Tournament Participation Contest is going very well. I have had many favorable comments from people trying to win the Horseshoes and shirt. They will be given to the person who has competed in the most tournaments between April 1, 2012 thru March 31, 2013. You can see how everyone racks by going to the Florida Web Site and clicking on MEMBERS THAT HAVE PTICHED IN MOST TOURNAMENTS. That will give you the actual ranking of both in state and out of stat NHPA members. My best estimate is we will have about 30 FSSHPA members being placed into the special drawing for the set of horseshoes – worth up to $65.00. About 11 out of state NHPA for the free entry into a Florida Tournament next season. Award and drawings will be done at the State Banquet on Sat. April 20^th.

We have developed a State Lapel Pin. They can be worn on your shirt, hat or your suit coat when you dress up. Also many members trade them when they attend the Worlds. They can be purchased for the special low price of only $4.00. All profits will go to help support the Florida Horseshoe Hall of Fame in Clearwater. When you come to pitch in the States make sure you take the time to tour the HALL.

Finally, I wish to announce that I will be seeking reelection as First Vice President to the Executive Council. It has been my honor to serve this past season and I hope you will allow me to receive your vote so I can continue to serve.

Bob Lemon

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COMMENTS FROM 2^ND VP

I am enjoying participation in our tournaments (I hope you are too)—we have had a mild season and some lovely weather to pitch in this “winter”. I had the privilege of running the Club Team Tournament and it was great to see everyone especially the snowbirds that come in to fill out our club ranks during this time. We had a great day for it and appreciate the hard work done by the ‘Host” club to prep the courts and arrange for lunch and the paddles and scoreboards.

By the time this is published the Flagler County Horseshoe Club will have hosted their first tournament with a competition between teams from Florida versus Georgia. We look forward to them holding tournaments in the future. This is a trophy tournament with the winner taking a trophy that is to be a perpetual trophy. It’s the time of year when the clubs start looking at next year for their tournaments to be held.

Carol Johns of the St Cloud Club has developed a business card with all the info you would need to hand out to someone interested in trying out horseshoes. She even managed to list the club tournaments on the back of the card. What a great idea Carol!

We have a new volunteer for the Chairman of the By-laws committee, I would like to thank Boyd Stonerock for stepping up to fill this vacancy. I am still asking for two volunteers to work on this committee along with Boyd. It involves a once a year effort to go over the proposed by-laws to verify that they do not conflict with the current FSHPA & NHPA by-laws. Then take the year off till the next February.

I would also like to thank my Grievance committee, Chairman Duane Raeburn, Mark Hendrix & Chuck Johnston for being there when they are required.

The State Closed tournament is just around the corner and it will be good to see everyone with their horseshoes all painted up. You can recognize me with the polka dot shoes!! Or I’ll be seeing you by the pool at the party on Friday night in April.

Vicki Marteney, 2^nd Vice President