Reeling and Healing Midwest Blog

WHAT A DAY IT WAS! The doors opened and attendees poured into the expo ready to check out all the booths, seminars and guest speakers.

We had a great bunch of volunteers to help throughout the day - John R., Deborah H., Bonnie G., Peggy S., Wally B., Dave M., Jay S., Amy A., Carolyn R., Sharon G., Bob & Kathy K., Rose P., Renee M., Becky B., Kate D-M., Mary R., Lydia S., Jean H-L., Jackie H., Cynthia R., and Becca S.

Our booth was non-stop busy. Highlights include:

-Kids scavenger hunt game with prizes
-Tiffany Fly Fishing Key Chain Raffle
-Michigan TU Fly Fishing School Raffle
-T-shirts for ladies!
-Chair Massage
-Our fish jewelry
-Fly donation creel (overflowing by the end of the day!)

No one will forget the fish necklaces that everyone walking the show floor were wearing. Red, gold, blue, green and purple fish were adorning over 1,200 fishermen today. Thanks to our roving volunteers for spreading the news about Reeling & Healing Midwest and sharing the necklaces.

Then there were the bubbles. A luau themed booth needed the bubbles and we had ‘em, thanks to Jay S. Our video montage had Jimmy Buffet tunes to listen to while you watched the photos of our 2006 retreats come to life before you eyes.

At 2:30 pm, our own Cathy Sero gave a presentation at the casting pond called, “Practice Makes Perfect”. She discussed the reasons to practice (be a better fisherman for starters) and how to set goals and use targets to enhance your practice sessions. She referenced a book written by Jim C. Chapralis, a well-known pioneer in the fly fishing travel industry, a top-notch fisherman, caster and advocate for stream and water preservation. The book is called, “Master Your Casting”.

The show was rocking until closing time. Many interested attendees stopped by to learn about our 2007 programs, as well as what we accomplished in 2006. We had several individuals sign up to participate and volunteers as well.

With nine retreats last year, 178 participants and 224 volunteers and guides assisting, we did a lot in 2006. Read more about it at http://www.reelingandhealing.org - look for the 2006 Recap.

Many of the vendors as well as show attendees stopped by to treat themselves to a chair massage by our good friend, Laura W. She graciously donated a portion of her massage monies to Reeling & Healing Midwest to help sponsor 2007 participants. Everyone enjoyed Laura - her hands worked magic on quite a few tired shoulders.

After the show the volunteers who were hungry headed off to Buddy’s Pizza and enjoy some libations, appetizers and of course, pizza. We then headed back to the headquarters hotel for a visit to the MFFC Hospitality Suite. It was just getting into the swing of things about 9:00 pm.

More to come and photos too.

Fish On!