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!

As some of you know, earlier this week a Call To Action went out asking for volunteers to staff our booth at the MFFC 2007 Fly Expo (info, MFFC Website). The response has been great! As always, our volunteers have come though.

At this point we are at about 90% coverage for the weekend, but could use more help. We have divided the show into time slots (see below). If you are interested, drop us an email at info@reelingandhealingmidwest.org or call 866-237-5725. There are rooms available Friday and Saturday night.

Saturday, March 10th – Show is open between 9 am and 6 pm
- 8:30 am – 12:00 pm, Need 1 Volunteer

Sunday, March 11th – Show is open between 10 am and 4 pm and booth tear-down
- 9:30 am – 1 pm, Need 2 Volunteers
- 1pm – 5 pm, Need 2 Volunteers

Map To Location for those who are attending the show.

Thanks to Ruthanne for coordinating this event. She’s the best around.

See you at the show. Fish On!

Get ready for a raffle!

Your choice of a stunning silver fly fishing key chain direct from Tiffany’s (with the blue box as well), a slot at the famed Michigan Trout Unlimited Fly Fishing School in June at Ranch Rudolph or a few other special surprizes.

Tickets are $5.00 each and a limited number will be sold. If you are interested in purchasing a ticket, stop by our booth at the show or send us an email request to info@reelingandhealing.org.

Winners do not need to be present to win.

Fish On!

Yep – We’ll be back again this year for the big show in Warren, MI at the Macomb County Community College. Reeling & Healing Midwest is planning to host a spectacular booth loaded with goodies and fun for everyone.

We will have our t-shirts – with new styles for women and men. There will be a raffle for a silver Tiffany fly fishing key chain, a slot at the famed Michigan Trout Unlimited School at Ranch Rudolph in June, and fun fly fishing gifts. There are plans for a special children’s fish search with prizes too.

In addition, we’re seeking fly donations for our retreat participants, as well as for Reel Recovery, Project Healing Waters, Fishing Has No Boundaries and a few other non-profit organizations that promote well-being through fly fishing. If you have flies to donate, whether trout, bass, steelhead or salmon, we can use them. We welcome usable fly boxes as well. Bring them to the show and drop them off at the booth.

We’re in need of volunteers to help set-up, tear-down and help out in the booth on Saturday and Sunday. Send us an email if you are interested in joining us. There will be a special hospitality suite on Friday and Saturday nights that you are welcome to attend. We’ve reserved a block of rooms at a special rate if you are interested in staying close to the show too.

In mid-February the famed Great Waters Fly Fishing Expo held its first show in Chicago! It was a raving success and enjoyed by all who attended and participated.

Tom Helgeson and his seasoned staff held their first Great Waters Expo a few years ago in the Twin Cities and made the decision to expand their efforts and provide another quality show for the local fly fishing community.

Beyond the typical fare and demonstrations, is the goal to educate the community beyond casting and fishing. Conservation education, fly tying, as well as programs for children and women were available for everyone.

One group tying flies (who donated several dozen to our cause) was the Chicago Fly Fishers. Zaty, Richie, Trish and the gang are quite fun and engaging.

Some of the vendors included Orvis Chicago, Feenstra Guide Services from Newaygo, MI, and Trout & Grouse from Northfield, IL.

Thanks to Tom, Reeling & Healing Midwest had a booth and was able to generate awareness of our programs. We had several indivudals stop by to request to attend, to volunter, to donate funds and flies. We received several dozen flies from local tyers that we will be able to share with our retreat participants as well as with Reel Recovery, Project Healing Waters and Fishing Has No Boundaries.

It was a great show. We look forward to attending again next year.