Since an annual meeting is required by their By-Laws, Friends of Pool 9 members gathered at the New Albin Community Center on Saturday, September 22. The 159 attendees were treated to a dinner of beef brisket and chicken prepared by Milty's Restaurant in Lansing; salads, veggies, and dessert completed the meal. Members arrived early for the camaraderie of the social hour, as they reminisced the years activities and events. Two rooms were rimmed with Silent Auction items, ranging from tasty foods to tackle boxes with lures and other outdoor items, as well as trips and wine packages that teased the pocketbook of everyone. Photo (1st one) caption should read: Bidders add their price and name to the bid sheets as they visit with friends during the Silent Auction during the FOP9 annual meeting, September 22, 2018. During the Business Meeting Secretary/Treasurer Quamme reported that the Friends of Pool 9 account on August 31, 2018 shows Total Income of $38,369 for the year and Total Expenses of $23,644 for the year; leaving a Checking/Savings balance of $46,622.28. Five Board members were re-elected at the meeting and the following have agreed to serve for the next three years to 2021: Sue English, Joe Mazenec, Larry Quamme, Lisa Welsh, Al Wuennecke. The FOP9 raffle was also a great success and the winning ticket for the $500 cash prize went to Deedee Drew, the $300 ticket to Al Wuennecke, and the $200 was won by Avani and Anya Quamme. Don Larsen was a winner in the FOP9 Photo Contest, as was Ron Moore President Natalie Baugher announced Emil Bronecki as the Friends of Pool 9 Volunteer of the Year (not in attendance) for his volunteerism. He has been active on the clean-ups, working at Genoa on the clam cages and the sturgeon tagging, as well as the special beach projects. John Verdon also gave a "special courage" Volunteer of the Year Award to Anne Gallagher (also not in attendance) for her service and commitment. She has been active on special projects at Genoa and became known as "Anne the riveter" while working on clam cages. She has been struggling with an illness but still finds time and energy to help FOP9. John also recognized her effort with the 100 Hour Volunteer pin. Wendy Woyczik Assistant Manager US Fish and Wildlife Service, Mc Gregor District gave Volunteer Hour pins to members that had achieved certain levels. 100 Hour to Emil Bronecki, Karen Hutson, Don Lathrop, Deb Masek; 250 Hour to Sue English, Russ Hagen, George Olson; 1000 Hour to Jerry Boardman and 2000 Hour to Ric Zarwell. Photo #2 caption should read: The following were in attendance at the meeting and received their pins: L. to R. Don Lathrop (100), Sue English (250), Jerry Boardman (1,000), Ric Zarwell (2,000), Wendy Woyczik US FWS. Some of the Live Auction items drew particular interest including a rifle from the Civil War era, a metal name plate of the FOP9 logo, a hand-sewed quilt made from FOP9 colorful t-shirts, and special taffy and pretzel treats. Larry Quamme was the auctioneer and did a masterful job of getting everyone involved in the spirit of giving. President Natalie Baugher thanked everyone for their attendance, their financial generosity, their commitment to Friends of Pool 9, and to the river itself. None of what we do would be possible without the effort of all the volunteers that give thousands of hours annually to make Pool 9 one of the best on the Upper Mississippi River. Thanks to all of you.
