ORCA: So Much To Be Thankful For

joe klaus · Post by **joe klaus** » Mon Aug 30, 2004 1:38 pm

Like many other reel collectors, I began my collecting career as a lure collector and still dabble with a few lures from time to time. I'm a member of the NFLCC (National Fishing Lure Collectors Club) and have many good friends that are lure collectors and members of the nflcc. But I'm at the end of my rope with regards to the way that organization is run. For example, you can't vote for any of the officers or directors of the nflcc unless you attend the national convention, in person. As a result, a handful of members have been able to maintain almost dictatorial powers for a long period of time.

There is presently a discussion of a current problem (involving a member of nflcc) on Joe Yates' message board, but it could be gone by the time most of you read this.

The purpose of this post is to say THANK YOU to the officers and directors of ORCA. They run this organization in a manner which is almost totally opposite that of the nflcc. I don't know of any group of guys/gals that are more caring and responsible than the individuals we have serving us as our officers/ directors. I'm sure I will forget someone, and if I do, I apologize in advance. But I extend a special thank you to Andy Foster, Bill Muth, Roger Schultz, Len Sawisch, Jim Madden, Jim Schottenham, Dominick Damiano, Paul Mortenson and Phil White for all of their current efforts. Special thanks also to Steve Vernon, Stu Lawson, Ben Wright, Bob Miller, Craig Barber, Harvey Garrison (former librarian) and many others for their repeated willingness (over an extended period of time) to share their knowledge with all of us

We have much to be thankful for.

Roger Schulz · Post by **Roger Schulz** » Mon Aug 30, 2004 2:34 pm

Joe:

Your note made my day. I really appreciate your kind words. I have been the ORCA secretary/treasurer for about 7 or 8 years. Not real sure when I began those duties, but I truly enjoy doing it. The friends I have made throughout those years is what it is all about. People that collect fishing reels are one of a kind. ORCA is a great organization that is made up of people that really appreciate one another. REEL TALK routinely displays how our members help new and old collectors alike.

Thanks again for your words of support. If you guys and gals let me, I will be happy to be your secretary/tresurer as long as I can still help the organization.

Roger

Harvey · Post by **Harvey** » Mon Aug 30, 2004 5:08 pm

Thank you Joe!
I second Roger's post.
I am sure that everybody that has anything to do with the smooth running of ORCA does it because of the love of reels and fellowship of the other members. We are truly a diffrent breed of collectors. I appreciate your kind comments and look forward to helping others when ever I can.
harvey
Oh yea, Roger can have his job for life if it is OK with all the other folks. Great job Rog!

Post by **Brian F.** » Mon Aug 30, 2004 5:29 pm

Roger, you got my vote.

Thank you everyone, this is a great club to be a part of.

cws/carl schultz · Post by **cws/carl schultz** » Mon Aug 30, 2004 9:21 pm

i had read the hoop la on joes last night cant say it was the first time that i had seen that particular disscussion[no vote no voice no choice] my time in orca has been for me a very enjoyable and LEARNING expierence[gee i hope im a little more tactful now cus i sure wasnt back when] hay how could i miss the first guy i met was len[when he was younger HA HA] and the next was phil[just a geezette then HA HA HA HA] and the first orca event i went to was the first national at rays town[the trip with len still brings a smile to my face] didnt think that much about it but the books i bought there were sold by the authors[but no CA CA whatever his name is] and i think i may still have knowledge that im still processing from then
why is orca the way it is because we have all had some good examples to follow which in turn has made the search for knowledge easier because of this and in turn you give out that knowledge to the next person as it was given to you and the first time someone actually asks for your opinion its great ok enough of this sentimental stuff lets talk some nice POST WAR reels

Jim Madden · Post by **Jim Madden** » Tue Aug 31, 2004 12:08 am

Joe, your kind words are much appreciated. Sometimes it takes a debacle like we see on Joe's to remind us what a great organization this is. The emphasis here is clearly the sharing of information and the making good friends. I'm in the lure club too, but I'm not sure what the emphasis is. Jim

Bill Muth · Post by **Bill Muth** » Tue Aug 31, 2004 9:00 pm

Joe Klaus, those are very kind words, much appreciated. I reviewed the whole string on Joe's Old Lures page regarding the NFLCC auction, what a mess. Without going into detail, our lure collecting brethern (of which I'm also a club member) need to expand their auction preview to give people a reasonable chance to examine the merchandise, period. The current "cattle herding" method a few hours before the auction just doesn't work when several hundred people are in attendance.

Steve · Post by **Steve** » Wed Sep 01, 2004 6:55 am

Thank you, Joe, for the kind words.

In my opinion, ORCA's success and appeal are a result of several factors: leadership, by dedicated collectors, that has remained free of self-interest, based on Mike Nogay's original, enlightened Constitution; similarly enlightened editors and, especially, Phil White, who virtually forced ORCA to embrace the advantages of the "Information Age"; and a growing membership that is willing to become active in the club and to voice its concerns to the Board. For an international organization, it's about as close to a club "of the members, by the members, and for the members" as you can get.