b"Navigating a PandemicA Message from WPBFC President, Tom Twyford, Jr.T he past eighteen months haswe launched last summer (see Pop Upbuilding.Fishing Club board mem-been more than unusual.The COVID-19 pandemic has impactedstory page 8).These socially-distantber Bob Frevert has been especially everyone, some far more significantlyfriendly events added value to clubsupportive of these improvements. than others.Our organization is fortu- membership by offering people a safeAdditionally, we made a significant nate and blessed that the sport fishingfishing opportunity to win cash andinvestment in building a new WPBFC industry has proved resilient through- prizes.We are grateful to the Marinewebsite in 2020.The site has a fresh out this unprecedented time.The ven- Industries Association, Penn Fishinglook, is easier to navigate than our erable West Palm Beach Fishing ClubTackle and other community sponsorsold site, adapts to all devices when (WPBFC) has adapted well under thewho donated the cash and prizes weopened, makes it easier for prospective circumstances.It is worth noting thatawarded.Even when this pandemicmembers to join the club, showcases the WPBFC was founded during an- is a distant memory, we will likelyour video content and places more other challenging period in Americankeep producing some of these uniquelyemphasis on our foundation initia-history.As big game historian, Mikeformatted events.tives.For many, a visit to the WPBFC Rivkin, so aptly describes in his book,Membership growth can also bewebsite is their first impression of the The West Palm Beach Fishing Club:attributed to Communications Direc- WPBFC.Check it out and let us know A 75-Year History, The WPBFC wastor, Tom Buzz Bzura.His effortswhat you think.established in 1934 as a civic antidoteto increase the WPBFCs exposureThroughout this pandemic the Fish-to the Great Depression.Indeed, theacross social media platforms resulteding Clubs charitable foundation has WPBFC helped resuscitate our com- in bringing new members into our fold.been able to press ahead safely on munitys tourism dependent economyIf there ever was a time to have a mil- many of its community initiatives.In by establishing angling tournamentslennial working at the Fishing Club,fact, programs like our Rods & Reels and contests that lured tourists to thekeeping us connected to the outsidefor Kids program saw an increase in region and buoyed the local charterworld, 2020 was the year.Buzz hasdemand.We donated hundreds of boat fleet that was struggling to makedone a tremendous job producing andnew fishing rods and reels, and tackle ends meet. The Fishing Clubs rootsediting our virtual meetings, virtualkits to area youth groups like Boys & are well anchored.We have survivedawards programs, posting great catch- Girls Clubs, Boys Town, municipal the tests of past eras; we will survivees made by members, administeringrecreation programs and youth men-the current one. all our angling contests and updatingcontinued on page 15Thanks to solid direction and sup- our followers about the weekly goings-port from our board of directors underon at the WPBFC.The quality of ourABOUT THE COVER:the leadership of Chairman Petecontent and our reach on platforms Schulz, the WPBFCs response to thelike Instagram, Facebook and YouA cloud of 'cudas, along with pandemic has been both responsibleTube has never been more significanthefty goliath grouper and a host and effective.While in-person clubor important. of other reef species have found meetings and events fell victim toSince the clubhouse was closed mosta new home at the Fishing Club's COVID, the WPBFC was able to growof last year, we took the opportunityshallow water reef dart site located its membership in 2020.Our positiveto catch up on facility improvements.off Singer Island in 105'.A wide membership growth has continued inOld mounts were refurbished, appli- variety of corals and sponges are 2021.An impressive accomplishment.ances and light fixtures were replaced,present as well.These reef darts Some of that growth can be attributedthe clubhouse floor was cleaned andwere placed in 2018.to Fishing Club Office Manager, Jo- resealed, A/C units got cleaned andPhoto courtesy of Andrea Whitaker ella Callaway, for coming up with theserviced, and new hand sanitizingwww.followthefrophotography.comcreative Pop Up Tournament conceptstations have been added inside the T ighTL inesB uLLeTin- s ummer2021 3"