b"member newsPatane Honored as Volunteer of the YearEven a global pandemic didnt slow down George Patanes determination to vol-unteer at the West Palm Beach Fishing Club (WPBFC) this past year.Patane, of Lake Clarke Shores, was honored late last year as the WPBFCs Volunteer of the Year during the clubs virtual awards program. George was involved in nearly every pro-working the Derbygram the club and its charitable foundation scoreboard produced during the strange year that was 2020.Managing the scoreboard during the Silver Sailfish Derby, serving as an instructor during the SALTY Youth Angler program, helping build oyster reefs at MacArthur Beach State Park, repairing and cleaning donated rods and reels for the annual Marine Yard Sale are some of the things George has been actively involved with at the WPBFC.The rod and reel work is a year-roundGeorge often volunteers at youth fishing clinicseffort on Georges part. He has been mentored by longtime member Bill Watson with regard to reel repair and George has been assisting club member Chris Kriendler with rod repairs.The behind the scenes volunteerism is something many club members are unaware of.This level of involvement is nothing new for the 15 year WPBFC member. Patane earned the Volunteer of the Year Award back in 2008.We don't present this award every year, so earning it is pretty special.Georges dedication is incredible and something we never take for granted.His role in club activities cannot be understated.He is usually the first to show up and the last to leave at most any event or program we produce.He makes us all look good, said WPBFC President Tom Twyford.Members Appointed, Serve on Advisory PanelsA handful of WPBFC members are serving on South Atlantic Fishery Manage-ment Council (SAFMC) Advisory Panels (AP).Chris Militello, a WPBFC board member from West Palm Beach, was appointed to the SAFMCs Snapper Grouper AP last year.Bob Frevert from Jupiter, also a WPBFC board member, has been reappointed to the Dolphin/Wahoo AP and will be serving his second three-year term on the panel.WPBFC board member Dave Webb of Islamorada has served on the councils Habitat AP since 2019. WPBFC member George Patane was appointed to the SAFMCs Outreach and Communications AP in December. All of these club members have extensive fishing experience.This is really impressive. We congratulate all these individuals on their appointments to these important advisory roles.As WPBFC members, they are helping continue a long tradition of club members who actively serve in fishery management roles.Their dedication to sustainable fisheries, sincere interest in effective management and their willingness to serve are commendable, said WPBFC President Tom Twyford.Other WPBFC members, past and present, who have served in various SAFMC roles include John Jolley, Chester Brewer (active SAFMC member), Ben Hartig, John Brownlee and Tim Nettles.4 W estP almB eachF ishingc luB"