I hope everyone has been enjoying the perfect weather we've been having lately. t just seems to be carrying over the weather we had at the state tournament. I hope you all enjoyed your time there for those who could attend. It even smelled good with the jasmine in full bloom. I appreciated all the hard work put in by all of the volunteers -in the food service and prep each day, the statisticians, scorekeepers, setting up the courts and tearing down each day- a myriad of details from everyone behind the scenes. We just had to show up and it was ready. It was great to see all of the pitchers gathered together. Thanks to Boyd & Jean Stonerock and all the clubs who contributed the door prizes at the banquet. We missed seeing many of you there and hope next year you'll get a chance to attend. Some are now making preparations to pitch at the World Tournament in Pennsylvania. I hope our Florida representatives pitch well there. You should be able to spot our backboard with "Florida State Horseshoe Clubs". All of the clubs in Florida chipped in to help defray the costs of the equipment. Please enjoy yourselves wherever you are this summer and I look forward to seeing many of you in the fall.
Vicki Marteney
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Congratulations to Chuck Gibson for his excellent tournament play and consistency in winning the "Player Of The Year" award. Chuck is fairly new to the game and has a passion to improve his game. He is a two year member of the Brevard County Horseshoe Club and a great supporter of the club and of the game. He has a ringer percentage in the mid 30's but is sure to improve over the coming years.
COMMENTS FROM THE EDITOR
Along with the cost of gasoline in traveling to tournaments it looks like the cost of playing horseshoes will increase next year if the proposed NHPA dues increase of $5.00 per year is passed at the National convention this year. The NHPA dues have not increased since 1992 but the cost of running the organization has increased along with most everything else. This proposed increase would raise the NHPA dues from $12.00 per year to $17.00 per year. The FSHPA Inc. dues are $10.00 per year and with the proposed new NHPA dues the the total membership dues will rise to $27.00 per year. This is still a small fee to enjoy the organized sport of horseshoes.