Our President

Thanks to the good people at the office, at home, and on our member roster, my job is getting easier, but no less busy. The following are some of the things we’ve accomplished during my presidency.

Landscaping:
We planted new bushes around the parking lot to replace the dead ones. The sprinkler system has been repaired to keep the new plants alive. There was an offensive and threatening tree removed before it raised the building off the foundation. Then, to add some sparkle, the Coast Guard steam cleaned the parking lot and replaced our old handicapped signs with shiny new ones.
The flags out front were looking sad and faded, so Mary Ann called National and we got a new PVA flag and a beautiful American flag. Patrick found a group who donated a POW/MIA flag to round out the set.

The Building – Outside:
We put termite control in place to protect our investment, and with that same theme, we installed a new alarm system. It gives us a monthly readout on comings and goings. Someone pointed out that the cages around our three air conditioning units had turned to rust, thanks to the good old Florida weather. So, we built new cages to protect them.

The Building – Inside:
Both the crotchety answering machine and the ancient fax machine have been replaced with more efficient models. The online access for computers was upgraded making the internet available for desktop and laptops, too. The bathrooms received better working faucets, more compatible for our members in wheelchairs. Digital thermostats were installed to increase efficiency and lowered to wheelchair accessible height. Our water heater was replaced, so we don’t have to wait 20 minutes for hot water. Carpets have been shampooed, floors have been refinished. But, the most astonishing transformation was the warehouse. Shelves were cleaned, maybe too zealously, and platforms were built atop the Bass Tournament and the Coast Guard storage rooms. We’re able to move things off the floor to allow for even more storage, and less surface clutter. It was Mary Ann’s idea, Patrick’s brawn, my supervision, and the Board of Director’s authorization that made it happen.

Online:
The chapter’s website went from three pages to six main pages, where the last three Wheels In Motion newsletters can be viewed on line. There are links to National where registrations can be made for fishing, trap shooting … well, all the sports events offered. We have links to Florida Disabled Anglers – Outdoors Without Limits – and to National PVA’s home page.

And then there are the invisible improvements which are just as important:
We've renegotiated several contracts with various suppliers to get better, lower rates.
We've streamlined some of our office systems for more efficient work
We recycle bottles, cans and paper.
We save paper by projecting our Minutes and Reports on the wall during Board Meetings. This was Board Member Michael Moore’s idea and a good one.
Again, it’s the help of a good crew that makes me appear to have a handle on things and my thanks to them for making me look so good.

Steve Kirk

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