Banquet

The 39th Annual Forbes Trail TU Conservation Banquet was held March 3rd at the Latrobe American Legion. There were over 210 in attendance and we gave away more than 110 prizes in our rafflles including an Orvis Helios rod, reel and line outfit, a Scott S4 rod and reel set and framed prints by Ned Smith, George LaVanish and much, much more. It was a great night and a very successful fundraiser for the chapter. FTTU will be able fund all of its projects in 2012.
Each year we honor those who have served the chapter and given of their time and efforts in furthering the cause of cold water conservation in Westmoreland County. In 2012 the award winners are:

Scott Minster - Don Robb Memorial Award for long term service to the chapter
Scott has been an officer since 2006, the newsletter editor since 2001 and created and maintains the FTTU web site. He also serves as a youth group mentor and helps out with stream improvement and other chapter activities.

Paul Volkmann - Russ Mowry Silver Trout Award for outstanding service to the chapter.
Paul handles publicity for FTTU and has represented FTTU at various events around the area. Since Paul took over publicity, FTTU membership has increased by almost 20%

John Hardeman Excavating - Ed Bordas Memorial Award for service by a business
John has been the contractor of choice for stream improvement projects on Mill Creek for FTTU and also worked on the Fourmile Run project with the local landowners group, the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, and FTTU.

Drew Banas, the FTTU Youth Group Director, accepted the Jack Beck Award for outstanding youth outreach on behalf of FTTU. This is a state-wide award presented by the PA State Council of Trout Unlimited.

Congratulations To All!