NEWSLINE STORY
published March - April 2017
Charter Communications
by Jerry Labrosse, 4th VP Charter Communications Director
Hopefully you received the E-blast sent out on Feb 1st, which posted the intentions of the three officers that are up for re-election this year. In that E-blast I stated that I will not seek another term as 4th VP of the NHPA.
I have served in this position for the past ten years, and it has been a great experience. In reflecting back, I started in the days of Paul Stewart, Burly, Dick and Paulette, and Casey and Gail. My first duty as a VP was Rules Committee Chairman. It was a logical follow-up to the work that we did creating the RGS book on the Rules Re-Write Committee with Dan Sanders and George Nick. My next task was to develop Charter Communications, with the goal of creating the largest internal email network the NHPA has ever seen. We can proudly say we have achieved that goal, and are now able to reach out to more members than ever, in a very short time.
Somewhere along the line I got deeply involved with the equipment aspects of the NHPA. This was way back when Paul Stewart was still at the helm. I remember driving Paul across the frozen tundra of MN in January to a casino tournament in North Dakota. The temps were below zero and he couldn’t figure out what all those little outhouses were doing on the lakes we drove past. Anyhow, during that long cold drive we brainstormed the plan to create all of the portable courts and rubber walkways you see today at our World Tournament. The project took place in my home workshop in MN. Rick Wright and myself prepared all the parts and setup a production line that Henry Ford would have been proud of. We had helpers travel from Iowa and Wisconsin to be part of the project. The group worked like a well-oiled machine and assembled 120 boxes complete in one weekend. Of course there were several other parts to the project that our local MN crew handled. This equipment turned out to be a fantastic success, and is holding up better than we had hoped. I will be happy to assist in any future plans the NHPA has to rebuild or upgrade the equipment into the future.
All this new equipment created the need for an NHPA WT Setup Committee, of which for the past several years has been myself, Bill Marvin, Ron Smith, and Roger Vogel. Other officers have also stepped in from time to time to help in this effort. Of course most years we have help from the local charter members, and have had the help of local inmates on work release. We’ve worked with some great folks over the years. We introduced the new equipment in 2008 York, PA. Dale Estep had a large crew that helped myself and Bill Marvin paint all of the rubber walkways, which was a ton of work. Then we went to 2009 Springfield, Illinois where Bill directed another hugely attended World Tournament. Man he loaded that NHPA truck like a pro! And who could forget the 2010 Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and the legendary promoter Ralph Palmer. One of my favorites was 2011 Monroe, LA where we made lifelong friends in Scott, Alana, and Charles, and that Cajun food was awesome! One funny memory from 2012 Knoxville,TN was when we arrived at the arena and found a 20 ton pile of clay dumped smack dab in the center of the arena floor!! Then came 2013 St George, Utah and I met an amazingly dedicated man, Kevin Lewis. He’s a regular WT pitcher now, and is making the trip to South Africa with our Jukskie group this year. Oh, did I mention he’s hosting the 2017 World Tournament? The 2014 WT in Buffalo was highlighted by Niagara Falls and the most comfortable temps I’ve ever seen at a WT. In 2015 Topeka, KS Terry Cuthbertson and Roger Vogel led the largest turnout of local help we’ve ever seen at a WT. What a great event that was!! And last year in 2016 Montgomery, AL we had another fantastic event, thanks to Tom Bush, what a great time we had, and what a great horseshoe arena it was!
The moral of this story is to say that everywhere we go, we meet and make friends with some of the greatest people on earth, and create unforgettable memories
Another interesting and fruitful project I had the pleasure to be a part of was the “World Tournament Experience Raffle” It was a great way to raise funds to help us expand our electronic scoring capabilities that we now enjoy at World.
So why am I stepping away from all of this fun? Actually there are many reasons. When I unsuccessfully ran for the President’s position in 2013 I had a dream of taking the NHPA to the next level, and I felt that being the President was the only way to achieve that dream. One of the points I made back then was the argument for term limits for the officers. It is my belief that an organization of our size is better served having term limits on the officers. I have been in this position for 10 years, and I believe it is time for someone else to step forward and present some fresh new ideas and energy for the future of the NHPA.
Secondly, I have had some serious medical complications from a hip replacement 2 years ago. I will be healed up and ready to fulfill my duties at the WT in St. George, but will not be pitching this year. I want to thank everyone who has prayed for me and supported me throughout this ordeal.
Another factor is the current status of my personal business. I have owned and operated a machine shop since 1990, and am making preparations for my retirement years. This will require much of my time and energy for the next few years.
And lastly I have taken a more active role in MN, assuming the Regional Director
Position, as well as Ringer Digest Editor and Communications Director.
Now, I would like to turn to some thoughts about what is truly important to me in horseshoes, and really in all aspects of our lives... the people! During my current medical issues I have had the prayers and support of many horseshoe friends. One thing I learned is that lots of my friends have a very strong faith. I have been blessed to be included on prayer chains all across the land, and I know that this power will help me reach a full recovery. I can’t begin to tell all of you who are praying for me how much I appreciate it. And with that I just want to say that the friends I have made in horseshoes over the past 25 years has enriched my life beyond imagination, and I thank you all!
The officers I have worked with over the years have been fantastic. These people sacrifice a huge part of their life to help make our great sport a better experience for all. It has been a privilege working with every one of them.
In closing, it has been my honor to serve the NHPA for the past ten years. The friends, memories, and experiences I have made will carry me the rest of my days with no regrets. My life has been greatly enriched by serving the NHPA, and I will be forever thankful to all of you for giving me that opportunity.
I have no intentions of disappearing. I plan to remain very active in our sport, but more on the charter level. I plan to attend the WT every year, and help out where I can.
Thank you for the great ride.
Jerry