Everglades Chapter of the Photographic Society of America

The Everglades Chapter of PSA January luncheon program at Verdi's was exciting, interesting, and educational. Chuck Pine began the day with Part One of his Expanding Visions program, a preview of his very successful approach to developing photographic excellence. After this, we viewed the Chapters Showcase of 2007, in which the Everglades Chapter finished first, and Bill Friedman was awarded Best in Chapter, as well as first runner-up in individual awards. (Many thanks to Carol-Ann Rogus, who solicited and gathered the images, as well as coordinated the selection process for the Showcase. (Please see her article on how to enter the 2008 Chapters Showcase.)
Following an excellent lunch, we were delighted to present Mervyn Hurwitz, ex-chairman and present Equipment Coordinator, with a plaque as a token of appreciation for his many years of dedicated service to the Chapter. During the afternoon program, Tom Icklan did a program on Photoshop, inspiring us with some amazing techniques. We also thank all those who brought prints to be exhibited, and Candy Childrey who did a great job in presenting these. Also, thanks to Gerry Burberry and Larry Krupnick and everyone else who helped make this a successful day.

On February 16, we had our first field trip of the 2007-8 season. We visited STA-1, a South Florida Water Management area usually closed to the public. About 15 Chapter members enjoyed this unspoiled area of wildlife and got some great photographs. We are grateful to Carey Britton for organizing this excursion (The Chapter will be offering a return to STA-1 on March 1 for those unable to attend the first trip. See Carey's article in this issue of the Montage). Additionally, we are all looking forward to attending the the Great Balloon Race in April (see Carey's
article).
We were honored to host presenter Robert Ginn, Executive Vice-President of PSA, for our March 15 luncheon. Bob shared some of the high points, top images, and anecdotes from his experience as a photojournalist in the morning presentation; while in the afternoon he discussed what constitutes a winning image and insight into judging at the level of international PSA competitions. Additionally, Candy coordinated the display of prints that our members and guests brought to bring to the luncheon.
There are several other exciting opportunities being provided by the Chapter in the next couple of months. Among these is the 2008 Youth Showcase, coordinated by Elyse Brunt. Elyse, who did a great job with the 2007 Youth Showcase, has been in touch with many educators in the counties we represent, and is putting together entries for PSA's 2008 Youth Showcase for the Everglades Chapter, helping to involve the young in PSA and foster their growth as photographers. (Please see Elyse's article.)

Another noteworthy upcoming event has been made possible by Candy
Childrey. She has arranged for our Chapter to have a month-long show at the Tamarac Community Center, displaying about 25 photographs. (Please see Candy's article on how to submit your images.)

As some of you may have noticed if you have visited the Chapter website (www.evergladespsa.org), our webmaster Tim Roethele has worked hard to post new mini-galleries of members' images. You are invited to send your images, along with the required information, to Tim in order to participate in this display of our members' work. Details on how to go about doing this are online on the Gallery Page at www.evergladespsa.org.

We are very gratified that the Chapter is alive and well and flourishing thus far in the 2007-8 season. We have a dedicated and energetic Board which is working very hard to expand the scope of opportunities and activities for our members. In addition to the three luncheon programs that we are offering this year, please "stay tuned" for a probable summer program which will involve photo-ops and set-ups. Again, if you have any ideas or suggestions that might help grow our Chapter, please contact me or Carol-Ann--we are open to new ideas as this is how we all take ownership of the Chapter's future.

Michael Rosenbaum, Chairman

polyandy@comcast.net