For those of you that missed out on the TAPPA Awards Banquet & Holiday Party in December….bummer!  What a great time we had!  The St. Petersburg Country Club was absolutely beautiful, the food was wonderful and DJ Gary Cradick from Grant Hemond & Associates kept us swinging and shaking on the dance floor!
 
Kudos and congratulations go out to all of our award winners: Brian Idocks was named TAPPA’s “Photographer of the Year”, accumulating over 600 points to blow even the closest competitor---Kevin Newsome at 440 points--- away.  Brian worked hard all year, not only by competing every month, but also by contributing articles to the TAPPA Tribune and showing perfect attendance at the monthly meetings.  Along with TAPPA’s highest honor, Brian also won First Place in the Portrait, Social Function and Unclassified categories. 
 
Congratulations also go out to Jenny Araujo who scored a First Place in the Commercial category, Tar St. Martin for a First Place in the Storybook category and Sonia Raymund who brought home a First Place in the Assignment category.  Congratulations and a resounding “well done!” to all of our competitors and award winners.
 
Now Past President, Kim Warmolts, awarded Papa Bruce Evensen a Lifetime Membership to TAPPA, recognizing his helpful and giving spirit to everyone over the years.  Papa Bruce is a founding member and Past President of TAPPA, and only the second person to receive this prestigious award, along with founder Kevin Newsome. 
 
Amanda Fleming was awarded a Special Achievement Certificate for her dedication to the Art of Photography, and overcoming obstacles most of us will never fully comprehend.  Congratulations, Amanda; you inspire us all!
 
Congrats also go out to our FPP FL School Scholarship winners, Glen Desthers, Rebecca West, Randy Van Duinen and Mike Matthews, and to Ron Grecco for winning the 2008 TAPPA membership.
 
A very special thank you to Lee Burgess, TAPPA’s AV- ace and newest board member, for putting together an awesome slideshow!  Print of the Month winners, meeting candids and TAPPA at FPP events were showcased throughout the evening.
 
Thanks also to Patrick Burley, for once again capturing all the fun and excitement throughout the evening, as well as contributing most of the images for the slideshow; to Missy Duncan for an abundance of door prizes and to Lisa Munafo for arranging the location and organizing this very special event for us all. 
 
The 2008 Board of Directors was introduced as Vice President and Program Chair, Missy Duncan, Treasurer Ron Grecco, Secretary Jose Velez, Directors Mike Matthews, Lisa Munafo, Eve Sanz, and Lee Burgess and Past President, Kim Warmolts.  Oh…and me, your new President. Our other illustrious Past President, Debbie Alcorn, finally bid “adieu” to the Board after 6 years of service---including two Presidential terms and 8 years as FPP Delegate.  Thanks so much for all you’ve done for us, Deb’!
 
Committee Chairpersons were also introduced, including John Miller for Print Education, Becky West, our new TAPPA Tribune Newsletter Editor, and Director Eve Sanz as Membership Chair.  Patrick Burley will continue as Photographer, Ian Ware as Webmaster, and I will continue my role as Delegate to the FPP.  We are still in need of volunteers for the Door Prize Committee, Video Library, 50/50 and Scholarship Committees.  Please let me know if you’re interested.  It’s a great way to get involved, meet new people, and earn points towards next years “Photographer of the Year” award!
 
Hope to see you at Imaging USA in January, and if not, TAPPA will resume ‘business, as usual’ on the 12th of February.  Mark your calendars now for the second Tuesday of every month; we have an exciting year ahead.
 
Here’s wishing you all a joyous Holiday Season, and a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year! 
 
~ Carol Walker, FSA., FED.
TAPPA President-Elect 2008

Click here for photos from the banquet