The Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs of Sullivan County held their 46th Annual Sweepstake Dinner Banquet last Saturday at the Rockland House in Roscoe. President of the Federation Jack Danchak was the MC for the evening and opened the ceremonies with the pledge to the flag and asked for a moment of silence in respect for members and friends of the Federation who have passed away this year: Shirley Samyn, Michael Krum, Wilma Hoyt, Cliff Horton, Gary Magie, Mona DeWitt, Richie Post and Corey Hornicek.

Jack welcomed a full capacity house of guests to the 46th Annual Sweepstake Dinner Banquet. Jack then recognized public officials and honored guests in attendance: representing NY Senator Jen Metzger was Max Cordella, representing NYS Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther was Matt McPhillips, Sullivan County Court Judge Frank LaBuda, Sullivan County Sheriff Mike Schiff, Sullivan County District Attorney and candidate for Sullivan County Court Judge Jim Farrell, Sullivan County Treasurer Nancy Buck, Sullivan County Clerk Dan Briggs, Chairman of the Sullivan County Legislature Luis Alvarez, Legislator from District 1 Scott Samuelson, Legislator from District 9 Alan Sorensen, Supervisor from the Township of Callicoon Tom Bose and Supervisor from Neversink Chris Mathews.

Also in attendance: Cynthia Dolan-Town Justice of Mamakating and candidate for Sullivan County Court Judge, Russell Reeves-Deputy County Clerk and candidate for Sullivan County Clerk, David Sager candidate for Sullivan County Clerk, Kathy LaBuda candidate for Sullivan County Legislator District 2, Mike Brooks-Councilman from Neversink and candidate for Sullivan County Legislator District 3, Leo Cecil from the NRA, Bernie Cohen-Councilman of Bethel is running for re-election, Susan Harte candidate for Bethel Town Justice, Rob Doherty candidate for Sullivan County Legislator District 1 and Bill Rieber Supervisor from the Town of Thompson.

Honored guests in attendance: Retired NY DEC Bear Specialist Carl Lindsley and wife Patty, Gary and Maribell Terbush, Harold Buley, Hank Samyn, Herb DeWitt, Dot Muthig, Aaron and Grace Finley, Mr. and Mrs. Dan Millis and Anthony Morgano from the Sullivan County Democrat Newspaper.

Jack went on to announce the Federation's “2019 Sportswoman of the Year” Linda Loughrey of Jeffersonville. Linda received quite a standing ovation.

The Federation's Sweepstake Raffle Prizes were drawn, and I will announce them next week in my column. Everyone enjoyed a delicious Prime-Rib dinner and enjoyed the ceremonies of the evening.

Jack Danchak is the President of the Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs of Sullivan County.