The Governor's Award

In 2004, I received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Governor of New Hampshire, Jeanne Shaheen, and the Executive Council.  That day, I shared the stage with two of my dear friends, Stan Bogdan and “Sam” Carlson.  In fact, it was my privilege to introduce them both to the  Governor.  Stan is the world’s most renown reel maker. “Sam” had worked for the Edwards rod company in Connecticut as a kid and later bought the F.E. Thomas Rod Co. and produced four-sided rods under his own name.  Little did we know, that 6 weeks after receiving our awards from the State, Sam would pass away.  I’ve always considered it a special privilege to have been Sam’s friend and to have spent many hours talking about bamboo rods with him.