posted 08-29-2000 08:08 AM ET (US)     

Here is your chance to show Jim Hebert how much we appreciate his dedication, hard work and using his own money bringing us this invaluable Forum and Website.

There is no other place you can find this wealth of information on Classic Boston Whalers, for that matter, Boston Whalers in general! We thought a special "Award" for Jim Hebert was in order. The site has received well over a million hits in less than six months, and it's time to give recognition to the man who has done it all -- !!

As some of you know Jim has just purchased a beautiful 1987 Revenge 20 Walk-Through, with twin Yamaha 70's. After some discussion amongst a few "old" timers and knowing that Jim was going to have to put off buying canvas for her until next year, (think we all know how much a new boat rocks the piggy bank) the idea dawned on us why not ask all members of the forum who can afford a small contribution to do so, believing you all would heartily agree. Then we could kill two birds with one stone, Jim can get new Mills Canvas now, instead of having to wait (Fall is coming on and he really needs it). Plus, this gesture will show him just how much he is appreciated by all of us, for bringing this invaluable asset to the Internet for all Whaler enthusiasts.

We have secured a substantial discount from William Mills & Sons for Jim's canvas, which is their contribution to this recognition award. The set will include the Flying (bimini) Top with stainless frame, Windshield, Port and Starboard side Curtains, and the rear drop Curtain, each with its own boot --- approximate cost with shipping $2000. Any funds, which we collect, that might be in excess will be given to Jim to for other needed items on the boat.

Ok the "meat and potatoes" --- Just $25.00 is all we're asking since we have so many activity members. We felt that this small amount would be enough to accomplish the goal and easily affordable by all. If you would like to contribute more please feel free to do so. (I know some will since their usage and involvement is pretty high)

Here is all you have to do, address a letter to Larry Goltz, and send your check for $25.00 (or more) made out to me Thomas Zeno. We are doing this for security reasons Larry gets the checks in Chicago and can't cash them until he sends them to me for the Mills purchase in New Jersey, he will also handle the accounting because I can't add “two” well --- chuckle. ---- His address:

Lawrence H Goltz
JimH Appreciation
P O Box 1241
Chicago IL 60690-1241

That's all there is to it folks ---- I know all of you will participate, pretty darn inexpensive for what you have been and will be receiving in return from this asset don't yeah think!!! --------

All contributors real names and or forum names will be placed on the site, that way Jim can really get the feeling just how much he is admired and appreciated by all of us members.

posted 08-29-2000 09:04 PM ET (US)            

Jack, another missing post? Maybe you ought to send TWO checks in case one of those gets lost ;-)

Of course based on the amount of time I spend here I feel I "owe" a lot more than one check myself. This award is the best investment I've made in my Whaler since I bought it a month ago.

posted 08-29-2000 09:15 PM ET (US)            

Great Idea! I think he'll be stunned to see the threads on this.

Check in the mail w/in a few days.

Just got off the water, nice evening cruise up Black River. Stopped at a friends boathouse and got an impromptu invite for some pizza and beer. Can't get much better.

posted 08-31-2000 05:37 AM ET (US)         

Just a note to say received emails from Sam Collins and Don Pleu they have sent in their checks --

We're getting there --- need at least 60 firm commitments before I can place an order for the entire set with Mills.

Best Regards,

posted 09-01-2000 10:52 AM ET (US)         

Let's keep the push on --- we are on a roll-- let's grab some more folks and get this over the top ---

Remember this isn't about "paying" Jim one red cent this is an appreciation award for all the hard work, long hours and realization by us members " that there is no such thing as a free lunch" --- Jim has put out his own money to bring together this community of Whaler enthusiasts --- not a single commercial sponsor involved -- and your contribution to the award canvas set says "Hey Jim thank you for all you are doing and will be doing for us--- it is greatly appreciated"!

Best Regards,

posted 09-04-2000 05:46 AM ET (US)         

Just a note that I received emails from ShadowCatcher and Dick E committing to JimH's Award ---

"Yes, I intend to support this award! Sorry to not respond sooner, but I
was on vacation with the family and Shadow Catcher.
I' will get a $25 check off with Tuesday's mail."

and

posted 09-05-2000 08:58 PM ET (US)            

Jim, you do a great job on this site. I
webmaster for one of my dive clubs, and I
know how much work it is (and it's less than
this because it's a much simpler site).
Info from here has saved me money, and more
importantly, time. It's six hours driving
(two round trips) to the dealer.

posted 09-08-2000 04:52 PM ET (US)            

I talked with Walt Steffens last night, and his check will be enroute shortly.

posted 09-09-2000 06:40 AM ET (US)         

Thanks for the info will add Walt to our list ---- Hope everything is ok with him haven't seen a post for a while ---

posted 09-10-2000 08:32 PM ET (US)            

At his current position, Walt is able to view but not respond to the message threads. He hopes to rectify the situation soon.

posted 09-11-2000 10:30 PM ET (US)            

bigz - I'm the guy who sent the $25 through paypal and did not have a forum name yet. I just wanted to make sure that I got my money in in time for the deadline.

posted 09-17-2000 12:48 PM ET (US)         

We are just in the accounting stage at present and anticipate about a dozen or so more committed contribution checks to come in over this coming week.

posted 09-20-2000 01:57 AM ET (US)            

You guys are truly amazing! Thanks so much for causing all this to happen. It is beyond my wildest dreams.

You all have my gracious thanks for your generosity and participation in this "award".

You can be sure that it is greatly appreciated.

I promise to post some pictures and anecdotes regarding the boat and the canvas ASAP.

Your humble web-publisher,