We went to our first Trawler Fest this past May. The Fest was not overrun with too many young people. We enjoyed most of the symposiums and the socializing was outstanding. MTOA is making note of the lack of attendance at some of their events, but the information in their newsletter is well worth being a member. USPS has the same problems (not over populated by young people; as are Optimists, etc.) but if you take advantage of the educational opportunities, it is well worth it. Plus, the club is populated by the most helpful and fun boating people I have ever met. Thank goodness the uniforms are optional; as they are in the Knights of Columbus, The Shrine and Knights Templar. It is not the uniforms that make these organizations good, but the good works that they do. One could also say that someone wearing cutoffs, an old shirt, a hat with lures stuck on it and deck shoes could be in a "boating uniform." In our squadron in South Louisiana we have sailing, power, salt water and fresh water fishermen and people with no boats at all. We meet monthly to BS, eat gumbo and Cajun food and enjoy each other's company. I was a member of a yacht club at Cypremort Point, Louisiana that had a great Jr. sailing program that enabled our son to race sailboats nationally and do some oceans circuits. If we were to loose the CPS, USPS, CGAux or any of the other boating organizations it would not serve the boating community well. Charles Nolan, a member of USPS Take Time 36' Island Gypsy Cypremort Point, LA