White River Watershed Chapter #226
Monthly General Membership Meeting
May 08, 2008
Quechee Inn, Quechee, VT
23 Members in attendance (another good turn-out)
President David Eastman started the evening off by conducting a raffle for a Trout Unlimited Hat courtesy of Chris Moore and a real nice fishing shirt courtesy of Hanover Outdoors (valued at $60). Thanks to Chris and to Rick Hamel of Hanover Outdoors for their generosity. The hat was won by Jim Otranto and the Shirt was won by Scott Knapp (Lucky Devils).
The Raffle raised $50.00 for the general fund which was duly turned over to Treasurer Scott Knapp.
President David Eastman then opened the General Meeting @ 7:15 PM.
Dave introduced our V.P. Greg Russ who reported that with our backing and monetary assistance the White River Partnership was successful in getting their “Didymo” prevention program 3/4 funded by way of an $8,000.00 Vermont State grant. Some of the temporary program posters were passed out for members to place and Greg will be keeping us abreast of the development of the permanent signs and brochures.
Dick Avery then reported that LL Bean will be holding an Outdoors Fair May 15-18 at their West Lebanon Store where Fly Fishing will be a featured activity. They have offered our chapter the opportunity to have a TU membership display table at the event if we are interested. President Eastman said he would follow up on the invitation and coordinate our participation. Thanks Dick for bringing this to our Chapter.
Marty Banak, our unofficial host for this evening was given the floor (seriously, Marty did a great job securing the use of the Inn’s facility and even had them print-up and prepare a special menu for the pre-meeting dinner. Thanks go out to Marty and the Quechee Inn.) Marty introduced Todd Menees, from Plymouth VT. Todd is currently working through the VT Agency of Natural Resources to establish an Ottauquechee River Watershed Council. Noting that while the Connecticut and White Rivers are currently protected by very active watershed councils; the Ottauquechee does not enjoy that advantage, even though it is a major watershed in our area. Todd advised that the VT ANR is enthusiastic about working with a council and have endorsed his efforts to form such an entity. He asked that anyone interested in learning more or even volunteering to serve on the council to please sign up on the pass around sheet. Also anyone wanting more information can contact Todd Menees at Engineering Ventures, Inc (603) 442-9333 or at toddm@engineeringventures.com.
Ed Finley reported that we are still in need of a few more volunteers for Saturday, June 7th to help out with the Chang Memorial Fishing Event. This is done in conjunction with VINS where children are brought to a private stocked pond in West Hartford, shown how fly tying is done, given brief lessons on fly casting and then after a BBQ Lunch turned loose on this well stocked pond. It is really a very fun and rewarding event. If you can spare a few hours to help guide the events (Greg Russ, Ron Rhodes & Chris Moore will be doing all the teaching) please call Ed at (802) 295-7231 or e-mail him at ejjjfinley@aol.com. We guarantee you will have a great time.
After this brief business session the fun began as Expert Fly Tiers Tom Ames, Rick Hamel, Jim Otranto, Greg Russ, Bill Kopf and Chris Moore each began demonstrating the tying of various fly patterns from the beginners’ stage right through to the expert stage. Everyone in attendance had a thoroughly enjoyable time and most of us learned a new trick or two. We even signed up a couple new members. Thanks gentlemen for the demonstrations and lessons.
The evening ended at about 9:50 PM.
Next gathering will be on Saturday, June 14th. This will be a “Streamside Event” where actual casting and fishing will be engaged. With any luck there will also be some catching. Details will follow shortly. Keep checking your e-mails.
Minutes submitted by Ed Finley, Secretary
