President’s Corner
Mike Bryant (mjbryant1954@hotmail.com)
Well, the holidays are behind us. It’s been a busy couple of months for Jan and me. Lots of time with family, a trip out west to New Mexico and Arizona before settling down in Townsend. Even though my fishing slows down a bit at this time of year, I’ve been busy.
I scrambled to finish a nice 7’- 9”, 3 weight rod to give to Jan as a Christmas present. Late delivery of the epoxy needed to finish the wraps had me carefully (and secretively) applying thin coats of epoxy on Christmas Eve and wrapping the rod early Christmas morning. It work out in the end, and Jan was both surprised and thrilled with her new rod.
It definitely looks like 2014 is going to be a busy year for our Chapter. As we noted in last month’s newsletter, the BOD has agreed to hold our Troutfest Banquet on Friday, April 25. This will be our major fundraiser for the year and we will need your help in the planning and execution of the event and well as attending the banquet.
We have a special opportunity to send one of our youths to the 2014 Trout Camp next June. The cost to attend is $495 per student. Believing that the education of our youth is critically important in the development of future conservation leaders, the LRCTU BOD has agreed to provide $400 in tuition assistance to reducing the cost for one of our LRCTU youths to only $95. This assistance is limited to on youth and the application must be received by March 1.
The planning for Steve Moore’s retirement celebration continues. The dinner event is scheduled for February 1 at the River Plantation in Seviereville. I believe cutoff for reservation is January 17, so don’t procrastinate if you plan on attending.
Our membership meeting is Thursday, January 23. Matt Kulp of the GSMNP Fisheries Dept. will be our presenter discussing Park current and future conservation efforts. I hope to see you there.
Time flies when you’re having fun. It’s hard to believe I’m already starting my second year as the Chapter President. I’m truly excited about the year ahead of us. Happy New Year, stay warm and be safe!
Mike
