Vice President’s Note – April 2024

My first month as VP and I’ve been deserted while Bob and Sarah enjoy a very long and fabulous meandering trip. I hope we get great pictures when they return.

I had the choice of writing the President’s notes or not for this month. I decided it was a good time to kind of introduce myself in my new capacity and explain a little about how I got here. I have been on many boards and committees. Some I have enjoyed and some I have not, but never have I felt so privileged and excited to have been asked to take on this role.

Fly fishing began when my brother Roy asked if I wanted to share a day with him on fly fishing instruction in the fall of 2012. Being up for anything, I said yes. We arrived at Headwaters Outfitters when it was a quiet place. We did all the beginner stuff, then went to the river. Very much like today when I go to the river, I didn’t catch a thing.

The gentleman I was with informed me that fishermen never tell a lie, but they will tell a tall tale every now and then. It was then we hatched the plan to tell Roy I had caught a 14 inch rainbow. This made Roy a bit grumbly since we each had a bit of a competitive side. Didn’t tell him any different until I headed off to bed.

My brother started me on an adventure that would eventually change my entire life. That day, something inside of me came to life. I had always loved the river, but now I was in love with it. I realized standing in the middle of a river any time was a great day. Going out to fish would always make for adventure!

As with rivers, my life took many turns over the years, with a few rapids and riffles, pools and runs. I found new friends and connected them with my old friends. I began attending Little River Chapter meetings and added even more new friends. I have found the people I encounter are anxious to share knowledge, supportive of any learning process, and great to work with. I also learned that fishing was not the only thing I loved about water. There were bugs! Then there was fly tying, then…..well, you get the picture.

Now for current day! It’s time for Trout in the Classroom releases. If you have never volunteered for this, it takes only a couple of hours of your morning and I can guarantee you will be really glad you did. We could use your help this spring. You can contact Joyce Frey jmfrey55@icloud.com and let her know when you are available.

Here’s hoping your adventures are many!

Kim Emery
Rookie VP

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