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SEPTEMBER MEETING - The September monthly meeting was attended by 31 people and featured a mixed bag of topics. In our first meeting after our summer break, George Kessler gave us a rundown on the October raffle. In Ron Herring's absence, Dick Vipperman presented an update on Chapter Focus activities, headed up by Ron and his committee. Dover England demonstrated the tying of his newest secret weapon, the Roanoke River Grub. In addition, since fishing weather is coming back upon us, there were start-up discussions on possible group fishing trips.

A major item presented for consideration by Bayes Wilson was the upcoming elections in November. We need candidates for the offices, particularly for president and vice president. David Wilson and Chip Davis have agreed to remain in their present positions of treasurer and secretary, respectively.

AUGUST, 2006 - No meeting - summer break

JULY 15, 2006 MEETING - The July meeting featured the annual picnic, held at Wysor Smith's place in the woods. An all-time record turnout of approximately 45-50 members, friends, and families joined us for barbecue, fishing, and fellowship. It was really encouraging to see the number of family members at the event. Many thanks to Wysor for his hospitality and to Chip Davis and Jack Ward for their work in organizing the event.

JUNE 21, 2006 MEETING - No report on the meeting. This reporter was unable to attend the meeting.

MAY 17, 2006 MEETING - Dan Genest, of Dominion Power, was the main presenter. Dan spoke on the role of Dominion power in the challenging task of providing electrical power while practicing environmental disciplines.

APRIL 19, 2006 MEETING - Scott Smith of the local DGIF office gave a wide - ranging presentation of fish and stream situations for our entire region. Such presentations are extremely useful in keeping the Chapter informed of the latest information relating to our interests. Scott will be contacting us in a couple of months to line up help for Smith River fish shocking activities.

MARCH 15, 2006 MEETING - The regular March meeting was a blast! Sherry Crumley, DGIF Chairperson and Gary Martel, DGIF Director of Fisheries presented to an enthusiastic crowd. In addition, we had a presentation by Doctor Robert Jenkins, a biology professor at Roanoke college, an appeal by Kiwanians Dee Copenhaver and Barry Akers for TU assistance at a kids fishing rodeo, a description of a couple of other opportunities to partner with other organizations, a committee workshop by Bayes Wilson, and assignments of all committee chairs! We are ready to roll.

FEBRUARY 15, 2006 MEETING - The February meeting continued our upsurge in meeting attendance. The main topic on the agenda was the results of the recent Chapter survey. Those results were the basis of further discussions regarding the future of the Chapter. The most significant point of the meeting was an agreement that Chapter activities could be best managed by the formation of a group of committees that could work apart from the main body to develop ideas and them report them to attendees of regular meetings. Bayes Wilson was chartered to call a meeting of Chapter 308 officers and Advisory Board to develop a plan for the formation and implementation of such committees. A report of that meeting will be published on this web site and brought before the attendees of future meetings.

JANUARY 18, 2006 MEETING - The attendance at the January meeting was about double that of a normal meeting. Not only was the session well attended, but members came prepared to voice their opinions as to what they wanted for the future of the Chapter as well as their personal preferences and interests. There were many areas of common ground, great suggestions for expansion of scope and definite willingness to advance new ideas. I really think we have the potential to maintain a comfort level within the chapter as well as to expand activities that would improve diversification and spark even greater interest in the Chapter.