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A motion was made and approved by members present to purchase four (4) new fly tying kits to add to the six kits that we already own. That will give us ten kits to work with. Chip has four of the chapter’s kits and Dick V. has two donated from L.L. Bean that will all be transferred to Bill Bainter to use at with “Project Healing Waters”.

Also, Dover said to get 12-13 of the Chapter’s rods from the Orvis store to use with Project Healing Waters.

Marvin Huffman reported on the Gathright Dam situation. The company who wants to generate power through the dam has submitted a revised application. The Chapter needs to officially follow up within 90 days. The power generating entity was NOT granted permission to raise the “full pond” level of the lake like they wanted to do. There is a 17 mile habitat below the Gathright Dam that holds 1300 trout/mile through the first 1/3 of the area and 1100 trout/mile throughout the last 2/3. The next public meeting concerning the addition of the power generator will be held during the week of September 29.

Catawba Creek

Jack Ward reported that Virginia Tech gave the “go ahead” on the project, however they are not providing any funds. Catawba Creek will be added to the Save Our Streams list which includes applying Water Quality and Management practices to the stream. The next step for the Chapter is to have an expert (referred by National TU) evaluate the stream and tell us what we should do. Brian Moore of National T.U. is coordinating and will also come to look at the stream.

Financial Report:

$1500 Donation from Gander Mountain arrived. This gift was in appreciation of the many local TU members who participated in the Grand Opening of the new Gander Mountain store at Hollins. Thanks to everyone who helped out.

Also, Ned Yost donated $500 to the Chapter. We have received a $1300 check from Orvis to help with a Trout in the Classroom project at the Center in the Square, but we still haven’t been able to get a response/commitment from the Center in the Square to establish the project. Dick Vipperman will call them one more time on Thursday, Sept 18. If the Center in the Square will not let us know what to do, we will be forced to return the money to Orvis, or get permission from them to use the money in other areas.

At present, we have $6266.29 in our account prior to adding the aforementioned donations and raffle ticket proceeds that have been sent in.

By our next meeting, David Wilson needs all members who have spent any hours in support of TU to give him a list of their hours. These hours could be from attending meetings, stream cleanups, working the Grand Opening at Gander Mountain, Stream Stockings….pretty much anything in support of TU.

A fishing trip is planned by Jon and George for the first weekend in March at Meadow Lane Cottages. Sign up now before all of the spots are taken.

October 4^th will be the stream cleanup at Green Hill Park at 9 am. This is in coordination with the Valley Cleanup Day for the entire Roanoke River throughout the area.

Also on October 4^th, Dover and Betty will be getting married. Congratulations and Best Wishes.

A 7 ½ foot bamboo rod was stolen from the Colorado Street bridge area in Salem. Please be on the lookout for anyone trying to sell this rod and call the Orvis Store (or the Police) if you see this rod.

George gave an update on the upcoming raffle to be held on October 15, 2008. He said sales where going very well, that we had some wow factor prizes and recognized those who contributed to the prize donations.

Trout in the Classroom. Jon gave an update in Karl's absence on the current programs in place, future programs for next year and the need for members to volunteer as coordinators for the next year programs. Also discussed student memberships for kids enrolled in TIC programs. Karl will give further updates at upcoming meetings.

Jon discussed the upcoming South Holston fishing trip on Nov. 13-15.

Marvin, Bill Bainter and Chris gave updates and discussed the Project Healing Waters program at the VA Medical Center in Salem. There is a need for volunteers to assist with casting, fishing and fly tying. Bill requested funding for fly tying kits and materials and the motion was passed to make those purchases.

Marvin reported on the Gathright project. He gave many details about the proposed project and will send additional support materials to be posted to the website. There is a link at the bottom left hand column of the website to view all materials on this project.

Jack reported on Catawba Creek project on VA Tech farm in Catawba. There will be a meeting this Friday at the Catawba Community Building to further discuss plans.

David Wilson gave a financial report and Chip will provide details to be posted later.

David also requested that all members turn in their volunteer hours at our October meeting so he can complete the required paper work for the IRS. He is to send a copy of the Volunteer Sheet and I will post to website for those who need to print it off for completion.

Ned Yost has invited our chapter to the NRV TU and Roanoke TU Casual Country Party which will be held on Saturday, November 1, 2008 from 5:30 to ? It will be located at Maison Beliveau, 5415 Gallion Ridge Road, Blacksburg, VA. There will be a cash bar, live music, dinner catered in and a program. These funds are being raised to support efforts and activities to restore reproducing trout populations in Catawba Creek and the North Fork of Roanoke River. Bruce Ingram will talk about the importance of our headwaters. Cost will be provided soon.

George reported on the Meadow Lane Lodge trip scheduled for March 2009. More details to come.

George talked about the New River Valley TU chapter fund raising and raffle and asked for our chapters support on their event.

Hans discussed the Clean Valley Day and Roanoke TU participation in the river clean up at Green Hill Park. This will be on Saturday, October 4, 2008 starting at 9 a.m. As always Anke will make her delicious mini muffins and provide coffee. This is a really fun event and all should try to attend and assist. We will also try to put up new regulation signs on this day as well.