LETTER FROM PRESIDENT Great Smoky Mountain Chapter #047

Great Smoky Mountain Chapter #047

 

This week has been a roller coaster of emotions for everyone in this area, from the happy gathering of friends and families at Thanksgiving, to the devastating news of the fires in Gatlinburg, TN and surrounding neighborhoods. Everyone has been affected in one way or another, either directly or has a friend or family member who has suffered a loss. If there is a bright spot it is that it has created an outpouring of donations and prayers from around the world.

 

 

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the surrounding towns are beloved by people that are evidenced by over 11 million annual visitors. Many in the country have a story to tell from a visit as a child with their family, a romantic getaway or a special camping trip to our region. It is an American treasure and for those of us who live, work, and play here it is our backyard to protect and guard. Our friends and neighbors have suffered losses but remain “Tennessee Strong” and the full weight of our state and federal agencies are hard at work to help, along with our famous Tennessee volunteer attitude.

 

The next year is going to be a full and busy one starting with our next chapter meeting on Thursday, January 19th 2017 at the Blackhorse Pub 4429 Kingston Pike Knoxville TN. Yes...it is time for the “IRON MAN FLY CONTEST 2017one of our most popular events of the year. If you have not seen or heard about this contest it is a “can’t miss event” as we raise money to send a deserving boy or girl to Trout Camp in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park each summer. Join us in a rollicking evening as fly tiers compete for prizes and honors tying from a grab bag assortment of materials that they have never seen before. Please see the article below for more details to either tie or watch as we enjoy great food and craft beer at the Blackhorse Pub. Come early for this one it packs out quickly!

 

Just a few days later we will also have a booth on January 21-22, 2017 at the Great Smoky Mountains Outdoor Show being held at the Knoxville Civic Coliseum. The space was donated to us by the show promoter who has been a friend to our chapter in the past, if you would like to help on either of those days please let me know. Ideally if we have enough help we can do short shifts and get a chance to walk around and see the outdoor related exhibits. No experience is required just talk to people about what Trout Unlimited means to you as people stop by the booth. 

 

Of course set your calendar now for April 21-23, as we gather for the 2017 Trout Unlimited Southeast Regional meeting in Gatlinburg, TN. This weekend is the annual gathering of TU members, families and friends from eight states across the Southeast. The Glenstone Lodge is our host for the weekend and yes they like most of downtown Gatlinburg escaped the damaging fire. The event will feature workshops, seminars, and a barbecue dinner in the park… and you know that no visit to the Great Smoky National Park is complete without time for fishing! See the article below for more information. Weblink: http://www.tuseregional2017.org/

 

"Our chapter elections this fall have brought on-board new officers and board members to fill the ranks and I look forward to working with them this year. It will be an exciting time to be member of the Great Smoky Mountain TU as we prepare for the coming year with fresh ideas and events."

 

 

John Reinhardt

President

Great Smoky Mountain #047