Finally…. it looks like we have at last broken the 90 degree days, keep your fingers crossed!  This summer has been a record breaking heat wave as we all know and I am personally not sorry to see the heat go. Now it is time to gear up for fall; warm days, cool nights, and great autumn fishing.

Big thanks to everyone who came out last week to our first indoor meeting of the fall at the Blackhorse Pub. I am still getting emails from people saying what a great presentation John Thurman gave on aquatic insects in our area. John is not only the "Bug Dude" but a genuinely kind and patient individual who volunteers countless hours for TU and many other groups. Again, thanks John!

We just got back Sunday from our annual camp-out at Smokemont in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park with the Little River TU chapter. It is hard to believe this is our fourth year and each time we say this one was the best so far. I truly can say this was a winner, picture perfect weather, great company and fantastic food! The water was low and made for tougher fishing; but the campfires at night under the stars and dinners cooked by Little River TU members, Stan Starkey and Ernie & Joyce Frey made up for any missed fish during the day. Yes of course there were S ‘mores by the fire and beverages of choice, the next one will in the spring at Cataloochee and as we always say… "Do not miss this one!"

As I have been mentioning, 2016-2017 for Tennessee Trout Unlimited and our chapter is going to be packed with events and things to do. In addition to our chapter meetings; events ranging from the Fly Tying Weekend in Bryson City, NC November 4th & 5th, and the 2nd year return of "The Ironman Fly Tying Contest" are on the calendar. The "Ironman" held at the Blackhorse Pub is where we raise money to sponsor a child to Trout Camp in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park each summer. It is because of the donations of our sponsors and the fly tiers registration fee that makes this free rollicking event possible. You have to see it to believe it as they tie with the crazy materials presented to them all for a great cause.

The crown event of the year is going to be the annual Trout Unlimited Southeast Regional Meeting 2017 being held the weekend of April 21st, 2017 in Gatlinburg, TN. This event being hosted by the combined chapters of the Tennessee TU State Council will draw TU members and their guests from 8 states in the southeastern United States. Our host hotel will be the Glenstone Lodge in Gatlinburg, TN and the plans are already made for our Saturday Night BBQ inside the Great Smoky National Park. Combine this event with fishing next door in the Great Smoky Mountains and family attractions just minutes away from the hotel and you have the makings of one of the biggest regional meetings ever held in our area. Registration and details will be coming soon so stay tuned for news and updates during this coming year!

Our next chapter meeting will be held on Thursday, October 20 at the Blackhorse Pub starting at 6PM as usual. I am excited about this month's presenter, Dr. David Unger, professor of Biology at Maryville College.  I saw Dr. Unger's presentation on bears about two years ago and have been wanting to bring him to our chapter for a presentation. His main field of study is ecology carnivore and the study of predator/prey interactions. Let me put that in to words I understand: "Things that can eat you in the woods!" Bears and wolves to be specific. This is going to be another great night in our speakers series, do not miss it!

The nominations were made at last week's September meeting for the chapter officers and board members to serve for the coming year. Below are the nominations; voting and confirmation will take place on October 20 at the next chapter meeting.

Board member Nominations :

Noel Hudson

Larry Parker

Sue Stone.

Chapter Officers Nominations:

President-John Reinhardt

Vice-President-Michael Bachman

Secretary-Lou Gauci

Treasurer-Bruce McNiel

*(Chapter officers also serve as board members)

Please make plans to join us on Thursday, October 20th, 2016 at the Blackhorse Pub for our next meeting and election of officers.  Stay in tune to the webpage and emails and if you know of someone who is not receiving the emails let us know. As always I thank everyone for their support and efforts to make our chapter a success!

John Reinhardt

President

Email: john711111@yahoo.com