A ‘Catch-up’ meeting (report by Ray Tuers)
The Club held its first meeting in seven months on Oct. 31, a kind of pandemic-era catch-up gathering that we called an End-of-Season, Meet & Greet, Bring-Your-Own-Chair and Wear-Your-Mask meeting.
It was held at the Atagahi Park pavilion on a Saturday morning. And although temperatures hovered close to the 30s that day more than 40 members and guests turned out.
“I think folks are just anxious to get out and do something,” said Club Treasurer Vernetta Milts, who with other Club officers reported on latest activities.
Our new president, Myron Pstrak, opened the meeting with a series of updates on activities. He mentioned September’s drive-by version of our annual Fish Fry, the latest stocking, the record number of large fish caught so far this year and a number of other subjects.
Vice President George Goyette talked about programs we may hold at future meetings, Secretaary Al Byrne reported on boat sales and the new First Catch awards for children, and Fishery Management Committee Co-chair Joe McMurray told members about lake conditions.
Chris Wunder, who is putting out our annual calendar and the club’s book celebrating Connestee’s 50th anniversary, reported on those projects.
And Randy Bunn gave a roundup on the Fish Fry, which Vernetta said yielded a net profit of $4,000 to benefit the Club’s various projects and programs.
The Executive Committee decided to try the socially distancing format during its early October meeting and set the Saturday date. Many members brought their own chairs and all wore masks. Before and after, we served our usual “coffee-and” light refreshments.
At the end, members applauded the effort and several cried out their thanks to the officers.
“I’m glad we did it,” said Myron. “I think it went well and members certainly seemed to appreciate getting out and talking fishing.”