Club Meeting Minutes
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Connestee
Falls Fishing Club – Monthly Meeting
Thursday November 17, 2022, Blue Ridge Lounge – 9:00 a.m.
Call
to Order – George Goyette
·
About 30 members in
attendance
·
Pledge of Allegiance
·
In opening remarks,
George noted the 24 bottles of wine donated by Tracy Berry had resulted in a
$274 donation to the Bread of Life in Brevard.
Secretary’
Report – Dave Maeda
·
50/50 Raffle – total
receipts $37. Linda Grambow donated her winnings back to the Club.
·
Minutes from the last
meeting approved.
·
Club memberships – 225
households.
·
Boat Sales – One sale
for $700 in November.
·
2023 Calendar Sales – To
date, 65 orders for 108 calendars totaling $1,417.
·
No new Lunkers
reported during November. The year to date Lunker count is 16.
·
13 First Catches
reported to date.
·
George G. reported
receiving a Thank You note from the CFSSP for the Club’s donation of $250 to
the program.
Programs
and events – Linda Grambow
·
Today’s program – The Muskie Mile by Landon Lipke of
Davidson River Outfitters (DRO).
·
January’s program – Fishing the Banks of Connestee Lakes
by Chris Wunder.
Treasurer’s
Report – Vernetta Milts
·
We
currently have a balance of about $30,200 in the Club’s checking account. after
Fish Fry expenses.
·
Fish
Fry netted a profit of $7,022.
·
Reviewed
the proposed Club 2023 proposed Budget which includes an $8600 deficit. Vernetta
noted that the Proposed Budget is only for 2023 income and expenditures and
does not include the current balance in the Club’s checking account. The
Proposed Budget will be posted to the website as soon as the 2022 expenditures
are finalized. Voting on the Proposed Budget will be both online and in person
at the 19Jan2023 general meeting. An email will go out to Club members when the
Proposed Budget has been posted and electronic voting is open.
Sunshine
Report – Marion Wolf
No cards were sent this month.
Outreach Program
– Nick Revill
As the retiring chair of the Outreach program, Nick thanked the
Outreach volunteers and provided a summary of activities and accomplishments
for 2022.
Fishery
Management Update – Joe
McMurray
·
Lake
water temps have dropped into the lower 50s.
·
The
Fall stocking of full sized trout has been completed. Joe noted that many of
the stocked trout were in the two to three pound range and that the trout
Lunker size may need to be increased.
·
Plans
for the Spring trout stocking are proceeding. As part of the Spring stocking, there
have been discussions of substituting either brown trout or golden trout (the
rainbow variant) for the tagged rainbows in the Golden Trout Award. High
Country Trout, our current trout source, has both options available.
·
Plans
to stock forage fish, bream, are also going forward tentatively scheduled for
February 2023.
·
The
current hot topic of otters and beavers in the Connestee Falls lakes is a work
in process.
Adjourn
to the Musky Mile Presentation by Landon Lipke from DRO.
Next Club
meeting: 9:00 AM Thursday, January 19th in the Blue Ridge Lounge.
18 Nov 2022
Dave Maeda
Connestee
Falls Fishing Club – Monthly Meeting
Thursday October 20, 2022, Cherokee Room – 9:00 a.m.
Call
to Order – George Goyette
·
About 30 members in
attendance
·
Pledge of Allegiance
·
In opening remarks,
George thanked the CF community for their continued support of the Wine Raffle
with over 100 bottles of wine and over $3600 in ticket sales. Tracy Berry,
second prize winner of 24 bottles of wine, donated her prize back to the Club.
Her 24 bottles were offered to the attending members for a cash donation to the
Bread of Life in Brevard.
Secretary’
Report – Dave Maeda
·
Minutes from the last
meeting approved.
·
50/50 Raffle – total
receipts $53. Steve Seelinger donated his winnings, $27, back to the Bread of
Life.
·
Club memberships – 219
households.
·
Boat Sales – One sale
for $750 in October. To date, $8,160 gross with $527 in expenses for a net of
$7,633.
·
2023 Calendar Sales –
39 to date.
·
No Lunkers reported during
October. The year to date Lunker count is 16.
·
13 First Catches
reported to date.
Programs
and events – Linda Grambow
·
Today’s program – What the
Club does for the community and how to get involved, basically a Club Open House.
·
November
program – The Muskie Mile by Davidson River Outfitters.
Treasurer’s
Report – Vernetta Milts
·
We
currently have a balance of about $28,500 in the Club’s checking account after
Fish Fry expenses.
·
Fish
Fry netted about $6800.
·
A
motion was made and passed to increase discretionary spending on a budgeted
line item from $300 to $1000. However, it was found after the meeting Club
Bylaws require a written motion be submitted to the general membership before a
vote, both of which could be done electronically. To be continued.
Sunshine
Report – Marion Wolf
Cards were sent this month to Joyce Hybil and Meryl Huckabey.
Outreach Program
The Special Olympics event at Atagahi Park on Saturday 24 Sep went
well.
Fishery
Management Update – Joe
McMurray
·
Lake
water temps have dropped into the 60s and started to turnover.
·
Plans
for a Fall stocking of full sized trout are proceeding on schedule for
November.
·
Plans
to stock forage fish, bream, are also going forward tentatively scheduled for
February 2023.
·
The
current hot topic of otters in the Connestee Falls lakes is a work in process.
·
Anyone
wishing to assist placing fish hides should contact Joe McMurray.
Adjourn
to the Fishing Club Open House
Next Club
meeting: 9:00 AM Thursday, November 17th in the Cherokee Room.
20 Oct 2022
Dave Maeda
Connestee Falls Fishing Club – Monthly Meeting
Thursday September 17, 2022, Blueridge Lounge – 9:00 a.m.
Call to Order – Myron Pstrak
- 18 members in attendance
- Pledge of Allegiance
- Minutes from the last meeting approved
Secretary’ Report – Al Byrne
- 50/50 Raffle – total receipts $41. Winner Myron Pstrak donated his winnings back to the Club.
- Club memberships – 217 households.
- Boat Sales – $7,260 to date, thanks primarily to the generous donation of a pontoon boat.
- 1 Lunker reported – Dave Maeda, 12” redear sunfish while fishing with Bill Roehrich in Lake Atagahi, using ultralight tackle.
- 12 First Catches reported to date this season!
Treasurer’s Report – Vernetta
We currently have a balance of $28,460 in the Club’s checking account.
Programs and events – George Goyette
- Today’s program – “Finesse Fishing” by Dave Maeda & Bill Roehrich.
- October program – plan to publicize what the Club does for the community. Invite all Connestee residents.
Sunshine Report – Frank Wolf
No cards sent this month.
Outreach Program – George Hewertson
We will be hosting the Special Olympics athletes this coming Saturday, Sept 24, at Atagahi Park.
Fishery Management Update – Rick Hybil
- Joe McMurray was recently fishing with Jimmy Fisher in Lake Atagahi, and in 3 hours they caught 45-50 bass. Joe was very encouraged by the size of the catches. Only 4 or 5 were in the 10”-12” range; all the rest were larger! Forage fish stocking is definitely making a difference.
- We are planning a Fall stocking of full sized trout and expect to also continue with our forage fish stocking.
- We have submitted a budget request to the POA for $21,000 for stocking next year.
Fish Fry
- 231 meal tickets were sold, generating revenues of $3,696.
- The silent auction generated $1,990 in receipts and the merchandise raffle generated $1,140. Net profit after expenses for the tent & table rental and purchase of gift cards was $1,900. There are several unclaimed raffle prizes; ticket numbers are posted on the Club website.
- The wine raffle got over 100 bottles donated. 1200 tickets were sold for revenues totaling $3,605. Raffle winners are:
- 1st prize: 48 bottles to Joan Valdes & Jim Pence
- 2nd prize: 24 bottles to Tracy Berry
- 3rd prize: 12 bottles to Amy Osterberg
- 4th prize: 12 bottles to Rob Sisserson
- Leftovers from the meal, including 8 fish fillets, were donated to Bread of Life.
- Fish Fry photos from Ray Tuers are posted on the Club website. Note that Ray has been preparing corn for the Fry for 26 years!!
Club Officers – Passing of the gavel:
Myron introduced next year’s officers. Terms begin October 1st:
- President – George Goyette
- Vice-president – Linda Grambow
- Treasurer – Vernetta Milts
- Secretary – Dave Maeda
Next Club meeting: Thursday, October 20th.
Adjourn to the Finesse Fishing presentation by Bill Roehrich & Dave Maeda. A copy of the slides is posted on the Club website.
9/17/2022
Al Byrne
Connestee Falls Fishing Club – Monthly Meeting
Thursday August 18, 2022, Cherokee Room – 9:00 a.m.
Call to Order – Myron Pstrak
- 35 members & guests in attendance
- Pledge of Allegiance
- Welcome New Members & Guests – 2 guests
- Minutes from the last meeting approved
Secretary’ Report – Al Byrne
- 50/50 Raffle – total receipts $54. Winner Dave Maeda donated his winnings back to the Club.
- Club memberships for the 2022 season are currently at 180.
- Boat Sales – $1085 to date, not including pending pontoon boat sale.
- 1 Lunker reported – Tim Brown, 26” bass caught with a plastic critter bait in Lake Ticoa.
- 8 First Catches reported in last 2 weeks!
- Fish Fry tickets are now available for sale on the Club website.
Treasurer’s Report – Vernetta
- We currently have a balance of approx $27,000 in the Club’s checking account.
- Vernetta is organizing the Fish Fry Silent Auction and Raffles. Raffle tickets can be purchased at the Fry, and you do not have to be there for the drawing. (Just write your name & phone on the back of the tickets).
Programs and events – George Goyette
- Today’s program – marlin fishing, by Joe McMurray. The program originally planned for today, the “Muskie Mile”, is rescheduled to November.
- Next month’s program will be on “finesse fishing” – by Dave Maeda & Bill Roehrich.
- To date we have sold $900 of Wine Raffle tickets. We plan to draw 3 winning tickets, 1st prize 48 bottles, 2nd prize 24 bottles, 3rd prize 12 bottles.
Sunshine Report – Frank Wolf
1 card sent this month.
Outreach Program – Nick Revill
- Nick reviewed the 4 recent Outreach events, all held at Ticoa Park, rather than Atagahi Park. Ticoa has good shade, convenient bathrooms, a pavilion, and good fishing! There are no more events scheduled for this season.
- Nick announced that he Is stepping down from the co-chair position for next season, but he will continue to be involved with Outreach. George Hewertson will continue in his co-chair position.
Fishery Management Update – Joe McMurray
- Surface water temps are running in the high 70s. Thermocline is at approx. 30’.
- This time of year, plan to keep trout for the table. Most will die if released.
- We will not be stocking trout fingerlings due to the concern for whirling disease.
- Fish Hide building is scheduled for Tuesday, 8/30, at the Atagahi Park pavilions. Joe will be providing smoked ribs, chicken wings, french fries, and (of course) beer.
Club Officer Election Nominating Committee – Jim Bailey
- The committee, consisting of Jim Bailey, Ray Tuers, and George Hewertson, has assembled a slate of nominees for next year’s officers. And nominations are closed. Nominations are:
- President – George Goyette
- Vice-president – Linda Grambow
- Treasurer – Vernetta Milts
- Secretary – Dave Maeda
- Since there is only 1 nominee for each position, no member voting is required. The current slate of nominees is hereby elected by acclimation. Terms for new officers begin October 1.
Fish Fry – Randy Bunn
- The Fry is scheduled for Sept 13. Seating will be available in the Atagahi pavilions and we will also offer curbside service.
- We are planning for 250 meals; including 7-9 oz catfish fillets. Meal pick-up times will be scheduled in 15 min increments, like we did last year, to assure meals are hot & fresh.
- Music during the event will be provided by Connestee’s own “Strings & Things”.
Adjourn to the presentation by Joe McMurray.
8/18/2022
Al Byrne
Connestee Falls Fishing Club – Monthly Meeting
Thursday July 21, 2022, Cherokee Room – 9:00 a.m.
Call to Order – Myron Pstrak
- 28 members & guests in attendance
- Pledge of Allegiance
- Welcome New Members & Guests – 1 new member/guest
- Minutes from the last meeting approved
Secretary’ Report – Al Byrne
- 50/50 Raffle – total receipts $39. Winner Dave Maeda donated his winnings back to the Club.
- Club memberships for the 2022 season are currently at 176.
- Boat Sales – $885 to date.
- No Golden Trout, First Catches, or Lunkers reported. Please help us promote the “First Catch” award program.
Treasurer’s Report – Vernetta
We currently have a balance of over $27,000 in the Club’s checking account.
Programs and events – George Goyette
- To date we have donations of 84 bottles of wine for the Fish Fry Wine Bonanza. We plan to draw 3 winning tickets, 1st, 2nd and 3rd
- Today’s program – presentation by Lt. Greg Stroup
- Next month’s program will likely be a speaker from Davidson River Outfitters, telling us about fishing the “Muskie Mile”.
Sunshine Report – Frank Wolf
2 cards sent this month.
Outreach Program – Nick Revill
- We had 52 participants in the Fish-A-Rama……most ever recorded.
- We have hosted 2 of our recent Outreach events at Ticoa Park, rather than Atagahi Park. Not as busy and good fishing.
- On July 18th we hosted a group from Rise & Shine. This was the first time we included that group in the Outreach program, and it went very well.
- The Bound For Glory literacy camp is this Saturday, and then we have only 2 more events scheduled for this season.
Fishery Management Update – Rick Hybil
- Surface water temps are running around 80 degs. Thermocline is at approx. 20’.
- Trout fishing will be best around the thermocline. Good oxygen and cool temps.
- This time of year, plan to keep trout for the table. Most will likely die if released.
- This is a slow time of year for catches, so it’s a good time to try a variety of different lures.
Club Officer Election Nominating Committee – Jim Bailey
- The committee, consisting of Jim Bailey, Ray Tuers, and George Hewertson, are actively seeking nominees for next year’s 4 Club officer positions.
- Nominations will be accepted until the 2nd Thursday in August. To submit a nomination, contact one of the Committee members. And feel free to contact any of the Club officers to discuss the duties of any of the officer positions.
- At the regular August Club meeting, the Committee will announce the nominee (s) for each office and an electronic ballot will then be sent by email to all members. The election will be completed at the September meeting by members previously casting ballots electronically and those present at the meeting.
Fish Fry – Randy Bunn
- The Fry is scheduled for Sept 13.
- Planning to do a full “sit-down” under the Atagahi pavilions and also offer curbside service.
- Planning for 250 meals; including 7-9 oz catfish fillets.
- A Raffle and Silent Auction are planned. Vernetta is coordinating that activity.
- Music during the event will be provided by Connestee’s own “Strings & Things”.
Adjourn to the presentation by Lt. Greg Stroup of the Sheriff’s Dept.
7/21/2022
Al Byrne
Connestee Falls Fishing Club – Monthly Meeting
Thursday June 16, 2022, Cherokee Room – 9:00 a.m.
Call to Order – Myron Pstrak
- 28 members & guests in attendance
- Pledge of Allegiance
- Welcome New Members & Guests – 1 returning member
- Minutes from the last meeting approved
Secretary’ Report – Al Byrne
- 50/50 Raffle – total receipts $47. Winner Jim McIntosh donated his winnings back to the Club.
- Club memberships for the 2022 season are currently at 166.
- Boat Sales – $425 to date.
- No Golden Trout or First Catches reported.
- Lunkers awards – 12 so far this year!
- White Crappie – Zach Stroup, Lake Ticoa
- Bass – Ryan Stroup, 5 ½ lbs – 21”, Lake Ticoa
- Bass – Jimmy Fisher, very large but no details, Lake Atagahi
Treasurer’s Report – Vernetta
We currently have a balance of $26,800 in the Club’s checking account.
Programs and events – George Goyette
- Today’s program – presentation from Conserving Carolina
- Next month’s program TBD
Sunshine Report – Marian Wolf
1 card sent this month.
Outreach Program – Nick Revill
- June 7th, Sheriff’s Shield Camp, 23 kids, 42+ fish caught (all brim and 1 trout)
- June 14th, TVS, 4 clients and each caught a fish.
- Plan to arrive at FAR at 8:30 am to rig rods.
- Recently donated new rods will be awarded to FAR 1st prize winners.
Fishery Management Update – Joe McMurray
- Surface water temps are running around 78-79 degs. Thermocline is at 20-25’.
- Spring fishing was excellent. Slowed down some now, but still good.
- Bass are still hanging on the banks and at 10-15’ depth.
- Planning to build the PVC fish hides sometime in July or August at Atagahi Park. Need approx. 12 volunteers.
Fish Fry – Randy Bunn
- Scheduled for Sept 13.
- Expecting to do a “sit-down” under the Atagahi pavilion. May also offer a curbside service.
- A raffle is planned. Donations needed.
Tips on Wacky Rigging a Senko – Bill Roehrich
Bill discussed how successful this rig can be and explained 3 alternative rigging systems.
Closure & Comments from the Floor:
- Fish-A-Rama is this Saturday, June 18th, 10 am to 1 pm.
- The July Club meeting will be 7/21, 9 am, Atagahi Park.
Adjourn to the presentation from Conserving Carolina
6/16/2022
Al Byrne
Connestee Falls Fishing Club – Monthly Meeting
Saturday May 21, 2022, Atagahi Pavilion– 10:00 a.m.
Call to Order – Myron Pstrak
- Pledge of Allegiance
- Welcome New Members & Guests – 45 total in attendance including 3 new members.
- Minutes from the last meeting approved.
Secretary’ Report – Al Byrne
- Club memberships for the 2022 season are currently at 160.
- Boat Sales – $350 to date.
- No Golden Trout or First Catches reported.
- Lunkers awards – 10 so far this year!
- 1 Bass – 20” Stu Davidson
- 2 Trout – 20 ½” Cork Snearly; 26” Dave Maeda
- 1 Redear – 11” Dave Maeda
- 6 Black Crappie – (1) 16”, (5) 14” Dave Maeda
Treasurer’s Report – Vernetta
We currently have a balance of approx. $24,000 in the Club’s checking account.
Programs and events – Myron for George Goyette
- Today’s program – Update from the Natural Resources Stewardship Committee.
- June 16 meeting – Torry Nergert from Conserving Carolina will present the movie “Hidden Rivers”. Location Cherokee Room.
- June 18 – Fish-A-Rama. Need additional volunteers to help with registrations, umpiring, serving food. (If you can help, email us at contact@cffishclub.org).
Sunshine Report – Marian Wolf
2 cards sent this month.
Outreach Program – George Hewertson
- 20 events have been scheduled so far for this season.
- 2 events completed to date.
- Check the Club’s website under the heading “Outreach” for the schedule of upcoming events.
Fishery Management Update – Joe McMurray
- Surface water temps are running around 75 degs.
- Recent bass fishing has been “bordering on incredible”. An experienced angler can catch 40-50 bass in several hours of fishing. Bass are hanging around the lake edges.
- Trout have moved deeper. Suggest fishing at around 20 feet.
- We are using the Connestee retention ponds to grow forage fish. Early results are very promising.
Bass Tournament Update – Stu Davidson:
The event was a great success, with 11 teams participating and 75 folks gathered for the weigh-in. Complete results are available on the Club’s website under the heading “News & Events à Latest News”.
Closure & Comments from the Floor:
- George Goyette needs volunteers to help with the Fish Fry Wine Raffle.
- The next Club meeting is scheduled for Thursday, June 16, in the Cherokee Room.
Adjourn to Natural Resources Committee program and Hot Dog Lunch
5/21/2022
Al Byrne
Connestee Falls Fishing Club – Monthly Meeting
Thursday April 21, 2022, Cherokee Room – 9:00 a.m.
Call to Order – Myron Pstrak
- Pledge of Allegiance
- Welcome New Members & Guests – 35 total in attendance including 3 new members/guests
- Minutes from the last meeting approved
50/50 Raffle:
The winner was Linda Grambow, who donated her winnings back to the Club. Thank you Linda. Total proceeds $50.
Programs and events – George Goyette
- Today’s program – Adam Moticak, superintendent of the state fish hatchery in Pisgah National Forest.
- May’s meeting program will feature Graham Smith, chairman of Connestee’s new Natural Resources Stewardship Committee.
Secretary’ Report – Al Byrne
- Club memberships for the 2021 season expire April 30th, 2022. Memberships for the 2022 season are currently at 109.
- Reminder: CFPOA fishing licenses also expire April 30th.
- Lunkers awards:
- On March 27 Dave Maeda caught a 14+” Black Crappie from the dock at Ticoa Dam. Dave was fishing with a fly rod and a #4 orange/brown wooly bugger.
- On March 28 Cork Snearly caught a 20 ½” trout while trolling a diving crankbait on Lake Wanteska.
Each winner received a Lunker certificate and a $25 Clubhouse gift card.
Treasurer’s Report – Myron for Vernetta
We currently have a balance of approx. $24,000 in the Club’s checking account.
Sunshine Report – Frank Wolf
Frank thanked the many residents and friends for their support and attendance at the memorial service for their son Scott.
Outreach Program – Nick Revill
- Nick reported that a number of Outreach events are in the process of being scheduled, including Sheriff’s Shield Camp, TVS, Bound for Glory, Boys & Girls Club, and Pari.
- We expect to have a schedule of events posted on the website within a week.
Fishery Management Update – Joe McMurray
- Surface water temps are running around 62-64 degs. Oxygen levels are good.
- We are expecting the May spawn to be big.
- The stocking of 700 catfish was completed on March 24th, at a cost of $1,400, paid for by the Fishing Club.
- Two more stockings of forage fish are being planned.
Bass Tournament May 7 – Stu Davidson:
- Stu provided a handout with the details. Information is also available on the Club’s website.
- There is a concern with keeping the fish alive for the weigh-in. Suggest participants bring a large cooler and keep the water aerated, either with a portable aerator or by replenishing the water regularly.
Tip of the Day:
Bill Roehrich demonstrated a “Fish Gripper” which is great for safely handling trout, so you can get a photo and release without harming the fish. Available on Amazon for about $12.
Other Business:
Fish Fry
- The date of the Fish Fry has been finalized for Tuesday, Sept. 13. Tentative planning is for a timed serving procedure similar to last year, but with “in house” dining in Atagahi Park’s pavilions in addition to drive-through pick-ups. Exact pricing and the number of tickets to be sold will be determined at a later date.
- A big part of the Fish Fry is the Wine Bonanza Raffle. George Goyette is coordinating the event and needs volunteers to collect wine donations and sell raffle tickets.
CF Security
- Myron spoke with Mike from Security and Security plans to check CFPOA fishing licenses and creel limits. Mike also suggested that residents call Security if they observe rule violations.
- We should provide laminated sets of fishing rules to Security.
- The old signs at the lakes regarding CFPOA fishing licenses should be reviewed/standardized/replaced as needed.
Free Table
- Starting with next month’s Club meeting we will have a “Free” table set up for members to offer fishing and boating items they no longer need.
Donation of Rods/Reel combos
- We were very fortunate to receive a donation of 30 Zebco combos from a Connestee visitor who was very favorably impressed with the Outreach program.
The next Club meeting is scheduled for Saturday, May 21, in the Atagahi Pavilion, and will include our famous Tubesteak Lunch.
Adjourn to program by Adam Moticak
4/21/2022
Al Byrne