Presidents Message

President's Message February 2023

Good afternoon all,

 

My apologies for the delay with the monthly newsletter. Time got away from me while I was enjoying the unseasonable warm weather here in RI. I Hope everyone is well, enjoying the low cost of heating our homes this year (HA HA), tying flies, fishing the last few days of the season, organizing your gear, and generally getting ready for spring!!

 

I here the trout are loving this warm weather and taking our offerings “sub surface” at some of your favorite spots!!

 

For those of you who will be at the meeting on Wednesday, I’ve attached a copy of the minutes from the December meeting. If there are any corrections or changes, please let us know. There then will be a motion to approve, as well as a motion to approve the treasures report from Lawson

 

Let’s cut to the chase before this newsletter gets too long. First, thank you for understanding the cancellation of last months meeting. Our speaker weas traveling a great distance to be here, the roads and weather was predicted to be bad, and out of an abundance of caution, we made the call. We will have Peter Denice back this year, so stay tuned.

 

THIS MONTH’S MEETING!!

 

Our first meeting of the year will take place on Wednesday February 22, 2023, at The Coventry-West Greenwich Elks Lodge is located at 42 Nooseneck Hill Rd, West Greenwich, Rhode Island, 02817. The meeting will begin at 6:00pm. Feel free to show up around 5:00pm and tie some flies.

 

This month's speaker will be Steve Culton.

 

'Steve Culton, well known in the Northeast will be our guest speaker for the meeting. Steve is a guide, fly tyer, outdoor writer and presenter. You have probably seen him speaking or tying flies at the regional fly fishing shows, clubs or in outdoor magazine articles.

 

The subject he will discuss at Wednesday’s meeting is on the wonderful Connecticut tailwater, The Farmington River.

 

If you haven’t fished this river before you will after Steve’s presentation. Don’t miss this one!' ~ John Genovesi

 

Speaking of spring, its BANQUET TIME

 

TU225 Annual Banquet

 

 

The 2023 Annual Banquet is quickly approaching. It will be on April 22, 2023, at the Quonset "O" Club. After such a fantastic time last year we are eager for another outstanding event. We need to take a moment and thank Susan Estabrook and John Genovesi, along with the board members for their tireless effort in preparation for this event. I also want to thank all of our supporters and sponsors for their generosity.

 

This year's speaker is Simon Gawesworth.

 

Simon learned to fish at the age of 6 and took up fly fishing when aged 8, being trained by his father - well known fly fishing instructor and author, John Gawesworth. By the time he left school at 16 to teach fly fishing Simon had become the British Junior casting champion, repeating the feat the next year. In the following years Simon broke seven British casting records and won the adult casting championships three times in succession, representing England in two European and one World Team Championships.

 

With the collapse of the British Casting Association and the tournament casting scene in the UK, Simon turned his hand to competitive fly fishing. Over the following years Simon represented England in three home internationals (against Ireland, Scotland and Wales), two European championships and five World Championships, culminating in the prestige of becoming the England Team Captain and Manager for the 2003 World Championships in Spain.

 

In January 2001 Simon and his wife moved to the United States to start working for a new fly line company called RIO Products, based out of Idaho Falls, ID. Working for then owners Jim & Kitty Vincent, Simon quickly took on the marketing role for RIO Products, as well as developing and designing fly lines for the brand.

 

During his career Simon has written numerous articles for the fishing press, published three books on spey casting, presented five instructional videos and DVD’s, appeared on numerous television and radio shows, demonstrated casting at fly fishing shows around the world and is recognized as one of the leading authorities on Spey casting and fly casting instruction. In addition, Simon is the host of RIO’s acclaimed “How To” fly fishing video series, as well as the main presenter in RIO’s Fly Fishing Tips video series. His relaxed, easy to understand teaching and presentation manner is followed and loved by thousands of fly fishers around the world.

 

He is an FFI (previously FFF) Master and THCI (Two Handed Casting Instructor) certified instructor and also holds the APGAI and STANIC diplomas for Fly Fishing Instruction in the UK. In 2019 Simon was recognized by the FFI (Fly Fishers International) with their “Lifetime Achievement In Fly Casting Instruction” Award.

 

Simon regularly gives club talks, shop presentations, casting demonstrations and teaches fly casting classes around the US – none more so than in his home ground of the Pacific North West.

 

Simon lives in SW Washington and works for Far Bank Enterprises Products, where he is the education and engagement manager, conducting fly casting classes, hosting trips around the world, and creating fly fishing educational content.

 

Simon is happily married with two children and a dog.

 

We are planning on another fantastic meal and some great prizes. There is more information coming your way. I will be sending out an email within a few days.

 

Here's what we know:

 

Date: April 22, 2023

Time: 3:00pm - 7:00pm

Place: The Quonset 'O' Club

Address: 200 Lt. James Brown Road, North Kingstown, RI 02852

Buffet Dinner: $45.00 per person/17.50 Children 15 years of age and younger

Live Auction, Silent Auction, Bucket Raffles and Special Raffles

Guest Speaker: Simon Gawesworth

Call Susan Estabrook @ (401) 848-1070 for more information.

 

For tickets, and a very special limited “special” offer, click on the link below

 

https://secure.etransfer.com/RICTU/225Banquet.cfm.

 

BREAKING NEWS: We have received the “First Floor” upgrade at the Quonset “O” Club!! Bigger Space, Bigger Bar, and a Bigger Dance Floor!!

 

And for a real treat, a second day of FUN after the banquet!! The tentative itinerary, with more info to come. Just wanted to get it out there to tantalize you (How salacious!!)

 

• Day after Banquet (April 23rd (with Simon)

◦ South County Land Trust will donate use of property

◦ Fee - $25 for casting demonstration by Simon & lunch.

◦ After lunch, there will opportunities to participate in the following:

▪ “Fly Casting Olympics” (number of participants will be limited in men, women and children categories and selected in order of signup at registration). Winners of each category will be awarded a Redington Crosswater Combo Kit donated by Far Bank. Simon will lead this event.

▪ Fly Tying w/UFTRI members

▪ Fly casting practice with FFI certified instructors

 

 

Here’s what we also know….

 

 

WE NEED DONATIONS!! (sorry for all the capitol letters this month. Just a little excited about the banquet)

 

Bring us your tired, hungry, and poor…(oops…that’s in the Statue of Liberty..) INSTEAD, bring us your gear, fishing trips, cabins in the woods, guided trips, special assortment of flies, fishing inspired knick- knacks , and other great “stuff” that we can use as bucket raffles, and silent and live auctions. The banquet serves as our major fundraiser of the year that allows us to realize our

 

Our Vision: To ensure that the habitats for cold water and estuary fish thrive in Rhode Island for future generations, and

Our Mission: To bring together diverse interests to conserve, protect, restore, and sustain the cold fisheries and their watersheds in Rhode Island through collaborative, educational, recreational, and environmental activities so our children can experience the joy of wild and native trout.

 

Remember, no donation is too big or too small!! If you have a favorite business that you patronize and feel that they would donate if you asked, we will be sending out a formal solicitation letter asking for donations. We will also be listing, for the first time, a schedule of sponsorships for businesses.

 

• There will be a page for logos (size of business card) of those who donated a gift for one of the raffles.

• $150 – full page inside front and back covers

◦ $100 – full page

◦ $50 – half page

◦ $25 – business card size ad

 

  1. will also be additional opportunities for sponsorships available. We will get that out with the formal solicitation letter. Stay tuned, stay informed, and LET’S MAKE THIS BANQUET THE BEST YET!! (sorry again…)

 

Sorry for sooooo much chapter info and apologies for no “fishing/conservation” conversation.

 

You know what’s next!!

 

RECIPES!! (There I go again…)

 

LEMON-POPPY CHICKEN BREASTS

4 split chicken breasts juice of 1 fresh lemon

Kraft Creamy Poppy Seed dressing oil for cooking

Salt & pepper

 

Season the chicken with salt & pepper and sear skin side down in a deep skillet. Flip when nicely browned Add 1 ½ C poppy seed dressing, 1 C water, and the juice of the lemon. Simmer 20-30 minutes until tender then adjust seasoning. Serve over pasta or rice.

 

And just because the sap is-a-flowin early this year:

 

MAPLE PORK LOIN WITH CARAMELIZED APPLES

3-4 lb boneless pork loin 1 C maple syrup

1 C white wine 3 Tbsp oil

2 medium onions, sliced thin ½ stick butter

2 Tbsp + 2 tsp salt 1 Tbsp + 1 tsp pepper

3 tart apples, cored & sliced thin 3 Tbsp brown sugar

 

In a large food storage bag, mix together the maple syrup, wine, 1 of the onions, 2 Tbsp salt, and 1 Tbsp pepper and add the pork loin. Allow it to marinate 18-24 hours. Preheat the oven to 450o and roast the pork, drained from the marinate, 20 minutes to lightly brown it. Reduce the oven to 325o and cook until it reaches 155o on a meat thermometer, about 1 to 1 ½ hours more. Allow the pork to rest 10 minutes. While the pork is resting, melt the butter in a skillet and add the other onion. Cook 2 minutes over medium-high then add the apples, the rest of the salt & pepper and the sugar. Sauté 4-5 minutes until caramelized and slightly tender. Serve over the sliced pork.

 

YUM YUM YUM!!

 

And a side (super easy, maybe obvious, but never thought of…)

 

MONTREAL-ROASTED STEAK FRIES

Makes 4 servings

3 lbs Baking Potatoes ½ C grated parmesan

3 Tbsp Montreal Steak Seasoning

3 Tbsp oil

 

Wash the potatoes and cut each into 6 wedges. Toss with the oil, cheese, and Montreal Steak Seasoning and lay flat on a cookie sheet. Bake in a 350 oven 20-25 minutes until just tender and the cheese is golden-brown.

 

 

I think that’s all.

 

 

 

Thank you for the generosity of your time,

 

Glenn

 

Glenn Place

President

Rhode Island Chapter TU225

1-401-225-7712

 

https://rhodeisland.tu.org/

https://www.facebook.com/Trout-Unlimited-Rhode-Island-Chapter

 

 

“HE LEARNED, BECAME OLDER, WISER AND, YES, BIGGER. HE BECAME A BETTER FISH, AND TO CATCH HIM, I WOULD HAVE TO BECOME A BETTER MAN.” (Louis Cahill)

There is no better time for conservation than the present!!

Many men go fishing all of their lives without knowing that it is not fish they are after.

(Henry David Thoreau)

 

 

 

 

TU 225 Membership Meeting – December 21, 2022

Elk's Lodge – Coventry

 

Attendance – 30-35

 

This meeting was called to order at 6:40pm by Glenn Place. Comments as follows:

 

Glenn opened the meeting by recognizing Ron Marafioti and Gene Bates who are leaving the Board this year. Glenn noted some of their numerous contributions over several years.

 

Jeff Perry also noted Ron's contributions to the Watershed Watch Program as he (15 years) and Al Ball (~40 years) have continued this program. Glenn noted that Jeff Perry and Joe Coppola will be picking up this program in 2023, as both Ron and Al will be retiring from this activity.

 

Treasurer's Report – Lawson Cary

 

December 1, 2022 Balance $16,971.44

November Meeting 50/50 raffle 107

  1. Speaker (Warren Winders) -300

Project Materials -187

EFT -1

SQ -22

December 21, 2022 Balance $16,568.44

 

Lawson also informed the group that he has been notified an increase in the monthly rental fee for our storage unit from $115 to $140. He is going to shop for a lower cost unit.

 

Membership - Glenn mentioned that the chapter membership is 376, up from 325 a few years ago. He also mentioned that several members are delinquent in their dues. Approaches to this issue will be discussed at the next Board meeting.

 

Speaker Lineup - John Genovesi

• January – Paul Dinice - “7 stages of a fly fisherman”

• February – Steve Caulton - “Farmington River”

• March – Michael Brucato - “Soft Hackle Flies”

 

“Trees for Trout - John Genovesi

John mentioned that “Trees for Trout” is scheduled for January 7th at the check station. He has only two volunteers to date and requested members to contact him via email to volunteer. Glenn also mentioned his effort to obtain a sign from RIDOT that would direct people to the check station from Rte. 65

 

TU225 Banquet (April 22, Q Club) -

John Genovesi discussed that tickets for this event cover the cost of the banquet, but do not yield income to the chapter. Donations for raffles are needed, as this is the primary source of income for the chapter. The Chapter inventory of raffle prizes is minimal, as it was used for the 2021 banquet. Some ideas, in addition to fishing gear, could be sponsors at various forms and also monetary levels. The Board will discuss establishing some guidelines that may be presented to potential sponsors at its next meeting. Susan alerted the group that some very nice donations were solicited at the 2022 Fly Fishing Show in Marlborogh, MA, and asked members to keep this in mind as they tour the 2023 show. Glenn mentioned his interest in obtaining Henry Winkler for guest speaker at a future banquet.

 

Grants – Glenn

The engineering firm (EA) for the Capwell Mill Pond project has requested and has been granted an extension to the end of January for its proposal.

 

2022 Highlights – Glenn

Glenn noted several accomplishments and fun events for the chapter in 2022.

 

Elections for 2023 Board – Glenn

The following slate was proposed, supported by motion to accept and seconded, and voted to accept by a voice vote of members: President – Glenn Place, Vice President – James Less, Secretary – Joe Coppola, Treasurer – Lawson Cary. At Large Board Members – Susan Estabrook, John Genovesi, Pierre Duval, Ron Steere, Ray Stevens, Gary Menard, Rich Benson, Greg Houde.

 

2023 – Glenn

• Glenn mentioned several activities that the Board is planning for 2023.

• The Chapter Board and Membership meeting schedules were presented.

• Glenn mentioned that he will publish a list of podcast stations thay may be of interest to members

 

Glenn opened the floor to any new business. There was none.

 

Christmas gift exchange – members who brought a gift, were able to select a gift. Most members participated.

 

50/50 raffle – awarded $180 to the winner.

 

Meeting adjourned approximately 8:15pm