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NW CT Chapter of Trout Unlimited Minutes of Meeting April 4, 2017
The April meeting was called to order at 7:45PM at the Torrington Elks by President Ken Lugwig. There were 15 members in attendance. The Secretary’s report for March was read by Scott Ritchie and was accepted as read. The Treasurers report was given by Treasurer Bill Ritchie there is $3,920.25 in our treasury the treasurer’s report was accepted as read “The Casting for Recovery” program was brought up by President Ken Lugwig. He was at the Northeast Hunting and Fishing Show in Hartford March 31to April 2nd and spoke to a few of the women that were involved with the program and said that it was a one day event. They would like to do some more fly fishing in the future but are lacking the gear to fish. Ken Ludwig, Jim Fedorich and Joe Cieslowki were leading the discussion as to where to get waders and other fly fishing equipment. TU National, Orvis and LL Bean were some of the organizations that came to mind, Ken applied for 10 rods from LL Bean. Jim Fedorich mentioned that it might be possible to plan an outing at Dr. Shildgren’s Pond for some fly casting and fishing with the Casting for Recovery women and 3 or 4 Trout Unlimited volunteers. The women would not need waders to fish at the pond. Motion was brought up and accepted to invited these women to a NWCTU meeting and discuss how our chapter can help. Jim Fedorich is involved with the Torrington Conservation Commission and wanted to know if NWCTU was interested in doing the Naugatuck River clan up on Sept. 16th which is World Cleanup Day on which the city volunteers clean up the streets and parks. Hamburgers and hot dogs would be supplied to all those involved in the Naugatuck River cleanup. Jim also mentioned that the state biologists have also been present in the past to electro shock part of the river to demonstrate how it is done and show what fish are present in the river. Dick Heffernon mentioned that the Pomperaug High School teacher who is involved in Trout in the classroom asked if there was a possibility of doing another fly casting class like the one that Dick had done the previous year. Dick said there were many students interested and was looking for some volunteers to help out with the casting instruction some afternoon during the week in May (Date TBD) Falls Village School also expressed interest in fly casting class. President Ken Ludwig has looked into a subscription email provider that would be able to handle the large number of emails that could be sent and everyone’s email address would be protected from being publicized. This program would cost $20 per month; Ken would pay for a 3 month trail and if it meets expectations then NWCTU could sign up for a year subscription. A motion was made and accepted. Joe Cieslowski is willing to chair a exploratory committee whose task is to explore avenues to assist youth groups in the successful participation in fly fishing. Anyone interested could meet Joe 1 hour before the next NWCTU meeting scheduled for Tuesday May 2nd , 2017 at 7:30PM at Torrington Elks Club. The Housatonic Anglers stock fish outside the Trout Management Area on the Housatonic River. NWCTU Chapter discussed making a donation of $200 for this stocking, a motion was made and accepted. Ron Leoni stated that the banquet date for 2018 was set for Saturday February 3rd and if anyone had suggestions as far as changes they could direct them to President Ken Ludwig or come to the meeting and their suggestions would be discussed. There was a fly swap this evening and Joe Cieslowski brought his fly fishing vest and explained what he carries and why. Here are some of Joe’s ideas to make the meetings more interesting and get members involved: 1. Fly swap 2. What’s in your vest 3. Book swap 4. Trips and Tricks night 5. Stream report on your favorite or local river 1. Current hatches 2. Appropriate flies 6. New book, movie or video to discuss 7. Knot night The meeting was adjourned at 8:45PM Our next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday May 2nd, 2017 at the Torrington Elks Club at 7:30PM Respectfully Summited, Scott Ritchie |