Minutes of Our Meetings

2021

December 9th

December 9, 2021

      General Meeting Minutes:

• Pres. Paul Bickford called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance.

• V.P. Steve Troup introduced our speaker, Hallie Jo Cartwright, Curator/Exhibit Designer at the Arkansas Air and Military Museum in Fayetteville, AR. Hallie gave a great presentation about the museum and what they are doing. If you get the chance go visit this museum. Thanks Hallie. 

• V.P. Steve Troup also thanked everyone who attending our Christmas Dinner at Lakepoint Wednesday evening. A great time was had by those attending. A very big Thank You to Alan Peterson for planning and making this event possible. Steve also thanked all of those volunteers who helped out this year. Most of our events would not take place without your help. Keep up the good work in 2022.

• Pres. Paul Bickford welcomed new and current members . There were 43 members and we had 1 visitor, Ken who is from Canada at today's meeting.

• Wellness Report - It was reported that Jerry Hover has been having back issues. Please keep Jerry in your thoughts and prayers.

• Ray Atkinson provided our humor for the day. Thanks Ray.

• Fishing Report - Jerry Felts caught a 21" Rainbow Trout at Roaring River last week. During his time there he caught and released 42 trout using San Juan (chamois) Worm. He said the same worm had to be retied 4 times but it caught 35 trout. Gary Henderson also went to Roaring River and said the trout were hitting the San Juan Worm hard and plentiful. Great job guys.

• Christmas Party will be our next meeting on Thursday, December 16th from 9 am till 11 am. Be sure and bring your pot luck type foods and sweets and will have an early lunch. Everyone is invited and everyone is welcome to bring whatever you choose. Coffee, tea, and water will be provided. This will be our last meeting this year so let's all plan on being there and have a great time together.

• Recycle Project - Our recycling project is still going strong despite the cooler weather. Thanks to all of our voluteers for making this possible. Just think, every time a load of cans goes to the recycle center, that many cans stay out of the landfill! Keep up the good work.

• Pres. Paul Bickford adjourned the meeting.

Respectfully submitted by Donnie Roberts, BVFT Secretary

December 2nd

December 2, 2021

      Business Meeting Minutes:

• Pres. Paul Bickford called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance.

• Secretary Donnie Roberts read the November's Business Meeting Minutes which a motion was brought to approve. 1st and 2nd motions were made and the membership voted to approve the minutes. Minutes were approved.

• Treasurer Ed Limehouse presented the treasurer's report. Club remains in good standing at this time.

• Ray Atkinson provided us with a joke for the day. Good one Ray.  Thanks.

• Birthdays -  for 1 Anniversaries - 0

• Wellness Reports - Jim Hudson is still having some difficulties recovery from his last surgery. Please keep Jim in your thoughts and prayers.

• Fishing Reports - None reported

• Pres. Paul Bickford gave us an update from the Lakes JAC meeting. The boat dock at Windsor that we have set aside $6,000.00 to go in on the construction of said dock is back in the POA Budget for 2022. The POA Board has approved for 2 of the the proposed 5 brood ponds to be located at the dog park below Loch Lomond Dam. Construction should start soon. Lake Rayburn's boat ramp has been widen and they are still on planning repaving the dam road. Lake Brittney's dam road is very nice since it's repaving, check it out. Loch Lomond draw down has begun. Hybrid Striper have been stocked in Loch Lomond and Lake Windsor. Lake Ann sinkhole is still a problem. POA still trying to work out a solution. They have also started a program to inspect all dams at all of our lakes to makes sure they are healthy. Tiree Cove boating rule changes have been proposed but not approved by the POA Board at this time.

• V.P. Steve Troup presented the 2nd reading of the proposed By-Law changes. These changes were already approved by the board and will be voted on at today's meeting. After discussion on said changes, a motion to accept the changes was moved by Bill Ginger and seconded by Tom Nutall. Vote was taken the attending members of 46 and was approved by the same 46 members. Club dues will be staying as they are with no for seen increases at this time.

• Finance Subcommittee - The subcommittee which consisted of V.P. Steve Troup-Chairman, Secretary Donnie Roberts and Treasurer Ed Limehouse, was presented with the idea of possible investment of the club's money. The subcommittee decided it was in the best interest of the club not to pursue this idea.  Motion was made by Tom Nutall to approve the report and seconded by Sandy Allen. Motion carried and approval was given by membership.

• Aluminum can recycling is still do well despite the cooler weather. Cart barn activity is still strong. A very big thank you to all of the volunteers who have made this project possible.

• Christmas Dinner is this coming Wednesday, December 8th at Lakepoint Restaurant starting at 5 pm. It will be served buffet style so be sure you get only what you ordered. Thanks again to Alan Peterson for all your hard work in making this great event possible.

• Our last meeting of 2021 will Thursday, December 16th in our regular meeting room but it will be a Christmas Party.  Let's make it an early lunch so bring goodies and pot luck style eats and we will have a great time. Coffee and will be provided.  Regular meeting hour starting at 9 am till 11 am. Hope to see everyone there.

• Next meeting is December 9th starting with social hour at 9 am and meeting at 10 am. We should have a great speaker. Coffee will be provided.

• Pres. Paul Bickford adjourned the meeting

Respectfully submitted by Donnie Roberts, BVFT Secretary

November 18th

November 18, 2021

General Meeting Minutes:

• Pres. Paul Bickford called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance.

• V.P. Steve Troup introduced our guest speaker,  James Graves Bella Vista Chief of Police. Chief Graves gave us a  update on the crime statistics, officer duties, progress on the new law enforcement center.  Great presentation Chief Graves. Thanks again and hope to see you soon.

• There were 41 members and 1 visitor at today's meeting. Pres. Paul Bickford welcome everyone to our meeting.  K B Smith, longtime member returned for the meeting today after a long absence from the club. Welcome back K B. Lisa Sanders was our only visitor who has just recently moved to Bella Vista. Welcome and thanks for visiting our club.

• Ray Atkinson provided our joke of the day. Another good one, thanks Ray.

• Wellness Reports - Jim Hudson is still recovering from a recent surgery and has had a hard time but seems to be getting better. Get well soon Jim.

• Fishing Reports - Kevin Huels and Steve Curtis were fishing at Lake Brittany and they caught around 9 trout. All were about 14" long. Catch of the Week was turned in by Jerry Felts, who was at Roaring River and caught a real nice 16" rainbow trout. He said he was using a ghost beetle fly. Nice job Jerry.

• Anniversaries - 1 to add and they have been married for 70 years. Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. K B Smith.

• Karen Anderson is working on the website's Fishing Success page. She is updating it so we can upload our own photos to the page and when she has enough she will publish it to the page. Hopefully this will speed up the process and easier to keep up with. Karen is also working on other improvements that should make our website even better. Thanks Karen for all your hard work.

• Tom Diepenbrock provided us with few hunting and fishing rules from the 1950's. A license cost $1.50 per year, wow. Thanks Tom with the interesting information.

• Our aluminum can recycling program is still doing great despite the temperatures getting colder. The teams are still collecting quite a few can from the golf cart barns and should be ready for another trip to the recycling center soon. So for the recycling project has raised $729.00 for the club so far. Great job everyone.

• Our Christmas Dinner is  Wednesday, December 8th at Lakepoint Restaurant from 5pm till 8pm. Tickets are $29.00 per person for dinner and dessert. Last day to purchase your tickets is November 22nd. Contact Alan Peterson for more details and to purchase tickets. Thanks again Alan for planning this great event. We will also be having a Christmas Social Lunch on Thursday, December 16th during our regular meeting. More details at our next meeting.

• Our next meeting will be December 2nd which will be a business meeting. There will be a second reading of some By-Law changes the Board has approved and then we will be voting on them. Please try to attend and vote on these important changes so they can be ready for the new year. The Social Hour will start at 9:00 am and the meeting will start at 10:00 am. As always, coffee will be provided. Hope to everyone there.

• Pres. Paul Bickford adjourned the meeting.

Respectfully submitted by Donnie Roberts, BVFT Secretary

November 11th

November 11, 2021

General Meeting Minutes:

• Pres. Paul Bickford called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance.

• Our guest speaker, Hallie Jo from the Arkansas Air and Military Museum Drake Field in Fayetteville, AR cancelled her appearance due to being short handed at the museum. Hopefully we can get her rescheduled at a later date.

• Pres. Paul Bickford ask for all Veterans in attendance to stand so we could thank them with a round of applause. Thank you all for your service.

• Longtime member, Chuck Hurl was a WWII veteran who was a tank commander and during his time in the war his tank destroyed several enemy tanks. He was wounded two different times during  his tour of duty, and both times returned to the war. It was a great presentation Chuck, thank you for your service!

• David Dodson, our Chaplain, led us in a special prayer for all Veterans on this Veteran's Day.

• Pres. Paul Bickford presented longtime member,  James Ramey with Lifetime Membership to the Club due to James having his 85th birthday.  Congratulations James.

• Wellness Report - Jim Hudson made it home from his surgery and is doing better. V.P. Steve Troup is recovering from a sinus infection. Get well soon guys.

• Past member and Club Secretary, Art Heath passed away. Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers.

• Ray Atkinson provided us with a good joke of the day. Tom Diepenbrock added one of his own. Thanks guys.

• Fishing Reports - Gary Rowland's Wednesday fishing group had a winning bag of five fish that weighed over 14 lbs. Donnie Roberts, winner of the guided fishing trip with Tom Diepenbrock,  Mike Mullinex, and Harrold Robinson was done this last Tuesday on Lake Windsor. We fished for about 4 hours caught 5 fish. Donnie caught 1 which is what Tom guaranteed so no money was refunded. Thanks guys for a great morning of fishing. And a Big Thank You to Harrold's wife for providing our snacks for the day. They were yummy. Kevin Huels and Steve Curtis were fishing on Tuesday with their group and Kevin caught a fishing rod and reel. Way to go Kevin.

• Our Christmas Dinner will be Wednesday, December 8th from 5 pm till 8 pm at Lakepoint Restaurant. Tickets are $29.00 per person and the menu is your choice of Grilled Boneless Pork Chop Medallions with maple balsamic glaze or Baked Scrod with almond crumb topping. Your ticket will also include a dessert. Alan Peterson did a wonderful job on our last Party in 2019 and this should be just as great. Get your tickets before the cut off date of November 22nd. See Alan Peterson for details. 

• There were 45 members present for today's meeting. Our next meeting will be Thursday, November 18th with Social Hour starting at 9 am and the meeting starting at 10 am. Coffee will be provided. Hope to see everyone there.

• Pres. Paul Bickford adjourned the meeting

Respectfully submitted by Donnie Roberts, BVFT Secretary

November 4th

November 4, 2021

      Business Meeting Minutes:

• Pres. Paul Bickford called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance.

• Secretary Donnie Roberts read our last business meeting minutes from the October 7th meeting. Motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes, members present approved the minutes.

• Treasurer Ed Limehouse presented the Treasurer's report. The Club is in good standing at this time.

• We had 50 members attending today's meeting.

• Ray Atkinson provided us with a little humor.

• Conservation Committee - Jim Von Rohr, committee chairman, said the can recycling effort has made $730.00 so far this year. Bill Ginger took a load to the recycle center Monday and received $185.00 for 36 bags of cans. That was about 400# of aluminum cans. Thanks to Jim, Bill, and all of the other volunteers who make this project possible. Jim also reported that the POA was going to start on the Aqua Culture Project of installing brood ponds below the Loch Lomond Dam at the dog park. He also reported that the fishing dock on the Lake Windsor Dam that we were donating $6,000.00 on has been dropped out of the POA's 2022 Budget.

• Birthdays - 5                Anniversaries - 2  one for 25 years and one for 33 years

• Fishing Report -  The weather has not been cooperating for good fishing this past week. Hopefully next week's weather will be a lot better so get out there and fish.

• Open Forum - V.P. Steve Troup read the By-Law changes that the Board approved to the members who were present at today's meeting. Voting for the changes should be at the next meeting or so. The Board is also thinking of raising the yearly dues for our club. Our current $10.00 fee has been the same since 1976. The board's recommendation is to raise to $25. This was met with some members saying $25 is too much and they are recommending $20.00 per year.

• Pres. Paul Bickford ask for a show hands who would approve the proposed by-law changes. A majority of the members showed their support for the changes. Official vote to come at a later date.

• Officer Nomination Committee Report - Chairman Alan Peterson gave a list of nominees for 2022 officers

President- Donnie Roberts;  Vice President - Kevin Huels;  Secretary - Scott Hawes;  Treasurer - John Nuttall

  Director - Ed Limehouse  3yr term. Motion was by David Dodson and seconded by Bill Ginger to stop nominations for new officers, motion passed by a majority vote. Members present also approved the new officers for 2022. Thanks to all who stepped up for running our club for the next year.

• Our next meeting is Thursday, November 11th with Social Hour starting at 9 am and the meeting starting at 10 am, Coffee will be provided. Remember Christmas Party tickets are on sale now through November 24th. $29.00 per person, get your as soon as possible.

• Pres. Paul Bickford adjourned the meeting

Respectfully submitted by Donnie Roberts, BVFT Secretary

October 28th

October 28, 2021

     General Meeting Minutes:

• Pres. Paul Bickford called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance.

• V.P. Steve Troup introduced our speaker,  Miss Kayla Sayre, Technician from the Bella Vista Lakes and Fisheries Department. Her presentation was very informative on studies of local creeks and streams. Thanks again Kayla.

• Ray Adkinson provided our humor of the day. Great joke Ray keep them coming.

• Pres. Paul Bickford welcomed our new members and visitors. We had 45 members and 1 visitor who joined our club today. Welcome Bob Carroll to our club. Glad to see everyone there.

• Fishing Reports - Roaring River Fishing Derby and Chili Feed was a great success. The fishing was great for some and not so great for the rest of us, but the chili feed was worth the trip. Ron Blackwelder won 1st place with a 14 3/4" trout, 2nd place went to Ray Adkinson with a 14 1/2" fish, and 3rd place was Alan Scates with a 14 1/4". Way to go guys, great fishing. A very big thank you to Gary Henderson and his volunteers for organizing this great event. If you missed it, start planning for next year.

• Hiway Cleanup was this past Saturday and we had quite a few volunteers helping clean up Lancashire Rd. We picked up several bags of trash so that ARDOT could mow the right a ways. Great job to all that volunteered and a special thank you to Chris Tabat for organizing the event.

• Upcoming Events - Christmas Party is scheduled for Wednesday, December 8th from 5pm till 8pm with the dinner starting around 6pm. Tickets to go on sale November 4th (our next meeting). Tickets are $29.00 per person for your meal and dessert. Start planning to attend and have a great time.

• Next meeting will be a business meeting on November 4th with Social Hour starting at 9am and the business meeting starting at 10am.

• Pres. Paul Bickford adjourned the meeting. Tight Lines everyone

Respectfully submitted by Donnie Roberts, BVFT Secretary

October 21st

October 21, 2021

     General Meeting Minutes:

• Pres. Paul Bickford called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance.

• V.P. Steve Troup introduced our speaker, George Fellars with Sheepdog Impact Assistance, a nationally recognized non-profit group headquartered in Rogers, Arkansas. Volunteers are men and women  from the Military, Law Enforcement, Fire & Rescue and EMS professionals helping themselves renew a productive life and sense of purpose through participation in Disaster Response Teams as well as Outdoor Adventures. George's emotional presentation shows how much their work means to them. Great presentation George. Sheepdog works solely from donations and volunteers. We passed the hat and the club members donated $256.00! Thanks to everyone who donated.

• Pres. Paul Bickford welcomed our new members and visitors at today's meeting. There were 43 attending our meeting, good to see the turnout.

• Ray Atkinson provided our humor for the day. Thanks Ray!

• Fishing Reports - Terry Wilson reported catching some nice trout on the White River.

• Upcoming Events - Saturday, October 23 is Hiway Cleanup. Should be a lot of volunteers according to Chris Tabat. Thanks again Chris for taking care of organizing this event.

  Tuesday, October 26th is the Roaring River Fishing Derby and Chili Feed event. According to Gary Henderson 34 people   have signed up for the trip. Remember fishing starts at 7:30am and if you need your license and trout tag be there early.   Measure in will begin at around  11:30am. Prizes are 50% of entry fee for Longest Fish, 30% for the 2nd longest. and 20% for   the 3rd longest. Weigh in will be at the CCC Pavilion and lunch will follow. Good luck to everyone going. Tight Lines.

  Mike Mullinex is looking for a few volunteers to help assemble and set out some crappie trees in our lakes. If you would like   to help, contact Mike.

• The Fall Sporting Sale was a success on Saturday, October 16th. There was a steady flow of customers from 9am till about Noon. Thanks to all of the volunteers who made this sale possible. A very special thanks to Tom Diepenbrock and Mike Mullinex for their hard work in organizing this fund raiser. The sale netted the club $2,306.00. 

• Christmas Party is scheduled for Wednesday, December 8th. Start planning to attend because it should be a great time for all. Tickets will go on sale at our first meeting in November. Tickets are $29.00 per person for your meal and dessert. It will be at the Lake Point Restaurant from 5:00pm till 8:00pm.

• Member Steve Curtis lost his wife to cancer last week. Her Memorial Service is scheduled for Saturday, October 23rd at 10:30am at the Bentonville Church of Christ.

• Jerry Felts donated a handmade wooden fly box to the club and a raffle was held for it. Donnie Roberts was the lucky winner. Thanks Jerry.

• Next meeting is Thursday, October 28th with Social Hour to begin at 9:00am and the meeting to start at 10:00am. Coffee will be provided. Our guest speaker will be Miss Kayla Sayre, Technician from the Bella Vista Lakes and Fisheries Department.

• Pres. Paul Bickford adjourned the meeting.

Respectfully submitted by Donnie Roberts, BVFT Secretary

October 14th

October 14, 2021

     General Meeting Minutes:

• Pres. Paul Bickford called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance.

• V.P. Steve Troup introduced our speaker, Erin Rowe, club member, Owner and Founder of Ozark Culinary Tours, Private Chef, Outdoor Enthusiast, Fly Fisher and author of "An Ozark Culinary History", which she sells for $20.00 a copy. It's a great book with some great recipes included.

• Welcome to our visitors and new members. We had 47 attending today's meeting, 44 members and 3 visitors. Four new members joined the club today. Welcome to the club.

• Wellness Reports - None to report. Club Member, Steve Curtis's wife passed away this week. Please keep Steve in your thoughts and prayers. 

•  Fishing Report - Blue gill reported being caught on Lake Windsor, catfish and blue gill also being caught on Loch Lomond. Our member, Phil Ward is helping Rick Echols (Bella Vista Lakes Dept) with trying to catch flathead catfish on Lake Ann. A few have been found and the Lakes Dept. do not want the evasive species getting out of hand.

• Birthdays - 1 reported. 82 years young. Happy Birthday.

• Be sure to check out our Upcoming Events Page on our website to keep up with these events. Here is a list of some of them:

Big Fall Sale - Saturday, October 16th at the Kingsdale Pavilion from 8:00am till 1:00pm. Thanks to Tom Diepenbrock and 

Mike Mullinex for all your hard work and everyone that has donated items or have helped Tom and Mike.

Hiway Cleanup - Saturday, October 23rd starting at 8:30am. We will meet at the Town Center Fire Station on Lancashire 

and clean up a 2 mile stretch of Lancashire. Contact Chris Tabat @ 262-758-0890

Roaring River Fall Fishing and Chili Lunch Event - Tuesday, October 26th starting around 7:00am or so and the weigh in to

to begin around 11:00am with lunch to follow. Here's to everyone attending having "Tight Lines".

• Next Meeting will be Thursday, October 21st with Social Hour starting at 9:00am and the meeting starting at 10:00am. Coffee will be provided. Our guest speaker will be George Fellars with Sheepdog Impact Assistance. Hope to see you there.

• Pres. Paul Bickford adjourned the meeting.

Respectfully submitted by Donnie Roberts, BVFT Secretary

October 7th

October 7, 2021

      Business Meeting Minutes:

• Pres. Paul Bickford called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance.

• Treasurer Ed Limehouse presented the treasurer's report. Club is still in good standing.

• New Business - The Board has presented to our membership to change our by laws concerning membership dues amount. The Board wants to remove the hard $10 and leave it up to the board's discretion on the amount, which would still need a majority vote from the membership to raise our dues. More to come later.

• Ray Adkinson provided a little humor. Great joke of the day Ray. Thanks again.

• The Board is setting up a sub-committee to once again to look into the investing of the club's large bank balance. The sub-committee will consist of Steve Troup, Chairman, Donnie Roberts, and Ed Limehouse. More info to come later.

• Upcoming Events - The Fall Big Sale on Saturday, 10-16-21 at the Kingsdale Pavilion from 8:00am till 1:00pm. Volunteers needed to help with setting up, unloading supplies, etc. Check with Tom Diepenbrock for more details. Saturday, October 23rd will be The Hiway Cleanup. We will meet at the Town Center Fire Station on Lancashire at 8:30am and should be through around 10:30am or so. For more information contact Chris Tabat @ 262-758-0890. The Roaring River Fishing and Chili  Lunch Event is scheduled for Tuesday, October 26th. Starting time is around 7:00am so plan on leaving early and have plenty of time to get there. Check with Gary Henderson to see what supplies are needed for lunch. Contact him @ 479-282-6037. Keep in mind our Christmas Party will be in December so be planning on attending. More information to come by our November Business Meeting.

• The Survivor Benefit Committee was in full force helping member Maggie Gorishek, widow of member Frank Gorishek, pack up her home for her upcoming move to Texas. The crew worked very hard and got her belongings ready to be loaded on the moving truck. A very big Thank You to all who helped with this project. Thanks to Tom Diepenbrock for organizing this project.

• Birthdays - 2   Anniversaries - 2, one for 59 years and one for 51 years. Congratulations guys, here's to many more.

• Fishing Successes - Seems to be fairly good fishing in our area lakes. Some good fishing being done in Missouri also.

• 29 members attended today's meeting. Membership is at 140, still down 10 from 2020 ( up 31 since January 2021)

• Meeting adjourned by Pres. Paul Bickford.

• Next meeting will be Thursday, October 14th with social hour starting at 9:00am and the meeting to start at 10:00am. Coffee will be provided.

Respectfully submitted by Donnie Roberts, BVFT Secretary

September 23rd

September 23, 2021

      General Meeting Minutes:

• Meeting called to order with Pledge of Allegiance by President Paul Bickford.

• V.P. Steve Troup introduced our speaker, Kenny Williams Program Director of Pedal It Forward. a non-profit organization dedicated to donating bicycles to those in need. They continue to help many people in NW Arkansas. They are always looking for volunteers to help repair the bikes and also looking for donations of used bicycles. They have two locations one in Bentonville at 3902 NW Wishing Spring Road and in Rogers at 315 West Olive Street. Thanks Kenny for a great presentation and a great service to our communities.

• Pres. Paul Bickford welcomed all our new members and a few longtime members who haven't been to our meetings for a while. 38 members and 2 visitors who joined the club before leaving. Welcome William and Michelle Bailey.

• David Dobson, who is one of our newest members has decided to be the club's Chaplain. Thanks David and welcome aboard.

• Wellness Reports - Scotty's wife Amy was having some heart problems. Said to be doing better, please keep Scotty and Amy in your thoughts and prayers. No new updates from Frank Gorishek. Phil Ward is still recovering from knee replacement surgery and is doing well.

• Fishing Reports - The Rockbridge Trip was a big success and fun with a lot of trout being caught. Thanks to Ron Blackwelder for all of his hard work in planning the trip.  There seems to be decent fishing on Loch Lomond with a few 4 lbs. largemouth bass being caught.

• Birthdays - There were 2 birthdays, Happy Birthday guys.

• Anniversaries - One anniversary for 53 years together. Congratulations.

• Upcoming Club Events - Saturday 10-02-21  Highway Cleanup. Meet at the Town Center Fire Dept parking lot at 8:30 am. Contact Chris Tabat for more information. Tuesday 10-26-21 Roaring River Chili Feed and Fishing Derby will be starting at 7:30 am with weigh in at the CCC Pavilion at 11:30 am. Entry fee for the Derby is $5.00. You will be required to purchase a Missouri fishing license and fishing tag to be able to fish. A daily fishing license is $8 and the fishing tag is around $4. Roaring River is a little over an hour drive so plan on leaving early. Bring chili and whatever fixins you might want like Fritos, onions, corn bread, crackers, etc. For more info contact Gary Henderson. The Club's Christmas Party is scheduled for Wednesday December 8th. Start making plans now, more info to come.

• Aluminum Can Collection - There are some new processes for our can collections. We have a new storage facility for storing our cans until we can take to the recycling center. The address is 410 E. Lancashire which is the Lakes fishery lab. Thanks to Rick Echols with the Lakes Department for donating this space. Can collection has netted the club $544.00 to date.

• Membership as of meeting time is 140 which is still down 12 from 2020 (up 29 for 2021).

• Next meeting will be Thursday September 30th with Social Hour starting at 9:00 am and the meeting at 10:00 am. Hope to see everyone there.

Respectfully submitted by Donnie Roberts, BVFT Secretary

September 16th

September 16, 2021

      General Meeting Minutes:

• Meeting called to order with Pledge of Allegiance by President Paul Bickford.

• V.P. Steve Troup said our speaker, Erin Rowe will have to be rescheduled for sometime in the future.

• Carol Phillips Fly Casting Class was a big success with several members taking part. Carol teaches the basics of fly casting at the Lake Ann Pavilion. Thanks again Carol and all those who attended.

• There were 34 members and 2 visitors in attendance for today's meeting. One of the visitors joined before the meeting was over. Welcome to the club, Jerry Felts, glad to have you as a member. If you ever have any questions just ask any one of us, we will be glad to help..

• Beginner's Fly Tying Class first day was a big success with almost 30 people attending. Gary Rowland's expert fly tying teaching was a big hit. Thanks to all of the members who volunteered to help all of us novice tyers.

• The Club's Highway Cleanup Day has been rescheduled to Saturday, October 2, 2021 starting at 8:30am. We will be meeting at the Town Center Central Fire Station parking lot. Contact Chris Tabat by email at cgtabat@gmail.com for more info.

• Longtime member, Bill Pranke passed away at the age of 92. Please keep the family in your thoughts and prayers.

• Past President and longtime member, Frank Gorishek, is not doing well. Please keep his wife Maggie, who is also a longtime member of the club, in your thoughts and prayers. Several members shared lots of memories of Frank and Maggie. Thanks for sharing guys. Phil Ward is continuing to rehab from knee surgery and is doing well. It seems that he is well enough to start fishing again.

• Aluminum can recycling project has hit a few snags. The biggest one is the separating of the trash from the cans. This is a messy job and Jim Von Rohr and a few volunteers have been doing all the hard work. Also we are losing our short term storage area for the cans until they can be taken to Rogers Recycling Center. Pres. Paul Bickford has contacted Rick Echols and has found a place to store the cans, thanks Rick and Paul. We will still need volunteers to clean and re-bag the cans.

• Some members expressed their ideas for ending the can collection project. It was suggested to raise yearly dues to cover the loss from the project. More to come.

• Next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, September 23, 2021 with the social hour starting at 9:00 am and the meeting starting at 10:00 am. Coffee will be provided.

• Pres. Paul Bickford adjourned the meeting

Respectfully submitted by Donnie Roberts, BVFT Secretary

September 2nd

September 2nd, 2021

Business Meeting:

• Meeting called to order with Pledge of Allegiance by President Paul Bickford.

• 35 Attendees were present. Two  new members signed up:  David Dobson and Karen Anderson. Welcome!

• The August Business meeting minutes were read and approved.

• Treasurer's Report:  Ed Limehouse Reports that the club  is in good standing. 

• Committee Reports:  

•       Conservation Committee:  Jim Van Rohr reports aluminum can pick- up fund raising project still brings in income for recycling the cans. Please continue to  bring cleaned out aluminum cans to meeting as well .  Member John Nuttall had new " Can disposal" signs made for the  Cart Bins where the cans are deposited at the Golf Courses.

•   One Member Anniversary: 58 years ! Congratulations!   

•    Please keep Longtime Member, Frank Gorishek, in your thoughts and prayers.  

• The POA is in the process of creating new Ponds and more opportunities for fishing in Bella Vista.

• Fishing Reports: There were some frustrating days on Lake Loch Lomond, and a good day on the White River below Beaver Dam. 

• Be sure to check the BVFT.ORG website " Calendar of Events"  tab for up the coming events  in the next  three months. 

• No regular morning meeting on September 9th . The Club Family Picnic will be from 4pm to 8pm. at the Kingsdale Pavilion ( Next to Riordan Hall).   The Catered Dinner will start at 4:30pm. 

Respectfully submitted,  Steve Troup, Vice President, for Donnie Roberts, Secretary.

August 26th

August 26, 2021

      General Meeting Minutes:

• Pres. Paul Bickford called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance.

• 37 attendees were present at today's meeting which included 2 new members joining during the meeting. Beth Tracy and Shelly Gibson are the two new members, welcome to the club.

• Hank Hernandez, a longtime member, talked about floating the Elk River. Anyone interested in floating with him contact Hank. He said you'll have a great time.

• Fishing Reports - Kevin Huels and his fishing partner in the Fishing Friends Tuesday Tournament place 1st and 2nd with a big fish of 3.20 lbs. each. Several others caught some nice ones also. Seems to be good fishing all around Bella Vista.

• Club's Fall Picnic is scheduled for Thursday September 9th from 3pm till 8pm with the meal being served around 4:30pm. Cost is $10.00 per person and children under 12 are free. Yes families are welcome to come. Menu will be fried chicken, potato salad, coleslaw and cookies. Water and tea will be provided. If you want something different to drink you'll have to bring it. Contact Ed Limehouse to sign up. Hurry before it's too late. Hope to see everyone there.

• Beginner's Fly Tying Class enrollment is now closed. Gary Rowland reported that there are 30 students signed up with 9 of them being first time tyers. The first class is scheduled for Monday, September 13th at noon in our meeting room.

• The Advanced Fly Tying Class is still taking students at this time. Classes are scheduled to start in October at the same time as the beginner's class. For more information contact Gary Henderson.

• Highway Cleanup is scheduled for Saturday, October 9th. Chris Tabat will have more information to come.

• Club's Fall Sporting Sale in scheduled for Saturday, October 16th at the Kingsdale Pavilion. Tom Diepenbrock is collecting donations for the sale. You can drop off donations at future meetings or at Tom's house at 48 Chelmsworth Drive. Thanks Tom for all your hard work.

• Roaring River Fishing And Chili Feed Event is scheduled for Tuesday, October 26th. Come one come all for a Roaring good time. Contact Gary Henderson for more info.

• The Club's Christmas Dinner is scheduled for Wednesday, December 8th from 5pm till 7pm at Lakepoint restaurant. Start making your plans now! More info to come. Thanks to Alan Peterson for all your hard work to set this up.

• Next meeting will be Thursday, September 2 with social hour starting at 9am and the meeting at 10am. This will be a business meeting. Coffee will be provided.

• Pres. Paul Bickford adjourned the meeting.

` Respectfully submitted by Donnie Roberts, BVFT Secretary

August 19th

August 19, 2021

      General Meeting Minutes:

• Pres. Paul Bickford called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance.

• Pres. Paul Bickford introduced our speaker, Club member Sandy Allan, on Building and the repairing of fly rods. Sandy's presentation was very interesting and informative. He brought a few of his finished rods that he has made and they were very nice. Joe Avila video tape the presentation and should be available on our You Tube channel. Thanks again Sandy.

• Paul Bickford welcomed new and some old members. New members Ron Widner, Sammy Vaughn, and Roy Blankslee and longtime member Larry Johnson who has not been at our meetings for a while. Welcome Fly Tyers!

• Wellness Reports - Phil Ward had knee replacement surgery and is making good progress. John Nutall is having a heart procedure. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

• Ray Atknison provided us with a little humor, thanks Ray.

• Fishing Reports - Kevin Huels reported that their Tuesday fishing tournament on Loch Lomand is going strong.  Steve Curtis won with a 4# large mouth bass. Beth Armour was kayaking on Lake Ann and caught several different types of fish using a fly rod. Keep on fishing guys.

• Open Forum - There are several events coming up in the next few weeks. First our "New Member Social" will be Thursday August 26th from 9am till 11am at our regular meeting room. We have had several new members this year and this is a way to greet and introduce them to our club. We need all current members to attend and help welcome all new members. Refreshments will be provided. Sign up is still in progress for our Club Picnic on September 9th at the Kingsdale Pavilion from 3pm till 8pm with the meal to start around 4:30pm. $10.00 per person and kids under 12 are free. Yes this is a family event. Fried chicken with sides and coffee and tea (sweet and unsweet) and water. Anything else that you might want to drink you will need to bring for yourself. Hope to see everyone there. Beginner's Fly Tying Class starts Monday September 13th at Noon at our regular meeting room. If you have signed up be sure and show up, you will not be disappointed. Our member Carol Phillips will be conducting a fly casting clinic at the Lake Ann Pavilion on Wednesday September 15th, class is already full.  Advanced Fly Tying Class is set to begin Monday, October 4th at noon in our regular meeting room.  Highway clean up is scheduled for Saturday, October 9th. Check with Chris Tabot for more information. Fall Sporting Sale is scheduled for Saturday, October 16th at the Kingsdale Pavilion. As always if you have anything to donate contact Tom Diepenbrock. More info to come. Roaring River Fishing and Chili Cookoff Event is Tuesday, October 26th. Contact Gary Henderson for more information. Start making plans now for the Club's Christmas Dinner to be December 8th at Lakepoint  from 5pm to 7pm. More details to come.

• Beginning Fly Tying Class - Gary Rowland has informed the club that due to Covid there is a shortage of fly tying tools that are needed for the beginners. If you have duplicates of any of the following, contact Gary. Tools needed are: 3 to 4 Beginners vises,  3 to 4 Scissors, 7 to 8 Threaders, 5 to 6 Fine point tweezers, and 6 to 7 Barb masher pliers.

• Next meeting is August 26th, our New Member Social 9am to 11am. Everyone make plans on attending.

• Pres. Paul Bickford adjourned the meeting.

Respectfully submitted by Donnie Roberts, BVFT Secretary

August 12th

August 12, 2021

      General Meeting Minutes:

• Pres. Paul Bickford called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance.

• Paul Bickford informed the club that longtime member and past President, Jack Price passed away earlier this week. Jack's wife, Janice said there will be no service and in lieu of flowers, donations in Jack's name can be made to the Bella Vista Animal Shelter. Please keep Janice and the Price Family in your thoughts and prayers. The club will be making a $50 donation.

• Rick Yorman gave us an update from the Lakes Joint Advisory Committee which the club has three members on this committee. Several approved projects are in the process and getting done. Repaving the dam road on Lake Brittany is happening now with Windsor and  Rayburn being future projects. The building of brood ponds will be starting in the future below the Loch Lomond dam at the dog park. They will raise catfish, crappie, and saugeye. Previous attempts using golf course ponds has not produced very good results due to flooding. There is a new kayak launching area on Loch Lomand near the Fly Tyers Fishing Dock.

• Upcoming Events - August 26th New Member Social instead of regular meeting in our meeting room. Inviting all new members and all existing members to get to know each other a little better. Coffee and snacks will be served. Beginning fly tyer class registration will end August 15th with classes starting on Monday September 13th at noon in our meeting room. Gary Rowland said that 30 people have signed up so far with several first time tyers. A catered Club picnic is scheduled for September 9th at the Kingsdale Pavillion from 3:00pm until 8:00pm. The menu will be fried chicken, coleslaw, potato salad, and cookies. Tea, water, and coffee will be provided, if you want something different to drink just bring it. This is a family event for $10.00 per person. Sign up sheet was passed around today and will be available at the next meeting. Contact Ed Limehouse to sign up.

• More September Events - Sign up for the Rockbridge trip ends next Thursday. Ron said that 10 people have already sign up and 8 more may also be going. There are still rooms available so hurry and contact Ron Blackwelder for more info. Contact him by email at rblackwelder@cox.net or by phone at 713-819-6980. Gary Henderson is still offering an Advanced Fly Tying Class. For more information contact Gary at 479-282-6037 or by email at ghenderson6491@gmail,com.

• Roaring River Fishing Event and Chili Cook Off Event is scheduled for October 26th. For more info contact Gary Henderson.

• Wellness Reports - Phil Ward is recovering from knee replacement surgery and is doing fine.

• Fishing Reports - Kevin Huels caught a 4.5 lbs. bass on a wacky worm on Loch Lomond during a Tuesday morning tournament. Donnie Roberts caught an 8 lbs. catfish at Granton Park boat dock. Great fishing guys.

• Pres. Paul Bickford ask the members who were present to approve $650.00 for Gary Rowland to purchase class supplies for the upcoming Beginning Fly Tyer Class. This is to purchase fly tying tool kits for first time tyers. The members unanimously approved.

• Our next speaker will be one of our members,  Sandy Allen on how he is building fly rods. Next Meeting is August 19th with social hour starting at 9:00am and the meeting at 10:00am. Coffee will be provided.

• Meeting adjourned by Pres. Paul Bickford.

Respectfully submitted by Donnie Roberts, BVFT Secretary

August 5th

August 5, 2021

Business Meeting Minutes:

• Pres. Paul Bickford called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance.

• Secretary Donnie Roberts read the minutes of the last business meeting minutes and approved.

• Treasurer Report given by Treasurer Ed Limehouse. Club is still in good standing. Can collection is bringing in a little more money every month.

• There were 46 people at today's meeting; 42 members and 4 visitors. There were two new members who joined our club today. Bill Puskas and Sammy Vaughn. Welcome to our club.

• Gary Rowland reported the beginners fly tying class has 28 students with 8 being first time tyers. Cut off time for signing up is August 15th. Contact Gary for more info. Gary Henderson started signing up for the Advanced Fly Tying Class. Check with Gary Henderson for more info.

• Conservation Committee - Jim Von Rohr reported the can collection is going good. The collection team continues to pick up the cans at the golf courses and Jim takes them to the recycling center. Great job guys, we appreciate your hard work.

• Scholarship Committee - Jack Wingate reported the committee had three candidates to consider for this year's scholarship. The one they recommended was Cooper Barsinger (not sure about spelling). He will be studying where spawning takes place of big head and snake head carp. Voted on and approved by our membership who were present at today's meeting. 

• Ray Atkinson provided a little humor. 

• Birthdays - Ray Atkinson

• Anniversaries - 4 .  47, 54, 56, & 59 years  Congratulations

• Fishing Reports - Mark Richardson had the catch of the week with a catfish on Loch Lomond, see website for his catch. Seems good fishing on most of the lakes.

• We had more former President of the club at today's meeting than we have had for a while. Pres. Paul Bickford ask them to stand up and be given a round of applause for the dedication to the club.

• V.P. Steve Troup had the mgr of Riordan hall, Cathy Wilmeth, who is leaving, and her replacement come into our meeting to introduce her replacement. Ashley Nichols is replacing Cathy.

• 50/50 raffle was won by Scotty.

• Next week's speaker will be Chief Lake Ranger Bob Walker. Have your comments and questions ready. The next meeting will be August 12th with Social Hour starting at 9:00am and the meeting starting at 10:00am. Coffee will be provided

• Pres. Paul Bickford adjourned the meeting.

Respectfully submitted by Donnie Roberts, BVFT Secretary

JULY 29th

July 29, 2021

     General Meeting Minutes:

• Pres. Paul Bickford called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance.

• V.P. Steve Troup introduced our speakers, Jared Trammel and Kieran Bowe from the Little Rock U S Army Corps of Engineers. Their presentation about "Lakes and Streams" was very interesting and had lots of good information. Thanks guys and hope to see you again.

• Ray Atkinson provided us with a little humor. Thanks Ray.

• There were 39 members and 2 visitors at today's meeting. One visitor joined before the meeting was adjourned. Welcome to our club, John Parsons.

• Steve Curtis explained and demonstrated what an Alabama rig is. Multiple hooks so it catches lots of fish. He also showed us a ned rig and how to use it. Thanks again Steve.

• Fishing Reports - Dan Gilliam returned from a fishing trip in Wisconsin where he was fishing with his family and had successful trip. They fished a lot of streams using spinners.

• Wellness Reports - Once again Dick Rooney and Frank Gorishek  are still feeling under the weather. Keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

• Open Forum - It was reported that our member, Pat Patrick turned 93 years young. Happy Birthday! Three other lifetime members were at today's meeting. Recycling effort is going great. $316.50 for the month of July. Way to go Collection Team, keep up the good work. There 24 signed up for the Beginning Fly Tying Class so far. Class will start September 13th which is on  a Monday in the same place we hold our meetings. If interested in signing up contact Gary Rowland for more info.

• Keep bringing your aluminum cans to the meetings.

• Pres. Paul Bickford adjourned the meeting

• Next meeting is a business meeting on August 5th with Social Hour starting at 9:00am and the meeting starting at 10:00am, Coffee will be provided.

Respectfully submitted by Donnie Roberts, BVFT Secretary

JULY 22nd 

July 22, 2021

     General Meeting Minutes:

• Pres. Paul Bickford called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance.

• V.P. Steve Troup introduced our speakers, our members Steve Curtis and Kevin Huels. Steve gave us a lot of good fishing tips with a Carolina rig and a wacky worm. Steve also told us about Bang lure spray which he says works. Very good information for us novice fishers. Kevin talked about two of his fishing buddies that have taught and helped him tune his fishing practices, one of which is Steve Curtis. Kevin also told us how much he likes being part of our club and all we do. Thanks guys for a great presentation.

• V.P. Steve Troup made announcements of some upcoming speakers that he is working on. Next week's speaker is with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. A few that are in the works are Cabela's (Bass Pro Shops) and NW Arkansas Striper Association. Sounds like some interesting speakers on the agenda. Thanks Steve, keep up the good work.

• Pres. Paul Bickford welcomed all of our new members who were at the meeting. Be sure and welcome them to our club if you see them at future meetings.

• Wellness Report - Dick Rooney, Frank  Gorishek, and Chuck Hurl are still not feeling well enough to attend the meetings. Tom Diepenbrock is feeling better and attended today's meeting. Keep all in your thoughts and prayers.

• Fishing Reports -  Good fishing reported on Loch Lomond for large mouth bass. All other lakes seem to be a little slower.

• Open Forum - Upcoming events will be here before we know it. Rockbridge trip sign up has started for the fall trip. Contact Ron Blackwelder for more details. The beginner's fly tying class is scheduled to begin September 13th. The class will be in our meeting room starting at noon. For more details contact Gary Rowland. There is also Fly Fishing Film Tour coming to Bentonville on September 16th at the Bentonville City Airport. More info to come later. Carol Phillips is again offering fly casting class for those interested. Class is limited to 5 people at a time, for more information and to sign up contact Carol.

• There were 43 members and 1 visitor at today's meeting. Scott Hawes, our visitor, joined the club before we adjourned. Welcome to the club Scott. Our next meeting will Thursday July 29th. Social hour beginning at 9:00am and coffee will be provided, the meeting will start at 10:00am. Hope to see everyone there.

• Pres. Paul Bickford adjourned the meeting.

• Remember to keep bringing your aluminum cans!!!

Respectfully submitted by Donnie Roberts, BVFT Secretary

JULY 15th 

July 15, 2021

     General Meeting Minutes:

• Pres. Paul Bickford called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance.

• V.P. Steve Troup introduced our speaker,  Megan Post with the Washington County Extension Agent Water Quality and the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. Her presentation on Non Point Source Pollution Prevention was very informative about the things that are bad for our creeks, streams, and lakes. Thanks again Megan.

• Pres. Paul Bickford welcomed our new members and visitors. We had a total of 34 attending today's meeting with 3 being visitors. All three visitors joined the club before leaving the meeting. 

• Lakes Committee Mtg. Update - All Bella Vista's lakes are healthy. They are watching the e coli levels in all of our lakes. At this time they are all in  acceptable levels. POA is in the process of setting up 4 brood ponds below the Loch Lomand Dam at the dog park. This should solve the flooding of the golf course ponds that are being used now. Lake Ann sinkhole has not been fixed yet. Still in process of figuring out what to do.

• Wellness Reports - Frank Gorishek and Tom Diepenbrock are not feeling well. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

• Fishing Reports - Kevin Huels reported good bass fishing on Loch Lomand at night. He has been catching some 4.5 to over 5 lbs. bass.  Way to go Kevin. Good fishing is still being reported at most of our lakes.

• Open Forum -  Our can collecting program is doing well. Club set a goal of recycling at least $100.00 per month, this month we have already recycled $184.00 so far. Way to go to all of the volunteers! Thanks Guys. Keep collecting those aluminum cans and bringing to the meetings.

• Next Meeting will be Thursday, July 22nd. Social hour starts at 9:00am and the meeting starting at 10:00am. Hope to see everyone there.

• Pres. Paul Bickford adjourned the meeting.

  Respectfully submitted by Donnie Roberts, BVFT Secretary

JULY 8th 

July 8, 2021

     General Meeting Minutes:

• Pres. Paul Bickford called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance.

• V.P. Steve Troup introduced our speaker and one of our newest members, Master Fisherman Greg Cockrum. Greg's presentation included several pictures of his fishing successes through out N W Arkansas and Missouri. He also included a few pictures of his culinary talents of some of the fish he has prepared. Greg also offered a few pointers about lures and what is working for him. Great presentation Greg, thanks again.

• There were 32 members and 2 visitors at todays meeting. The two visitors are now members as they joined after the meeting. Welcome Roy Blakeslee and Terry Wilson!.

• Wellness Reports - It was reported that Dick Rooney and Frank Gorishek are both doing better.

• Fishing Reports - Good reports on most of the lakes here in Bella Vista. Some having luck over at Beaver Lake.

• July Birthdays - 2 reported, Gary Rowland and Paul Bickford. Happy Birthday guys.

• July Anniversaries - 1 reported, 52 years and wedded bliss. Happy Anniversary.

• Beginner's Fly Tying Class - Gary Rowland reported that 17 have signed up so far for this class with 4 being first time tyers. Class will start Monday. September 13th in our meeting room at Riordan Hall starting at 12 noon.  Fees for non-members will be $20 for manual, $40 for tool kit, $15 for materials, and $15 for club membership. Club members tying for the first time will only pay for manual,  tool kit, and materials. Returning tyers  who already have manual and tool kits will only pay $15 for materials. Hooks will be purchased at the beginning of each class for the fly that is being tied. They are usually 10 cents each. These are great classes and fun time to be had, so if you have not signed up, see Gary Rowland.

• Advanced Fly Tying Class - Gary Henderson announced that there will be an advanced class for the more experienced tyers. Class is expected to start around October 1st. Contact Gary for more details.

• Phil Ward announced that anyone wanting to start raising their own fishing worms that he will set them up with a starter set. This sounds like a very good idea. Check with Phil to get started today.

• V.P. Steve Troup asked the membership to suggest future topics for upcoming meetings. Here are a few of the ideas:

Speaker from Cabelas/Bass Pro Shop

Arkansas Game and Fish

CPR Classes - Bella Vista Fire Dept offers free classes

Corps of Engineers  - To talk about some of the area lakes

Neosho Fish Hatchery Tour - On hold at present time due to Covid restrictions

Presentation from some of our members on the use of lures and baits, and what works for them

     Great ideas guys. This should give Steve more choices.

• The visitors to our meeting today read about us in the weekly Vista newspaper. Alan Peterson wrote up the article and had it put in the newspaper. Thanks Alan, good job.

• Pres. Paul Bickford adjourned the meeting. Next meeting is July 15th with Social Hour starting at 9:00am and meeting to start at 10:00am. Remember to keep bring your aluminum cans to every meeting.

      Respectfully submitted by Donnie Roberts, BVFT Secretary

JULY 1st

July 1, 2021

Business Meeting Minutes:

• Pres. Paul Bickford called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance.

• Secretary Donnie Roberts read the minutes of the last business meeting minutes and approved.

• Treasurer Report given by Treasurer Ed Limehouse. The Spring Sporting Sale collected $2,000.00 and the aluminum can collections have netted $144.50. Great job guys! The club remains in good standing.

• V.P. Steve Troup reported on the success of the Bella Vista Farmers Market Booth for our Membership Drive. Unfortunately weather did not permit and the Mayor shut it down. We are planning on doing it at a later date, more info later. Thanks to all that showed up to help.

• Can Collection is going good except there seems to be other things ending up in the bags. It makes for extra work to clean out the cans. Thanks to Jim Von Rohr and the collections team for their hard work. It is greatly appreciated!

• Scholarship Committee no updates as of meeting time.

• Ray Adkinson provided another great joke for our humor of the day. Thanks Ray.

• July Birthdays -  none reported.

• July Anniversaries -  1 reported of 56 years!

• Fishing Report - Kevin Huels went night fishing on Loch Lomond and caught over 20 large mouth bass with few over 4 lbs. Gary Rowland who is an avid bass fisher caught a big catfish. Check out our website for the great picture. Good fishing seems to be going on at all of the BV lakes. Get out there and get to catching for yourself! Remember to keep all of the 8" to 12" large mouth bass, this will help the bass population.

• A new segment for our meetings will be Open Mic which we will ask the members for any input to improve our meetings and bring in more speakers. So be thinking what you would like to see in the future.

• Fly Tying Classes - 13 Beginners have signed up for the class so far. Class will run from September through March. Most of these beginners have taken the class at least once, still looking for first timers. For more info contact Gary Rowland. Gary Henderson announced holding an advanced class if there is enough interest. More info to come. And remember "Ugly flies catch fish!"

• 50/50 Cash Drawing netting the club $31.50 and Mark Richardson won $31.50. Thanks guys for participating.

• Meeting adjourned by Pres. Paul Bickford

• Next meeting  July 8th with social hour beginning at 9:00am and meeting starting at 10:00am. Meeting is at Riordan Hall, coffee is furnished.

       Respectfully submitted by Donnie Roberts, BVFT Secretary

JUNE 24th

June 24th, 2021

     General Meeting Minutes:

• Pres. Paul Bickford called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance.

• VP Steve Troup introduced our speaker and club member, Carol Phillips. Her presentation, Curt Gowdy and Ted Williams becoming great friends in sports and off the field. Their love for fly fishing brought them together off the field. Carol's presentation "Off the Field On the Water" was very interesting. Joe Avila taped it and should be available on our You Tube Channel, check it out. Thanks again to Joe and Carol.

• Ray Atkinson provided us with a little humor. Good one, Ray.

• Our fly tying courses are going to available this fall. Should be a beginners and an advanced classes offered. Sign up now by contacting Gary Rowland.

• Dick Mairet, past President, told us that he will be leaving Bella Vista for Kansas City due to health reasons. He will be missed.

• There were 34 members and 3 visitors present at today's meeting. Welcome visitors.

• Pres. Paul Bickford demonstrated our website and how to find  our fly tying tutorials. These are very good videos, thanks to Gary Rowland for his expert instructions for tying the flies and to Joe Avila for his professional grade videos. Be sure and check them out!

• Fishing Report - Reports of good fishing was reported by several members at all of our lakes. So get out there start catching them for yourself. Tight Lines!

• Keep bringing all of your aluminum cans to every meetings.

• Meeting adjourned by Paul Bickford.

• Next meeting will be a business meeting on Thursday July 1, 2021 with social hour at 9:00 am and the meeting at 10:00 am.

         Respectfully submitted by Donnie Roberts, BVFT Secretary

JUNE 17th

June 17th, 2021

General Meeting Minutes:

• Pres. Paul Bickford called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance.

• VP Steve Troup introduced our speakers. They were Xyta Lucas and Dale Phillips the curators of the Bella Vista Historical Museum. They are also members of the Bella Vista Historical Society. Their presentation on the "History of Bella Vista, AR" was very interesting to see the rich history here in Bella Vista. They also introduced their new book, History of Bella Vista, which they were selling at the meeting.  If you missed out on getting your copy they can be purchased at the museum. Their publisher, Arcadia Publishing is donating 100% of the proceeds from the sell of the book to the Bella Vista Historical Museum. So get out there and get yours today and help support a great cause.

• Ray Atkinson provided a little humor with a good joke. Keep 'em coming Ray. 

• Pres. Paul Bickford once again asked for volunteers for the aluminum can pick up patrol and member Dan Gilman also was asking someone to step up and be his back-up and not have our officers having to do it. New member Kenny Wayne volunteered to take the back-up position. Thanks again Kenny!

• VP Steve Troup is still asking for volunteers to man the Membership Drive Booth at the Farmers Market for Sunday, June 27th from 9:00 am until 2:00 pm. There are a few already committing on showing up, but a few more couldn't hurt. Thanks to Steve for taking care of most of the dealings to make this possible.   

• Paul Bickford show our new handout brochure prototype that we will be handing out at the Farmers Market. A big thanks to Terry and Shelly Gibson for their hard work on the design and set up of the brochure. Their hard work is greatly appreciated.

• Lakes Committee Mtg- They are worried that people may be taking more fish than they actually need, causing some concerns of over fishing some of the species in our lakes. They brought the idea for fisher people to self regulate on the limits they pull from our lakes. Paul Bickford also show a video that Rick Echols of the Lakes Dept. presented to the POA Board Meeting titled "Lake  Windsor Fishing Status 2021". Very interesting info.

• Next meeting  June 24th with social hour starting at 9:00 am with our meeting starting at 10:00 am. Remember to bring your aluminum cans to every meeting

• 34 members present at today's meeting

• Meeting adjourned by Paul Bickford.

           See everyone next week!

           Respectfully submitted by Donnie Roberts, BVFT Secretary

JUNE 10th

June 10th, 2021

General Meeting Minutes:

• Pres. Paul Bickford called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance.

• VP Steve Troup introduced guest speaker Greg Cockrum a local master fisherman. Greg discussed fly fishing, spin casting, lures, lines and best places to fish locally. Great Presentation!

• Two visitors who became members.

• Club Sale- a- thon held June 5th, was headed up by Tom Diepenbrock and Mike Mullinex. Thanks to all who helped and donated! The club netted over $2,000.00 !! Awesome job!

• Scholarship Committee is soliciting for a grad student in aquatic studies for a scholarship from the Club of $1,500.00

• Local magazine " Insider"  Magazine featured an article about kid's fishing with  Gary Henderson and how the Club helps with kids wanting to learn to fish in Bella Vista.

• Pres. Bickford played a video about Fly Tying a " wolly booger" fly in one of the Club's fly tying classes  with master fly tyer Gary Rowland.

• The Club needs a historian to maintain the Club Legacy . Please see Pres. Bickford for details.

• June 27th from 9:00a.m. to 2 :00 P.M. will be a membership drive  ( canopy booth and fly tying info with Gary Rowland and Sandy Allan tying flys) at the Farmer's Market in the Duffer's Parking Lot.  The club will need volunteers to man the booth.  See VP Steve Troup for details.

• 38 Members in attendance today at the Hall.

• Next Meeting June 17th, 2021 Riordan Hall 10:00 a.m. Social hour begins at 9:00 a.m.   Guest speakers will be Dale Phillips and Xyta Lucas and a book signing of their co-authored book about the History of Bella Vista.

• Meeting adjourned 10:50 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Steve Troup, Vice President , for Donnie Roberts, Secretary.

JUNE 3rd

June 3rd, 2021

Business Meeting Minutes:

• Pres. Paul Bickford called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance.

• May 3rd Meeting Minutes were read  by VP Steve Troup in lieu of Donnie Roberts Club Secretary and approved.

• Treasurer's Report presented by Ed Limehouse, Treasurer.  The Club is is good financial standing.

• Scholarship Committee Report: Gary Henderson, Committee member,  reports that the committee is still searching for an eligible scholarship candidate.

• BVFT Club  Gigantic Sell-a-thon is this Saturday June 5th, 2021  beginning at 8:00 a.m. at the Kingsdale Pavilion.

• One June Birthday: Dan Gillman; 82 years young.

• Three June Anniversaries..   One member is celebrating 64 years of wedded bliss!

• Fishing Reports: Lots of Blue Gill on Loch Lomond. One member traveled to Lake Erie with a large catch of Walleye.  Group fishing with Gary Rowland was successful on Loch Lomond. Carol Phillips reported great fishing at the head waters of the Missouri  River.

• A Survivor Benefit Committee will be added as a Standing Committees by Pres. Paul Bickford and a chairman  will named as well.  Therefore,  an amendment to the Club By Laws will not be necessary.

• The 2021 Membership Drive is tentatively set for Sunday June 27th at the Bella Vista Farmer's Market in Duffers Restaurant Parking lot.  Gary Rowland and Sandy Allen will tie flys and Alan Peterson will have some brochures.  More to come .

• Next Meeting Thursday June 10th at Riordan Hall.

• Guest Speaker: A local master fisherman : Greg Cockrum

• Meeting adjourned 10:50 a.m.

  Respectfully Submitted,

Vice President Steve Troup for Secretary Donnie Roberts.

May 6th

May 06, 2021

Business Meeting Minutes

• Pres. Paul Bickford called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance

• Ed Limehouse, Treasurer was absent from today's meeting so Paul Bickford delivered the treasurer report. Club still in good standing at this time

• Paul Bickford introduced our newest member, Ann Wallace. Welcome to the club Ann.

• Moving forward with a new fund raiser that will partner the club with 5 golf cart barns owned by the POA to set up and collect aluminum cans from the golf courses. Club members will pick up all the cans weekly at all 5 cart barns and deliver to Jim Von Rohr's house for recycling. Will need 2-4 volunteers weekly to get this accomplished. Motioned was brought up by John Nutall and seconded by several members then voted on and passed by the members attending the meeting. Bill Ginger also donated a truckload of cans that his son who is in the National Guard donated to him for the club's recycling effort. Thanks Bill and his son.

• May Birthdays - 3

• May Anniversaries - 2

• Fishing Report - Terry Gibson reported bass fishing on Loch Lomand was pretty good. Said he was using black plastic worms. Check out his pictures on the website. The Rockbridge trip also had good results for most. It was said that Pat Patrick brought home 74 lbs. of trout. Nice going Pat.

• June 3rd's meeting will be the return to Riordan Hall meeting room. It's been a long time since we have been in there and it will be nice to be back.

• The club is in the planning stages for Fall picnic and Christmas party, more to come later. 

• Upcoming Events - Saturday, May 15th Jody, the wife of Leon Thielman who passed away recently will be having a fishing equipment sale at her house at 13 Burnmouth Place here in Bella Vista from 9:00am until 1:00pm. Leon was an avid fisherman, and according to Tom Dipenbrock has a lot of gear. Let's show up and buy a lot to help out Jody. Also Saturday, May 15th is the POA's Kids Fishing Derby at the Metfield Pond starting at 8:00am. Rick Echols needs a few voluteers to help out so let's show up. Our fishing derby will be Thursday, May 20th starting at 7:00am at London Landing on Windsor Lake. Still time to enter, $10.00 per person for the derby and then $10.00 for Papa Mikes lunch. Get ahold of Ed Limehouse, Tom Diepenbrock, or Mike Mullinex to sign up.

• Club sporting sale is set for June 5th 10:00am at the Kingsdale Pavilion next to Riordan Hall.

• Social Fishing on Thursday, May 13th at London Landing at 9:00am

• Next meeting will be June 3rd at our old meeting room in Riordan Hall. This will be a business meeting with social hour starting at 9:00am and meeting to follow at 10:00am.

• Meeting adjourned by Paul Bickford, President

  Respectfully submitted by Donnie Roberts, BVFT Secretary

April 22 nd

April 22, 2021

General Meeting Minutes:

• Pres. Paul Bickford called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance

• VP Steve Troup  Introduced Guest Speaker Rick Echols, Bella Vista POA Lakes and Fisheries Superintendent.  Rick gave a fantastic slide show presentation about the status of our  Bella Vista Lakes, i.e. fish stocking and management  as well as wildlife habitat in and around our lakes.  The drawdown on Lake Rayburn continues after clearing about four years of leaf buildup around spillway pump drains. 

• Mr. Echols reminded the club  that May 15th 2021 is the POA's Kid's Fishing sponsored by the Lakes Committee and is looking for Fly Tyer  member volunteers to help teach kids to fish.  Rick reported that as far as he knows there will be no restrictions this year concerning masks and 'social distancing".  Contact Rick  through the POA at 479-855-8000 for details.

• Fly Tyers Annual Fishing DERBY will be on Thursday May 20th ,2021,  at the London Landing from 7am to about 2pm.  Lunch will be served at 12 noon catered by Papa Mike's. Cost of the lunch is $10.00 and to enter the  Derby is $10.00. You can either fish and eat or just fish OR just eat and fellowship.  Prizes will be given out.  Contact Tom Diepenbrock  to sign up or Treasurer, Ed Limehouse. 

• Jack Wingate Scholarship Chairman reported that he has sent out letters of our Clubs scholarship of $1,500.00 for a qualified graduate student who meets the criteria of majoring in Fish and Aquatic Biology. 

• April 29th,2021 will be Social Fishing  Gathering, and will meet at Lake Avalon: 9:00 a.m.

• GENERAL/Business MEETING MAY 6th, 2021 at the KINGSDALE Pavilion  ( not the church) : 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. social hour,  Business meeting begins at 10:00 a.m.

• The Club passed a motion made by John Nuttall and seconded  by Sandy Allan to pay the Club Officer's  Liability Insurance annual fee .  There was a majority vote of affirmative and passed,  with one  vote dissenting.

• The Highway Clean up on April 10th, 2021  was a success with a generous amount of aluminum cans collected as well as many various trash items including hundreds of yellow road reflectors scraped off by this years snow removal equipment!   Thanks  Chris Tabat and to all that volunteered! 

• Meeting adjourned at 11:00 a.m. 

                Respectfully submitted by Steve Troup, VP in lieu of Secretary Donnie Roberts

April 8th

April 8, 2021

Business Meeting Minutes

• Pres. Paul Bickford called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance

• Secretary Donnie Roberts read the minutes of the March Business Meeting

• Treasurer Ed Limehouse presented the Treasurer Report. Still in good standing for now. Covid has all but stopped  fund raising, so more money going out than money coming in. Still looking for additional fund raising ideas.

• Conservation Committee Report : Jim Von Rohr has been in contact with Rick Echols of the BV Lakes Department about upcoming projects that the club could possibly offer monetary help on. Rick said they were thinking about stocking Channel Catfish in all the lakes and Hybrid Stripers in Loch Lomond and Lake Windsor. This is fairly expensive and Jim mention to him about putting off this year's donation until next year and combining 2021 & 2022's donation and apply it to an additional dock on the dam at Windsor. This is where the Kids Fishing takes place during the school year and the additional dock would be greatly appreciated. (Kids Fishing has been cancelled because of covid, hope to be able to start again next year!) Board passed a motion to allocate funds for this purpose and was voted on by attending members and passed.

• Scholarship Committee Report : Jack Wingate was not in attendance today but has already sent out letters looking for candidates. During discussion it was met with opposition from 7 or so members who were not in favor of continuing the scholarship program. One main reason was that it usually does not do anything for our community. Motion was brought up and 2nded and the members attending passed to provide $1,500 if a candidate could be found, It was opposed by 7 members.

• FTC Survivorship Benefit Committee : Tom Diepenbrock will be the chairman of this committee. As needed Tom will ask for volunteers to help survivors with around the house jobs, such as yard work, delivering meals, selling of any fishing gear, or what ever maybe needed. This maybe added to the club's By-Laws as to not be overlooked by future officers.

• Looking into starting Club Activities that have been postponed because of the pandemic. Hopefully as vaccines become common and life tries to return to normal we are looking at hold picnics, fishing derbies, social fishing and whatever else comes up. Mike Mullinex will be setting up our first fishing derby for sometime in May. Stay tuned for more information as it becomes available. Thanks Mike. Ron Blackwelder is getting info for our fall picnic to be held at Simple Pleasures here in Bella Vista. Thanks Ron. 

• Birthdays - 1 for April and 2 from March. No anniversaries for April.

• 32 members attended today's meeting. 2 more members paid their 2021 dues and 1 new member joined but was not at today's meeting. Paid member total is now 115. Still down from 150 from 2020.

• Club Sport Sale date has been changed from May 22nd to June 5, 2021 at 10:00am at Kingsdale Pavilion, Tom Diepenbrock is still accepting donations for this sale. Be sure and look through your fishing gear and donate those unwanted items.

• Our annual Hiway clean-up for Hwy 340 (Lancashire) is happening this Saturday April 10 at 8:30am. Please meet at the Town Center Fire Station. Equipment will be provided and usually takes a couple hours to complete. You can contact Chris Tabat at cgtabat@gmail.com or by phone 262-758-0890 or just show up Saturday morning. See you there. Thanks Chris

• Next meeting will be April 22, 2021 at 9:00am for social time and meeting starts at 10:00am. Our speaker will be Rick Echols of the BV Lakes Department. Rick is very informative and keeps us up to date of the happenings around our lakes.

        Respectfully submitted by Donnie Roberts, BVFT Secretary

March 18th

March 18, 2021

      General Meeting Minutes

• Pres. Paul Bickford called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance

• V.P. Steve Troup introduced our speaker, Chris Penner a local Master Fly Fisherman and Instructor.  Chris gave a very informative presentation and supplied us with a lot of fly fishing tips and  equipment suggestions. He is also offering to give free lessons on the art of fly fishing.  

• Carol Phillips talked about the upcoming release of the book, The History Of Bella Vista. Should be ready for sale by the middle of April. There will be a book signing at the Bella Vista Museum sometime after that. Proceeds from the sale of the book will benefit the Bella Vista Historical Society and the Museum. Be sure and pick up a copy when it is available. There might be a book signing for the club also.

• Kevin Huels brought a visitor to the meeting, Scott introduced himself to the club. Welcome Scott.

• Wellness Report - Club member recuperating after back and hip surgery.  Recovery is going well.

• Rockbridge Trip - Ron Blackwelder reports that 18 people have signed up and are going on the trip. Today was the last day to sign up. Tight Lines to all that are going.

• 35 members and 1 visitor were in attendance at today's meeting.  3 more members paid their dues and we are now up to 110 paid members. We are still down from last year by about 40 members due to Covid.

• Fishing Report- Lake Brittney is still producing good trout fishing.  Some as big as 4 lbs. are being  caught.

• Paul Bickford is still fine tuning our website. Paul demonstrated how to get on the website and showed many of it's features. If anyone has not yet check out the website, please do. Paul and the rest of the guys are doing a fantastic job. On the website you will find a link to our You Tube Channel. Joe Avila takes care of the channel and updates it regularly. There are several fly tying instructions from our last fly tying class. Joe does an excellent job so check it out.

• Next meeting will in three weeks on April 8, 2021. This will be a business meeting. See everyone there.

• Pres. Paul Bickford adjourned the meeting.

                  Respectfully submitted by Donnie Roberts, BVFT Secretary 

March 4th

March 4, 2021

Business Meeting Minutes

• Pres. Paul Bickford called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance.

• February business meeting minutes read by Secretary Donnie Roberts.

• Treasurer Ed Limehouse gave the treasury report that shows the club is still in good standing. Discussion on doing away with the Richard Holly Memorial fund.

• Conservation Committee - No Report.

• Scholarship Committee - No Report.

• 3 Birthdays and 0 Anniversaries for the month of March.

• The idea of investing the club's money has been tabled for now, although we are still gathering facts.

• Carol Phillips (club member) is collecting opinions for the Lakes Committee on the subject of jug, limb line, & trot line fishing in Bella Vista's lakes. If you have an opinion either way, for or against it, please email Carol at 1historicalgeek@gmail.com  

• Pres. Paul Bickford asking to setup a phone committee that would call members before each meeting and remind them of our meetings. 

• Survivorship Care Committee is being created. The chairman would be in charge of keeping a list of volunteers to assist survivors with household and or yard duties after the death of their loved one. V.P. Steve Troup motioned that Tom Diepenbrock for the chairman of this committee and was seconded by Alan Peterson. Club Members voted in favor for Tom.

• Be sure and bring your aluminum cans to the meetings.

• Next meeting will be March 18, 2021. V.P. Steve Troup has lined up an interesting speaker, Chris Penner, who is a Master Fly Fisher and Fly Tyer. Should be a good time.  We are still meeting at the church starting at 9:00am with the meeting to start at 10:00am.  See everyone there. 

• Meeting adjourned by Pres. Paul Bickford

        Respectfully submitted by Donnie Roberts, BVFT Secretary 

February 25th

February 25, 2021

       General Meeting Minutes

• Pres. Paul Bickford called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance.

• Ray Atkinson provided a little humor. Thanks Ray.

• V.P. Steve Troup introduced our speaker, Doug Fowler, Bella Vista City Councilman and club member. Gave us  information on the duties of a councilman. City's budget is in good shape and has been able to increase the city's reserves this past year.

• Pres. Paul Bickford recognized Chuck Hurl for being a longtime member of the club. He has been a member since 1991 and also is a US Veteran.

• We gained 3 new members this week. 2 were at the meeting, Larry Lytle and Jack Kilsdonk. 1 new member not attending was George Osterberger.  Welcome new members and hope to see you at future meetings.

• Ron Blackwelder gave an update on the Rockbridge Trout Ranch Fishing event. It is scheduled for April 20, 2021. Ron said there are 10 people signed up and spaces are still available. Contact Ron Blackwelder at 713-819-6980 for more info.

• The club is going to start collecting aluminum cans to recycle for a way to raise funds. So start collecting and bring to future meetings for collection.

• The club was informed of a member's passing away. Leon Thielman passed away about 2 weeks or so ago. A sympathy card was passed around for attending members to sign and will be sent to the family.

• Pres. Paul Bickford demonstrated the club's website and ask if anyone was still having problems accessing or using it. Thanks Paul.

• Next meeting will Next Week March 4th with social hour starting at 9:00am and the meeting starting at 10:00am. This will be a business meeting. See you all there.

• Meeting Adjourned 

             Respectfully submitted by Donnie Roberts, BVFT Secretary

February 4th

February 4, 2021

Business Meeting Minutes

• Pres. Paul Bickford called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance.

• January Business meeting minutes read by Secretary Donnie Roberts.

• Treasurer Report by Treasurer Chris Tabat. Club is still in good standing although the club is spending more a month than what is being brought in. This is partly due to current members not renewing their membership. Only about half of our members have renewed for 2021 as of this meeting. Pres. Paul Bickford has sent out emails reminding that dues are due.

• Chris Tabat also gave an update on investing the club's money. As with any investment risk is involved and an annual service fee would apply. Still gathering facts at this time.

• Since Covid hit all of the Club's money raising events have been cancelled. Paul Bickford was asking for ideas for ways to raise money. Tom Diepenbrock will be taking donations for our Spring Sale happening sometime in April. If anyone has anything to donate contact Tom or any of the officers. More info to come.

• Conservation Committee- Rick Echols may need some part time help in the future, but not at this time.

• Scholarship Committe- No report at this time.

• 1 Birthday and 3 Anniversaries for the month of February.

• New Business- Tom Diepenbrock brought up an idea of working with the Oasis group for single mothers & children to take fishing. Still fact finding at this time.

• JAC Lake Committee- Jug and Limb line fishing is still a hot topic. Most are ok with it as long it is done legally. POA has not taken any steps at this time.

• Open forum- V.P. Steve Troup ask for a volunteer to take care of the coffee bar at the church for our meetings. Need to arrive by 8:45am to make and serve coffee to meeting attendees. Contact Steve Troup if you can help. He also brought up ways to advertise our club to attract  new members. We could do this by setting up a booth at places like the Bella Vista Farmers' Market or on the Bentonville Square. More to come later.

• 27 members attended today's meeting.

• Next meeting is on February 18, 2021 at the New Life Church with Social Hour starting at 9:00am with meeting following at 10:00am. City Councilman Doug Fowler will be speaking. See you there.

Respectfully submitted by Donnie Roberts, BVFT Secretary

January 21st 

January 21, 2021

General Meeting Minutes

• Pres. Paul Bickford called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance.

•  V.P. Steve Troup introduced our speaker, Dale Phillips of the Bella Vista Museum. His presentation was on Civil War individuals. Lyons Wakeman, who turned out to be actually Sarah Rosetta Wakeman who disguised herself as a man so she could get a construction job to help her family and was drafted into the Union Army. Interesting story, thanks Dale.

• Meeting attendance: 27 members, 1 new member, and 1 visitor who joined while attending today's meeting. Welcome new members.

• Fishing reports:  Gary Henderson reporting good fishing at Roaring River. Slow around Bella Vista.

• Wellness updates:  None reported.

• Birthdays:  Ed Limehouse

• Paul Bickford gave an update on the Lakes Committee Mtg. on banning the use of limb lines and jug fishing in all of Bella Vista's lakes. Seems to be a pretty hot topic between those for banning it and those who don't. Paul was asking for more info and data from all on what those opposed to it are complaining about. More to come.

• Next meeting will be February 4, 2021 at the New Life Church. Starting at 9:00am with social hour and meeting starting at 10:00am

• Meeting ajourned at 11:00am by Pres. Paul Bickford                   

October 21st

October 21, 2021

     General Meeting Minutes:

• Pres. Paul Bickford called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance.

• V.P. Steve Troup introduced our speaker, George Fellars with Sheepdog Impact Assistance, a nationally recognized non-profit group headquartered in Rogers, Arkansas. Volunteers are men and women  from the Military, Law Enforcement, Fire & Rescue and EMS professionals helping themselves renew a productive life and sense of purpose through participation in Disaster Response Teams as well as Outdoor Adventures. George's emotional presentation shows how much their work means to them. Great presentation George. Sheepdog works solely from donations and volunteers. We passed the hat and the club members donated $256.00! Thanks to everyone who donated.

• Pres. Paul Bickford welcomed our new members and visitors at today's meeting. There were 43 attending our meeting, good to see the turnout.

• Ray Atkinson provided our humor for the day. Thanks Ray!

• Fishing Reports - Terry Wilson reported catching some nice trout on the White River.

• Upcoming Events - Saturday, October 23 is Hiway Cleanup. Should be a lot of volunteers according to Chris Tabat. Thanks again Chris for taking care of organizing this event.

  Tuesday, October 26th is the Roaring River Fishing Derby and Chili Feed event. According to Gary Henderson 34 people   have signed up for the trip. Remember fishing starts at 7:30am and if you need your license and trout tag be there early. Measure