MEMBERS LUNCHEON TUESDAY, MAY 14, 2002 SPEAKER: MIKE BENNETT CARP ON THE FLY!! We are fortunate to have on of the areas premier fly fishermen and steelhead anglers as this months speaker. But, since spring is here and steelhead are about done, Mike will be presenting a program relating to some of the more abundant species to be found this time of year -- CARP. Don't laugh, these sometimes huge fish are great adversaries and bull dog battlers. Great fun on a fly rod, or any other tackle for that matter. In addition, they are easy to locate, but not necessarily easy to hook up or bring to the net. Mike will discuss ways to fool "ol bugle lips" and may even share some of his favorite recipes for those of us who frown on catch and release! A great program, don't miss it! Harry's Steakhouse – Independence 5664 Brecksville Rd. (Rt. 21) One mile north of Rockside (Old Brown Derby) Doors open with a cash bar at 11:30 A.M. and lunch served about 12:00 Noon. Please note: Harry's Steakhouse's Lunch cost is $12.00 (price change). For reservations until 8:00 P.M. Sunday, please call 330-467-0999 or email woodsandwatersclub@yahoo.com. Reservations required. ADVISORS James Batke / Stan Bazan / Dick Bechtel / John Bothwell / Richard Brumbach / Geoff Carter / Gerald Chomos / Dan Cikra / Elmer Cowan / Will Cretney / Ray Czech / Elmer Davison / Dick Deacon / Jim Deacon / Les Demaline / D'arcy Egan / Jim Faddoul / Mike Fedorka / Dave Gardner / Craig Gorsuch / Ray Hunt / Jack Kafer / Ken Kalish / Scott Kaye / Jack Keeler / Albert Klavora / Terry Kosmata / Dennis Kratochvil / Kenneth Kuentz / Arnie Lozzi / Willis Lynn / Daniel Maragheret / Tom Metzner / Dan Miltner / Lou Nagy / Fred Priest / Bill Schaefer / John Schaefer / Richard Schulke / Tony Smeraldi / Bill Switaj / Stephen Switaj / Bruce Taylor / Richard Ursem / Richard Van Hala / John Veres Sr. / Ed Walsh / Joseph Wegas / Stan Witkowski. LUNCH @ NOON MONTHLY MEMBERS MEETING DINNER @ 6:30P.M. May 14, 2002Lunch (Harry's) June 11, 2002Lunch (Harry's) July 9, 2002Dinner (Harry's) Aug. 13, 2002Kid's Lunch (Metro Parks) Sept. 10, 2002Lunch (Harry's) Oct. 8, 2002Dinner (Harry's) Nov. 12, 2002Lunch (Harry's) Dec. 10, 2002Lunch (Harry's) Jan. 14, 2003Lunch Feb. 11, 2003Lunch March , 2003Lunch April 8, 2003Dinner NRA: PLEASE NOTE NUMBER CHANGE Once again, if you are joining or renewing membership with NRA, please include our club # (XC016378) on the form!!! Also, you must send the renewal to NRA, Recruiter Program Dept., 11250 Waples Mill Rd., Fairfax, VA 22030-7400. Alternatively, send your renewal form and check to W&W , Box 670393, Northfield, OH, and we will forward it to the appropriate NRA address. PRESIDENTS NOTES: Elections The results are in! You have elected the following officers for the year starting May 1, 2002 and ending April 30, 2003. Joe DiGiacomo President Cathy KowalczykVice – President Paul KarlaSecretary Dan ForresterTreasurer In addition the following Trustees were elected to serve a three year term expiring April 30, 2005. Chris Fassnacht Raymond L. Gurnick Larry Koverman Kit Kimmich Renee O'Brokta Rob Wallace Richard Wilkison Congratulations to you all! We all need your support in making the Woods and Waters Club of Northern Ohio an organization we can all be proud of. Outgoing Trustees We extend our gratitude to those Trustees who served our club for the last three years and beyond. David Beary Howard Guerin Stan Jurewicz Kevin Kirkpatric Chris Kovac Robert Kovac Dennis Kratochvil We urge all of our members to learn from their example and to get involved. Activities Committee One of the jewels in the crown of our club is the Activities Committee. Les Demaline recently met with the Chairmen of the various activities to review the results of last years events and to discuss ideas for any improvements. In addition a number of new activities were discussed: A Bass Fishing Trip originating from the central basin – Kit Kimmich A Women's Shooting Outing – Cathy Kowalczyk A Youth Beginners Archery Outing – WE ARE LOOKING FOR A VOLUNTEER TO HEAD UP THIS COMMITTEE. Call Les or me at 440-835-0780. A number of other ideas were discussed and we are always open to exploring ways to fit in with your areas of interest. The committee is proud of and continues to develop youth programs: Sport Shooting June 12th Fly Fishing July 1st Sailboat Race July 1st Yellow Perch Fishing Sept. 8th Clam Bake & Hay Ride Oct. 26th Please contact Les or any of the individuals listed on the Activities Agenda or myself with your thoughts. Congratulations to Les and his committee on a job well done. Website Sponsorship We are pleased to introduce two new sponsors for our website: Niagra Business Group LLC. Global Executive Mortgage Inc. Look up our website www.woodsandwatersclub.com and while you are at it check out our sponsors. If you or any of your friends wood like to become a sponsor give me a call at 440-835-0780. Leonard Hengenius On April 13, 2002 The Woods and Waters Club of Northern Ohio lost a very special member. Len Hengenius participated to the fullest as a sportsman, a leader and always as a gentleman. Many of us benefited as Len and his friend Tom Montagna hosted the wonderful annual fishing and dinner outings at Deep Springs. Many of us benefited as Len and his friend Chris Chrysalis piloted us to "the big ones" on Lake Ontario. Many of us combined our visit to the Sportsman Show at the IX Center with our March luncheons and enjoyed the experience due to the efforts of Len and his lifelong friend Dick Kotis. Many of us savored the Lake Erie fishing trips and shore lunches prepared by Len and his friend Ray Henry. And the list goes on and on. Len's tireless, unselfish work with the Activities Committee was recognized in his "Award of Excellence" in 2001 and his "Award of Merit" in 1998. In 1989 Len was awarded the "Man of the Year" award. His citation recognized over 20 years service to the Club including serving on the Board of Trustees, as Secretary in 1977/1978, Vice-President in 1978/1979 and President in 1979/1980. He will be missed by his wife Carol of 50 years and his family. He will also be missed by those of us who knew him. For those who didn't know him, you can still benefit by the heritage he helped to create as a sportsman. MONTHLY MEMBERS MEETING: On April 9th Drew Hutzel spoke to our luncheon group about the turkey proposal in Ohio. A recent census indicates the turkey flock at 260,000 strong and growing. The State of Ohio is modifying the Turkey hunting laws with: A four week season Tags can be purchased separately for multiple bagging,The fall season has been set at two weeks covering three weekends The archery season will be extended thru 12/1/02,Sunday hunting, same as weekdays. Last year 26000 birds were harvested in the spring season and 3000 birds harvested in the fall season. This performance places Ohio in the top eight states in the country. In addition the 1999 class of birds, the highest hatch ever, will produce trophy birds for the lucky hunters. Remember, this in a state that did not have one turkey in 1930. More importantly, the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) continues to partner with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) to fund land acquisition in Ohio thus insuring good hunting for turkeys as well as other species for years to come. Remember to pattern your gun recognizing the marriage of gun, choke tubes, and shells. All said and done, Turkey hunters know that set-up is the most critical issue. Proper equipment helps, scouting helps, calling helps (remember less is more) but in the end, a safe successful hunt is getting out in the out-of-doors alone or with friends enjoying nature. ACTIVITIES: Enclosed you will find: Sporting Clays & Lunch Flyer – June 5, 2002 – Larry Koverman 330-225-6703 Youth Sport Shooting – Wednesday, June 12, 2002 Cathy & Jay Kowalczyk – 440-934-4901 Youth Fly Fishing & Sailboat Competition – July 1, 2002 Cathy & Jay Kowalczyk – 440-934-4901 Openings Still Remain: Please note date change. Lake Erie Walleye Trips – May 29, 2002 & June 26, 2002. Contact Wid Lynn: 330-666-4863 (thru May 21st) and 419-798-8616 (May 22nd thru Sept. 15th ) for more information. Activity Reports: Rockwell Fishing & Sporting Clays – April 3-4, 2002 - Scott Poffenberger As I left Cleveland in sleet and drizzle on April 3rd, I reminded myself that this was the price we paid for being outdoorsmen in Northern Ohio. We had such beautiful weather for our December "Cast & Blast" outing It was time to pay our dues. Luckily the sleet and rain had relented by the time we reached Rockwell Springs, but the slate skies and occasional gusts of cold reminded us that it was, indeed, early spring. The skies slowly began to brighten, however, and by Thursday the sun was shining, even if the temperatures stayed chilly. The weather did not stop a capacity group including past Presidents Lou Nagy and Ed Walsh and Activities Chairman Les Demaline from enjoying two great days of fly-fishing. Once again Wid Lynn, brandishing an Alaskan egg pattern tied by an obscure fly tier known only as "thumbs", slammed over ten trout on Wednesday morning alone. Following happy hour, Chef Frank and his crew served an excellent supper accompanied by Willoway wine provided by Chairman Demaline. Many of the crew then repaired to the Rockwell bar for conversation, beverages and the occasional cigar. On Thursday morning, several of the crew convoyed to W & R shooting club where they were joined by President Joe DiGiacomo who drove up from Cleveland for a round of sporting clays. Thanks to all who participate, the Rockwell Springs outings are some of the most popular and successful events each year. We look forward to continuing this tradition in December and beyond. Help wanted: Woods and Waters needs all the able bodied folks we can muster to help with the "Lake Erie Boating and Fishing Festival" on June 1st and 2nd. Hours are from 12-7 on Saturday and 12-6 on Sunday and 3 or 4 hour shifts will be welcome. All kinds of help can be used from manning an information booth to helping the kids fish for perch. The Boating and Fishing Festival is a joint venture of the Ohio Divisions of Watercraft and Wildlife along with the CoastGuard, LEMTA and other organizations. 9000 people attended last years program and it is estimated that 700 first time fisherpeople (mostly kids) were treated to a quick fishing trip on a local head boat. This seems to be a great program and will be some good exposure for the Woods and Waters Club. PLEASE HELP!!!!! Call Joe Digiacomo (440-835-0780) please and let him know when you will be available. ALERT - ALERT-ALERT!!! -- Woods and Waters Club members can take great pride in a recent program which has resulted from the Outreach activity. Mr. Jeff Mossbruger of Silver Mountain Taxidermy offered our Club the opportunity to take the lead in donating all expense paid boar hunts to two physically handicapped youths. To offset some of his expenses, Jeff conducted a raffle with prizes of a gun, some fishing equipment and a turkey hunting package. Our clubs only financial involvement was to contribute some of the items for the fishing equipment given away in the raffle. For this, two lucky kids are getting a free boar hunt at Southern Ohio Exotics (including an overnight stay and meals), cleaning and processing of the boar, mounting of the head, and a $200 gift certificate to Gander Mountain. We have had great cooperation in this effort. The Nat. Wild Turkey Federation help locate some of the youths who were entered into the draw, as did "Hunt of a Lifetime" (the Make-a-Wish equivalent for those kids who hunt). Butch Alexander of Southern Ohio Exotics discounted the hunt costs, and Brian Foster of Brians Deer Cutting is contributing his time to help with meat processing. Of course, Silver Mountain Taxidermy is doing the mounting of the boar heads. Other contributors were Akron Arms, and the Sheffield Gander Mountain. Also, a tip of the hat to Jay Reda of the Ohio DNR, Mike McKnight of McKnight Motor Homes, and D'Arcy Egan. We had the drawing for the raffle and selected the kids on the D'arcy's show on WKNR on Sunday June 21. The two boys selected (drawn from a hat) were Kynan Donnovan of Huntsville (missing a hand at birth), and Darrin Carlson of Gary, NY, who had MD and requires a wheel chair. Justin Williams, a quadriplegic from OH is an alternate in case on of the two can't make it. We expect the hunt to take place sometime in late June at the boys' convenience. Woods and Waters thanks everyone who assisted in this effort and I hope all of our members share my great pride in making this event happen. If you get a chance, stop by, or call Silver Mountain Taxidermy and give Jeff Mossbruger a pat on the back for being the driving force behind this wonderful program. We will have pictures of the hunts available on the net. What's Happening Elsewhere! US Sportsmen's Alliance; Welcome news! The Sunday Hunting Bill passed unanimously in the Senate. Thanks to all who called t support this bill. USSA was instrumental in pushing this issue through the State house. You can support USSA by becoming a member or by urchasing a raffle ticket for (25 acres in southern OH ($5) or for an ATV ATV ($10). Your support for these activities is requested and provides a Win-Win because it also benefits the Woods and Waters Club. Call Jim Faddoul, 440-777- 7478. National Wild Turkey Fed.: Most of the banquet activities have come to a halt as everyone is involved in the Turkey harvest. But, you can join me at a Fun event, the Trap Shoot and Pig Roast for the Wheelin' Sportsmen at the Izaak Walton League in Layfayette Twp. On June 15th. $40 includes all activities (including fishing) and lunch. (This event is free for the disabled!!) Contact Drew Hutzel, 330-722-3758 for tickets. Ladies, don't forget the Women in the Outdoors program. Learn to cook, hunt, shoot, or just back a trailer. These are fun weekend activities and the cost is minimal, usually $30 to $50 for a full agenda. See the NWTF website or contact Rene O'brokta @ 216-362-1072. Whitetails Unlimited:. Not much in the way of activities scheduled in the near term, but now would be a good time to check out the website, especially those who have hunting property and would like to imporve the deer habitat. Great tips and ideas are available by logging on to http://www.whitetailsunlimited.org/. NRA: Lots of legislative issues being discussed. For a list, check the NRA ILA sebsite. http://www.nraila.org. Once again, if you are joining or renewing membership with NRA, please include our club # (XC016378) on the form!!! Also, you must send the renewal to NRA, Recruiter Program Dept., 11250 Waples Mill Rd., Fairfax, VA 22030-7400. Alternatively, send your renewal form and check to W&W , Box 670393, Northfield, OH, and we will forward it to the appropriate NRA address. Ducks Unlimited: DU has upgraded and enhanced their web sites for both the state and national clubs. Check out "http://www.ducks.org". Not much in the way of local area banquets for May or June but a lot of good stuff regarding duck habitat and dogs and hunting on the web. On those spring days that are too cold and wet to fish, log on and enjoy. Ohio Rifle and Pistol Association: ORPA is the official NRA organization that conducts the Civilian Marksmanship Program for Ohio. No one called regarding the CMP event so I will be going with only one other W&W member, and, I intend to have a good time. Will give you the results next month.