President Wyatt Andrews welcomed members and guests to the monthly dinner meeting at Kennon House in Gasburg, VA. He led the membership in the Pledge of Allegiance and offered grace before attendees enjoyed a buffet dinner.
President Wyatt Andrews called the meeting to order at 6:33 PM with 57 people in attendance, including new members Lynn Cisar, Kim Anderson and Cheryl Honeycutt.
Membership – Susie Deschenes presented this Slate of Officers for 2024:
President: Lewis Mustain
Vice President: Wyatt Andrews
Treasurer: Debbie Andrews
Secretary: Lin Harbold
Directors: Susie Deschenes (Terms of Directors Brian Goldsworthy and
Ray Jeter Drew Goodwin expire in October 2024)
Susie welcomed additional 2024 Board nominations from the floor or by contacting her directly. Members will vote for 2024 Officers and Directors at the September 27th meeting.
President Wyatt Andrews announced that we received a thank you from John 3:16 for the summer safety trailer program, where we interacted with 133 children.
Presiden Wyatt Andrews reported that the Lake Gaston Stakeholders Board honored Pete Deschenes for his decades of service to the Lake Gaston Community. Pete held leadership roles in multiple organizations, including Lake Gaston Water Safety Council, Lake Gaston Association, Lake Gaston Weed Control Council and Roanoke Wildwood Volunteer Fire Department. Pete received a plaque stating that the Lake Gaston Stakeholders Board will be renamed The Pete Deschenes Lake Gaston Stakeholders Board. Thank you and Congratulations, Pete!
Pig Pick’n will be held September 27th at no charge to attendees other than bringing a side dish to share. Susie Deschenes circulated a sign-up sheet including side dishes to bring. The Board will provide the pig, paper products, iced tea and water. Adult beverages will be permitted if guests would like to bring their own.
Important Dates:
September / October Aquatic Plant Survey
September 1st Chamber of Commerce Big Splash Raffle
September 2nd Littleton-Lake Gaston Festival
September 9th Coast Guard Auxiliary Boater Safety Class, Longbridge Volunteer Fire Department
September 27thPig Pick’n RWVFD
October 7th Coast Guard Auxiliary Boater Safety Class, Longbridge Volunteer Fire Department
November 18th Coast Guard Auxiliary Boater Safety Class, Longbridge Volunteer Fire Department
50/50 Drawing:
Congratulations to Wencil Stanek, who won $32.50!
Next Membership Meeting:
Pig Pick’n, Wednesday, September 27th, 5:30 PM Social; Dinner 6:00 PM, R
Program – A Review of the Year’s Incidents
Sgt Richard Creech, Jacob Long – NC Wildlife Resources Commission
Sgt Brandon Harris, Matt Sandy, Chris Kent – VA Department of Wildlife Resources
Sgt Creech shared the following statistics:
- Hunting Arrests – 57
- Fishing Arrests – 23
- Boating Arrests – 89. Top Reason
- Child under 13 not wearing life jacket
- Speeding in NO WAKE zone
- Boating Warnings – 201
- Patrol Night Boating – 392 hours
- Night Boating Arrests – 35
- Boating Under the Influence – 25
- Boats Checked – 298
- Fishermen Checked – 506
Sgt Creech and Officer Sandy took questions from the audience, many of which covered NO WAKE situations and laws. Officer Sandy mentioned that the Poplar Creek area is getting busy and is under consideration to become a NO WAKE zone. When asked how to get an area declared a NO WAKE zone, Officer Sandy recommended taking concerns to local county officials who can provide documentation to the appropriate Wildlife Resources department for approval.
As of July 1, 2023, Virginia has a “Move Over” law for boaters that states:
Motorboats are required to slow to no-wake speed within 200 feet of a law enforcement or emergency services vessel when displaying blue or red flashing lights.
Motion to Adjourn at 7:18 PM by Lewis Mustain, seconded by Drew Goodwin; motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Lin Harbold, Secretary
