Lynchburg Fly Fishing Club Working With Veterans

CHECK THIS OUT--I just read a post from Jack Hise, one of the members of the Lynchburg, TN Fly Fishing Club, on the forum of www.trophyfishingtn.com

You can find the exact thread here.

Wishing them all the best and they have our support, hope they gain yours too. Here is the quote from Jack's post:

On September 15th the Lynchburg Fly Fishing Club will begin a 4 week program in conjunction with the Murfreesboro VA Hospital.

8 fly tying kits have been received from PHW as well as 8 TFO 9' 5 wt. 4 pc. rods all rigged with reels, backing and line. Also the club has raised close to $100.00 for tying supplies.

Our contact at the VA is trying for a starting group of 10 out patient veterans.

We have a member that teaches fly tying and a member that is a certified
casting instructor.

We are going into this somewhat blind and have no idea of what do or expect! It is agreed that this is to be a pilot program leading to a long term program.

Wish us luck! We may be back asking for more help!

Sharp Hooks and Tight Lines,

Ron

Check Out FISHYKID.ORG

A couple of my blogger peers and artists have a new project they are working on. They certainly fall under the Friends category of Nabours And Friends.

I think it's a cool deal and want you to see it for yourself. Here's the link to FISHYKID.ORG

Cameron, that blogs at The Fiberglass Manifesto, is one of the founders and he let me know about it.

I want you to know about it. Get involved, get yer kids involved. Have fun.

In Flanders Fields

In Flanders Fields John McCrae, 1915.

In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below. We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders fields. Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields.

Ryan Murphey Upcoming Shows In Nashville

Master musician, soulful songwriter and my friend, Ryan Murphey, was also one of our performers during the very happy happy hours of that opening Friday evening of the Nabours And Friends event for Project Healing Waters on the Caney Fork River.

That's Rye left with Pete Huttlinger that night.

Got this email a couple of days ago but I've been so busy that I'm just now getting around to posting it. Sorry Rye. (PS-I had to steal some pics from your ryepsace.)

Ryan Murphey announces two upcoming shows.

The first, on Thursday, May 7, is at the Copper Kettle, 94 Peabody Street near downtown Nashville. The Songwriter's Show begins at 7:30 p.m. The restaurant bills itself as having "great southern cooking" -- mix that with entertainment from some great singer/songwriter and it's a cool night out!


Check out Rye's Space Including some tunes!

On June 10th, Ryan will perform at the Songwriter Series at the Commodore Lounge at the Holiday Inn Vanderbilt on West End Avenue across from Centennial Park, Nashville.

Latest Rye Murphey Album, "MIRACLE STREET" Available Now!

Ryan's new album "Miracle Street" is available on Spin Box Records, www.spinboxclub.com.

If you need more information please contact:

Vernell Hackett 615-356-8176

Pete Huttlinger CD Release Party

Many of you met Pete Huttlinger at the NaboursAndFriends event on the Caney.

He donated his time and talents to be one of our entertainers at the kick off Friday evening. He also gave everyone in attendance that night a copy of his "Catch And Release" cd. It's still in my cd player.

Pete is an avid fly fisherman, monster guitarist (and in my mind, that's the biggest, bestest thing I can say about someone's ability/skill/artistry) and all around great guy.

I just got an email about this last night or I would have posted it earlier. Hope you can make it. No cover charge by the way!! I'm in Montana right now or I'd be there for
sure.

Check This Out!

This Thursday
April 30
3rd & Lindsley
Nashville, TN
Album Release Party


Pete Huttlinger Fingerpicking Wonder-The Music Of Stevie Wonder

7:00PM

P. O. Box 210588
Nashville, TN 37221-0588
Phone: 615 952-9250
www.morrispr.biz
Copyright 2009 Morris Public Relations

Dorothy, Toto, Trout and Totals

Big thanks to all that showed up and offered support otherwise. Full reports in the coming days.

All went well, despite the weather. Though our home was spared, we know folks that did have damage. Some lost homes entirely, some just had damage. We are very fortunate that more lives were not lost. I just read a newspaper article that said there are 253 homes damaged or destroyed. This town is a huge mess. Google up Murfreesboro, TN Tornado on April 10 2009 or in youtube and you'll see.

In the coming days we'll be posting pictures and a full report of the event.I don't have a final count yet and don't know how much money went straight to PHW through their website that did not come to the event, but my best guess is we brought in about $3,000.00 for Project Healing Waters. We had 32 registered attendees. Not a bad average per person.

I have some chores to do around the house here and hundreds of photos to sort though and post. If any of you have any photos you'd like to share, please send them.

THANK YOU ALL.

It Takes A Village To Raise A Fund.

It's about to get really busy around here. I wanted to take this time to say thanks all around to everyone that helped make this a reality.

The Biggest Thanks

The biggest of thanks to the people that get up and go to work every day in boots and camo. The people that put it all on the line. The people that give it everything they've got so we can keep everything we've got. Thanks to the men and women of our armed services. Thanks to the wounded warriors. We know we can never really repay you, but we hope you'll accept our undying gratitude for your dedication, service and sacrifice.

It's nearly time. Some folks are going to start showing up this Thursday. Most folks will arrive sometime Friday. Entertainers have confirmed, registrations are coming in, volunteers are coordinating everything from ice chests to public address systems door prizes and auction items are arriving. Seems like there is a new package on the doorstep everyday. We need to recognize these donors. Since The Purple Heart Rod was the last post, let's start there.

D.R. Stone Rod Company
If you look at the post below this one, you'll see the latest picture that Leo sent on the build. Says it casts a 4wt line like nobody's business. The blank was donated by Dennis Stone, of D.R.Stone Rod Company. I have a DRStone blank that Dennis made. I have not yet built the rod but I am looking forward to the project.

Dennis became interested in bamboo about 15 years ago and that interest sparked his bamboo rod building and restoration business. When Leo told Dennis about The Purple Heart Rod project, he donated the blank. Thank you Dennis.

Enter REC Components
Leo then contacted REC Components to order the rest of the stuff needed to complete the build. When REC President Alan Gnann found out about the project, they jumped on board with their donations as well. Alan and I have had a couple of email exchanges recently. Here's a quote from one of his notes.

"Ron, Many of us at REC, including me, are proud veterans and pleased to do what we can to support our military personnel. REC has on its staff 3 Vietnam era vets, my son served tours in Bosnia and the 1993 Iraq invasion and we also have a 25 year old medically retired marine, Paul, on staff who suffered a disabling head wound during a training exercise in preparation for an Iraq deployment."

I also asked for a brief description of their company, since I'm not exactly in the know about rod building. Here is what Paul sent.

"REC Components, Designer and Manufacture of the finest rod building components and cases. Especially renowned for high quality reel seats, hardwood spacers, cork rings, cork grips, rod bags, aluminum rod cases, winding checks, RECOIL, Mildrum, and Perfection. With the exception of blanks, REC Components offers everything required by OEM rod Manufactures and custom rod builders. REC also offers in house Screen Printing, Laser and Deep Diamond Engraving. The REC Components staff stands ready to provide our superior service to customers world wide."

Pickin' and Grinnin'
I first came to Nashville in 1994 with songwriting partner Joe Hodge. On that trip we met and became friends with Nashville publicist Vernell Hackett. I spammed my entire email list with this project, including Vernell. When she read the letter, she offered to help spread the word. Thank you, Vernell.

One of Vernell's contacts is Erin Morris of Santa Rita Artist Management. Erin wrote

"My client, Pete Huttlinger, has an album called Catch and Release. He's a serious fly fisherman and even wrote the theme song for ESPN's "Fly Fishing America".

Pete is booked on Monday the 13th on The Today Show in New York, but he has time and has volunteered to play for us Friday evening, the 10th. Check out Pete Huttlinger.

I also sent emails and left telephone messages for a group I'd heard of called 2ND Nature. I got a call back from artist/hit songwriter Don King. Don is a part of the group 2ND Nature , he was a recording artist on Epic Records, runs Don King Music and is Chief of Education and Information for the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency Perfect fit for this event and we thank him for his time.

Another great talent I met years ago, through Vernell, is Ryan Murphey. He and I hae written a together a time or two. He's a great guy. I just found out this mornig that he is going to be there too! This is going to be great.

I would not be surprised if other entertainers show up as well. Some volunteered but had to cancel, others have expressed desire to help out if their schedule allows. Looking forward to seeing who might show up.

Vittles
Friday night, before the show, we are going to have a little cook out. Then Saturday morning we'll have a great breakfast and that evening, before the auction and door prizes, we are going to eat a FANTASTIC meal prepared by Mike Hill. Mike fly fishes every chance he gets, does a little photography and he cooks. Cooks like a maniac. He's famous around here for his smoker techniques and all I had to do was ask him to cook for us. Mike works some at Cumberland Transit in the fly shop.

Door Prizes And Auction
If you look to the column on the far right of this post, you'll find a long list of Sponsors and Donors. They have all donated goods or services to be awarded or sold at this event.

Brandon Gunnels, Nashville area auctioneer and avid fly fisherman/wooden drift boat builder, is going to be our auctioneer for the evening. He is also bringing the PA system. Cool.

Cumberland Transit in Nashville has donated a reel and fly line to go on the Purple Heart Rod. Leo says: "The reel is an Orvis CFO with a nice, matching Buckskin colored line. Due to it's size, it could be used on just about any 4/5wt fly rod. Works well on The Purple Heart though."

Cumberland Transit was also the guiding force behind obtaining a Project Healing Waters Rod and Reel outfit from Temple Fork Outfitters. Rick Pope heads up the company and they have long been supporters of Project Healing Waters. Thanks Rick.

I just got some gift certificates from Rhonda at Tim's Flies and Lies in Lynchburg. They are also the NuCanoe dealer in Middle Tennessee that helped us obtain the NuCanoe door prize.

I'm on the pro-staff of Montana Fly Company and when I approached them about this deal they sent me some goodies as well. Flies, and tying tools.

Ian from Grasshopper Outdoor Products sent us some Mono-Masters and other fly fishing tool. I am a big fan of the Mono-Master. We have come to know it as the Leader Eater. Keeps waste mono off of our streams. Good stuff.

Jeff Kennedy, the man behind the art of Drawing Flies 365 has donated a copy of his soon to be published book. Cool stuff, check it out.

Kelly Palmer, guide for Kootenai River Outfitters, has donated a guided fly fishing trip in Montana as has Joel of Montana Troutaholic Outfitters.

David at Southeastern Fly has donated a trip in Tennessee.

Jarrod, who works with Mike over at TrophyFishingTn.com has donated a Tennesse float trip and a guitar autographed by Grammy Award Winning rockers, Kings Of Leon. That group is made up of Tennessee boys that are taking the world by storm. When Jarrod isn't on the river, he works for Kings Of Leon.

Ronnie Howard, aka "Grumpy", Caney Fork guide and fly shop man at Cumberland Transit, has donated a guide trip and been instrumental in helping gather up all sorts of other stuff we need from firewood to ice chests and other donations.

Blake and the good people at NuCanoe really helped to anchor the door prizes with a fully loaded, 12' Tandem Ultimated Adventurer model NuCanoe. They nearly gave us the boat and with the help of TrophyFishingTn.com, Montana Troutaholic Outfitters and Tim's Flies and Lies, this door prize came to fruition.

A big thanks also goes out to the members of every fishing forum I've spammed with all of this. They have graciously allowed me to publicize this event even though I haven't had much time to be an active member on their forums. Those include Little River Outfitters, The Itinerant Angler, RockyMtnFly, FlyAnglers.org, FishingTN, and blogger Tom Chandler at Trout Underground. It is greatly appreciated.

One more thing. If it hadn't been for the core group of supporters at TrophyFishingTn.com that shared this idea and got behind it, none of this would have ever happened. Thanks guys.

See you in a few days.

The Purple Heart Rod, or Leo's NAF Bamboo Build

EDIT: Leo sent me an email a couple of days ago saying the rod was almost finished. Here's the latest picture, posted 4/05/09
This is going to be a very sweet rod that Leo deMonbreun is building to be auctioned at the event. Leo has been building rods a long time and you can often find him behind the counter of the fly shop at Cumberland Transit in Nashville.

A huge thanks to Leo for the build and also to Dennis of D.R. Stone Rod Company for donating the blank, to Tim at T.L. Zietak rod company for their component donations and to Alan at REC Components, makers of RECOIL Guides and more for their contribution as well.

I just got this email from Leo so I'm going to get out of the way and let him do his thing!


Leo writes: "The blank has been dipped for a little over a week now and I started wrapping it today after installing the cigar grip and the PLRN reel seat from REC. In keeping with the original PHY Perfectionist that had a cork grip and seat.


Wrapping will be simple patterns of Chestnut brown tipped in Purple, one of Paul Young's favorites, and the signature wrap will be in the colors of the Purple Heart in honor of all of our wounded vets from all conflicts.


All of the hardware has been blackened, slip rings, end cap, ferrules and all guides with the exception of the stripper guide. PHY like to use Mildrum cradled guides and most of his were in nicikel silver and were not oxidized.

After finishing the wrappings, the colors of the Purple Heart will be preserved with several coats of clear lacquer then the rod will get it's final dip which will make the guide and ferrule wraps become translucent.

In test casting it with the guides taped on to ensure good static loading, it performed really well with both a Cortland Sylk and a Triangle Taper 4 WF line. Sweet Dry Fly action.

I am hopeful that the person that wins the rod can appreciate what it is meant to symbolize. For those that have never been there words can't describe it, and for those that have, not a word needs to be said.

More to come later

Leo"

Press Release Going Out Today

Special thanks to Vernell Hackett, Nashville, TN resident and long time music business publicist, for putting together this press release and sending it out for us. You can reach Vernell via email at pen4hire@bellsouth.net.

NABOURS AND FRIENDS ANNOUNCE BENEFIT FOR PROJECT HEALING WATERS

The fly fishing group Nabours And Friends will hold its first benefit, a concert and fly fishing experience, on April 10-11 at Long Branch Campground near Lancaster, Tennessee on the Caney Fork River.

The event will kick off with a hamburgers and bratwurst dinner followed by a songwriter’s in-the-round concert on Friday evening. The show will feature Pete Huttlinger, Jim McBride and special guests. Huttlinger, an avid fly fisherman, has an album called “Catch & Release.” He wrote the theme song for ESPN's "Fly Fishing America." McBride has had a string of hit country singles including Alan Jackson’s “Chattahoochie” and Waylon Jennings’ “Rose in Paradise.”

On Saturday participants will gather for breakfast before heading out for a day of fly fishing with professional guides and instructors. There will also be a fly tying demonstration and a demonstration on making furled leaders. Later in the day there will be an auction following a dinner of smoked brisket and pork shoulder, beans and cole slaw.

Among the items up for auction will be guided Fly Fishing Trips from TrophyFishingTN.com, Montana Troutaholic Outfitters, Tim's Flies and Flies of Lynchburg, TN, a bamboo fly rod built by Hermitage, TN rod maker Leo deMonbreun with components donated by D. R. Stone Rod Company and T. L. Zietak Rod Company and REC Components; the “Drawing Flies 365” book from Jeff Kennedy Studios; and an autographed guitar from Grammy Award Winning group Kings Of Leon.

The entry fee of $35 includes eligibility for door prizes, among them a new, fully rigged 12' Tandem Ultimate Adventurer NuCanoe from NuCanoe, Rock Creek Boat Works of Deer Lodge, MT, Tim's Flies and Lies of Lynchburg TN, TrophyFishingTn and Montana Troutaholic Outfitters as well as guided Fly Fishing Trips from TrophyFishingTN.com, Montana Troutaholic Outfitters. Other door prizes will include flies and fly tying tools from Montana Fly Company; fly fishing tools from Grasshopper Outdoors, home of the Mono-Master; guided fly fishing trips from TrophyFishingTN, Montana Troutaholic Outfitters, Cumberland Transit, Southeastern Fly and Kootenai River Outfitters.

Nabours and Friends is a group of fly fishing buddies headed by Ron Snow, a Murfreesboro resident who is a fly fishing guide in Montana April through October. The group of fishing aficionados from Middle Tennessee got together and decided to do a benefit to help Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing Inc. This organization is dedicated to the physical and emotional rehabilitation of disabled active duty military personnel and veterans through fly fishing and fly tying education and outings.

“We plan to invite area veterans to join us for a unique fly fishing experience on the Caney River,” Snow says. “We’re all looking forward to having a fun event while helping further the cause of Project Healing Waters.”

Anyone who has an interest in fly fishing is invited to attend the weekend of festivities. Entry fee is $35.00 per person which includes meals and admission to other activities. Folks who register will also be eligible for door prizes. To pre-register email naboursandfriends@gmail.com with your name, phone number and number in your party.

Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing Inc. is dependent on tax-deductible financial donations and the help of numerous volunteers to meet the educational, training, equipment, transportation and outing needs of the participants. To make a tax deductible contribution to Project Healing Waters, make out checks and mail to: Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing, Inc., Post Office Box 695, LaPlata, MD 20646. When making a donation please note NaboursAndFriends in the memo line. Donations can also be made by calling (301)399-7396 and speaking with Sandy at Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing Inc. Please mention Nabours And Friends to her when making a donation. Gifts can also be made through PayPal / Visa / Mastercard / Discover / American Express and put Nabours And Friends in the Purpose box. All donations go directly to Project Healing Waters.

For more information contact Ron Snow at (406) 422-2786 or email for more information to naboursandfriends@gmail.com. Check out their blog at http://naboursandfriends.blogspot.com/.

Schedule of Events
Friday April 10
6:30 p.m. -- Gathering at Picnic Shelter, Long Branch Campground
7 p.m. -- Dinner at Picnic Shelter, Long Branch Campground
8:00 p.m. -- Concert at Picnic Shelter, Long Branch Campground

Saturday April 11
9:45 a.m. -- Gathering at Picnic Shelter, Long Branch Campground
10:00 a.m. -- Breakfast at Picnic Shelter, Long Branch Campground
11:00 a.m. -- Fly Fishing Outing on Caney River, Fly Tying Demonstration by Warren Patterson and a Furled Leader Makeing Demo by Jack Hise

4:00 p.m. -- Gather at Picnic Shelter, Long Branch Campground
4:15 p.m. -- Dinner at Picnic Shelter, Long Branch Campground
5:30 p.m. -- Auction Gets Underway at Picnic Shelter, Long Branch Campground

Long Branch Campground is located below Center Hill Dam near Lancaster, Tennessee on the scenic Caney Fork River approximately one hour east of Nashville via I-40. Camping is available on site and there are cabins and hotels in the area.

First Annual Nabours and Friends for PHWFF

We've had much discussion on the possible dates and locations. Here 's the deal!

WHEN: The first annual Nabours and Friends Fund Raiser To Benefit Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing Inc. will be held April 10th and 11th, 2009.

WHERE: Long Branch Campground, just below Center Hill Dam on the Caney Fork River in Middle Tennessee. Here is a link to the recreation.gov page for the campground. Long Branch Campground Link. At that link you will find a complete description of the campground, an interactive map as well as driving directions and you can even reserve a campsite while you are there. I have already reserved my campsite for that weekend.

We have also reserved the Pavilion for April 10th, 11th and 12th. I know, the 12th is Easter Sunday. We reserved it anyway in case some folks want to stay over and fish another day or have their Easter gathering there. If anyone is so inclined, we could even have an Easter Service there.

This is a nice facility. I checked it out over the weekend. Includes a really great Pavilion/Picnic Shelter complete with tables. All weather roads, camping sites, restrooms, showers, BBQ grills, play ground for the kids, pet friendly and of course, great fishing.

I should have snapped some photos of the place while I was there, dangit. If any of you have shots or are going to be near there anytime soon and would like to contribute some photos, that would be cool. You can email them to us here at NaboursAndFriends@gmail.com

In Other News: Donations of goods are starting to arrive. Just got some stuff here from GRASSHOPPER OUTDOOR PRODUCTS, Ltd. including some Monomaster Waste Line Holders, fishing hats, Zingers, and a furled leader or two. Nice stuff. Thank you Ian and everyone at Grasshopper Outdoor Products, Ltd.

I also got word that a box full of stuff from Montana Fly Company has arrived. I haven't seen the box yet, but I'll let you know. Duncan and Adam are good guys. thanks to them as well.

OK, that's it for now. Put April 10 and 11 on your calendar, throw the 12th in if you'd like and we'll see you there!

Fly Fishing Fundraisers Drawn In

Nabours And Friends Thank The Man.
Check out the logo at the top of this page.
Nice huh? Yeah, I like it. I like it a lot. This post is a shout out and kudos to The Creator, and to the guy that took an idea and turned it into art, Blake Morgan. Here's the back story.

I'll Show You Some Fly Fishing Art.
I'd say I draw not quite half as well as my 6 year old grandson, Hayden. That would make me not quite as good as my 3 year old granddaughter, Taylor. I would however, say that I am better than my one year old grandson, Brycen. Not much, but I am better than him. I tell you this as a preface to my display of some original artwork of mine. Here was my concept for a logo.

That Will Bring A Tear To A Glass Eye. Once you quit laughing and crying and rolling around on the floor, you can finish reading this post. I know you are rolling on the floor laughing because that's what Hayden did when he first saw the results of my mad art skillz.

Obviously, this wasn't going to fly for a logo. Still, I was trying to get something on paper, or in this case, a computer screen, so I could make an attempt at explaining my thoughts to any artist that might happen along and would be willing to listen. Enter David Perry.

I Know This Guy, That Knows This Guy, That Knows This Fly Fishing Artist Guy. I met David Perry face to face for the first time just the other night at our planning meeting. Prior to that, we knew each other only from a fly fishing forum/internet bulletin board over at TrophyFishingTn. David owns and operates Southeastern Fly Guided Drift Boat Fishing based out of Murfreesboro, TN. He and I had engaged a few emails back and forth prior to the meeting.

In one of those emails he asked if I had a logo yet. Told him I did not and he said he knew of someone that might be able to help. Said the guy he knew did the logo for Calvary Outfitters Fly Fishing Ministry and he might be able to help. His name is Blake Morgan.

By day, Blake works for LifeWay Conference Centers & Camps. By night, and on weekends and any other time he's not otherwise preoccupied, he is active with the Calvary Baptist Church, as much fly fishing as he can get in and a little artwork here and there. David mailed my protoflop to Blake. Blake shook his head from side to side, said a prayer for me, and then he came up with the logo we have now!!

Fly Fishing Fundraiser Sign Of The Times
This is the official thanks post to David for bringing Blake and his talents to the table. To Blake for taking the time to get involved and make a difference, and to The Creator for for bringing it all together. It takes a village to raise a fund, or something like that. We can use all of the help we can get.


NaboursAndFriends thanks you, and I'm sure the folks over at Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing Inc. appreciate your efforts as well.

Ron

Let's All Go Down To The River-April 10/11/12

Dates and Location Set
First Annual Nabours And Friends For Project Healing Waters event set for April 10, 11 and 12.

We'll all be gathering at the Long Branch Campground on the Caney Fork for a weekend of fishing, food, music, and fundraising. (Yes, I edited this. It once said Congo Bottoms but that has been changed for a more "in case of bad weather" friendly location. See post here.

We went over a bunch of things at the meeting tonight and I have a lot to sort through that I'll be posting in the coming days. All good stuff.

Thanks to everyone that was able to make the meeting. Also, if you have a minute, please check out the websites of our Sponsors and Donors to the right as a way of saying thanks. We'll be highlighting them all in the coming weeks and telling them thank you often.

Free Beer, and Wings (Meeting Time)

First Pitcher of Beer, and Coke and platter of Wings, is on me.

I finally made it home and got over a pesky little illness, it's time to rock. Same place as before.

Fanatics Sports Grill, Murfreesboro, TN.
Tuesday, February 10th
6:30PM

I'll bring pictures and information of the brand new NuCanoe we'll be donating. I'll also have some details on a guide trip a friend of mine in Montana is donating. It's a day on the Kootenai. Good guy.

We'll also be finalizing the dates and location, probablyl kick around some ideas for a logo, and we'll be volunteering you to head up a committee if you aren't there.

Hope you'll join us.

Meeting Cancelled. Weather in Ohio.

I'm sitting here, stuck in the Cincy airport so tonight's prelim meeting is canceled. Sorry about the confusion and hassle. How was I to know there would be more snow here this afternoon than there was in Butte, MT when I took off this morning?

Keep your ears to the tracks. A reschedule is coming soon.

Thanks,

Ron

Meeting Time Reminder

You are invited to a planning meeting, Tuesday, January 27th, 6:00pm at the Fanatics Sports Grill.

Fanatics Sports Grill -This is at the Double Tree Hotel in Murfreesboro, TN. Easy to find. The address is 1850 Old Fort Parkway Murfreesboro, TN 37129 . Their menu.

As mentioned in an earlier post, I get back to Nashville at 4:40PM. Looking back I should probably have scheduled the meeting for a 6:30 start but, I'll be there. Hope you will too.

Pardon my brevity. It's -23F here this morning, I'm not acclimated and I need to stoke the fire.

Gettin' Down On The Farm-PHW 2FLY

Project Healing Waters recently announced their 2FLY event. It is set for early May. Looks like a great time to be had. Here's a quote form their blog:

"The date for the 2009 PHW 2-Fly has been set for May 3, 2009. The 2-Fly will once again be held at Rose River Farm in Madison County, Virginia."

That is the sort of thing that Nabours and Friends will be helping out with our efforts.

And you thought we were just trying to come up with an excuse to go to the river, fish a little, sit around a campfire and pick and sing and drink beer and eat big chunks of flame kissed meat with our bare hands. Come on now, we're deeper than that. Not much, but some.

Project Healing Waters. What It Is.

They said it better than I could.

"Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing, Inc. is dedicated to the physical and emotional rehabilitation of disabled active duty military personnel and veterans through fly fishing and fly tying education and outings."

Go there. Wade in. Get a good feel for it. Get involved. Get enthused. Get with the program.

Clicky Clicky >>>>>>>>>> Project Healing Waters



Also-I've sent an email asking permission to use this video. Ed Felker wrote back and said it was positively OK for us to have it here. Thanks Ed.

Found it on Youtube

I first learned about this song when my friend Leo, posted about it on the Cumberland Transit Fly Fishing Forum. Sure am glad he made that post. More on Leo later, for now, back to the song.

I have left a message, by telephone, for one of the songwriters, Sam Tate. He is a fly fisherman too. I think his wife and co-writer, Annie, is a fly angler as well.

I know they are a couple of Nashville's best songwriters with several hits to their credit. Great team. Great talent. Here's a link to Annie's MySpace Page. Check it out.

Oars In The Water-Planning Meeting

Let's Row- Let the streams of consciousness flood the place. We want ideas and volunteers and somebody that isn't afraid to get up and sing some Karaoke if they have the machine turned on while we are there.

Who-Anyone that wants to be involved with this project. We're going to need some people in charge of stuff, important stuff. Stuff like Hair Of The Dog Breakfast Boss, Charcoal Chuck Wagon Master, Toilet Paper Wrangler, Ice Queen, one of those dogs that can fetch a beer and so forth. You name it, we're going to need people to be leaders and tippets.

When-Tuesday, January 27th, 6:00PM. I'm headed out of town for work tomorrow. My plane returns to Nashville at 4:40PM on the 27th. If I'm late, order a pitcher and some extra spicy wings and start without me. I'll catch up.

What-Meeting to toss around ideas. Didn't I cover this already? Should it be a tournament? Fly restriction? Lawyers allowed? (just kidding bd) Sponsor ideas, how to auction/raffle donated goods and services. Input man, input.

Where-Fanatics Sports Grill -This is at the Double Tree Hotel in Murfreesboro, TN. Laid back place. Easy to find. The address is 1850 Old Fort Parkway Murfreesboro, TN 37129 . Check out their menu.

Why-Because we really have no idea what we are doing, but we know we want to do it. Besides that, my English teacher (or was that my Junior High journalism teacher???) said you have to have a why to go with the who, what, when, where thing.

See you there.

Nabours And Friends, An Idea Is Born....

A Long Time Coming--A group of neighbors and friends that share a passion for fishing have been kicking around the idea of putting together a fishing themed fundraiser for quite a while now. My name is Ron and I'm one of the instigators of this project we are calling Nabours And Friends For Project Healing Waters.

Like a lot of folks, I've contributed to a few fund raising efforts in the past. I've donated time, money, goods and services to some deserving, at least in my mind they are deserving, causes including:

• Vanderbilt Children's Hospital
• St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
• Ronald McDonald House Charities
• Goodwill Industries International
• Salvation Army
• Casting For Recovery
• The US Youth Fly Fishing Team (Hello Weston) and even
• The Rialto Theater Restoration Project in Deer Lodge, Montana.

On The Road Again-Montana. Montana is where this idea was born. Wait, that's not true. This idea was actually born in New Mexico, when I stopped at my father's little place there on my way back to Tennessee from Montana.

I spend the summers in Montana working as a fly fishing guide. Sometime, before Thanksgiving, I get in the truck, point it southeast and head back to my other home, just outside of Nashville, Tennessee to spend the winter with family and friends.

When I pulled out of my driveway in Montana this year, instead of driving straight southeast as possible, I took a detour and headed mostly south first. I stopped along the way to see family and friends scattered about New Mexico and Texas before I made a sharp turn east and hightailed it for the Rocky Top Territory.

Stop To Smell The Roses-One of those must do, very important stops in New Mexico, if I'm passing through anywhere within a day's drive (which is just about everywhere in New Mexico) is always a stop to visit with my father. I always look forward to it, even though the closer I get to his place the more the anxiety seems to pile up.

Once there I relax and am glad I'm back in those familiar surroundings, talking to him, asking questions, catching up best I can. You know, all the stuff you talk to your Dad about when you haven't been around him for a while. I was talking to him like there was no tomorrow. Running off at the mouth about 90 to nothin'.

I'd been there for an hour or so just going non-stop and somehow the subject of the charity work came up. I was telling him how I wanted to work on a fundraiser during my winter in Tennessee.

I was telling him that some of my fishing friends and I had been talking about having a weekend on the Caney Fork River in Tennessee. We'd spend it fly fishing and camping with campfires and cookouts and live music and poets and storytelling and somehow we wanted it to benefit some charity that we could all get behind and support.

I looked down at him and that's when I knew. Standing right there, I looked him in the eye and knew that I wanted the beneficiary of our efforts to be Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing Inc.

Born Identity-In the coming posts you'll learn about the many others that are joining this project. Some family, some neighbors, some friends. Some neighbors and friends that are like family. Some Nabours that are family.

Some ideas take a long time to develop. I guess we could say this idea was born in 1944. Thanks for the idea, Dad, it was good talking to you.


Ron

Post Script-Like Kevin Welch said in a song (and I can't, for the life of me, remember them exactly but it was really close to this) "There'll be two dates on your tombstone, and all your friends will read 'em, but the only thing that matters is the little dash between 'em"

I hope you'll join us during our dash on this project.