Volunteer Julianne Strauch recounts the recent “Tie One On” tie-athon in support of PHWFF at the Fly Fishing Museum of the Southern Appalachians in Maggie Valley, North Carolina. Our deepest thanks to the Cataloochee Chapter of Trout Unlimited, the Fly Fishing Museum of the Southern Appalachians, and all those who contributed their time and talents towards making this such a successful event for our cause and the veterans we serve
On Sunday, March 5, 2017, the Cataloochee Chapter of Trout Unlimited along with the Fly Fishing Museum of the Southern Appalachians hosted the second annual “Tie One On” tie-athon in support of Project Healing Waters. Roughly 30 people gathered at the Rendezvous Restaurant in Maggie Valley, North Carolina to eat, talk fishing, and tie flies for Project Healing Waters participants. Thanks to the hard work of all involved, volunteers tied approximately 60 dozen flies that will used to support the Project Healing Waters cause.
Once again, Aaron Motley of Hunter Banks fly shops in Waynesville and Asheville, North Carolina, dedicated his time to support the cause. Among other flies, Aaron tied a large number of beautiful streamers, but more importantly, he brought along his lovely eight year old daughter, Gracyn, who expertly tied a number of outstanding San Juan worms. Attendees were also able to view and gain inspiration from the impressive fly collection of fly collector Mike Kesselring who was kind to display his flies during the event. His extensive collection of over forty trays of flies, which might be the largest private fly collection in the Southeast, stretched nearly wall to wall of the event space.
To express appreciation for the Trout Unlimited Cataloochee Chapter’s dedication to Project Healing Waters in sponsoring and helping to put on this event, Project Healing Waters awarded the Cataloochee Chapter a plaque which was accepted by the chapter’s vice-president, Ron Gaddy.
Furthermore, Rivers Edge Outfitters in Cherokee, North Carolina has hosted all of Project Healing Waters’s annual Cherokee fishing events and has been crucial to the success of the Cherokee and Asheville Project Healing Waters programs. Rivers Edge Outfitters received a plaque, which was accepted by the fly shop’s owner, Joey Walraven, in thanks for all of its support of and involvement with Project Healing Waters.
All in all, the “Tie-One-On” tie-athon was a big success. Rick Queen, the Project Healing Waters Cherokee Program Lead, passes on a special thanks to the Fly Fishing Museum of the Southern Appalachians, the Trout Unlimited Cataloochee Chapter, all participants, and everyone who helped put on this event and continue to support Project Healing Waters.