Spirit of Moonpie and I have actually gotten out on the river a couple of times since I last reported to you. Freezing Deer, Moonpie and I went out one morning and picked up a bag of trash around the boardwalk. I could not believe we found a dirty diaper in the water right there where people fish. You just let Moonpie catch that happening and I assure you they will not do it again!
As recorded by John Bunch, Secretary
Curtis Newsome was absent so the meeting was conducted by Jeff Turner. He opened by asking that Nancy Turner give the Treasurer’s report for July.
We have new t-shirts with the original water scene on the back. These shirts are a copy of the limited edition shirts we had made when the BNRP was just getting started in 2000. Danny Cheek and I designed these shirts back when he was still alive. They have always been my favorite. They are light blue, heavy grade shirts with our logo on the front pocket. Sorry about this but it will take a $15 donation to get one because the cost was nearly $12 for these nice shirts. You can send donation (specify size, no small) plus $5 shipping to BNRP, PO Box 44 Sedley Va. 23878. Or click on the Donation link on the homepage to send payment that way. Be sure to specify size (M, L, XL, XXL) usually one size bigger than you think works best.
As recorded by John Bunch, Secretary Curtis Newsome opened the meeting by asking that John Bunch read the minutes from the previous monthly meeting. The minutes were read, motion made by Jeff Turner to adopt, seconded by Nancy Turner, and the minutes were adopted with no changes. Continue Reading »
As recorded by John Bunch, Secretary. Curtis Newsome was not able to make it to the meeting tonight due to a medical issue, so Jeff Turner ran the meeting. Jeff requested that John Bunch read the minutes from the previous monthly meeting. Continue Reading »
The State of Maryland had the good sense to pass this law. Virginia needs to put away the politics and protect our children on this one.
Below is commentary from Steve Stewart, Editor of the Tidewater News.
Extremist libertarianism
By Steve Stewart (Contact) | Tidewater News
Published Saturday, June 12, 2010
I get the libertarian philosophy. I appreciate its core principle. The less that government interferes in the lives of people, the fewer the obstacles to the Declaration of Independence’s promise of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
Like many political philosophies, however, libertarianism can be carried too far.
Take, for example, the Virginia General Assembly’s steadfast refusal to adopt common-sense legislation that would require children in boats on inland waters to wear life preservers.
As recorded by John Bunch, Secretary Curtis Newsome was not able to make it due to a flat tire, so Jeff Turner ran the meeting. Jeff requested that John Bunch read the minutes from the previous monthly meeting.
The Blackwater Nottoway Riverkeeper Program (BNRP) hosted it’s ninth annual Clean Rivers Day Saturday the 24th. Though I was not able to be there due to being in the hospital, 145 hardy souls came out to help better our community and the environment. Over two tons (4,135 pounds) of trash and debris was removed from area ditches, stream and rivers. Some trudged along in boots and some attacked by boat. Thanks to the City of Franklin, Southampton County, Litter Control Council and VDOT for providing services that aided in this effort. Some of the groups that reported participating at the time of this report were; Bobby Clontz from The Nature Conservancy along with the Department of Conservation and Recreation who led a contingency of canoes and kayaks from Joyner’s Bridge to Franklin down the Blackwater River. Also participating was Southampton Academy, Friends of the Meherrin, Team Spirit of Moonpie, Team Kate Tiller, Franklin Black Achievers, Cub Scout Pack 27, Courtland Ruritan’s, YMCA Leaders Club, Franklin Garden Club, Ashland/Hercules, Team Curtis Newsom, Team Wendy and many other folks who cleaned up on their own. So far it appears that the Formidable Franklin Garden Club was the top team this year bringing in 1030 pounds of trash and debris. Special thanks goes to Anne Parker, Bobby & Nancy Turner and Doug Rogers for their assistance this year. And I also want to thank Dean Wagenbach for stepping in as the unofficial interim Riverkeeper for the event while I was laid up in the hospital. These volunteers removed over two tons of trash out of your environment this past Saturday. You should thank them for that great effort. Clean Rivers day is a community pride community team effort to better our little piece of this world we live in. Next year I hope every school and every organization, church and family will come out in April and help us keep the two rivers we call the Blackwater and Nottoway clean. Jeff Turner Blackwater Nottoway Riverkeeper
