We are gearing up for a great big celebration!! We hope you will be able to join us for our 30th annual Rabun Rendezvous. It will be a great time! Our guest speaker will be Beverly Smith, Vice President for Volunteer Operations, TU National. Beverly is responsible for the Volunteer Operations Department, which supports 36 state councils and 380 local chapters across the country by delivering a suite of applications, trainings and resources aimed at helping volunteers more easily and effectively accomplish TU’s mission in their local communities. Her responsibilities also include managing TU’s youth education programs, veterans’ ser- vices partnership, and women/ diversity initiative. Beverly joined TU as the Volunteer Operations Coordinator in 2007, was promoted to Director in 2009, and Vice President in 2014. Prior to joining TU, Beverly worked for the Jackson Hole Conservation Alliance and the South Carolina Coastal Conservation League. Beverly grew up in Charleston, S.C. and received a B.A. from the University of Virginia. She lives in Jackson, Wyo. with her husband, daughter, and springer spaniel, where she enjoys volunteering locally, fly fishing and bird hunting.

We’ll be at our usual location at the Dillard House. Social will start at 5 o’clock PM. Folks will start gather- ing to “pick the pig” and enjoy the rocking chairs on the porch of the Conference Center. There will be snack trays of cheeses, crackers, veggies with dips and fruits. Soft drinks and ice will be available. If you want something stronger, better bring it yourself. (BYOB) There will also be a fire inside to warm your buns. The Foxfire Boys, with their famous Blue Grass Music, will also begin at 5 pm. Then about 6:30 we will dine on fish, chicken and pork with all the side dishes and desserts that have made the Dillard House so famous. It is a serve yourself buffet, so you will not leave hungry. The cost will be $33 for adults. $25 for those under the age of 15. Cash, checks, VISA or MasterCard. We don’t do advanced tickets, just pay at the door.

The Dillard House has set special rates for rooms starting at $69 (plus tax) for those that call and tell them you’re attending the Trout Unlimited Rabun Rendezvous. Call: 706-746-5348 or Toll Free 1-800-541-0671. Also Mountain Aire Cottages on North Main Street in Clayton is a good source for lodging. Call them at 706-782-9568.