Club says goodbye to member Valerie Smith
First Outfitter business established
Louisa… Guided kayak river trips, big plans for Yatesville Lake
The Louisa Rotary Club opened their meeting on a very somber note Thursday, March 10, 2016, as the announcement was made by President, Steve Montgomery, that member, Valerie Smith had passed away.
Valerie, a manager with Louisa Walmart, was a very active Rotarian. Pastor Dan of the Louisa United Methodist Church, spoke of her fondly, remembering some conversations they had. “She was one of the first people I met when I came here” he said. He went on to say just how precious life is, and that “the best way to honor her is to love one another.”
Other announcements included Lt. Governor of Kentucky, Jenean Hampton, will be a guest speaker at the March 24th meeting. That meeting will be held at the Lawrence County Public Library due to Holy Week activities at the First Baptist Church.
There will be no Rotary meeting next Thursday, March 17, due to the LCHS Boys Basketball Team playing in the Sweet Sixteen Tournament in Lexington. Mayor Harold Slone celebrated a birthday and County Court Clerk, Chris Jobe, has a wedding anniversary coming up.
Catrina Vargo, Economic Development Coordinator, introduced the guest speakers. “I am so excited for you all to see this presentation. This is exactly the kind of entrepreneurial business we need to enhance the lake, and increase tourism in our area,” she said, in introducing Andie Maddox and Jamie Smith, co-partners of Legend Outfitters, the first business of its kind in Lawrence County.
Andie and Jamie, along with their spouses, revived the South Side Roller Rink last year, when they took over the building and brought skating back to Louisa.
There are 13 children between the two couples, a few of which have disabilities. “We began thinking about how our children can become gainfully employed, and we started thinking differently; about starting or managing our own business.” Smith said that’s how the idea came about for the roller rink, which she says has been “wildly successful.” “We want to teach our kids that there are many possibilities if you are willing to work for it.”
Smith then gave a presentation which outlined the entrepreneurs’ new venture, Legend Outfitters. This business will provide guided kayak river trips and plans are in the works to lease the beach area near the marina at Yatesville Lake, where kayaks can be rented, as well as fishing poles, mountain bikes, beach chairs and umbrellas. Other plans include water trampolines, water blobs, a slide, and a floating dock. Party packages will be available as well, using the picnic shelter.
“We want people to enjoy our beautiful natural resources here in the county, and learn how to have fun as a family, and without drugs” said Smith, who along with her family and the others, have been kayaking a long time. “I’m not a small woman, and I am an avid kayaker, anyone can do it.”
They plan to keep the activities affordable.
“With this many kids, we know how important it is to keep costs down” she said. Kayak rentals would be $7 an hour, and a small transportation fee if you use your own on the river. Kayakers would meet at the river mural building, where kayaks would be loaded on a trailer, and the group would be transported to a put in spot to begin their trip. The shuttle would pick them up and take them back to their vehicles.
For the water features at the lake, a $5 wrist band would be good for all day, and fishing poles could be rented for $3 per hour. Concessions will also be available. “The possibilities are endless” said Smith. “We want to bring an element of professionalism that hasn’t been seen, and offer activities that other lakes in this area do not have.”
Smith said there would be a trained, certified lifeguard staff on duty, and they plan to cross market with other area attractions and kayak clubs, including local group, the Kentucky River Pirates. “For us, this is not just about making money, it’s also about educating people on what they can do in their community, how to think differently, and how to use and enjoy what God has given us.”
Legend Outfitters plan to begin the river trips in April, and start the lake rentals as soon as they get approval. For more information, call 606-253-8187.