Narrative and photos provided by BG Smith

Hi, I’m BG Smith, your TVCC Treasurer since December 2016 and proof that you can teach an old gray-haired dog new tricks!  My winding road to Chattanooga started in Western New York long ago along the Niagara River.

After stumbling and fumbling my way through 2 prior careers, as an Air Force pilot and systems engineer at the MITRE Corp, I now find myself as “CEO” of a great leisure enterprise called retirement!  My typical week is six Saturdays and a Sunday.  Perfect!

Having spent a lot of time around water and being the poor/broke owner of an ever changing fleet which has included power boats, sailboats, rafts, and kayaks, it is great to finally settle on a hobby!  I now have 3 whitewater boats (TVCC has inspired me to go for it before my body rejects my youthful intentions!), a couple flatwater boats, a duckie, and a very lonesome powerboat!

I would love to see TVCC reach out to a younger crowd, get them excited about paddling, and get them on the water.  Dian (Lawhon) and I live in Ooltewah, TN with a small menagerie of animals.  Our 4 sons and 3 grandkids are scattered across the country.  Door is always open.  My sincere thanks to everyone for their support this past year.  SYOTR!