Pearisburg, Virginia Project

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Pearisburg, Virginia Project

Project Mentors

ZACHARY SMITH, LEAD MENTOR

Pearisburg, Virginia

I live in Southwestern, VA and have lived here most of my life. Fishing and outdoors has been a passion of mine since I was little. I have fished for most of my life. I started fly fishing over five years ago and fly tying over a year ago. I love being outdoors and fishing is just one of the many activities that I love and have a passion for in the outdoors. It is a way for me to get out and relax at the end of day and be in nature. I am currently an Attorney because I have to pay for all of my hobbies including being an avid fisherman. I have worked with many foster children in the Court systems and look forward to sharing the love of fishing with them.

RANDY JEWELL, CO-LEAD MENTOR

Peterstown, West Virginia

Growing up in Southern West Virginia Randy spent most of his days outside fishing, hunting, and enjoying the mountains. Spending most of his early years learning to fish for bass with his father off the back of a bass boat solidified his love for chasing fish of any species. Fly fishing came later as a teenager, and fly tying came soon after. Fishing for trout proved to be a much more challenging thrill. Being in the water with the fish, not to mention the discriminating palette of the trout made seeking a bite that much more exciting. Experiencing fly fishing for trout in cold mountain streams with a hand-tied fly connects your soul with nature in a way few things ever could. After marrying his wife Jessica who taught public school for ten years he began to see how important it was to be a light in the lives of children. With a brother also being involved in caring for foster children which ultimately led to adoption Randy also saw how love, consistency, and patience could change a life. Randy and his wife have three children and enjoy being outdoors with them whenever possible.

KEVIN BELCHER, CONSERVATION MENTOR

Pearisburg, Virginia

Growing up in the Appalachian mountains Kevin began fly fishing at age 14 when he worked for the Youth Conservation Corps. Since that time he has gained a deep love of wild trout in wild places. He firmly believes everyone needs an escape from a world filled with electronics and stressful environments. He said “Providing these kids with the skills that will aid them in appreciating and utilizing the great outdoors is important to me. I hope they, in turn, introduce others to the natural world. Balance is important to everyone regardless of where they live.” Kevin currently serves as the Director of the Giles County Public Service Authority, and prior was Vice-President of XYZ Solutions of Alpharetta, Georgia. He is married to the former Jennifer Caperton and they have three adult children, Victoria, Chase and Whitney who all enjoy outdoor activities.

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