Well, I've gotten a couple calls from people who attended last years CAST event and they are asking if we are going fishing again.  It kills me to say "No" because we ARE indeed doing it again, but for all new kids.

I was speaking with one of the head honchos of our state's D.E.M. (like everyone elses DNR)(Dept of envir. mngmt) and we were discussing the states latest acquisition.  

A few years back, I was lucky enough to be a member at a private fly fishing club.  It had a hatchery and 5 ponds that were all connected.  Members were allowed to take fish and all were replaced monthly through the river system and hatchery by replacing all the fish listed at the honor system weigh house.  GREAT place.  

Well, the gentleman running it for yrs and yrs was looking to finally sell it.  The state was buying trout from them for years for the opening day stockings and saw it as a good business venture to acquire the hatchery.

My friend at D.E.M. suggested we use the place when she heard about our work with CAST for Kids.  The only thing is that the event we hold really plays alot on getting the kids out on the boats, which are not allowed here.  So I got to thinking.....

Announcing the 1st annual CFK Alumni Day!!!!!

July 29

Every year, we are going to invite the kids back to go fish at this hatchery.  My long term goal is to have kids from the original events, working as volunteers at the main events 10-15 yrs from now.  This is also a great opportunity to keep in contact with the kids and their families, many of whom I consider friends.  This will also give the families a scheduled day each year to get out and fish.  

We announced this as a day to come let us re familiarize you with the gear we gave you and have a great day of fishing.  We are providing bait, assistance and FISH, that's it.  No gear, shirts, boats,etc.  

Stratosdadri just happened to have 1 weekend day available , July 29th, and that day works for D.E.M. so we will even have Mike and his team there.  It wouldn't be anywhere near what I would hope if they could not attend but luckily, it's a "GO".  Mike was also the source for the D.E.M. contact, introducing us a few weeks earlier.  And ,...of course,....the Telecom Pioneers called and insist on doing Burgers, dogs, chips, soda and water for everyone attending!!!

I can't wait, what was just a bad feeling one night, telling kids "no, we aren't going fishing" has now turned into a full blown event just 3 days later!!  Calls were made, word spread and BANG, another chapter is started for CFK-Rhode Island.  These kids will have a blast, the place is LOADED with fish and has educational sites scattered around along with a wheelchair accessible dock on pond 3!  Brookies, browns, rainbows, LM, crappie and bluegill are spread out , some in mixed populations, some independent.  The place really is "something else"

My niece Tory, flyfishing at American Fish Culture-age 6  She always had to wear my flyfishing vest, no matter how much it got in the way,lol (she's starting college next yr!! )

Just going back to this place is going to bring back some fantastic memories for me.  Now we can add to those.

I'm VERY excited, WOOHOO!!!!

WOW!!!!!

What else to say???

It's going to be a great day for everyone i'm sure!!!!

Jason

Wow, what a turn around! Glad to see everything workout for this event, especially after having to tell kids "no" 3 days prior. They will be even more excited!

Ah Russel me lad,

There's a wee pond in heaven

waiting for you to fish.

Just an FYI but any of the New England members who would like to come are more than welcome, let me know.  You guys have shown your support through your fund raising and volunteering I and want to be sure to include you guys too.

I know we talked about it last week, but just name the time and I'll be there to help out.