I just received word from ACS publicist Kathy Kelly of the following…
Carp can really make a difference!

Hi Guys,
Thought I would share with you this letter of thanks and pictures from a recent outing of nursing home patients at the site of the ACS NE Regionals next May. The nursing home activities director read about ACS and the tournament in the local paper and wanted to take their residents out fishing. They did two outings - one with grandkids and one as all adults. I gave them a DVD to show the residents before the trip. I think the pictures say it all - especially toward the end.
Best,
Kathy

Dear American Carp Society and friends,

On behalf of the residents of Syracuse Home, thank you. Your gift of the DVD, Carp Angling 101 was perfect for a recent men’s night out at the Home! Several members of this group were looking forward to another day of fishing with guide, Mike McGrath at the Red Mill Inn in Baldwinsville. Watching the video prepared us for many of the techniques Mike and his associates used to entice and catch the carp.

I hope you enjoy the attached photographs. I think the saying “One picture is worth a thousand words” applies here. Fishing for carp along the beautiful Seneca River was fantastic during our first try in August with Kids camp. But nothing can compare to our second trip. The air was cool and crisp, the water was high and fast flowing and the carp were biting.

Several of the Home’s anglers had the chance to feel the fight and be a part of landing a big one! It was a reaffirming experience.

Why plan and co-ordinate a fishing trip for nursing home residents? Fishing is a very meaningful experience. It provides a means to communicate and participate with others outside of their routine.

Fishing is a time to relax in a natural environment with the camaraderie of friends. Competition and anticipation are great motivators as well!

The Red Mill Inn generously shared their beautiful grounds that gave us a wheelchair accessible place to fish near the carp laded waters. They even prepared gift bags and treats for residents and grandchildren during the Kids Kamp excursion. What a perfect place to locate the tournament in May!

There’s never a promise for another fishing season for any of us. The opportunity to fish in our community with experienced guides in a safe welcoming environment was awesome - just look at the faces in the photos.

In closing please let me share this old Fisherman’s Prayer. “Lord help me to catch a fish so large, that even I, in the tell of it, never need to lie.” Carp fishing - the answer to our prayers!

Very truly yours,

Rita Nadzan
Director of Activities
Syracuse Home Health and Rehab in Baldwinsville