Between 30 and 40 kids, including a Cub Scout den, were out at Bethel Park between 9 a.m. and Noon Saturday, November 6, 2004 to enjoy the beautiful morning and do some trout fishing.  The morning activities were put on by members of MID-MO TU, organized by Michael Riley, with significant help from Clearwater Outfitters. 

 

            Michael produced flyers and distributed them to Columbia schools, arranged for the park pavilion, drummed up volunteers, secured spinning rods and other materials from the Conservation Department, and generally made this program happen.  Clearwater Outfitters also made materials and supplies available and provided coffee and hot chocolate.  Richard Mendenhall provided donuts (Thanks for picking them up, Ginger!).  Flies were tied by Bob Hook, Gary Eaton, Gary Teeple, Ben Neumann, Bill Lamberson, Curt Morgret, David Welsh, Jeff Bridges, Richard Mendenhall, Michael Riley, and Jon Deal.  Fly boxes, door prizes, fly rod/reel combos, some advertising, and other supplies were provided by Scott Penman of Clearwater Outfitters.  Chapter members on the scene to provide assistance included Brian Chillicut, Jeff Bridges, Gary Eaton and daughters, Michael Riley and daughter, Ginger Koziatek, Mike Kruse, and Jon Deal. 

 

            To kick things off, the Chapter presented Mike Hood, Director of Columbia Parks and Recreation Department, with a check for $800 as the Chapter’s contribution for stocking some of the bigger trout.  Positive publicity was provided by, among others, the Missourian, KMIZ and KMOU.  Not many trout were caught that morning, but the kids seemed to have a good time.  Pictures are available at http://clearwater-outfitters.com/IMAGEgallery2.htm.  This activity provided the Chapter, the ethic of catch and release, and the urban stocking program with positive exposure.

 

            Thanks to Michael Riley for making this happen.  Thanks to all of the Chapter members who tied flies and/or assisted Saturday morning. Thanks to Scott Penman, and also Scott Gasset, of Clearwater Outfitters.  Thanks to Richard Mendenhall for funding the donuts.  My sincere apologies to anyone I have inadevertanly neglected to mention or thank for their contribution to this successful (first annual?) event.  Jon Deal reporting.