Magic on the Lake! : Project Healing Waters

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Magic on the Lake!

09.24.17

Pennsylvania

Regional

Volunteer Matt Seymour checks in with a update from the Coatesville, PA VAMC Program. The group took their final fishing outing of the season and a fantastic time was had by all. Though this represents the last fishing outing the season, the program continues their weekly meetings at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Coatesville, PA for fly fishing fundamentals, fly tying and great community.

On Wednesday, September 20th, PHWFF Coatesville, PA wrapped up its fishing season with the vets from Coatesville Veterans Administration Medical Center. Our weekly meetings will continue , but this was the seasonal finale for fly fishing.

We ended our season at Kurtz’s Fish hatchery in Elverson with 22 vets in attendance – 10 from the hospital and another 10 from New Jersey and Pennsylvania. This latter bunch were “graduates” of out PHWFF who have stayed in touch with us over the last 5 years! These guests were met by an enthusiastic group of 20 volunteers. Our volunteers were there to rig rods, lie about their own fishing exploits, guide at the lake and prep an amazing meal.

We prepared over 50 lbs of meat including pulled pork, beef & pork spiedies (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spiedie), barbecued chicken and pork ribs! Everything was consumed! Included were an amazing array of home made side dishes including baked beans, potato salad , spicy cold noodles, macaroni salad, kale salad, etc. This feast was finished off by two birthday cakes, a mountain of apple cake, two pumpkin pies, pizzelles , a bushel of brownies and about 60 cup cakes! (Hope I didn’t miss anything.

Special guests included Bob Bonney our area Conservation Police Officer with the PA Fish & Boat Commission (no one was arrested), Dave Zamos a certified Fly Fishing International Certified Casting Instructor, John Dettrey Secretary of Valley Forge Trout Unlimited, Dave Riggio (Deputy Regional Coordinator for Pennsylvania PHWFF, Jason Scrafford, Assistant Program Lead from West Bradford, and Angela Robus recreation therapist & key PHWFF supporter from the Coatesville Medical Center.

The magic happens when people who are devoted to mentoring our vets gather with our current vets at Coatesville, and our former mentees – gather in the context of fly fishing. We had magic on Wednesday. We shared a feeling, through our activities, of people being healed, being loved.

For those of you who have been reluctant to come enjoy this camaraderie, come be a part of it next Wednesday at Bldg. # 5, Coatesville Veterans administration Medical Center. We meet with our vet buddies from 6-8PM. Call ahead (484-678-1652).