On Wednesday, February 28, the Pittsburgh program kicked off a new Fly Tying class for disabled veterans who live in the South Hills of the city. The class was created to accommodate the busy schedules of younger veterans who work during the day or have school and family obligations.
Program Lead Amanda Thompson began the session by explaining the mission of Project Healing Waters, and introduced the class instructors, Dale Kotowski and Bill Nagle. Both Dale and Bill have been teaching fly fishing and fly tying for many years in the Pittsburgh area. The class was attended by two new participants, J.E.B. Bolen and Marc Giorgi (Marine Corps veterans) who successfully tied their first flies. The next session will include fly casting instruction, to prepare the veterans for the upcoming fishing season. Special thanks to Ron Milavec from the Upper St. Clair Fly Fishing Club who helped PHWFF secure the meeting room.
Amanda giving Introductions
Dale assisting Marc at the Vise
The group tying for the first time