Tuesday, September 19, 2017

Jackson-Feild goes fishing

An annual rite of fall for the boys and girls at Jackson-Feild Behavioral Health Services is a trip at Buckroe Beach Fishing Pier in Hampton for a day of saltwater fishing. Old Point Trust and Financial Services sponsors this event in conjunction with the City of Hampton Roads Parks and Recreation.
 
Seventeen young anglers - most of whom had ever been saltwater fishing - arrived bright and early and ready to fish using rods, reels, tackle and bait provided by Old Point. Don Lancaster and Matt Smith with two other fine volunteers helped the children.   Don provided brief "Fishing 101" instructions where he showed the boys and girls how to bait hooks, protect their hands from the fins, and release the hooked fish. The kids had so much fun that many did not want to leave. One young man who never had been fishing was so excited and happy he was beside himself.                                                      
 
When asked why he volunteers each year, Lancaster responded "These youngsters have had so many challenges in their lives. It does your heart good to see them have such a good time enjoying the simple pleasure of fishing."