“One hundred years from now, it will not matter what my bank
account was, how big my house was, or what kind of car I drove. But
the world may be a little better, because I was important in the
life of a child.” -Forest Witcraft
Elmer Stenzel, Bob Bruggeworth and Wayne Massetti founded the
Fairfield Harbour Fishing Club in January 2004. The club has grown
from 20 original members to 120 plus members. Last fall, Stenzel and
Dan Thallman talked about doing something special for kids. The
club, in general, did not want to amass a large amount of money.
They decided that during the Christmas holiday was not a good time
to go fishing. It was decided to arrange for an event during
national Take-a-Kid-Fishing weekend. So June 9 was chosen, with June
10 as a rain date for this event.
Bruggeworth explained they wanted a group that would represent
kids. Therefore, they chose Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Southeastern
North Carolina, which represents more than Craven County, as the
organization they would like to work with. The club was then given
the names, sizes, height and weight of each participant. This
information was needed to make sure they had the correct size life
jacket, which they all will have provided for them. In addition, all
administrative details have been taken care of.
Stenzel said, “I love this and I am so excited. Every member in
our fishing club, which includes about 60 that attend the meetings,
is ecstatic about this as well.”
They put up a sign up sheet for those interested in taking part
and they had no difficulty in obtaining 20 volunteers. They have
many good business and individual sponsors for this event.
Bruggeworth said, “I feel great to work with youngsters, some who
have never been fishing or even out on a boat. There will be a mix
of boys and girls. I think everyone involved in this would love to
do something else, like maybe next year, do something for another
organization or different kids from BBBS.”
Almost all of those involved have the same feelings about the
project. Wayne Massetti expressed they wanted to encourage
youngsters to enjoy the outdoors and be able to fish. This was a
great way for the fishing club to give something back to the
community. Massetti said, “I am glad to do this. We will be able to
provide a way for some who would never have the opportunity to enjoy
boating and fishing. Our premise is to try to promote fishing and
fun. Depending on how this goes we would like to make this an annual
event.”
Dan Thallman, one of the two who first brought up this idea,
thinks it is a wonderful way to give kids a chance to get on a boat
and fish. If they choose not to get on a boat, they will be provided
with a prime spot on Spring Creek from where they can fish. Spring
Creek is where all of the fish enter the inner harbor. Thallman’s
boat was in Swansboro and he saw the BBBS, out of Swansboro, fishing
from a big charter boat. He then thought, why couldn’t we do that?
Thallman said, “I hope everyone has a good time and I will walk away
with good memories.”
The fully equipped boats are all powerboats. They range in size
from twenty to twenty-four feet in length. Each boat will have at
least one kid, one mentor and the captain aboard. Some of the larger
boats may have two kids, two mentors and the captain aboard. In
other words, each kid will have his or her mentor with him or her.
To top off fishing all morning, the kids, Big Brother and Big
Sisters, and Fishing Club members will meet at Red Sail Park (in
Fairfield Harbour) for a barbecue lunch and the awarding of numerous
prizes.
It is so rewarding to know that these members take time away from
doing what they probably love best, fishing, and contribute so much
to other youth. It shows that people in the Harbour and elsewhere in
the area really care. They are always looking for a way to give back
to the community.
If interested, membership is open to Harbour residents and
non-residents, male or females and willing to spend $10 for yearly
dues. If interested, call Bob Bruggeworth at 636-2466 or Wayne
Massetti at 634-2458 for more details.