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(from Jersey Coast Anglers Association November 2003 Newsletter)
Newark Bait & Flycasting Club would like to nominate Greg Kucharewski for Sportsperson of the Year. As youth education chairman Greg has devoted many years to teaching children how important it is to protect the environment and develop a love of fishing. Greg is the only youth education chairman JCAA has ever had and he has been actively working with young people throughout the state in this capacity for over 15 years. Greg coordinated many seminars at New Jersey’s outdoor shows, the Governor's Surf Tournament, local schools and clubs, and also at the University of Toledo's National Youth Sports Program. He is involved with programs such as "Passport to Fishing & Boating," and "Hooked on Fishing Not on Drugs." Greg was instrumental in adding saltwater fishing to these programs that were originally just fresh water. We all recognize how important it is to pass these interests and skills on to future generations.
Greg has also been involved in the Governor’s Surf Fishing Tournament and has served on many committees. He has also devoted his time to Becoming an Outdoor Woman, a program offered through DEP. He helped design the surf fishing component and frequently serves as an instructor. Many women and girls have had their first surf fishing opportunity because of Greg.
Greg’s demeanor and character make him an ideal representative for JCAA. We get nothing but compliments about Greg’s programs and the way he interacts with everyone in attendance. JCAA can always be proud to have Greg speak for us. And he does all of this hard work as a volunteer. In addition to all the time Greg gives JCAA and our youth education program, he also spends many hours working for the Shore Surf Club and has held many offices for them throughout the years. For all of these reasons, the Newark Bait and Flycasting Club would like to nominate Greg for Sportsperson of the Year. He is an example for everyone who volunteers for JCAA. We can think of no better choice and no one more deserving.
The Hudson River Fishermen’s Association (New Jersey Chapter) is proposing Jerry Kenney for the recognition award of “Sportsperson of the Year” for the JCAA. Jerry has passed away but his presence on our fishing world was immense and long lasting.
Many of us have followed Jerry as he wrote his outdoors column for his paper, the Daily News, for over four decades. We were lured to the sport of fishing as we read many of his articles. He enthralled with his many humorous fishing adventures while he wrote of fishing aboard the St. Patrick (the name give to each of his fishing boats). Water seemed always to be central to Jerry’s life. He was a licensed charter boat captain and took clients saltwater fishing – in addition to his journalist day job.
His active sports world was vast and varied. Yet he had a great influence on our sportsmen angling in our waters. His world was the sea, the trout waters and the outdoors. His love of fishing was transmitted to us not only by his column but also by the many friends he made through his 77 years. Jerry was easy and great fun to converse with whether he knew you well or had just made your acquaintance. He made many life long friends in this manner.
Among tribute letters to the Daily News Voice of the People page a Jersey City fireman wrote – “Since I was an adolescent I looked forward to his column with his distinct writing style, sometimes self-deprecating and always humorous, he brought the outdoors to life in a unique way. To a city kid like me, it was fascinating, informative and fun. It led to my own love and respect for the great outdoors.”
In memory of what he so loved, his family is scattering Jerry’s ashes over waters off Sandy Hook, out in Montauk during the Blessing of the Fleet and near his hunting/fishing cabin in Forestburgh, N.Y.
To illustrate the legend of Jerry’s name and honest reporting reputation to his readers and as a tribute to his devoted career with the paper, the Daily News asked his wife Alexandra to continue to write his fishing reports in a weekly outdoors column.
Jerry was a true Sportsman and shared that zeal with all that read his column or had the opportunity to actually chat with him. His love of fishing was very pronounced and evident to all of us. He taught us well and we continue to miss reading his column and seeing his smile. He was a great outdoorsman and a great friend to all fishermen.
Gentlemen:
I am writing this letter to nominate Mr. Lenny Fantasia for the “Sportsman of the Year Award”. Lenny is a man of unquestionable integrity and is committed to enhancing the quality of recreational fishing in the Raritan Bay. Due to his undaunted efforts, fishermen enjoyed an abundant catch throughout the season.
Despite the many threatening letters he has received, has had his lawn covered with bunker, all of which have been attributed to the commercial fishing interest, he steadfastly remains loyal and devoted to his cause – to restore the Menhaden Project to the local fishing areas. He has rejuvenated the spirit of fishing sportsmanship.
Mr. Fantasia began his mission in 1988 meeting with Marine Fisheries. At that time, they were successful in getting the reduction boats moved 1.2 miles offshore. Bait boats were restricted in size, had to have the letter “B” placed on their boats, and had to stay 6/10 miles from land.
Approximately five years ago, along with Greg Hall, he began the “Menhaden Project” because of the increase in bait boats. His objective was to get the reduction boats out three miles offshore and the bait boats out of the bays and 6/10 miles offshore. The results of his efforts were reduction boats out of state waters and bait boats were to be monitored closely.
Mr. Fantasia then turned his efforts to challenging the ASMFS Association with regard to their prejudice of not having recreational fishermen on their Board along with commercial fishermen. Needles to say, he won his point. Recreational fishermen now enjoy a position on the Board.
Mr. Fantasia has also organized numerous trips to Nacote Creek for public meetings that are held in any backwater and are difficult to reach.
I can go on and on with regard to Mr. Fantasia’s arduous efforts on the part of recreational fishermen. However, I feel certain you can judge the caliber of man Mr. Fantasia is just for all the reasons I have attempted to put down on paper. I feel Mr. Fantasia is worthy of this prestigious award.
I thank you in advance for any consideration given this request.