 |
 |
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
||
by Greg Kucharewski
(from Jersey Coast Anglers Association April 1994 Newsletter)
JCAA Aquatic Education And Youth Fishing Programs Reach Out To Urban Areas
Representatives from North Ward Coalition, "Newark Fighting Back" project are seeking help from the JCAA Youth Education Committee to discuss several healthy outdoor youth activities and fishing programs that will become part of North Newark's Fighting Back project.
According to North Ward Coalition Chairman, Mr. Ivan Cruz, "we are a group of concerned citizens that live in North Newark and are working hard to create a safe environment for children and their families". Currently, the North Ward Coalition will focus on a ten city block area that will be restructured as friendly zones. Their plans are to bring new programs into their neighborhoods that will generate the participation of local residents and school children that will help make their neighborhood friendly and safe. As each city block is restructured and cleaned up it will lay a foundation for interlocking programs that will benefit city residents. The North Ward Coalition, hopes it will attract people from other areas in Newark that would like to live the same lifestyle. Mr. Eric Ramos, Community Development Representative, added that the newly formed coalition is supporting local police departments and reaches out to other agencies for information, drug awareness material and new ideas to continue their quest for a better Newark. Moses Lugo, also a member of the Newark Fighting Back project expressed the need for more youth activities and job opportunities for youth at risk.
Many local organizations in Newark have moved away and conduct their meetings in neighboring towns, but still title themselves as a Newark organization. This is another reason why the North Ward Coalition would like to establish friendly zones and bring back civic organizations that can support each other.
The Future Fisherman Foundation's national "Hooked On Fishing Not On Drugs" program was introduced to the North Ward Coalition representatives by the JCAA Youth Education Chairman, Greg Kucharewski and JCAA Aquatic Education Coordinator, Marie Frolio. The "Hooked On Fishing Not On Drugs" program is a national drug prevention program. Schools can receive funding to promote this award winning program that will teach students about social responsibilities and healthy outdoor activities such as sport fishing. Pathways To Fishing, Project Aquatic Wild and National Fishing Week (June 6-12, 1994), support materials were made available to enhance existing programs in Newark schools. By promoting healthy outdoor activities like sport fishing students can also learn about new job opportunities and work towards goals that are within their academic range. Students that participate in aquatic education activities will understand the economic impact recreational fishing has in our state and how aquatic resources can provide hope for students seeking future employment.
Marie Frolio, JCAA Aquatic Education Coordinator, explained how urban students could conduct several aquatic activities in the class room and on their own street. She said, "just because kids live in a city doesn't mean they can't still have fun learning and participating in environmental projects". A favorite outdoor activity for urban students is the storm drain stenciling project. Students stencil fish on storm drains to remind people about pointless pollution (e.g. Non-Point Source Pollution). Students also learn how to work with local government and educate multi-lingual communities through signs, writing letters and attending town meetings. A how-to video about storm drain stenciling is available for a $5.00 rental fee, plus $10.00 refundable deposit, or for purchase for $15.00. The stenciling activity is made available by Clean Ocean Action, an environmental organization dedicated to preserving water quality. (Clean Ocean Action, P. O. Box 505, Highlands, NJ 07732 Phone: 609/884-9590)
The North Newark Coalition's representatives were pleased to receive information and the loan of material from JCAA's Informational Library located at, 1201 Hwy # 37 E, Suite 9, Toms River, NJ 08753 Phone 908/506-6565 Fax 908/506-6409
Cast Across America
"Cast Across America" is the theme for National Fishing Week, June 6 - 12 1994. If your fishing club would like to display the new National Fishing Week poster please have your JCAA representative pick a poster up at the next meeting. Educational resource materials and tips for conducting youth fishing tournaments can be purchased from the National Fishing Week Steering Committee. Write NFWSC, C/O Brandon Miner, 2944 Patrick Henry Drive, Suite 15 Falls Church, VA 22044 or call 703/532-7730 for the 1994 material order form.
You Don't Always Need A Fishing Pole To Go Fishing
On Wednesday, March 23, 1994 the members of Scout Pack #25 (Whispering Pines) and their families were taught how to go fishing with an empty beverage can. Conrad Treusch and Marie Frolio, members of the JCAA Youth Education Committee were on hand to demonstrate how easy and fun it can be to go fishing, even if you don't own a fishing pole. The young scouts were instructed on how to make a "casting can", then all lined up to test their skill at casting into a circle on the floor. Before the end of the evening, the children had coerced many promises for trips to the local lake from their parents. Each child left the meeting with a "casting can" in hand and a bright smile.
The JCAA Youth Education Committee offers tailor-made talks and seminars on ethical angling and habitat conservation to schools, public libraries, local businesses and fishing clubs. We're ready to cast a line of caring to other clubs and organizations seeking to promote aquatic education & youth fishing programs. If your club or organization is conducting a program for children and wishes to borrow support material from the JCAA Library, please call 908- 505-6565 and leave a message on the youth education voice mail system. We will return your call and assist you with your youth program.
Project D.A.R.E.
Material from the Future Fisherman Foundation's "Hooked On Fishing Not On Drugs" program was made available to Officer Bob La Duce, of the Brick Police Department by JCAA. The HOF-NOD, drug awareness material was purchased by the JCAA Youth Education Committee, through a grant received from the National Police Chiefs Drugs Task Force. Officer La Duce, is also an active Scout leader and is promoting sport fishing through several scout programs using JCAA materials to encourage boy scouts to become more aware of the joys of sport fishing, aquatic conservation and drug awareness.
American Littoral Society Baykeeper's
Focus on Youth:
The JCAA Youth Education Committee, is assisting the ALS Baykeepers with urban aquatic education programs that will be introduced to school systems in Red Bank, Newark, and Elizabeth, New Jersey. Tara Wright, ALS Baykeeper's representative will introduce programs such as, the Future Fisherman Foundation's HOF-NOD, National Fishing Week, Pathway To Fishing and aquatic resources.
YOUTH FISHING ACTIVITY BULLETIN BOARD
FIRST ANNUAL TROUT FISHING CONTEST FOR KIDS: Sign up at Capt. Bills, Belmar Marina, open to all children age 4 to 15. Age categories: 4-10 and 11-15. Spring Lake Live Liner Fishing Club will supply prize donations. For more information phone 908/681-6677.
HUDSON RIVER FISHERMEN'S ASSN. will hold it's annual shad fishing contest April 30th. The shad fishing contest is youth oriented and open to adults as well. This is on of the most popular youth fishing events in north Jersey so please register early.
SPRING LAKE HEIGHTS held their annual trout youth fishing contest on the opening day of trout season on April 9th, and it was a great success. One of the many contestants, Joanna Scutro, 12 years. old, of Brick, caught her first trophy brown trout at the Spring Lake event. Children and their families enjoyed the milder temperature and fishing activities of the day.
ALLAIRE STATE PARK will host a youth fishing contest at Allaire Village on the 23th of April. Children under 10 years. old can register for this annual fishing event. Members of Monmouth County Trout Unlimited will sponsor the contest and help with the festivities.
Greg Kucharewski, a member of the Shore Surf Club, is JCAA Youth Education Chairman. Information on availability of youth education materials from JCAA's growing library can be obtained by contacting Greg at 908-840-9197, Marie Frolio, Aquatic Education at 609-581-1683 or Conrad Treusch at 908-255-3622.