C.A.S.T. for Kids -- Chadron State Park October 9, 2004

Fishing with Dad Day provides Special Thrills

By: Art Pasley

A cold breeze cut through my official C.A.S.T. golf shirt as preparations were underway for the second annual "Fishing with Dad Day", in Chadron, Nebraska. But the chill would soon be forgotten as the kids and their parents arrived for a day of fun and fishing provided by the Head Start / Early Head Start program, and the Male Advisory Group.
   Donica Aldalabih, and the staff of the Head Start / Early Head Start program in Chadron, worked tirelessly preparing for this special day at Chadron State Park and, as a result, it was one of the most fun events I have ever attended. As one of the greeters for the event, I was on hand to welcome everyone and offer donuts t o each of the participants and their families, as they headed toward the water for a day they won't soon forget.
   "This is amazing!" stated Ms. Kerry Carle, Director of the Head Start / Early Head Start program in Chadron. "I am so proud of the efforts made by our staff and everyone involved with our Fishing with Dad Day," she concluded. Ms. Carle has every right to be proud. Her staff had every detail covered from early registration to another fine shore lunch provided by Head Start.
   As the fishing began, kids started shouting "I got one! I got one!" as fish after fish were brought the pavilion for pictures and interviews. "What did you catch them on?" "I don't know" one young lady replied. "Can I have another donut?" she asked. Now that was music to my ears. "Donut Art", as I was known for the day, must have left a lasting impression on the young lady, or maybe it could have been the sugar high wearing off. In any case, I still enjoyed the day with everyone and finally, the chill was gone.
   Last year Chamberlain Chapel provided a great shore lunch and this year it was even better. As the smell of baked beans and burgers filled the area, the hungry anglers and families were invited to lunch and most took advantage of the opportunity to have family picnics on the grounds around the lake. This is what life is all about. Thanks to the efforts of a handful of volunteers and donors, Family and friends together, for a relaxing day.
   "Fishing with Dad Day is one way to encourage dads and their kids to spend time together" stated Ms. Aldalabih. "One of our goals is to create a father friendly neighborhood in Chadron. Today, one out of three children in the United States is growing up in a home absent of their biological father. Head Start / Early Head Start, and the HSEHS Male Advisory Group play an important role in the National Fatherhood Initiative to help improve the lives of children, by encouraging all fathers to be responsible, committed and involved in the lives of their children" she concluded.
   I couldn't agree with her and everyone in Chadron, more. What a great program and what a thrill it is for me to be a part of their effort each year.
   As the speakers concluded and the fish had given up, the awarding of the plaques took place, as each child was honored for their efforts for the day. Smiles as big as Texas and hearts warmed by the thrill of the day, brought to an end what was truly a group of Special People helping Special Children, Catch A Special Thrill!

(Click on a picture to enlarge)

Event Information
Location	Chadron, Nebraska
When	October 9, 2004
Participants:	145 children 135 volunteers
Partners & Sponsors:	Wal-Mart Samaritan Lodge Chamberlain Chapel Parker Hannifin Corp. PREMA Hinn's Mobil Homes GMC of Chadron Ricks Foreign Cars Touch of Serenity Message Hemingford Telephone Co. Chadron Medical Clinic Great Plains Anderson Clothing Eitemiller Oil Co. Circle J. Glass John & Karen Miskimins Quality Tire Co. Deluxe Radiator Common Cents Country Kitchen DRW Enterprises Tommy's Car Lot Jamie & Karen Eisenbarth Charlie's Liquor State Farm / Randy Bauer Bill Engel Bauerkempers H&R Block Orlando Cordova Bruce Hill Furniture Farm Bureau Sandstone R. E. American Legion Aux # 34 Strangs Carpet Steve's Lite Truck 4th Street Fence Nebraskaland Tire Arrow Building Center Great Plains Movie Magic Furniture World Pizza Hut Angela's Eatery Bruns Laundry Mat Roger Wise Safeway Paris Fisher Auto T.L.C. Salon The New Leaf Economy 9 Motel Donald's Drive Inn Salisbury Chiropractic Headlines Wild Reality Katie's Kat House Betty Jo Garett T.J.'s Photo and Camera American Auto Glass Hill's Tire Mortford's Decorating Fresh Start - Ice
Special Thank You To:	Bill Anderson, Jerry Crews, Ben Franz, Daniel Eggiestan, Brent Canaday, Wayne Kelly, Jeff Chamberlain, Lance Schutte, Lance Todd, Pat Anderson, Will Fergerson, Jennifer Lecher, Tim Belksay, James Kaplan, Jim Martin, Andrew Scherbarth, Pine Ridge Job Corp, James Decker, Kris Burleigh, Rodney Jenson, Earnest DeGunia, Billy Herbaugh, Evelyn Herbaugh, Ardith Morse, Katie Martin, Philip Martin, Becka Martin, John Lurvey, Terry Hinkley, and Head Start Early Head Start

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