More Thrills in the Black Hills
By: Art Pasley
As the sun rose over Sheridan Lake, the smell of pines trees filled the air while I stood looking at what would soon be an area filled with laughter and smiles. Tara Piper, Jeff Nettleton and the staff from Reclamation's Rapid City Field Office greeted the kids from the YMCA and the Black Hills Workshop, which were quickly partnered with the volunteer boaters for another great event in the Black Hills. "It was much easier to organize this year," stated Ms. Piper. "Everyone worked so hard and it just seems like everything is going much smoother this year," she concluded.
That's no surprise for a Bureau run event. It seems as though there is an unspoken challenge between the Reclamation offices to conduct the best C.A.S.T. event possible. The results are usually the same. Very well prepared, very well organized and a very happy group of volunteers are always a part of their events, not to mention a very thankful group of participants.
Once everyone was fitted into a life jacket and had received all their fishing gear, they were off. I was right behind them. The U.S. Forest Service was on hand with their patrol boat and the invitation was hardly out of their mouth when I was instantly boarding the boat. Just riding on Sheridan Lake is a thrill, so you can imagine the thrills and excitement from the kids as they caught trout, perch and northern pike.
Nestled in the Black Hills, Sheridan Lake is not only a summer time swimming and fishing lake but also a favorite winter ice fishing destination and ice skating arena for those who can stand the frigid winters. I was told by one of the marina owners that once the lake freezes, the fisherman drive out onto the ice and chip holes large enough to pull the trout through, while the locals are ice skating in the nearby cove. Sounds like great fun, but I think I'll be in Texas when it gets that cold. Ice in my tea is good enough for me.
Once the fishing was over, everyone headed around the bend to the picnic area where they enjoyed hot dogs, hamburgers and drinks. I offered everyone some of my fat free yogurt and they proved the point I've been trying to make to my wife for many years. You can't even give that stuff away, so why do I need to eat it? 'Yes dear, taste great!'
Area manager Jeff Nettleton started the awards ceremony and if the fishing and food didn't get the kids attention, those plaques did. Most of us are used to being encouraged by people we love and care about, but many of these kids get very little attention from anyone other than each other. They were a great group and I see a bright future for each of them, but today, the future was now. As they received their plaques and everyone applauded for them, the smiles were just beaming. The boaters awarded the plaque to their partner and each told a story of fun and the thrills the kids had given them for a day. "Special Thrills". The kind that live in your heart forever.
Thanks Tara, Jeff and all the Reclamation staff and Rapid City volunteers. You owe each other a few words of praise. You earned it! You are all very "Special Thrill Makers".
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(Click on a picture to enlarge)
 
 
 
 
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Event Information |
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Location |
Rapid City, South Dakota |
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When |
July 19, 2005 |
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Participants: |
28 children
52 volunteers
10 Boaters |
Partners &
Sponsors: |
U.S. Forest Service
South Dakota Department of Game, Fish & Parks
Black Hills Bas Bandits
Black Hills Fly Fishers
Black Hills Anglers
West River Marine
Sheridan Lake Marina
Albertson's
Wendy's
Sam's Club
Safeway
Coca-Cola
Country Hearth
Old Dutch
Black Hills Receptions
USA Tackle
Kieffer Sanitation
Forest Recreation Management
Hill City Emergency Services
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Special Thank You To: |
Jeff Nettleton, Denny Breitzman, Faye Streier, Cindy Larom, Dennis Taft, Curt Anderson, Todd Potter, James Kangas, Ryan Alcorn, Gary Velder, Warren Smith, Tara Piper, Joe Hall, Floyd Bentz, Scott Hettinger, Dave Hartman, Amy Ballard, Bill Texel, Gene Galinat, Keith Wintersteen, Jeff Edwards, Harley Noem, Shannon Persey, Nathan Perli, Brad Keizer, Darrin and Leah England, Don and Shirley Crow, Jim Phoenix, Kenneth Edel, Bill Blickensderfer, Rob Larson, John Wolf and Tim and Beth Goodwin, Bob Barringer, Dave Holte, Mike Schweigert, Bill Marquardt, Brad Nelson, Ev Hoyt, David Gamet, Paul Stabile, Brant Glader, Noble La Croix, Lori Jennings, Jennifer Fox, Bill Texel, Jeramy Rogers, Greg Simpson, John Carriero, Jana Nettleton, and Dan Wessels.
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