Baumgart praises outreach groups that enrich our community
Although we hear far too many negative and angry comments in today’s society, we are fortunate for the many great people, volunteer and service groups, churches, businesses, news media, unions, government, and others that make this land of ours special and safe.
It might be said that they weave into one fabric the many differing elements of our society. So it’s nice to be able to share with readers a positive program recently provided by a local outdoor service organization.
Understanding the dedication and sacrifice made by our military service men and women, the Between the Lakes chapter of Muskies, Inc., wanted to "salute" and "thank" them.
Each fall, the fishing club offers to take out a group of service men and women for a morning of musky fishing. Jody Booth heads the project. This is the fourth year they have provided this fishing opportunity to veterans; all the vets needed to do was call and ask to go on the musky outing.
All the veterans needed was a fishing license and a way to get to the Random Lake Park; the boats, gas, fishing gear, guides, and meal preparation were provided by the club. Jim Martin of Martin Automotive of Sheboygan provided the food and refreshments.
It was 6:30 Sunday morning, Sept. 20, when they gathered at the Random Lake shelter house to have breakfast of juice, coffee and sweet rolls. At the time, the sun was only thinking about rising over the landscape. By 7 a.m., 20 veterans in 19 boats set out to try their luck catching the elusive musky. It was a beautiful day, the winds were calm and skies clear.
The boats were captained by club members, the fishing went on until 11:30 a.m. Two legal muskies (over 30 inches) and a 21-inch walleye were boated and there were a number of close encounters and strikes. The fish caught were returned to the water to provide action for others another day.
At noon it was brats, hamburgers, baked beans, potato salad, refreshments and desserts, as well as a lot of talk about the day’s adventures. Grace was said before the meal.
The veterans came from all periods of service, five of them had served during World War II. These five were still spry and active for their age and all had a love and history of fishing. They included: Gorden Moen (Army Air Corps), Alfred Goetz (Army Air Corps), Leonard Doelder (Army), Joe Turicik (Army), and Al Oskey (Marines).
An American Flag was held by the World War II veterans for the group pictures, and special "thanks" were expressed to these veterans for the service they gave to our country.
While most boats encountered musky sightings, fish follow-ups and strikes, it was Alfred Goetz who reported the most unusual action. He said that as he was casting, he saw what looked like modest-sized log resting partly out of the water. To his surprise, when one of his casts came close to what looked like this partly submerged log, it began to follow his lure all the way to the boat; he did a double-eight retrieve fishing maneuver, but could not get the fish to hit. While he has fished musky before, he had never seen a musky act like this. But, at least he and his fishing guide got to see the fish and share his story with others.
Service programs by groups like this – community fundraisers for heart, MS, food drives, farmers markets, and other worthwhile services – take place throughout the year in all parts of Sheboygan County. It is just these kinds of helping hands, working together, that make for a better community.
