The Joel A. Thorn Memorial Fishing Gathering

The date is set for May 8th at Fort Desoto. Admission is by donation. No one will be turned away if you can not make one. This is a family oriented fishing gathering. You don't have to have a boat as there are 2 piers and plenty of beach space to fish. There will be points awarded and winning prizes. Joel was an avid fly-fisherman and so the theme will be also. But, bring your spinning gear too. Bring your live bait, bring your lures. Most of all, bring your family. Also bring a camera. I believe there will be a photo contest. I will update as information is passed to me.

Here is the link on Captain Mel's forum:

http://forums.capmel.com/post?id=4628872

The proceeds (All Proceeds) will go to The Bethany Center and Good Shepherd Hospice of Lakeland, FL. This is a service we hope to never need but most will. I was inspired when Brandon went to camp last weekend. It was a 3 day 2 night camp with horse back riding, canoeing, fishing, games and counseling for children who have lost a loved one. No one is turned away if they may not be able to afford the Ten-dollar fee. I saw one group of 3 "step-stair" sisters getting on the bus. All holding onto each other and comforting the youngest. They kissed a lady goodbye who may have been their Mother. I could only think that someone was no longer there to see them off and give them a hug. Also, our counseling over the summer was at no charge to us. These were the Hospice services we used but I have spoken with others' who have had parents in Hospice care. They can not impress upon us enough the importance the Hospice care and help was to them both at need and post counseling. I am also going to set up a link if you would like to donate without attending the tournament.

Here is the link to make donations to The Bethany Center
http://www.triaspis.com

Donors:
Greg Mitchell

Thank you,

--Michael

We had so much more to do together...