Reeling and Healing Midwest Blog

I’ll admit, I was intimidated. The idea of spending three days introducing 15 women to the sport of fly fishing was a little much. In addition these women were from different backgrounds, different ages, in different degrees of health and in different stages of a shared disease. And finally, and the piece-de-resistance, I would be one of the only males. What’s a guy to do?

During the preceding weeks, and all the way up until the first participant arrived, I was running scenario after scenario through my head. What do i do in case this happens, or this, or, god forbid, that?! I have taught dozens and dozens of people how to fly fish, often times in groups, but this was a whole new ballgame. As I said, I was intimidated.

So, how did it turn out you may be wondering? In short, it was a very special experience. The biggest part of it was not the fishing. It was being there. Yes, the fishing was fun and the chance to pass along knowledge and experiences to potential new devotees of a sport I love was enjoyable enough alone. The chance to spend some time on a lovely piece of trout water was also great. It all pales in comparison to the people. Those same people whom I spent hours and hours worrying about. How is that for irony?

Of course I did my share of carrying things from here to there, getting water, keeping track of equipment and other sorts of things. All the volunteers did. Those types of tasks are rewarding on their own. But it was being in the water with the participants - that’s where real special things happened. Women who normally have difficulty walking, relishing the river pushing against their legs. Or women who would cast their fly and actually see a trout rise - only to forget to set the hook because they turned to share a smile that a trout was “out there.” I watched their faces light up as the river worked its magic.

Out of the river, listening to them laugh and cry while talking with others, was…educational. Even I blushed a few times overhearing a few things (you know who you are).

I have done as much thinking about that time and those women since as before. Now I run things that happened over and over in my mind and it brings a smile. I am just as anxious as before. Anxious to do it again.

-DGM, Volunteer & River Guide

VISIT OUR BOOTH!

Fellow Fly Fishers & Supporters,

The 2008 season will have its official start at the MFFC Midwest Fly Fishing Expo in Warren, MI, this weekend! Once again, Reeling & Healing Midwest will be hosting a booth at the show. If you are planning to attend, please stop by Booth E-14/E-15 and check us out.

Some of the activities in our booth include:

• Trout Love Beads - while supplies last
• Win A Custom Graphite Rod of Your Choice by Famed Rod Builder & Designer Kerry Burkheimer.
• Special Drawing for Fishing Gear & Accessories.
• The Fly Donation Creel is Open for Your Fly Donations.
• The New “Fish On” Hat and Shirt Collection will Debut.
• Past Participants & Volunteers can order a Special Rod Outfit - rod, reel, line, leader, tippet, flies & fly box.
• Learn about our Retreats - Sign up to Volunteer, Host a Fundraiser, Recruit Participants and More.
• Sign up to Participate in the Vest Decorating Contest.

FLY DONATIONS: Thanks to the support of fly tyers and tying clubs from around the world, our fly donation campaign was a tremendous success last year. These donations allowed us to outfit all 2007 participants with flies. Our mission for 2008 is to do it again. We welcome all types of flies. Learn more here.

Stop by and check out our Show Specials too!

Again, we invite you to join us in kick-starting another great season of renewing the spirit and hope of those who are battling and surviving cancer. Stop by Booth E-14/E-15. Take time out to meet some of the wonderful women who have participated in our fly fishing wellness retreats.

If you’re interested in volunteering in our booth during the show, please send us an email or phone 616-855-4017. We need additional assistance and welcome the help.

Here is to renewed spirit and renewed hope.

FISH ON!

Reeling & Healing Midwest seeks donations of flies for use during their 2008 fly fishing wellness retreats for cancer survivors.

Last year’s Fly Donation Campaign brought in over 200 dozen flies from fly tyers and tying clubs all over the world; from Iraq, Hawaii and Patagonia, to every regions of the United States. Once again, tyers and clubs are invited to join in and make 2008 just as successful as last year. Just do it - donate flies to a good cause.

What types of flies are needed? All types, including trout flies (dries, nymphs, streamers.), bass flies, steelhead and salmon flies. Have flies in your collection that you don not foresee using? An old box with an assortment that you do n0t need anymore? Send them to us! We promise to use them in a stream, river or pond.

Reeling & Healing Midwest will host twelve to fourteen retreats in the Midwest during 2008. They anticipate over 460 cancer survivors will participate, helped along by dozens of dedicated volunteers and fishing guides who generously donate their time and services to make each retreat a meaningful success. Donated flies play a large part in the success of these retreats as well. They are a key ingredient!

No flies to donate? Consider donating monies towards the purchase of flies and fly boxes. Flies and donations can be mailed to Reeling & Healing Midwest, Attn: Margaret, 4410 South Sweetwater Lane, Branch, MI 49402.

All donations are tax deductible as permitted by law.

Reeling & Healing Midwest is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that is 100% volunteer-staffed and 100% donor-supported.

The Huron Valley Chapter of the M.S.S.F.A. is hosted their annual Spring Fishing Show at the Monroe County Expo Center in Monroe, MI on February, 9th-10th, 2008.

Our our Theresa D., Sara W., and Terrie were there with a booth for Reeling & Healing Midwest. They had a great time talking to attendees and sharing stories about R&H Midwest, handing out our trout love beads and accepting donations for our retreat programs.

Sara, an accomplished fly tyer, introduced Terrie to the world of tying. She was mesmerized by the detail and workmanship that goes into tying a fly - she was blown away.

There was a variety of exhibitors from the fishing world - local and national, as well as seminars, speakers and hands-on demonstrations. Some of the best experts throughout the Great Lakes region were present.

The show was a tremendous success for the Huron Valley Chapter and we look forward to returning next year.

Read more here.

The Great Waters Fly Fishing Expo held their second annual show in early February and we were there!

Tom Helgeson, editor and publisher of Midwest Fly Fishing magazine, and his staff organized another great show. The new location at the Renaissance Hotel & Convention Center in Schaumburg, IL, was the place to be and learn more about fly fishing.

There were a number of presentations, learning sessions and programs available for all attendees. Some of the guest speakers were Gary Borger, Jason Borger, Kevin Feenstra, Diane Rudolph, Pat Ehlers, and Dennis Potter. The sessions were well attended and quite interesting and informative.

Many tyers and tying clubs were represented as well - Bear Andrews, the “Boys” from DRIFT, NIFTY, Small Mouth Alliance and the crew from Chicago Fly Fishers were tying away, telling stories and so much fun.

Local shops were there too - Coren’s, One More Cast, Chicago Fly Fishing Outfitters and of course Orvis Chicago.

Our booth was “manned” by the rock star volunteer team of Dave Madden (E.D.T.U.), Paul Melchior (Angling Escapes) and Wally Bock (O.B.T.U.). They worked hard to share the Reeling & Healing Midwest story of “Fish On”, recruit new participants and volunteers, host a drawing for a pair of Cubs tickets and of course, hand out our trout love bead necklaces.

Check out these links to learn more about Reeling & Healing Midwest, Great Waters Fly Fishing Expo, Midwest Fly Fishing magazine, and the vendors at the expo.

Announcing a Special Offer From
Reeling & Healing Midwest and the
St. Croix Rod Company

Are you ready to fish your own rod and reel outfit?

We’re delighted to announce that St. Croix Rod Company has heard our requests and is offering a special package exclusive to Reeling & Healing Midwest.

The combination package consists of a 2 or 4 piece, 8′6″, 5 wt. fly rod, matching reel, fly line, leader, spool of tippet, small foam fly box, 18 assorted flies and shipping costs. We have used these rod outfits at our retreat programs for +3 years and they’ve worked out well. We recommend this rod outfit for novice/beginner level fishermen or individuals who may fish for trout, panfish or bass, less than 15 times a year.

Learn more about cost and ordering here.

This offer is exclusive to Reeling & Healing Midwest participants, volunteers and their family members.

Phone 616-855-4017 with any questions.

FISH ON!

Reeling & Healing Midwest is heading to Crystal Mountain Resort in Thompsonville, MI from January 11-13, 2008 for our Third Annual Winter Retreat.

The “Pamper Your Inner Vixen” retreat will feature a guest speaker, Barb Badolati, from Alive & Well, spa treatments from The Looking Glass Spa, an interactive cooking class with Whole Foods Chef and Food & Lifestyle Counselor, Nancy Schwalm, African healing drumming with Rhythmic Adventures of Traverse City, MI, and a variety of outdoor and indoor activities to choose from.

It may be too cold to fly fish, but its always a good time to renew your spirit and hope and start the new year with a little pampering and fun. The plus is the camaraderie and support from new friends too.

Interested? We have a couple more openings available. Check out
our announcement and registration form for more details or phone 616-855-4017.

The Great Waters Fly Fishing Expo - Chicagoland is back for its second year.

The Expo will take place Friday, February 8th, through Sunday, February 10th at the Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel & Convention Center.

• Free fly casting lessons
• More than 40 Free presentations
• Instruction for beginners
• Fly tying instruction and demos
• Women in fly fishing workshops
• Conservation
• 2008 tackle and gear and travel exhibits
• Aquatic insect display
• +100 exhibits
• Go to www.greatwatersflyfishingexpo.com for more info or sign up for their free newsletter.
• Download their expo flyer: GreatWatersFlyer.

Sponsored by Midwest Fly Fishing magazine

The Huron Valley Chapter of the M.S.S.F.A. is hosting their annual Spring Fishing Show at the Monroe County Expo Center in Monroe, MI on February, 9th-10th, 2008.

The will be a variety of exhibitors from the fishing world - local and national, as well as seminars, speakers and hands-on demonstrations. Some of the best experts throughout the Great Lakes region will be presenting.

The show hours are 9 am until 8 pm on Saturday, February 9th, and 9 am until 5 pm on Sunday, February 10th.

Visit the Huron Valley Steelheaders website for more details.

You’ll find directions to the Monroe Expo Center here.

We’re reaching out to you for assistance with a volunteer project.

We have the hands to knit wool socks for all of our future new participants but we’re low on the wool. What are we looking for? Worsted weight, wool and wool blend yarn in BRIGHT colors. Seems this is best for wearing under our waders while in the river.

Let us know if you have some to donate. Send an email or give a call (616-855-4017) and we can have a volunteer pick it up or let you know where to send it.

Here’s wool to you for helping us us others. Thanks.