To the Editor:

On Saturday, May 16, 45 young anglers between the ages of 4 and 15 took part in the 16th annual Massena Recreation Commission Youth Fishing Derby.

This was the fourth year our event was held at the Hawkins Point Visitor’s Center on Barnhart Island. We enjoyed a very successful day of fishing.

We would like to acknowledge the following businesses for their generous donations: Massena Savings & Loan Association, Pepsi, AMVETS, Seacomm Federal Credit Union, The Massena Rod & Gun Club, and the Italian American Club.

Thank you to the New York State Power Authority for the use of Hawkins Point Visitor’s Center property. A special thank you goes to Karen White and the staff at the New York Power Authority for all of their help in making the day a success. A second special thank you goes out to the Saint Lawrence Walleye Association who had numerous volunteers on hand to assist young anglers and had over 100 rods and reels to donate to any anglers in need.

Another thank you goes to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation for sponsoring a free fishing day which enabled moms and dads to assist their young anglers without having to have a fishing license.

Finally, thank you to all the young anglers and their families who participated in this annual free event sponsored by the Massena Joint Recreation Commission. Everyone enjoyed a great morning of fishing, hot dogs and door prizes.

We hope to see everyone again next year at the 17th annual Fishing Derby!

Mike McCabe

Director of Recreation, Massena Recreation Commission