Corps members fish for a day

In mid-June, the Polk County Iowa crew helped facilitate a fishing derby for 165 senior citizens at Easter Lake in Des Moines. Some participants had not fished in decades. Crew members helped people bait and cast their lines, identify and measure their fish, and repair broken rods and reels. Prizes were given out for things like most fish (43), longest fish (23″), first fish and casting accuracy. The crew enjoyed the opportunity to talk with many of the participants, including several WWII vets, who offered great stories and advice. “It was really neat getting to talk with so many people who have had so many different experiences,” said Crew Leader Logan Mueller. “They offered advice on everything from girls to careers to the best place to go for breakfast in the area.”

The fishing derby has been offered annually for about 20 years, in collaboration with Polk County Conservation Board, Principal Financial, Polk County Senior Services and Conservation Corps Iowa.