April Goes Out With a Chill

      Greetings, Bergenites!  Aside from missing our Bergen Brother, Scott Mitchell, the Candlewood Tournament was successfully conducted on a frigid April 30^th. As was the case for the previous two weeks, the Big Hawg females were no where to be seen or caught. Many bass, however, were weighed in, nobody skunked and all bass were released alive. Anchored by John Ernest’s 12-15 limit, five former Anglers of the Year took the Top Six spots. I have volunteered to write the tournament interview report and it should be completed ASAP. To get the year off to another great Bergen start, I congratulate John and the other Top finishers. Also, hats off to our new Tournament Director, Jason Mordhorst and his staff. They did a great job in running the event and in handling last minute changes. On a personal note, we all wish Scott Mitchell and his family sincere condolences and during this difficult time, Scott should know that he has dozens of Bergen Buddies who support him and who will assist him in any way possible.

     

      If you do not know it already, via the NJBF-TBF, I have initiated an annual USO of Metropolitan New York Open Benefit Bass Tournament. The inaugural event will be held on Candlewood Lake on Monday, Columbus Day, October 13^th. Most people do not realize that the USO is not part of the U.S. Government and that all funding comes from private organizations, companies and individuals. Also, in 2008, more N.J. reserves are to be called up than at any time since World War II. The USO Open will generate money FIVE ways:

·         10% of the entry fee money goes to the USO

·         Participants can get a low boat number with a side donation to the USO

·         There will be a raffle at the weigh-in site with all proceeds going to the USO

·         Another USO raffle will be held during the Ticonderoga Team Tournament

·         We are asking over 60 potential sponsors (or anyone) to donate money to USO

      All donated money is to be directed to the families of active service members via special programs managed by the USO. Also FYI, in 2008 the USO of Metropolitan New York will be opening new centers - at Newark Airport and at the Groton Connecticut submarine base. I am asking our Bergen members to support the USO open by signing up to fish the tournament and/or to submit a donation. All donations (not entry fees) are tax deductible to the full extent allowed by law.

      After a few adjustments, it looks like Bergen will successfully field two excellent teams to the NJBF Team Chapter Championship at Ticonderoga in June. Here is the up to date Bergen line-up:

Bergen                                                            Metro

Andy Karcich (Captain/Boater)                      John Ernest (Captain/Boater)

John Hayden (Boater)                                     Nick Albano (Boater)

Bob Murphy (Rider)                                       Rich Kalanz (Boater)

Lou Zhelesnik (Rider)                                     John Hart (Rider)

Kris Lechman (Boater)                                   Alan Goldman (Rider)

Robert Curtis (Rider)                                      Stacy Zhelesnik (Rider)

·         Alternates to both teams: Bob Benjamin and Doug Giachino (boater)

·         Lodging: Green Acres, six rooms, Sunday night to Saturday morning (may be adjusted, let me know your plans by the May meeting)

·         June 22 to 28:  Pre-fishing - Mon., Tue. & Wed.  Tournament – Thurs. & Fri.

·         Chicken dinner Wednesday evening c/o the NJBF

·         It would be wise to obtain a Vermont fishing license

·         SAVE MONEY – Travel with your roommate.

     Our good friend, Larry Scarangella with Meadows Office Furniture, will assist us again in 2008. In order to finance the remaining balance for this event, Norm Trass explained on March 20^th, that if each member averages $75 to $100 in pledged donations our 20th Outing for the Disabled will be a big success! Right now, let’s not worry about what’s going to happen in 2009…We need to concentrate on June 7^th, 2008. We should lend our full support to Brian Mahoney, Norm Trass, Scott Mitchell and all the key Bergen players who have made this respected Outing the Award Winning event that it is. Please pull down the necessary sponsor information and pledge forms from our website.

Nick Albano