September 5, 2001
John Redding
(208) 378-5021
Shari Kohlbecker
(208) 378- 5050
TDD: 1-800-735-2900

Cast for Kids Sure to Reel in Whopper of Fun

Children with a wide range of disabilities will have the opportunity to reel in a whopper of a good time as they join some enthusiastic volunteers during the CAST for Kids event scheduled for Henry Hagg Lake on Sunday, September 9.

CAST, which stands for "Catch a Special Thrill," offers children with disabilities an opportunity to enjoy a day of fishing at Henry Hagg Lake, near Hillsboro, Oregon.

"For some kids, this is their first experience fishing," said Shari Kohlbecker of the Bureau of Reclamation’s Regional Office. "For the volunteers, it’s a great opportunity to be part of a special experience that these children will remember for a lifetime."

The children invited range in age from 7-16 years old and have a variety of physical or developmental disabilities and, in some cases, a terminal illness. Each participant will receive fishing gear, tee shirt, and hat, Kohlbecker said.

The state bass anglers societies work under the large umbrella of the Bass Anglers Sportsman Society (BASS) and will be on hand with fishing boats and experience to assist novice anglers. The morning fishing events will be followed by a barbecue lunch for volunteers and participants hosted by the Kiwanis of Ballad Towne, Forest Grove Kiwanis, and Hillsboro Kiwanis.

Partners include: Bureau of Reclamation, CAST for Kids Foundation, Oregon State BASS anglers, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, which is providing fishing licenses, and Washington County, which manages the park.

Henry Hagg Lake is impounded by Scoggins Dam located on Scoggins Creek.

For more background information about the event, contact Shari Kohlbecker at Bureau of Reclamation, Suite 100, 1150 North Curtis Road, Boise ID 83706-1234 or (208) 378-5050.