Warren Township Recreation Commission recently kicked off their Annual Fishing Derby, which Bruce Vitale established in 1985. Thirty-two years later, and Bruce still continues his dedicated service by running the event. Each year, Bruce enlists numerous organizations and people to help make the derby an affair worth attending. The Warren Blue Ridge Sportsmen’s Club provided 250 hot dogs, 220 burgers, 400 fried Oreos, and 15 gallons of Italian ice. The Club also helped kids fix their hooks, lines and bobbers, and offered loaner poles for those who didn’t have one. They raffled off 10 poles, 5 reels, 4 tackle boxes, and 2 grand prizes during the derby. Bruce and the club’s members walked around the pond teaching the kids and parents how to cast.
The Warren PBA Local #235 also served as a great sponsor by donating numerous bags and hats, and by assisting during the event. Cub Scout Pack #182 provided fresh popcorn, and Bait & Boat offered their services. Bob Marino entertained all with music, and Marius Z. Idusiak generously took the time to photograph everyone. The Annual Fishing Derby is a huge team effort, and it all started with one man and his love of fishing and the outdoors.
The Recreation Department would like to thank Bruce & Brian Vitale, PBA Local #235, Warren Blue Ridge Sportsmen’s Club, Bob Marino, Bait & Boat, Marius Z. Idusiak, and all the other volunteers who helped serve the food, hand out bait and pick up garbage. “It was another great event because of you!”
WINNERS:
OVERALL GRAND PRIZE WINNER:
Jack Merklinge, 28-inch Catfish – This is his 4th year winning the grand prize.
Smallest Fish: Owen Zambell (3-inch Sunny)
5-6 YEAR OLDS:
1st Place: Elias Lowston (26.5-inch CC)
2nd Place: Constantine Bellman (22-inch CC)
7-8 YEAR OLDS:
1st Place: Gideon Minieri (13-inch CC)
2nd Place: Adalyn Shen (8.5-inch crappie)
9-10 YEAR OLDS:
1st Place: Donovan Leone (24-inch CC)
2nd Place: Evan Cunha (19-inch CC)
11-12 YEAR OLDS:
1st Place: Jason Granese (13-inch CC)
2nd Place: Naomi Gallic (6-in Sunny)
13-14 YEAR OLDS:
1st Place: John Calleo (19-inch CC)
(above) Blue Ridge Sportsmen handing out Italian Ice.
Photos by Marius Z. Idusiak
(above) Jack Merklinger
Photos by Marius Z. Idusiak
(above) Bruce Vitale.
Photos by Marius Z. Idusiak
