By Pam Teel
The third annual Wish’n to go Fish’n event will be held at Lake Julianna, on the Ponderosa Estates Farm, Millstone Township, N.J., on September 28th from 10:00 till 2:00 pm. Special needs children ages 6 to 16 years old are invited to catch and release fish at the event. The goal of the fishing and outdoor fun day is to provide a psychological boost for special needs children. Youngsters and their family caregivers will have a chance to relax lakeside to catch some good size fish and enjoy the festivities.
“Making Smiles” is the theme for the special day. The event is FREE and is becoming a very popular event in Monmouth County. Don Marantz, Event Chairman stated, “We expect attendance to grow to over 125 youngsters and we will have plenty of prizes for children that register. When we announced Mr. Vito Cardinale was going to host a 3rd Annual “Kids Wish’n to go Fish’n” Outdoor Fun Day on September 28, 2019 veterans contacted us asking if they could help the children.”
What a concept disabled veterans helping disabled and special needs children. Mr. Vito Cardinale, Cardinale Enterprises LCC, and owner of Lake Julianna, Ponderosa Estate Farm stated; “I am very excited to host this worthwhile event for special needs children once again. Children are welcome to enjoy a day at the water’s edge with fun outdoor activities at the farm. Volunteers are available to assist children fish, (most of them are veterans that have fished at the lake during early spring). It’s amazing how veterans gather together to make a fishing program a success and give back to help others in need.”
Fishing at Lake Julianna is a great opportunity for children with special needs because fishing is something they can do without exhausting themselves. There is plenty of space at Ponderosa Estates Farm for physically challenged youngsters to navigate, along with outdoor restroom facilities and lots of parking.
Don’t worry if you do not have a fishing rod or reel. Participants are welcome to bring their own fishing equipment and bait or they can use loaner fishing rods and reels from the Jersey Coast Anglers Association (JCAA) and Boating Education and Rescue (BEAR) loaner program.
Jersey Shore Chapter Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing (PHWFF), Manasquan River Marlin and Tuna Club, Jersey Shore Surfcasters, Newark Bait and Fly Casting Club, New Jersey Beach Buggy Association, Hudson River Fishermen’s Association, Monmouth & Ocean All-Star Baseball, Play HOOK-e Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 12 members will volunteer and provide support for youngsters fishing and participating in outdoor activities. Mike and Debbie Bennett, BEAR Environmental Educators will spend time teaching youngsters fun games about the environment. Volunteers from PHWFF will teach fly-casting and the JCAA Youth Education Committee will have a surprise learning activity for youngsters and fishing safety tips. Things you might want to bring to have an enjoyable time: sunglasses, fishing cap, sunscreen, pliers, fishing cloth, wet weather gear, lawn chairs, and a smile. You should also dress in layers to be more comfortable.
Mr. Cardinale is providing plenty of fun surprises for all special needs children and the event will include a hot dog and hamburger barbeque, and lunch/ pizza for children and their guests, complements of Cardinale Enterprises, LLC and his team of contributors. Hayrides, animal displays and more will be available for children to enjoy.
Local merchants and contributors are providing prizes, goodie bags and tee shirts for girls and boys fishing Lake Julianna’s “Kids Wish’n to go Fish’n.” All children go home winners and the fish win too. If you would like to donate to this worthwhile event for special needs children, please contact Don Marantz, JCAA Youth Education Committee at 908-347-1434.