ANGLING FOR TROUT
It was a good catch for Doc Sylvester who caught a Rainbow Trout. The 103-year-old didn’t have to go far as he angled right outside his home at Benedictine Living in Owatonna thanks to a makeshift pond created in the parking lot.
It’s not exactly Lake Mille Lacs, but it’s fishing none-the-less. Residents at Benedictine Living in Owatonna got the rare chance to fish in one of the most improbable places— the parking lot of their facility.
They come out in wheelchairs while some push out in walkers. Others are escorted by family or staff members of Benedictine.
A makeshift water tank stocked with 50 Rainbow Trout awaits the reels and hooks of seniors who long to do something they may—or may not—have been passionate about earlier in their lives. It’s all part of the fifth annual fishing event sponsored by the staff of Benedictine.
On a recent morning, one trout after another ended up getting caught by these anglers. Doc Sylvester is 103 years old and hooked a fish in no time.
Casey Bakewell, wellness director of Benedictine, related how one man teared up because it brought back a lot of memories for him. “It’s fun to have residents enjoy something different,” she says.
She finds that most of the residents get excited when they see their fish pop out of the water.
A woman from Texas had never been fishing before until this unlikely angling experience. Though she’s well into her senior years, it was her first time of catching a fish.
Josh Moriarity and Scott Underdahl utilize volunteer hours from their regular jobs at Northern Tool to help residents catch the fish before cleaning them on the spot.
“I like to watch the folks come out and fish. It brightens up my day,” Moriarity said, adding it’s one way for him to give back to the community.
Executive Director Lisa Kern joined the cleaning team by placing the fish on tray before taking them to the kitchen to bake. The residents later enjoyed the trout for lunch.
Bakewell said the event started when David Stark, who is now deceased, donated money specifically for fishing. “He had such a passion for fishing,” she said, noting Stark’s son, Matt, is now a resident at Benedictine and enjoys what his father began.
Benedictine has offered fishing at a lake near New Prague. However, only 10 residents can take part in the trip.
For Bakewell, it’s all about having something fun for the residents to look forward to and getting them outdoors. “It’s a day for many that they may have done before but don’t have access to anymore,” she said. “Summer is all about fishing.”