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BORDENTOWN TOWNSHIP: Fish Derby casts off

By Amy Batista, Special Writer
   BORDENTOWN TOWNSHIP — Families and friends started the Fourth of July holiday with a little fishing at Northern Community Park for the annual Fish Derby last Wednesday.
   The late James T. Oross, who passed away on Dec. 30, 2008, previously served as the official presenter of the Fish Derby. In his honor, a memorial stands by the pond and reads, “For many years he was a great inspiration to all of us, dedicating and sharing his time, talents and knowledge with all our Derby participants.”
   The Oross family was present at the derby and made a donation, according to Bordentown Township Mayor Karl Feltes.
   July 4 this year marked the return of the Fish Derby.
   ”It was cancelled last year due to budgetary cuts,” said Angel Sauro, confidential aide to the mayor.
   ”We are all pleased with the turnout we have today,” said Mayor Feltes. “We were a little concerned earlier with the weather but the weather is cooperating,” Mayor Feltes said, who noted that the turnout was good.
   Mayor Feltes also said that Northern Community Park has been the site of “extensive renovations” and is largest park in the township. Earlier on the Fourth of July, the township held a re-opening the ceremony for a Tot Lot play area, as well as basketball and tennis courts, at the park.
   ”We had a concern that we might not have a good turnout. Sometimes when you discontinue something, you kind of lose your population but looking at the number of people here today, it’s very successful,” Mayor Feltes said.
   Prior to the start of the derby, the lake was stocked with around 100 fish by the Hackettstown Fish Hatchery, consisting of largemouth bass, yellow perch, pumpkinseed sunfish, bluegill sunfish, brown bullhead catfish and channel catfish. The biggest fish put into the pond was a largemouth bass weighing about three and half pounds, according to Ron Jacobsen, a fisheries technician with the New Jersey Department of Fish and Wildlife.
   ”To make it more interesting, we provide little buckets filled with water and put a fish or two in there for the little tykes to carry down to the pond . . . to stock,” Mr. Jacobsen said.
   ”The larger fish are given to the older kids in five gallon buckets,” Mr. Jacobsen said.
   Mr. Jacobsen gave a 15 minute educational presentation and included a brief introduction on several species of fish common to ponds in New Jersey. Samle fish were featured in an aquarium, which is set up on the side of the stocking truck for the young anglers to view via a “touch tank.”
   ”We discuss such things as safely handling the fish and fishing ethics,” Mr. Jacobsen said.
   The Fish Derby was a free event for kids 12 and younger. It was made possible through sponsorships from Sportsmen’s Center, the Department of Fish and Wildlife and Mercer County Anglers Association (MCAA) as well through additional donations.
   A total of 93 kids competed in several different categories including first arrival to the derby — early bird gets the worm; youngest fisherman; and most fish caught.
   Members from MCAA and volunteers were on hand all around the lake to measure all the fish that were caught by the anglers for the tallies at the end of the contest.
   ”We are here helping out, measuring fish, just trying to help the township out,” said Ken Dibblee, who is vice president of the MCAA. “It’s all for the kids. That’s what it’s all about,” Mr. Dibblee said.
   ”Hopefully, it will be something that keeps going for quite some time,” Mr. Dibblee said.
   After the conclusion of the two-hour contest, trophies were given out to the winners along with some raffle prizes which included rods and reels and tackle boxes donated by MCAA and gift certificates donated by Sportsmen’s Center.
   In addition, the Department Fish and Wildlife handed out bobbers to the young fishers.
   Winners of the derby included Patrick Redwood for first arrival to the derby — early bird gets the worm; and Everett Hosszu-Barrett for youngest fisherman. There was a third place tie for the most fish caught between Brennan Carter, Kenny Teague, Alexis Lacy. The youngsters caught 21 fish a piece.
   Alexis, of New Egypt, was fishing with her dad Ron Lacy. This was her second time participating in the derby.
   ”I like catching fish,” said Alexis just after she reeled in her sixth fish of the morning.
   ”She’s doing pretty good,” said Mr. Lacy.
   Michael Yanucil caught the largest fish — 19 inches in length, according to Ms. Sauro. Additionally, Adam Pietris, Emma Derby, Madison Tuccillo and Anthony Yanucil caught fish between 16 and 18 inches in length.
   Ms. Sauro noted that the winners receive trophies at an upcoming Township Committee meeting. Nicholas Cutrupi, of Bordentown was attending his second derby and said he was “just having fun and seeing different kinds of fish,” moments after catching his first fish of the day alongside his father.
   ”This is a great event,” said dad Paul Cutrupi of Bordentown. “It teaches kids how to fish and respect nature.”