In the Jan/Feb issue of H&R, Cecilia Hard wrote in a story entitled “To Fish Is To Hope” that Casting For Recovery is a national, non-profit support and educational organization which sponsors free, 3-day fishing retreats for women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer.

PWWTU has joined with CFR to offer its assistance however and whenever it can especially in the areas of staffing, ideas, instruction and providing helping hands. The chapter has established a new board position – the Casting For Recovery Committee – and Bob Bukk has graciously volunteered it chair it so that activities shared between PWWTU and CFR can be effectively and efficiently coordinated and implemented.

Ms. Hard said that CFR plans to have its first annual West Penn Chapter retreat in 2009. Obviously many of the women - perhaps all of them – have never fly fished so equipment is needed to outfit each participant. That’s where PWWTU can offer immediate help. If you have used but serviceable fly fishing gear you no longer need, consider donating it to this deserving organization. Also needed are flies and chapter tiers can make a significant contribution. Each of the 14 women in the 2009 retreat will be given an assortment of 12 flies. Tiers can choose the patterns but the following are those most useful:

Bead Head Nymphs - #10 and #12

Attractor Dry Flies - #8 and #12

Terrestrials - #10 and #12

Wooly Buggers - #6 and #8

Parachute Adams - #10 and #12.

Over the coming months when you sit down at the vise, think about tying up another few dozen more flies to donate to this compassionate and caring cause. The flies can be dropped off at any PWWTU general meeting, but if you can’t attend the meetings, call Bob Bukk at 412-521-0714 or Joe Kline at 412-761-9762 for shipping information.

Thank you.