Julie kendrick for good age let's go fishing with seniors

JULY 2013

LET’S GO FISHING

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WILLMAR-BASED NONPROFIT, LET’S GO FISHING, OFFERS AN OPPORTUNITY TO GET BACK OUT ON THE LAKE

By Julie Kendrick

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or most Minnesotans, time spent on or around water is part of their happiest memories— long summers at the lake, heading out with buddies for a morning of fishing, or family trips on the pontoon up at the cabin. But for many Minnesota seniors, spending happy times on the water has become a distant memory. Changing financial circumstances, fragile health conditions, or lack of access to a usable boat can prevent them from enjoying time on the lake.

But Joe Holm and Let’s Go Fishing, the organization he founded 11 years ago, can bring those moments back again. The Willmar-based nonprofit provides no-cost fishing and boating excursions for anyone aged 55 and older, no matter their physical limitations (the group even runs special outings for those in hospice care).

Holm and his volunteers ensure that each two- to four-hour trip includes everything needed for a good time on the water, including a pontoon, an experienced guide and assistant, fishing equipment, life jackets, live bait, snacks and beverages.

“The only thing the individual needs

to provide is a Minnesota DNR fishing license if they want to drop a line in the water,” Holm says. His group has a fleet of 34 pontoons, each equipped with several safety features, and they operate all summer long in Minnesota—from Alexandria to Winona, and many places in between.

Let’s Go Fishing currently has 30 chapters, and has taken 80,000 people on fishing and boating excursions, with the help of more than 2,000 volunteers.

Because all events are free to participants, Holm says the group focuses on raising funds in the off- season to keep the organization going.

day on the water, pulling in fish, is a good day.

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Greater meaning

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ike many great service ideas, Let’s Go Fishing started during a time of personal crisis. “In 2002, my family had a year I wouldn’t wish on anybody,” says Holm, age 51. Family illnesses, a car accident, and the dissolution of the 109-year-old company where he had worked all combined to lead Holm to search for a new direction that would provide greater meaning in his life. “You get into what you think is a secure position and role, and then things happen

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beyond your control. It got me to slow down a little bit and realize that the older all of us get, the faster time goes by. This was an idea that had been floating around in my mind for quite a while—the idea of pulling beside people and helping them just came to me.”

Drawing on a lifelong passion for water, fresh air, and boating, Holm began to seek a way to reach out to older people in his community. “You can’t live in Minnesota or the upper Midwest without water being a big part of your life,” he says. “Memories are made, relationships are nurtured, and there are smiles, laughter, and joy.

We have water in our background,” he concludes.

“For whatever reason, whether it’s poor health, or the loss of a spouse who used to be a fishing buddy, people can suddenly realize that they haven’t been able to get out on the lake in a long time. Any number of things can prevent them from enjoying this thing that meant so much in their lives—one day, it’s just taken away,” Holm says.

His observations led him to flesh

Learn more To arrange

an excursion, volunteer or request a Let’s Go Fishing speaker at your next club meeting or event, call 888-235-8448 or visit lgfws.com.

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out the concept that eventually became Let’s Go Fishing. To see if his idea was even possible, he first went to the Senior Center in Willmar. “I made an appointment with its president, Shirley Hulst, and told her, “I have to run a concept by you, since you know these folks so well, to see if you think it would be a good idea. She started getting tears in her eyes, and said, ‘You have no idea how many people I’ve known for whom this would have made a difference in their lives. It could help with depression, isolation, and loneliness.’”

Hulst, who has since accompanied many groups on boating excursions, says that the trips mean a great deal to seniors. “We had one lady who was over 90 years old, and she’s been back a few times now. Her husband used to take her out fishing, and it was such a great memory for her. Everyone who goes enjoys the good company, the beautiful scenery, and the wonderful quiet of being quiet on the water. The volunteers are so kind and helpful,” she says.

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John Welchlin of Fairmont, Minn.

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55+ Independent Living 5015 35th Avenue South, Minneapolis www.NokomisSquare.com

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Young and old, together

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ith that encouragement, Holm began talking to more people, all of whom were positive about the idea, so he began taking the necessary steps to create a viable organization.

“I told my wife, Carolyn, ‘This is such a huge need, I wonder if I could find enough volunteers,’ so I started talking to my friends.” Holm began to take Friday afternoons off from work, putting together a strategy and creating a promotional flier. “By that spring, I had volunteers and 501(c)(3) status in place,” he reports.

“That first year, we took 350 people out on the water. On that very first trip, we were catching fish, laughing, and then I looked over and saw one man who was crying. I asked if he was okay, and he told me, ‘Since my wife died three months ago, I’ve been so depressed, but this exactly what I needed.’” Holm says he has since witnessed many stories like this.

“Some people even tell me, ‘I’m in so much pain at home, but my body just doesn’t hurt when I’m out on the water,’” he says.

Holm has recently begun

(651) 738-2102 considering new directions for his organization. “I’ve been reading about Will: $40 the demographics of Minnesota, PoWer of Attorney: $20 and in 10 years, there will be more eAltH CAre DireCtive: $70 H people 65 and older than all the kids in grades K through 12 combined.

I know that there are a lot of active Roban, James GA 0513 12.indd 1 3/28/13 older adults who have a heart for our youth. When I read that the average youth spends nine hours a day on electronics, that just made me sad, and I started wondering if there were a way to get our volunteers, many of whom are already in early retirement and semi-retirement, to help with that.”

Holm has begun organizing excursions that pair younger and older participants. “We’d already been using the Let’s Go Fishing organization to connect people, and now we’re using South St. Paul HRA that same template as a platform to connect these two age groups,” he • 50+ Community says, adding, “So many kids need help • Income Based Rent with basic communication skills, like • All Utilities Paid how to look someone in the eye and • Newly Remodeled shake their hand. And the obesity • Elevators problem is such a challenge, that I • Controlled Entries hope instilling a love of the outdoors • On Site Caretaker could help with that.”

Call for an appointment 651-554-3270

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