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July 2021
Let's Go Fishing
cruises on
Pontoon rides resume for seniors, vets
Photos by Shannon Geisen/Enterprise Beside the fresh, outdoor air and sunshine, guests saw loons on this trip along the Fish Hook River and lake.
By Shannon Geisen sgeisen@parkrapidsenterprise.com
“Over the last 11 years of outings, we’ve averaged about 21 trips a year,” Norenberg said. “It he Let’s Go Fishing Headvaries with the number of people, waters Chapter celebrates its but over the years probably an 11th year on the water this summer. average of at least a couple hunThe organization provides free dred people per year.” pontoon excursions to groups of On the second cruise of the seniors, youth, veterans or indi2021 summer, Norenberg and first viduals with disabilities. mate Luckeroth navigated guests “There is no cost to anyone as from Crystal Brook Senior Living long as we have a senior onboard,” Community down the Fish Hook explained Fred Luckeroth, chair of River and around Fish Hook Lake. the Park Rapids chapter. Brinn Krabbenhoft, life COVID restrictions prevented enhancement coordinator at Cryssunny jaunts on area lakes last tal Brook, scheduled the cruise for year, but the boat, volunteer capfive residents. “Who else gets to tains and first mates are ready to hang out with nice people in the motor this season. sun on the water?” she asked. The chapter is adhering to CenLet’s Go Fishing’s primary cliters for Disease Control guidelines ent base are residents of nursing for its trips, so fully vaccinated care facilities and seniors living folks do not need to wear masks or social distance. If this criteria Mary Jo and Jim Sackett thoroughly en- at home. They encourage families is met, then 10 guests are allowed joyed the pontoon ride. "I had no idea and organizations to book trips that include a senior, veteran or for a sightseeing cruise, with a it'd be this peaceful, restful," Jim said. maximum of three wheelchairs, and six guests for person with a disability. In recent years, Norenberg said, they’ve taken fishing trips. Ron Norenberg recently stepped down as chair, more youth on cruises. A local Christian youth a position he’s held since the chapter’s inception. camp was slated to bring 40 kids on a ride. But he’s still donning a captain’s hat and guiding the pontoon. LET'S GO FISHING: Page 8
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Inside this issue... 2 Disabled American Veterans chapter dedicated to vets 3 Get grilling 5 Mending power of nature 7 How to pick the best place to retire 8 Grief over a death can hit again years later
