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New Experience

Maya Wade, left, hooks a worm for her sister Roganita on Saturday at Conway Sportsmen Club.
Youngsters from city give fishing a try

JACKSON TWP — About 200 youngsters from Pittsburgh came to the country at the Conway Sportsmen Club Saturday for an annual day of fishing.

Bill Frishkorn, president of the club on Magill Road, said the event is a way to introduce the youths to a new experience.

“Some of these kids have never been out of the city before,” Frishkorn said. “It's great to see them out here having fun. It doesn't get any better than that.”

The youngsters received a free lunch and left with prizes, which included bicycles and radios.

Frishkorn said the members look forward to the event every year.

“This is our keystone event,” he said, adding it has been held for the past 18 years.

The club stocked the lake with more than 300 fish that morning.

“Two weeks ago we stocked it with 500 fish,” Frishkorn said. “So there's plenty in there for the kids to catch.”

The youngsters were brought together through different churches in Pittsburgh.

Ray Eppinger of Jackson Township was one of the members helping the young anglers prepare their fishing rods, and ultimately untangling them when needed.

“It's good for the kids,” he said. “I think it's a great thing for the club to do.”

Brian Lippert of Penn Township said he became a club member after he and his son attended one of the club's events for children.

“We attended a fishing derby, and I absolutely loved it,” he said. “I was hooked.”

Now Lippert is excited to introduce the sport to youngsters who don't get the opportunity to go out to a lake.

“I grew up in the city,” he said. “I would've loved to have had an opportunity like this.”

Lippert said the club's members all have big hearts.

“It's a great group of guys,” he said. “That's why I'm here. That, and the fishing.”Pete Haniwalt of Connoquenessing Township said he's been volunteering at the event for 14 years.“I replace the sinkers and bobber on the lines,” he said, adding the process can become a little repetitive throughout the day. “But I don't mind since the kids are enjoying themselves.”Roger Wade Jr., 9, of Pittsburgh was one of those fishing for the first time. He said he had a good teacher.“I'm learning from the best, my big sister Maya,” he said, shortly before catching his first fish.“It's a lot of fun,” Roger said.The event was also fun for the parents.“We've been here three years in a row,” said Shiane Prunty, who was fishing alongside her son, Alfred, 12.She said it is the only time they go fishing.“It's great to spend time on the road together,” she said.The Rev. Spencer Simon of Pittsburgh has been the lead organizer for the past decade.He said he was thankful to work with the Conway Sportsmen Club each year.“I think this club expresses the Body of Christ through their work in the community,” Simon said.Simon hopes that he will someday see similar fishing events in Pittsburgh.“That way even more kids could just walk down to the lake and spend a day fishing, instead of in front of the computer or playing video games,” he said. “They're all having fun out here today.”

Alfred Prunty, right, watches as Andru Carter fishes Saturday at the Conway Sportsmen Club in Jackson Township. The club held its annual day of fishing for youths from Pittsburgh.

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