A Wayland Fish Story for a Good Cause

A beautiful sunny day on Saturday brought about 100 kids to Mill Pond for the Annual Wayland Youth Fishing Derby.

And the fish were biting.

For the past 13 years, the annual fishing derby has been organized and sponsored thanks to the efforts of Carpentry by Tom Antonellis; prior to that it was sponsored by the Wayland Kiwanis Club. The derby supports a different charity or non-profit in the community each year, hoping to encourage the community to give back. 

This year’s concession proceeds from the event raised money and awareness on behalf of The Vernon Cancer Center at Newton Wellesley Hospital. Elizabeth Flanagan, representing The Vernon Cancer Center was on hand to participate in the derby activities. The Vernon Cancer Center was selected as it is close to the heart of Antonellis who has seen firsthand, through the treatment of his wife and father, how the center provides fantastic care right in the community.

In preparation for the big day, Mill Pond is stocked with fish. Children through eighth grade are invited to bring their own gear and bait and try to catch a winning fish. At the derby, it’s not just the young fishers who are excited, as parents proudly watch the kids eagerly bring their catch to get measured.

"The best part for me is to see the children and the families enjoying something they may never have done before," Antonellis said. "Enjoying the outdoors. And the smiles on their faces."

The young anglers cast their lines into Mill Pond hoping to winone of a variety of prizes including prizes for the first fish of the day, largest and smallest fish of the day, and largest fish in each age group.

Miller Clarke, 9, swept the derby winning first fish, largest fish of the day, and largest fish in his age group.

Prizes from area sponsors included gift certificates, fishing gear, and gift savings accounts for the kids. Parents weren't left out as raffles for prizes such as manicures, pedicures and massages were up for grabs.

The 2012 Wayland Youth Fishing Derby was made possible with the help and generous support of local businesses including: Carpentry by Tom Antonellis, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Middlesex Savings Bank, Wayland Variety and Deli, Wayland Nails and Spa, Donelan’s  Supermarkets, Liberty Pizza, The Village Bank, Whole Foods Market, Dunkin Donuts, Starbucks Coffee, Natick Outdoor Store, The Carroll Group, Wayland Recreation, Wayland Police, B.L. Ogilvie and Son, Wayland Lacrosse Team, National Amusements, Shep’s Gas, Thomas Monahan Landscape, Tri-County Vocational High School, Happy Feet Reflexology and many people that care.  

Wayland High School’s lacrosse team and The Village Bank’s Village Volunteer Team were on hand to help out.