Written by: John Boyle, FCSN Voices Youth Reporter
Graphics by: Casey Feng, FCSN Voices Graphic Artist

On April 13, 2025, over 150 FCSN kids, family members and volunteers had a fun fishing day at Sandy Wool Lake, Ed Levin County Park. Sandy Wool Lake is a serene 14-acre reservoir located in Ed R. Levin County Park in the eastern foothills of Milpitas, California. This tranquil spot is surrounded by lush greenery. The event was organized and coordinated by Rotary Club of Almaden Valley – Willow Glen Alman, FCSN and Santa Clara County Park (SCCP). The event aimed to introduce FCSN families to the joys of fishing in a supportive and educational environment.

The organizers put in many planning efforts to make this event successful. Mannching Wang and Po-Yu-Yen from FCSN (Program Director and Program Coordinator, South Bay Outreach and Enrichment Programs) sent out detailed information about the event with maps and area photos, such as parking, check-in, fishing piers, and additional reminders. They also shared tutorial videos about fishing, such as “How to cast your reel.” SCCP organized volunteers who are experienced with fishing to help at the event. These volunteers set up different stations for fishing gear, bait and fish cleaning, and taught FCSN families how to fish in the lake. In addition, SCCP planted 750 pounds of rainbow trout and 750 pounds of catfish two days prior to the event. Carrie Grisenti, an Outdoor Recreation Coordinator from SCCP, told me that she had been hosting fishing events for schools and organizations for the last 30 years. This was her first time working with a group with different abilities, and she was excited about this opportunity. During my short interview with her, she emphasized how the group has “different abilities,” but not disabilities. Volunteers from Rotary Club of Almaden Valley – Willow Glen Alman brought in meat and vegetables to make hamburgers and hot dogs for lunch. The Rotary Club also had a great turnout of “fishermen helping with the fishing and cleaning.”

After families checked in with Po-Yu Yen and received meal tickets for lunch, Mannching Wang divided families into small groups with about 5-6 people per group. Each group was led by a volunteer from SCCP to a wide-open area and learned how to use the rod and cast a fishing line. I met Zoe Chew and Rich Chew, both volunteers through SCCP for this event. Rich Chew is a Quarter Master from SCCP and manages the baits, rods, nets, and other supplies. Rich showed our small group how to hold the line with his finger, bring the rod back, then flick it forward smoothly. Finally, he released the line with his finger during the forward motion. After showing the motion several times, Rich asked each group member to practice casting the line. After all participants practiced, Rich then directed families to get fishing gear and baits. At the bait station, Zoe Chew explained to families that the red-colored bait is a power bait for trout, and the pepperoni is the bait for catfish. She showed families how to put bait on the hook. After the short hands-on instruction session, families scattered around the lake and started fishing. Ducks were happily swimming on the lake and fishing too. SCCP fishing volunteers walked around with fishing nets. If someone got a fish, he or she could yell “fish on,” and the volunteers walking around with nets came to assist to pull the fish to shore. When I walked by Andrew Chiang, he had also got a fish, and it was a rainbow trout. When I asked him what he would do with the fish, Andrew said that would be his dinner. Sure enough, Andrew’s mom, Anna Chiang, cooked the fish for him. Sally and Michael Liu also captured a fish! Jeremy and Johansson caught several fish. They took their fish to the cleaning station and had the fish cleaned. While FCSN families enjoyed fishing by the lake, volunteers from Rotary Club of Almaden Valley – Willow Glen Alman fired up the BBQ grills under a large gazebo. Soon, the air was filled with the mouthwatering aroma of sizzling food. Plenty of picnic tables lined up around the BBQ grills under the gazebo and scattered around the lake. In addition to hamburgers, hot dogs and salad, FCSN volunteers also gave out bags of chips and bottled water.

Another highlight of the event was the uplifting music performed by our Dream Achiever Band. From the moment we arrived, the sound of music echoed in the distance, setting a joyful tone for the day. Throughout the event, Lawrence, Gregory, and Anna showcased their dedication and talent by preparing and performing over forty songs and instrumental pieces. Their setlist included well-loved classics like “Can You Feel the Love Tonight,” “Careless Whisper,” “YMCA,” “Star Wars Medley,” and “Soul Bossa Nova.” With a blend of live vocals and instrumental performances, their music added energy and warmth, creating a festive atmosphere that brought FCSN families and volunteers together for a memorable day of fishing by the lake.

Finally, a big thank you to everyone who came out to help and made the special Fishing Day so much fun, including FCSN organizers and youth volunteers, FCSN Dream Achiever Band, SCCP volunteers and Rotary Club of Almaden Valley – Willow Glen Alman. Hope we can have this event again!