The Eastwick Press Newspaper

Eastern Rensselaer County's Community Newspaper

Grafton

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Cold Hands But Warm Hearts Make For A Fun Day On The Ice

Submitted by Scoutmaster Andy Zlotnick 

Boy Scout Troop 222 from Grafton conducted an ice fishing outing on Dyken Pond this past Saturday, February 20. The scouts and scouters made their way to the event with temperature in the high teens with a southerly wind kicking up to 10-12 miles an hour, but the scouts were prepared.

Members of Troop 222 delivering the fish to the Berkshire Bird Paradise on Saturday. From left to right are Eagle Scouts Josh Zlotnick and Michael Zlotnick with Liz Dubacher of the Berkshire Bird Paradise holding the donation of Pickerel. Photo courtesy of Andy Zlotnick

Much planning and training went into this event with the scouts learning about weather conditions that might affect them and the fishing. They learned how to prepare for the cold temperatures so they could still have fun. The scouts brushed up on leaving no trace and cold weather first aid before they ever stepped out on to the ice. Alex Chrisikos, Senior Patrol Leader, planned the event with help from all the scouts.

They learned how to test the ice for safety and how to drill through it with several different tools. The scouts set many tip-ups and caught both Large Mouth Bass and Lake Pickerel. They released all the bass they caught but donated all the pickerel to the Berkshire Bird Paradise to help feed the Eagles that are housed there.

To help ensure a good time Mrs. Chrisikos cooked food all day on the ice so the scouts and friends would have something to sustain them while they fished.