Reeling and Healing Midwest Blog

We’re reaching out to you for assistance with a volunteer project.

We have the hands to knit wool socks for all of our future new participants but we’re low on the wool. What are we looking for? Worsted weight, wool and wool blend yarn in BRIGHT colors. Seems this is best for wearing under our waders while in the river.

Let us know if you have some to donate. Send an email or give a call (616-855-4017) and we can have a volunteer pick it up or let you know where to send it.

Here’s wool to you for helping us us others. Thanks.

Recently, a famed fly shop in Illinois, TROUT and GROUSE decided to find a new home for their rental waders that had been hiding out in their stockroom. And that new home is with Reeling and Healing Midwest!

We’re delighted to have them - some barely used, stocking foot and boot foot, all shapes sizes and labels. Heck, they even threw in a couple pairs of wading boots! They’ll come in handy next year as we undergo an expansion of our programs and reach out to provide our retreats to more cancer survivors.

Thanks to Curt, Peter and Paul for thinking of us.

Trout and Grouse is located at 840 Willow Road (next to Whole Foods) in Northbrook, IL. Phone 847-480-0111

Through our partnership with Trout Unlimited, each of our 2007 New Participants were offered the opportunity to receive a one-year membership to Trout Unlimited.

The individuals who accepted the membership offer will be assigned to a local chapter near their home address. The chapters meet regularly to hear about fishing hot spots from Maine to the Bahamas, discuss conservation issues, plan work days on their home waters, organize fundraisers, and of course, swap a few fish tales and learn how to tie the latest fly patterns. Most chapters provide opportunities to learn more about the sport of fly fishing, conservation, and our waterways.

Members will receive TROUT, TU’s award-winning color magazine. Four issues a year, full of conservation news, updates on TU activities, grassroots success stories, and fishing destinations.

Trout Unlimited is dedicated to conserving, protecting and restoring North America’s coldwater fisheries and their watersheds.

Thanks for your support TU.

Never in my wildest dreams did I believe

…I would fly fish.

…I would be treated like a queen.

…I would make new friends.

…I would be able to share my story.

…I would be accepted for who I am, right here, right now.

…I would overcome so much doubt.

…I would laugh so much.

…I would find healing through nature’s beauty.

…I would have so much fun and experience joy.

Thank you for guiding me to renew my spirit and hope. I will forever keep the retreat adventure close to my heart and find on-going great strength from my experience in the river.

FISH ON!

-A Very Grateful Participant

THESE WERE GREAT!�� THANK YOU!

The Drake Magazine hosted their Second Annual Video Awards at the 2007 Fly Fishing Retailer Show in Denver. Focus of the videos? On fly fishing of course. The short clips run the gamut of storytelling - from a father and daughter guide team fishing together in their home waters of Alaska, to fun times in the sun with tarpon and permit. They evoke a few chuckles, appeal to your soft side and may have you chopping at the bit to go after new fish in a new location. Worth checking out. Click here.

One of the video production teams, AEG Media was a finalist. Their present goal is to be the leader in bringing new fly fishing adventure to the big screen. They will be rolling out their 2008 Fly Fishing Film Tour soon at a theater near you. With regards to the film they’ve stated, “If you fly fish you are going to be blown away, if you don’t fly fish you are going to be inspired.” Check out their site for more info.

I really enjoyed the fly fishing retreat. Thanks for EVERYTHING that was done to make it such a beautiful, healing experience. I will carry the memories with me forever.

-Mary M.

What an opportunity R&H Midwest was to be with ourselves, and in Mother Nature, with an incredible group of loving people. It was a place where my heart could “come out”, a place to get involved and discover. Thank you for a well-planned, fun, interesting, and very rewarding retreat! -Nancy S.

Thank you for continuing to inspire me to work hard for my education. I have decided to work toward an oncology position as a career. These women need the best of care and I intend to give it to them!

-Sue W.

One of our participants/volunteers is such a believer she got her hands on a vanity plate to share it with the world…