County Residents Asked To Welcome ‘Wounded Warriors’

Potter County residents are being asked to turn out in force tomorrow afternoon (Tuesday, May 22), when 15 patients from three veterans hospitals will be arriving for the fifth annual “Project Healing Waters” fly-fishing experience. God’s Country Chapter of Trout Unlimited is hosting the event in cooperation with Big Moore’s Run Fish and Game Preserve, Tuesday through Friday, May 22-25. The parade departs from Ceres at 1 pm and follows Rt. 44 through Shinglehouse and into Coudersport at about 2 (times approximate). A welcome reception will be held at American Legion Post 192 on Rt. 872. At 3, the parade will continue, passing through Austin on its way to First Fork Lodge in Costello, where the guests will stay. Potter County Department of Veterans Affairs is providing flags to wave for those who want to line the parade route and welcome the veterans. Those who like to borrow a flag can obtain one at the Potter County Commissioners business office (274-8290, Ext. 207). It’s located on the immediate right inside the Main Street entrance of the Gunzburger Building (former elementary school/Adelphia building).

Project Healing Waters serves military personnel who have been wounded, injured or disabled to aid in their physical and emotional recovery. The program provides basic fly fishing, fly casting and fly tying classes and clinics. More information is available at projecthealingwaters.org. Above, TU volunteer Rich Nicka (left) assists one of the veterans in landing a large trout from the Big Moore’s Run pond.