Rec Area Opens: Teaching Kids the Art of Fishing

By Jennifer L. Warren

NEW WINDSOR – “You catch a fish. You catch a kid. You catch a fish. You catch a kid.”

It’s a mantra that has been the guiding force for the past three years behind Rufus Monk’s creation of the Channel U Fishing Program. Crabbing at the Newburgh Waterfront a few years ago, Monk, who has been pursuing his passion-salvation of fishing since four years old, happened to “catch a kid,” he was able to teach the details and relay his deep love of the water craft to, while witness and feel first-hand the life-altering potency of one small gesture.

“Once you hook a kid with fishing, you get them hooked for life,” explained Monk, who happened to have “hooked” that child at a challenging crossroads in his own life. “I knew at that moment of teaching him to fish that this is what I was meant to do.”

City of Newburgh Mayor, Torrence Harvey, delivers words during Saturday’s ribbon- cutting event for the newly renovated Frank Masterson Recreation Area, site of the well- attended Fishing Derby which followed.
City of Newburgh Mayor, Torrence Harvey, delivers words during Saturday’s ribbon- cutting event for the newly renovated Frank Masterson Recreation Area, site of the well- attended Fishing Derby which followed.

Monk’s Channel U Fishing Program, including a “catching and releasing” component and focused on developing bonds between children and parents through their shared time near the water-in nature, was so loved- so impactful, it was also destiny that others would witness and feel its magic. City of Newburgh Councilmember, Patty Sofokles, quickly detected the huge, radiant smiles on the children’s faces as they deftly held their rods, patiently awaiting the prize of a bite on the other end. Eager to land an ideal spot for Monk’s Program, Sofokles connected with Newburgh Water Superintendent, Wayne Vrandenburgh, who then hooked up with Matt Nordt, Recreation Director of the City of Newburgh, and before long a spot was secured: The beautiful, serene Frank Masterson Recreation Area.

Last year, the City of Newburgh allocated $75,000 to renovating that entire space, making improvements along the shoreline, pavilion and playground with a host of other upgrades. Saturday morning, just prior to the official kickoff of the first City of Newburgh Fishing Derby on an absolutely gorgeous summer morning, enveloped by a sparkling lake where 90 registrants prepared to catch as many fish as the Derby’s time would allow, a contingent of political dignitaries, along with the support of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, gathered to officially cut the ribbon to a place that City of Newburgh Mayor, Torrance Harvey, referred to as “a hidden gem” and Councilmember, Robert Sklarz, described as one that truly reflects what Newburgh is: “a river city where people have been fishing for years, something in their DNA.”

Saturday, youth had a splendid time, enjoying the gorgeous weather and peace of the water and nature with family members, participating in a Fishing Derby at New Windsor’s Frank Masterson Recreation Area.
Saturday, youth had a splendid time, enjoying the gorgeous weather and peace of the water and nature with family members, participating in a Fishing Derby at New Windsor’s Frank Masterson Recreation Area.

“This place is just so peaceful and relaxing,” Coach Wamp said as he prepared his son and grandson for last minute preparations with their poles, bait and other necessities prior to the official kickoff of the Fishing Derby, which not only offered laurels for the most fish caught, but the biggest one as well as other categories. “It also really keeps kids off of the streets and shows them other alternatives.”

Those choices extend beyond fishing and youth. The Frank Masterson Recreation Area offers something for everyone, priceless connections and lasting memories.

“Any time we can create, add to green spaces and places for families it’s an amazing thing,” said Mayor Harvey. “Things like this place here are so very important to building community, and we need to prioritize, as they offer fishing, hiking trails, and other outdoor opportunities, especially for our youth.”

Back over by the lake, as the morning sunshine leaves its sparkling imprint, Monk, who was presented by Harvey and several Council members with a special certificate of appreciation during the ribbon-cutting ceremony, could be seen once again teaching a child about the rudimentary essentials of fishing. The youth attentively absorbing every morsel, as Monk’s passion elicited with each guiding, loving step he conveyed.

“People ask me what the ‘U’ means in my program name; I tell them it’s all where it starts when you work with children, loving you, and then you can love them and make a difference in their lives,” reflected Monk as he looked out onto the sparkling, crystal blue lake in front of him. “This place is a positive environment; any time you can be around water it’s a great thing, and when you can be around the great people in this program, it’s an even better thing.”

Some might say: Monk, like the kids whose lives he impacts, is truly hooked.