Page 6 THE VILLADOM TIMES II • June 26, 2013 Glen Rock A favorite children’s activity returned to Glen Rock’s Thielke Arboretum on Doremus Avenue this year. On June 15, children ages five through 13 fished competitively at the Arboretum’s Fishing Derby. Participants were coached by parents, neighbors, and grandparents as the children pulled in bass and sunfish, vying for a number of prizes. Originally started a number of years ago by a Jaycee member whose son wanted to fish, the derby disappeared after the youth grew older. This year, the Fishing Derby was brought back under the direction of Melissa Tomas, Thielke Arboretum manager and Glen Rock mother, who believed the event would be a great opportunity for children to visit the arboretum and enjoy the benefits of fishing in a fully-stocked local pond. The competition involved the largest fish caught by children in various age categories. Capturing the prize in the fiveand six-year-old category was Devin S. In the seven- through-nine-year-old category, Kieran K.’s proxy Rob won the prize, while Kieran played for his baseball team in an early morning game. Jack P. took the Children’s Fishing Derby returns to arboretum prize in the 10- through 13-year-old category by hooking a 10.75 inch bass. The prize for the most fish captured during the event went to Christian R. This year’s derby was made possible by Tom Vielbig, owner of Backyard Living in Ridgewood, president of the Friends of the Glen Rock Arboretum’s Board of Trustees, and derby sponsor. Boy Scout Troop 13 supported the derby by manning the fish measuring stations and providing the food and refreshments for the event. Proceeds were earmarked for the Arboretum Environmental Education Center Fund. All profits from the food and refreshments went to Boy Scout Troop 13. The popularity and feedback from the participants and parents made the return of the Thielke Arboretum Children’s Fishing Derby an event to consider for future years. For further information about arboretum programs, or how to become a member, visit The Thielke Arboretum on Facebook, http://www.glenrockarboretum.org, or call (201) 447-0452. The Friends of the Glen Rock (Thielke) Arboretum, Inc. is a not-for-profit 501c3 tax exempt organization.