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Date: 8/8/2023
HADLEY — The Young Men’s Club is again sponsoring the Annual Catfish Derby in memory of David Chmura, a life member of the club.
Chmura, a graduate of Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School, a master carpenter and volunteer firefighter, was also known as an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing. He passed away in 2019.
Club member John Mieczkowski said Chmura enjoyed sharing his love of the outdoors with others in the community, especially kids.
“This tournament is for kids and adults,” Mieczkowski said. “It’s a family event and we usually get 150 to 200 participants”.
The two-day tournament begins Friday, Aug. 11 at 8 p.m. with the final live weigh in taking place Sunday, Aug. 13 at 8 a.m.
There is a $10 entry fee and all the fish must from come from the Connecticut River.
All of the proceeds will go towards the YMC David Chmura Scholarship through Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School which is awarded to graduating seniors.
The scholarship candidates are reviewed by a committee from the YMC and winners are awarded at the school’s Senior Night.
The club also is continuing to follow Chmura’s passion for getting the community’s young people interested in the outdoors.
“Every spring we do a free fishing derby for kids 15 and under,” Mieczkowski said. “Because of the [water contamination] issues this spring, we’re actually having that on September 24 in Hadley.”
Mieczkowski said the event schedule will be based upon and will follow any current state guidelines and restrictions for the Connecticut River as a result of recent flooding contamination.
More information can be found on the club’s Facebook page.