Fly Fishing Vets Cast their Sights on The JCC

Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan's third-floor gym may not be the first place you'd expect to see a group of anglers practicing their fly fishing skills, but the JCC is a surprising place.

JCC member and fly fisherman John Enochty discovered Project Healing Waters eight years ago through an ad in a fly fishing magazine. The organization helps disabled veterans learn a new skill while interacting socially with others. Though he had no connection to the veteran community, Enochty was immediately drawn to the idea. "I found the vets to be an interesting mix of people who wanted to immerse themselves in the sport of fly fishing. I was very happy to share my knowledge with them and also lend my support to a group who are talked about frequently in the news but for the most part are abandoned and forgotten about."

Enochty approached Chief Health and Wellness Officer Todd Elkins, seeking a large, open space in which disabled veterans could keep their casting skills sharp when it was too cold to practice outside. Elkins was eager to share our space for a good cause. "He said this was a no-brainer," recalls Enochty.

"I jumped at the chance," says Elkins. "I knew that the gym would be perfect for the vets to practice in, and that the JCC community offers amazing socialization opportunities. Ultimately, it's an extraordinarily beneficial environment for them to be a part of. "There are more than 200 Project Healing Waters (PHW) programs (primarily in the U.S.), all of which offer a physical and social outlet for veterans disabled as a result of combat or unrelated causes. Usually referred through veterans' hospitals and centers, participants have both physical and emotional disabilities; many are dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder.

Both men and women take part in the program, but according to NYC program leader Warren Stern, women tend to be the more active participants. In fact, Project Healing Waters was founded by a woman, Tamar Franklin, in 2007.

During warmer months, participants in the New York City program go on approximately six outings per season. Several are local day trips, while others are overnight. In between, they hone their skills in Central Park. The group uses the JCC gym twice a month from October through March, to learn and practice casting techniques, and occasionally watch an instructional video. Between four and ten veterans show up per session, and there are approximately 15 active volunteers. Volunteers work one-on-one with anglers, imparting skills and providing support.

Observing volunteers and veterans as they gracefully cast their lines across the expanse of the gym—and hearing the lines' swishing sound as they fly through the air—is an experience unlike any other at the JCC.

But as with other JCC programs, the social benefits are key. "You start to see the same people show up—it becomes sort of a club," Enochty says. "The vets form very close relationships. Sometimes catching fish is secondary. They open up to each other and trade stories. It's a good form of therapy."

"One of the things that's special about this program is that it's ongoing…it's not a one- or two-time thing," says Mary Beth Roe, Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan's athletics operations director. It's also inspired others within the JCC community to recognize the sacrifices of our veterans. Last November, in honor of Veterans Day, kids in the JCC After School program sent thank-you notes and artwork to the participating veterans.

For Stern, Healing Waters run deep, thanks to his personal roots. "My father and uncles were World War II vets and suffered various injuries. I have a sense of obligation—it's my way of giving back."

Sherri Lerner is the former editorial director at the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan. She has written and edited for numerous publications and is currently on the staff of the Wechsler Center.