SHORELINES

Gone fishing EXCEPTIONAL ANGLERS MAKES FISHING DREAMS COME TRUE FOR STUDENTS By Justin Averette It's not unusual to see Alabama Power Environmental Specialist Mike Clelland out on the water. Clelland oversees Alabama Power's Renew Our Rivers campaign, which is celebrating its 20th year in 2019, and works with fish habitat enhancement and other projects across the system. However, for a few days every May, you can find him on the lake bank for another cause. Clelland is on the steering committee for the annual Exceptional Anglers event, which has been at Oak Mountain State Park for most of its 24 years. e Gone Fishin', Not Just Wishin' program teaches basic fishing skills to special-needs students from Jefferson and Shelby county school systems. "To be honest with you, for most of these children, this is their first opportunity ever to get out and fish. ey will catch the first fish of their life and have their picture made with it," Clelland said. "It's going to be a memory that will last a lifetime. e volunteers are going to have a memory that lasts a lifetime, too." Oak Mountain Assistant Park Superintendent David Johnson said Exceptional Anglers is his favorite event at the park all year long. "is event gives students the opportunity to not only fish but also to socialize, connect with one another and just get outside and enjoy the great outdoors," Johnson said. In addition to fishing, Exceptional Anglers offers students a day of arts and cras, storytelling, face painting, inflatables, games and more. Photos: Phil Free 18 | 2019 Vol: 2

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