Fishing in memory of a friend

SHARON — More than 40 folks came out with rods and reels to take part in Sunday’s second annual Joe AuClaire Memorial Fishing Derby at Mudge Pond. The event, which benefitted  Sharon Recreation and Youth, was held in memory of Joe AuClaire, who died in 2006 at the age of 58.

AuClaire, who was a caretaker at High Field farm in Sharon and at the Blum farm on the Sharon/Salisbury border, had a passion for the outdoors.

“He’s obviously up there looking after us by giving us some good warm fall weather,� his widow, Sherry AuClaire, said as she fished from the dock at the pond.

AuClaire was always  looking after young people in the town while he was alive, and was a coach for several sports.

“This will help benefit recreation in this town, no matter if it’s for baseballs, basketballs or whatever,â€� AuClaire said.  

While the fish were not exactly leaping from the water that day, families enjoyed the event, including A.J. Hillard and his 8-year-old grandson, Nicklus.

“We almost caught one,� the elder Hillard said. “But so far we caught a few leaves.�

That didn’t matter. What counted was that he got to spend a day with his grandson, casting for fish in fine weather. “It’s just about a perfect day today.�

Rick Hazelton and his son, Harry, 9,  said the same.

“We did catch a few weeds so far,� Hazelton said with a grin. “But it’s been a great day and it’s for a good cause. I’m sure that the fish will eventually come out.�

At press time, there was no estimate on how much the event raised. Or whether the fish got any friendlier as the day wore on.

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