Youth learns new skill

Teenager Cole Condon of Lower Montague enjoys going to school at night. That's because every Monday night the 13-year-old goes to fly-tying class.

He is just one of the many students taking advantage of the classes at the Montague community school.

After a two-year closure due to lack of organizers, it has started up again.

Chair David MacNearney said there have been a few hiccups, but for the most part the school is running smoothly.

There are 65-70 people registered in the nine classes being offered, MacNearney said.

When Merril Condon, Cole's grandfather, showed him the list of courses he saw fly-tying.

"I could take that," Cole thought.

Cole, who has been trout fishing for his 'whole life', said he received a fly-tying kit for Christmas two years ago and really liked it so when he saw the course being offered he was excited.

Cole said bait fishing is fun, but he likes fly-fishing the best.

"It's different cause you have to always keep it(the line) moving. You get a better workout. Your arms get pretty sore after a full day of fly fishing," he said.

Trout fishing season on P.E.I. is from April 15-Sept. 15. Cole can be found casting his line most days during the season.

On school days he doesn't start fishing til 4.p.m, but if there's no school his day on the water starts as early as 9:30 a.m. and he goes till dark.

Cole said a couple of good spots to go are Sutherlands Hole near Valleyfield and Whitlocks Dam near Upton.

He said he can still get his fishing fix even when his dad, Bradley , or grandfather, Merrill, can't drive him.

"I can walk or peddle bike to a couple of spots around here."

But there's one spot Cole wouldn't give directions to.

He said the biggest fish he caught, a seven pounder, was there and only he, his dad and grandfather know about it.

There was one day his dad caught a 14 pounder at the same spot he said.

Cole is happy to spend his Monday nights making flys in preparation for April 15.

There are 14 people who are spending their Monday nights learning tai chi, a martial art geared towards personal health and well being.

Instructor Michael Page said he is teaching the form that is the most common in China.

Another popular class is quilting. There is a mixture of experienced and new quilters in the group.

Other courses include armchair travel, computer, guitar and rug-braiding.