Fishing trip down memory lane
Pro guide leads residents of senior living facility on day of angling

By Michael Loomis

CAROL STREAM -- Forty years ago, Betty Auwaerter's husband, Le, dug the bed that became Heritage
Lake in Carol Stream.

With other residents from her Wheaton senior living facility and an army of night crawlers, the 80-year-old
went back for the first time in decades recently to catch fish--and maybe some new memories.

Pro fishing guide Richard Burton accompanied residents from Wyndemere Senior Living Campus, supplying rods, bait, gear and expertise.

"We were looking for a bunch of people who wanted to have a good time," said Burton, a frequent volunteer. With help from another professional guide and senior adviser, Muskie "Bud" Homerhulet, Burton baited the fishing hooks with night crawlers and helped the Wyndemere group cast out for bluegill, stripers, rainbow trout and largemouth bass. With the residents seated in folding chairs along the north bank of the lake, the day drew smiles and recollections as the fish started biting.

"My kids and I used to go fishing in Morris. They loved it," said Etta Kalinski, 66.

Wyndemere employee Mary Kistner said: "I've had a few nibbles, but I'm not quite quick enough. I'm getting the knack of it now. I grew up on the East Coast; I used to go clamming and crabbing all the time, but this is the first time I've ever gone fishing."

They were joined by Lula Graham, 90; Kenneth Mitchell, 97; Rosemarie Thear, 78; and Lillian Hansford, 89.

Burton, an expert on Illinois' best fishing holes, knows Heritage Lake better than anyone--he stocked it with trout, bass and stripers.

"Nine-pound bass have been caught here," said Burton, who owns Streamwood-based Water Critters Tackle & Guide Service and competes in tournaments.

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