So, as I posted, my son participated in a kid's fishing derby at Chautauqua
Marina in Mayville on Saturday.   By our estimation, he got a lot of fish, and
looked to be in the position of having the most in his age bracket.   When
the awards were announced, however, another young lady was awarded the prize
for the most.

My wife and I recognized this might not be correct, as the young lady had fished
near Jack, but we certainly did not want to create a scene.  After all, this was a free
event for the kids.   So I quietly spoke to one of the reps afterward that had been
keeping track of Jack's catch.  Long story short, they did find there was a error, and
they did their best to make it right for Jack.  The end of it, we figured.

Well, lo and behold, we got a call from another rep from Chautauqua Marina yesterday,
who was very apologetic.   Seems she had been out of town during the contest, and upon
her return, had reviewed the results and found the error.  Jack had been the only one on
the last page, and I guess they simply missed him. The original winner had 27 fish, Jack
had 69, a record total for the event!   So she proposed the smart thing, award Jack the
boys division, keep the young lady as the girls division.  Both are winners!  They said
the would amend their press relaase, and will be getting an appropriate prize to Jack.

First Class all the way!!!  

We had not expected anything more to have come of it, as it was free, and the people
had all volunteered to help.   We certainly didn't rant and rave, and even told them we
appreciated how much effort they had put in for kids.   From our point of view, we had
to question it as Jack was understandably upset and surprised.   Having said that, I cannot
tell you how much we appreciate the honest response by Chautauqua Marina, and the FIRST
CLASS way they have tried to make it right with Jack.  

As part of our conversation yesterday, we talked about how great it would be if the City
of Dunkirk, the Charterboat Association, or even a few of the more civic minded local
captains could get something going in Dunkirk next summer, and the rep even
offered to meet with me to tell me how they prepare for their event.   

We are very impressed and humbled by the response from Chautauqua Marina.   

FIRST CLASS ALL THE WAY!!