ABOVE: Several residents of Lakeview Methodist Healthcare Center in Fairmont board the Let’s Go Fishing Pontoon for a cruise on Wednesday, June 11, on Budd Lake in Fairmont. Photo by Marlyce Thompson

FAIRMONT — Summer encourages many to flock to the lakes. The Martin County Let’s Go Fishing (LGF) chapter is taking the pontoon out, inviting senior citizens, veterans and disabled citizens to fish and cruise on Hall, Budd and Sisseton Lakes. From June through August a scheduled 78 trips take place.

President Ron Kallheim has served Let’s Go Fishing since 2010, and has been captain volunteer, first mate volunteer, deck assistant volunteer, secretary, scheduler of trips and vice president. This summer marks his first year as President of the chapter.

“Once you get stuck, it’s hard to get out,” Kallheim said with a laugh while reflecting on his 15 years of membership.

Founded in Martin County in 2007, the LGF chapter is and has been committed to building connections and enriching the lives of local senior citizens through outdoor leisure. According to Kallheim, it has served 1,744 people and has made more than 900 trips. The chapter plans to significantly add to those numbers for its 17th year of operation this season.

“It’s really rewarding to get the seniors out,” said Kallheim. “The idea of getting into nature is nice. Many have been on the water, and it’s great to leave the house.”

Kallheim begins thinking about and planning for the summer LGF rides in March and April. Sign-ups for the trips officially open in early May. Kallheim shared that the sign-ups usually fill quickly, with the pontoon carrying six to eight passengers and accompanying volunteers.

“The volunteers get as much out of it as our clients do,” Kallheim said with a smile.

The LGF trips have also drawn seniors from beyond Martin County, including Mankato, Austin, Albert Lea and Iowa.

Kallheim, who has accompanied many trips himself, described that storytelling is a common but beloved tradition during the LGF trips.

“It’s very fun to talk to [the seniors], and there are many things to share. We also talk about highlights of Hall, Budd and Sisseton. We try to get stories out of people who remember Interlaken Park,” he said.

Even though many registered seniors anticipate the trips, the weather hasn’t been cooperative recently. Last year, 21 trips were lost. This year, 10 trips have been lost to inclement weather. However, rescheduling has been a breeze.

“We accommodate as much as we can,” Kallheim stated.

Additionally, LGF has received two extra upgrades to ensure a smooth sailing going forward. Rosen’s Diversified Inc. in Fairmont has donated a boat motor and trailer, the Schmeekle Foundation has donated a new floating dock and Culligan Water of Southern Minnesota has donated bottled water. LGF requires approximately $10,000 each year to ensure operation, and relies on generous sponsors and donors.

“The public is very nice to us,” Kallheim said.

LGF works closely with seniors, but occasionally holds special trips for veterans and their families, hospice patients, class and family reunions and more. According to Kallheim, there are only 12 trips open for registration. Kallheim shared that LGF hopes to get an uptick in veteran clients and captain volunteers. The trips are free and LGF provides bait, poles, lifejackets and new experiences. For more information about LGF, to become a volunteer, to make a donation or sign up for any trip openings, visit www.fairmont.lgfws.com or contact (507) 848-3997.

“I feel like I’m giving back to the seniors, and giving seniors a chance to get out in the community,” Kallheim said.