Our sixth annual Healing Waters program took place Oct. 3 to 5 and while the weather wasn't ideal, we found a window between showers that provided another great day of instruction and fishing on Wednesday and sunny though blustery conditions on Thursday at the Franklin Club. The venue this year was the Beacon Motel on Lake Ontario, where the nine soldiers were introduced to all aspects of fly fishing and fly tying before a family-style meal of prime rib and chicken served in the motel's dining room with panoramic views of the lake. Early Wednesday, piper Morgan Stanford brought the soldiers in to the ponds on Sixteen Road, and Bill Spicer provided his expert instruction in casting technique. As usual, the soldiers were paired up with a coach from the Niagara Chapter and we welcomed three guest coaches: Bryne Emereau from the Ted Knott Chapter, Dave Forgeron of the Canadian fly fishing team, and Sheila DiTullio from Western NY. Under their guidance, the soldiers refined their casting and soon were into some of the bass, crappie, and sunfish available in Doug Leavens' ponds. After lunch the fishing continued until mid-afternoon when Vineland Estates Winery opened its doors for a tour and tasting. Fly Tying was the main activity upon return to the motel, and each soldier tied at least one fly, tutored by veteran tiers, Gary Kosinsky and Paul Furminger. On Thursday, the soldiers and several volunteers made the trek to Mt. Albert, north of Toronto and were welcomed at the Franklin Club for a day of fishing for the club's big rainbow and Brook trout.