Susan Barr
Kern Valley Sun

More than 70 well-wishers gathered at the Fish Hatchery in Kernville on July 27 for a barbecue held in honor of Jim Hunt, outgoing President of The Friends of the Hatchery.

Hunt, recovering from recent knee replacement surgery, arrived at the evening event organized by the Kernville Chamber of Commerce accompanied by his wife, Maria. The couple, who originally hailed from Burbank, moved to the valley four years ago. Having first visited the area as honeymooners back in 1974, they had quickly fallen in love with the valley and returned often over the years to vacation.

Jim Hunt listens as attendees of Monday evening’s barbecue sing his praises and thank him for all of his hard work over the last four years.

The Hunt’s always knew that they would retire here and have enjoyed their new life in the valley immensely. Both are avid nature lovers enjoying camping and hiking. Jim especially, is an enthusiastic outdoorsman with a passion for hunting, back packing, mountain biking, watersports, and of course fishing.

Having just retired from a lengthy career as a Project Manager in Product Development with with JBL Speakers, it wasn’t long before Hunt was called upon by some “Friends” to join the volunteer organization. Mike Frandy, a neighbor and fellow volunteer with the organization stated, “Jim has been a great asset to both the Hatchery and to the community as well.”

Hunt found his organizational and interpersonal skills being called into action once again when he agreed to be the organization’s President. Jumping in feet first, he had no way of realizing how important the Hatchery would become to him and that he would in essence become a champion of it’s causes.

After everyone had enjoyed the meal, Hunt and his wife seated in the cool shade of the Hatchery trees, were officially welcomed to the event by Jeanette Roger, Hospitality Chair of the Kernville Chamber of Commerce. Hunt was presented with a plaque by Jill Thurman, owner of Archie’s Hardware in Kernville. Hunt expressed his appreciation to the organizers of the event and to all of his fellow volunteers with the Friends of the Hatchery.

Hunt’s wife, obviously very proud of her husband’s work at the Hatchery, summed up his work of the last four years very simply by stating, “He cares so much. All of his hard work and tenacity has really benefited the Hatchery.”

Commenting on his years with the “Friends,” Hunt stated that he is most proud of helping to build up the organization’s membership and of getting the museum up and running again. “This is such a wonderful place to live. We just feel so blessed to be a part of this community. I’ve been glad to give a little back.”

Richard MacDonald, outgoing Vice-President of The Friends of the Hatchery stated, “He (Hunt) has such wonderful leadership abilities. Combine that with his great charisma and you have someone who is able to motivate others to come on board and help.” MacDonald added, “His love for the Valley shows in all that he does.”

Ken Kasha, another volunteer stated of Hunt, “He is a great organizer.” He jokingly added, “Jim is also able to ask others for help in a way that they just can’t say no.”

Rogers was very pleased with the turnout for the event and stated, “The Fish Hatchery is an absolute treasure to this valley. It is a wonderful resource for young people in that it can teach them so much about ecology and the habitat of our lake. Jim has been such an integral part of the Hatchery for the past four years.”

The next meeting of the The Friends of the Hatchery will be held at the Hatchery Museum on Friday, August 7. It is open to the public and those interested in volunteering are encouraged to attend.