Treasurers
Okay, what do the following individuals all have in common? Well, they are all currently a treasurer in their organization or have served in that capacity at some point in time. Their names are in no particular order, but I really admire those people who take on such responsibilities as bean counters. A touch of sincere gratitude goes to the following treasurers, both past and present: Dale Kiser, Patty Varner, Terry Travis, Tonya Miller, Doug Brock, and Glen Anderson. I’m sure there are more treasurers of local organizations that I have not listed. Anyway, kudos to all of you!
Land Lines
Yes, I know it is cheaper to cast off the obsolete land line and just keep the cell phone network. For me, there are times I need to get a hold of someone and can’t because cell phones are not listed in the Quad City and Henry County phone books. It is more expensive to keep them, but I’m glad we have both.
Congratulations
Goes to Captain Laura Petreikis, Conservation Police Officer, on her recent retirement as Commander of the Northwest Zone in Illinois. Her husband, Tony Petreikis, CPO, retired last year. Both officers were very helpful with the Geneseo Izaak Walton League. Captain Michael Filipiak, CPO, is now the Commander of the Illinois Northwest Zone.
Bird Flu
It’s not going away! Waterfowl hunters probably are aware that a new variant of bird flu was discovered in 2021. Since then, it has caused deadly outbreaks worldwide. In Peru, for example, approximately 50,000 brown pelicans have died. Migrating waterfowl and shorebirds are the most probable culprits for moving the virus around. A serious problem are the spill-over cases causing mortalities of other animals such as bears, fox, dolphins, otters, etc. It is a real challenge to try and stop the deadly virus.
Geneseo Ikes Youth Fishing Derby
This big event will be held on Saturday, June 10, 2023, starting at 8 a.m. to Noon. Bait will be supplied courtesy of Carbon Cliff Bait & Tackle. We have fishing rods ‘n reels if you need one. It’s all free with many nice prizes awarded. All children ages 2 to 16 can participate. Fishing will be from the canal shore, no boats. This big event will be held 1 mile north of Geneseo, just off of Rt.82, take a right before the canal bridge. Parents, grandparents and guardians, please remember this. Fishing is more than just catching fish. It’s about spending time with friends and family. It’s making memories that will last a lifetime!
Welcome Back
Last week we welcomed back to our feeders a hummingbird, Baltimore Oriole and a Rose-Breasted Grosbeak. Now, combined with other colorful birds like Cardinals, Goldfinches, woodpeckers and purple finches, we’re “good-to-go!”
Yard ‘n Garage Sales
In my travels I see more hard-to-read yard signs along roads. If you spend hours setting up your yard/garage sale event, do not overlook a legible, easy to read sign. Remember, people need to be able to read it as they drive by. Not always can one stop to try and read the sign. Black and large print against a white background shows the positive power of advertising.
RR Mailboxes
If your curbside mailbox has seen its better days, you might want to replace it with a new one. Make sure you put your house number on the side of the mailbox. You don’t need your name. Numbered decals are cheap and easily applied. It also helps for a visitor trying to find your house if there is a house number on the mailbox. Unrelated, but I wonder if dogs are still a problem on some walking or otherwise routes? As a former Moline letter carrier I remember when they issued us carriers dog spray called, “Halt.” It worked “except” when it was really windy. The spray followed the wind and “Fido” laughed at me. I remember one lady was mad at me because I sprayed her dog. Oh, how I wanted to spray her. How many times we carriers would hear, “Oh, he won’t bite!” Yeah, and the blood on my leg was from an attacking leech!
Humor
I received these humorous notes from Jerry Myhre, former Revolutionary War fighter pilot, 1775-76. It would be funny if Colt came out with a new pistol in honor of the Senate and the House of Representatives. It would be named, “The Congressman.” It doesn’t work, and you can’t fire it. It is better to grow old with a sense of humor than to grow old with no sense at all. Lorna agrees on this one. The people who make fitted sheets need to sit down with the people who make mattresses and get on the same page. Making the bed shouldn’t be like putting a swimming cap over a refrigerator.