newsletter€¦ · more so, because it’s the first weekend of the corona closedown. we don’t...
TRANSCRIPT
It’s always a little strange, writing this a couple of weeks before you’ll be reading it. But this time it feels more so, because it’s the first weekend of the corona closedown. We don’t know what the next few weeks will bring, between writing and reading, in terms of illness, work changes, and repercussions. What I know so far is that it’s quieter. Maybe it will reboot us somehow, and we’ll appreciate what we can do with things on hand. We were sad to shut down the Strong Roots gatherings at the IKEs for now, but hopefully they’ll send me news from afield.
Because, of course, the best place to be is in the field, or the woods, or the stream, anywhere outdoors where the air is fresh. There are many downsides to this interruption of our schedule, but let’s hope it opens up some new windows for us, as we look to nature for something as normal as the spring unfolding.
So far at the IKEs’ we’ve seen the return of the Broad-winged Hawks, Cranes flying over, Bluebirds, and Skunk Cabbage clawing its way out of the ground. We found a log covered with last year’s puffballs. I dutifully looked them up, and discovered to the kids’ delight that Lycoperdan translates as Wolf-fart. The species is pyriforme, so “Pear-
shaped Puffballs” for the more polite amongst us.
Please send your discoveries in by email or Facebook. Our togetherness may be shared better outside than in, so maybe we can
still have our outdoor Fun & Fix-it Day on April 11, but the Fish & Game Dinner on the 16th might be a wait-and-see. Keep it in mind and watch for updates online. I’m hoping we can do it, but we have to be careful of spreading illness to our slightly older members. Trail clearing and dock adjusting are good for you though! We will do what we can in April, and prepare for Kids’ Fishing on Saturdays in May.
Huge thanks to ALL who pulled our banquet together, donated, mingled, and purchased. Best one in a long time! Congrats to John Stegmeier on his IKE of the Year Award for all he has done, from Great Lakes meetings and conservation involvement, to trail clearing. Nice job!
Wishing you all good health and a happy spring!
Georgia Donovan
NEWSLETTER
April 2020
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2020 Annual Banquet Donor AppreciationFred Eyer
We are truly appreciative of the donors that support the Chapter’s cause. When a donation is made it becomes a triple win.
THIS TRIPLE WIN PROVIDES:1. A good deal for you, the winner.2. A valuable benefit to the DONOR.3. Needed funds for the Izaak Walton League
Businesses are bombarded with requests for donations, much more than they can provide, so when they choose us, we feel honored and have a responsibility to support them. While
you are free to use the certificate in any way you like, please consider the following.
If you can spend more than the value of the gift certificate, expose new customers to the business and become a regular customer yourself, the business will greatly appreciate the Izaak Walton League and contribute again. Also, please tell the donor how much we appreciate their support of the Chapter.
Banquet Photos
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Actor’s Theatre CompanyAnonymousApplebee’sArthur Murray Dance StudioAsher Lake McLaughlinBagger Dave’sBank of AmericaBangkok Taste CuisineBarracks 616Bel Air Auto Service - Comstock ParkBeth ParkerBetty Jo Crosby, MemberBill & Paul’s SporthausBlue Bridge Games Blue Water GrillBob & Gail Stegmier, MembersBob Evan’s RestaurantsBonefish GrillBostwick Lake InnBrandywine RestaurantBrann’s of CascadeBravo Cucina ItalianaBrewery Vivant - 925 Cherry St SEBruce Gilmore, MemberCannonsburg Bottle ShopCannonsburg Grist MillCascade RoadhouseCatherine McClung, ArtistCedar Springs Mill & SupplyRed Flannel Factory Cedar Springs Chamberlin’s Ole Forest InnCharlie’s Bar & GrillChase Klinesteker, MemberCircle TheatreCivic TheatreCoopers HawkCottage Bar & Restaurant and One Trick PonyCulver’s of Grand RapidsCyndy Callog, ArtistD. AdamsDesign Salon & Spa
Dick’s Sporting GoodsDiscount Tire - Plainfield LocationDoug & Beth ParkerDr. Bruce Jackson, DDSDr. Richard Elias, DDSDwight Lydell ChapterEd & Dave’s Auto ServiceEuro BistroFamily Fare - RockfordFatzo’s Pizza - RockfordFirst WokForest Hills FoodsFowling WarehouseFred & Sue Eyer, MembersFred Willison StudioGail Marie Snow, AuthorGeorgia Donovan, MemberGilmore Car MuseumGrand Rapids DriveGrand Rapids GriffinsGravel Bottom Craft Brewery - AdaGreat Northern Trading Co.Grower’s Edge 14 Mile RockfordHeather Dexter, Traditional Naturopathic DoctorHeidi Christine’s Salon & Spa - AdaHopcatIYENGAR YOGA Center - Grand RapidsJ. RobinsonJack & Kathy Crothers, MembersJill R., Strong Roots ParentJim Bedford, Author and Fishing GuideJim Biener, MemberJohn Stegmeier, MemberJohn Venman, MemberJT’s Pizza & Spirits - CascadeK. AlbertKennedy Flowers & GiftsKevin Feenstra - Fishing GuideLiberty Remjim 11 Years Old
Manna CaféMason Street Garage - GRMeijerMerle Norman CosmeticsMerrell Footwear RockfordNature’s Nest - 6461Belding RdNonna’s - The TrattoriaOlive GardenOutback RestaurantPatty RichardsPerrin Brewing CompanyPilgrim’s RunPresto PrintRick Wylie, MemberRiverbend Bar & GrillRockford Ace HardwareRockford SportsmanRon & Judi Finger, MembersRon & Ruth Waybrant, MembersRoosevelt Diggs - BandRylee’s Ace HardwareShaner Ave NurseryShepard’s Grill & Tavern - CascadeSiegel JewelersSilver Bullet FirearmsSmokey BonesStrong Roots ProgramSundance Grill & BarSweetland’s Tanaz Hair Boutique & Day SpaThe Chiropractic Doctors - 28th St. SEThe Elbow Room Bar & GrilleThe Tailors - Rockford & Thornhills PlazaThornapple Brewing & DistillingTimbers Restaurant & TavernTrader Joe’sTreeRunner Adventure ParksVestal InnVillage Bike Shop - AdaWatermark PropertiesWhitecaps
2020 Banquet and Silent Auction Donors
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Interview with the MillersGeorgia Donovan
Today’s chat is with a brother and sister, Eli and Maya Miller, who are in the Strong Roots group. Their parents are members Autumn and Roberto Miller, and all four kids are involved. Kaelan helps the kids with their artwork, and Josiah has also planted with me on the Green Team.
Me: Eli Miller! How old are you now?EM: I am 10.
Me: Your family has a big dog, right?EM: Yes, a Great Pyrenees. He is 10 months old, and probably 100 lbs.
Me: Can you remember your first time at the IKEs?EM: Kristin brought us over there, and we hung out for a couple hours. We went canoeing on the pond.
Me: Now that you know the place, what is your favorite area?EM: I like Hammock Hill.
Me: I know you do, but I’ll ask if you like to fish.EM: Yes! I love to fish.
Me: Where do you go?EM: I like fishing at Whitefish Lake by Pierson, for Large-mouthed Bass.
Me: Do you prefer a jackknife or locking blade knife?EM: I like a locking knife.
Me: I met your beekeeping uncle from Costa Rica. Did you learn anything from him?EM: There are some kinds of bees that don’t sting. Some native bees.
Me: Have you ever been down there? Tell me something about it.EM: Yes, I’ve been down there twice. Once when we were walking down the street we saw a toucan fly by. I’d definitely like to go back.
Me: What kind of work would you like to do?EM: I’d like to be a DNR officer.
Me: Where do you think you might live?EM: I’ve always thought about living in Alaska.
Me: What’s your favorite animal?EM: Wolverine.
Me: Favorite food?EM: Pizza. Especially any kind that has bacon on it.
Me: Does your family go camping?EM: Yes. I hope we go to Fisherman’s Island again. We did that last year and it was super fun.
Me: What’s your favorite food to cook on a campfire?EM: The “pan dump” on our giant campfire pan.
Me: Have you seen any signs of Spring?EM: The Maple tree in the back has buds on it.
Me: Thanks a lot, Eli! … Now, Hello, Maya! Remind me, are you 8? MM: Yes, I’ll be 9 in May. Last year my birthday was at the IKEs’ Mushroom Class!
Me: Oh yeah! This is such a nice day today. Have you seen any signs
of spring?MM: I took a walk earlier around our property, and saw a giant Garter Snake. I’ve caught them before, but this one was kinda scary. It was probably longer than my arm. And I’ve seen some small green ferns, with very small fiddleheads.
Me: What is your favorite animal?MM: Wild animal? Rabbits.
Me: I know you’re into plants.MM: I LOVE plants! But I like other things, like History, too.
Me: What do you want to do for work someday?MM: My first choice is to be a Botanist.
Me: Your favorite wildflower? MM: Hmmm. I know that Echinacea can be wild. I only saw one in the wild, in a very over-picked area.
Me: Favorite food?MM: Pizza - the only really good food you can get that’s gluten free.
Me: Jackknife or locking knife?MM: I like a jackknife.
Me: Have you been to Costa Rica, too? MM: Yes! It’s one of my two choices of where to live, either in Costa Rica or Hawai’i.
Me: Thanks, Maya! I hope we can go for a walk soon!
page 5Strong Roots Nature Note
Georgia DonovanSome of the Strong Roots kids made glue out of Spruce Pitch heated up with some pulverized charcoal mixed in. It was flammable but fun. I manned the pan.
We also learned that Red-Breasted Nuthatches use spruce pitch too. After excavating their nesting cavities, they like to collect little globs of pitch and place it in a circle around the entrance. It helps to keep out insects and small predators. Pine pitch and Spruce sap contain antibiotics, so it’s used as a natural bandaid, or a rather sticky gum. Which is why we switched to the glue project.
Here’s a drawing of us collecting the globs of old pitch.
BoArd of directorsPresident
Ron Waybrant ........................................... [email protected]
Vice PresidentGeorgia Donovan .... [email protected]
SecretaryJim Schneider ............................................ 340.4604
TreasurerFred Eyer .................................................. 363.0253
Membership SecretaryTom Watson .............................................. 874.7254
Conservation ChairJohn Stegmeier [email protected]
Grounds/Maintenance ChairC. J. Tasma ................................................. 887.8542
Lodge RentalJim Schneider ............................................ 340.4604
Board MembersMaurie Houseman ..................................... 560.2895
[email protected] Kizer .................................................. 866.4256
[email protected] Reisterer ........................ [email protected] Stoddard [email protected] Wilson [email protected] Wylie [email protected]
IKEs Member BenefitsP Monthly Award-Winning NewsletterP Gate Key to 39 AcresP Nature TrailsP Catch/Release FishingP Free CampingP Lodge Rental ($75.00 per Day)
April 11 Fun ‘N Fix It Day 9:00 AM April 14 Board Meeting April 16 Game Dinner May 12 Board Meeting 7:00 PM May 15 Kristin Stoddard Rental June 16 Maurie Housman Rental June 19-20 Blake Gardner Rental August 16 Tom Watson Rental September 26 Ron Waybrant Rental October10 Ethan Anderson Rental
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Conservation Needs a Friend …….. Ask a friend to join the IKEs!NAME _______________________________________________ _________________ _____________________ HOME PHONE BuSINESS PHONESPOuSE __________________ CHILDREN & AGES _______________________________________________ADDRESS ___________________________________ CITY_____________________ STATE ___ ZIP _______E-MAIL ADDRESS__________________________________ ______ Family - $87 ______ Individual - $62 ______ Student (18-21) - $31 ______ Youth (under 18) - $16
Mail to Izaak Walton League Membership, PO Box 541, Belmont MI 49306. Checks payable to IWLA-DLC. Email Tom Watson at [email protected] for more information. Note: Term of membership is the calendar year. A gate key is available to you by request upon confirmation of membership fee payment. You can pick up your gate key at the next dinner at the lodge or request one from Tom Watson at [email protected] Please enjoy the 39 acres!
An active organization needs active helpers! Please check the IKE’s opportunities here and indicate “all” that you can help. Thanks from your DLC Board! Please enjoy the 39 acres!Indicate which of these important committees you're interested in working on: _____ Natural Features ____ Stewardship _____ Finance _____ Membership _____ Building & Grounds ____ Conservation _____ Programs _____ Every Member Dinners The Izaak Walton League of America – a non-profit conservation organization – is recognized as a Section 501(c)(3) public charity under the Internal Revenue Code.
drAft core eVeNt scHedULe for 2020Izaak Walton League, Dwight Lydell Chapter
NOTE: This is a draft schedule. Especially for late year events you can check for updates in our newsletters and on our website along with notice of special events that come up on short notice and are not listed on this Event Schedule. Also additional information about these listed events can be found in the newsletter and on the website.Scheduled Event & LocationJanuary 25, Saturday 10am to 3pm ............................. Winterfest Family Outing @ CC March 7, Saturday ..................................................... Conservation Awards and Fund Raiser BanquetMarch 19 thru 22 ...................................................... ultimate Sport Show - Grand Rapids April 11, Saturday ...................................................... Fix up/Clean up/play 9AM - ?? @ CCApril 16, Thursday ..................................................... Fish and Game Dinner and ProgramMay 2, 9, 16, 23 - Saturdays ..................................... Kids Fishing Mornings @ CC, 10AM-1PMMay 9, Saturday .......................................................... Fix up/Clean up/play 9AM - ?? @ CCMay 14, Thursday ....................................................... Steak Dinner and Annual Meeting June 13, Saturday ..........................................................Fix up/Clean up/play 9AM- ?? @ CCJune 20, Saturday, 10am to 3pm ................................. Summerfest Community Family Day @ CC June 20, Saturday, 10am to noon ................................ Native Plants for Everyone, @ CCJuly 11, Saturday ........................................................ Fix up/Clean up/play 9AM - ?? @ CCJuly 19 - 22, Sunday - Wednesday ............................. 2020 IKE’s National Convention, Cambridge MDAugust 8, Saturday ..................................................... Fix up/Clean up/play 9AM - ?? @ CCAugust 13, Thursday .................................................. Ribs and Chicken Dinner @ CC September 12, Saturday .............................................. Fix up/Clean up/play 9AM - ?? @ CCSeptember 16, Wednesday .......................................... Oktoberfest @ CCOctober 10, Saturday ................................................. Fix up/Clean up/play 9AM - ?? @ CCOctober 14, Wednesday ............................................. Chili Cook-off/Potluck @ CCNovember 11, Wednesday .......................................... Game Dinner @ CCDecember 3, Thursday ................................................ Christmas Potluck Dinner @ CC December 5, Saturday ................................................. Firewood gathering for Winter Wood SupplyCC is the Conservation Center/Lodge @ Ikes Property located at 5641 Myers Lake AvenueMailing address is Izaak Walton League, PO Box 541, Belmont MI 49306
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Dwight Lydell Chapter
of the Izaak Walton League
PO Box 541
Belmont MI 49306
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